Friday, Feb. 2
Newmarket Mayor's New Year’s Levée: Celebrate the start of 2024 with Mayor John Taylor and Newmarket council at Riverwalk Commons from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for free performances, skating, hot chocolate and more.
Board Gaming: Join local board game enthusiasts at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar at 200 Main St. Newmarket from 6 to 10 p.m. The games are provided and teachers are available, or you bring your games to teach others. Note from organizers: We don't tend to play a lot of 'traditional' board games such as Monopoly, Clue, Sorry! Let them know what you would like to play when you RSVP and they will bring those games.
Curtain Club presents Deathtrap, to Feb 3: Ira Levin's Deathtrap is featured at the Curtain Club Theatre, 400 Newkirk Dr., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24 - 905-773-3434.
Saturday, Feb. 3
King Winterskål fundraiser for Stronach Regional Cancer Centre: Enjoy a day of skating, hockey and winter family fun while supporting leading-edge cancer care at Southlake Regional Health Centre at Lions Park, 424 D'Arcy St., Newmarket. Open ice and family skate from 10 to noon, Monkey Movers Kids Party Bus 10 to noon, barbecue lunch and remarks 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hockey tournament noon to 2 p.m. To register or donate, click here.
Black History Month reception, art exhibition and Ujamaa Marketplace: Celebrate Black History Month with the Town of Newmarket and NACCA with live entertainment, featured guests, keynote address, dance, spoken word and more from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. Reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a spot here. The popular Ujamaa Black-Owned Marketplace will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with talented local artisans.
Aurora Black Community Association Black History Gala: Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Black culture, including a culinary journey of Caribbean delights, a captivating dance performances, and light-hearted comedy, and commemorate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. From captivating music and dance performances to thought-provoking speeches, the Black History Gala will inspire and uplift you. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Northridge Community Church, 15338 Leslie St., Aurora. Click here to RSVP
Black History Month art exhibition, to Feb. 29: This year's exhibit presented by NACCA interprets the theme Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - Telling Our Story, Writing Our History by showcasing of Black Canadian history and experiences. The talented artists behind the pieces use their unique perspectives and artistic vision to convey the message of reclamation and empowerment. At the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket, free admission.
Lunar New Year: Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill are partnering with the North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church for spectacular Lunar New Year celebrations, marking the Year of the Dragon, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m with activities such as lantern making, balloon animals, a traditional lion dance and much more. Find more details here.
Connon Nurseries Winter Farmers Market: Connon Nurseries, 1870 Davis Dr. West, King, holds a farmers market with an array of vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until March 30.
Outdoor Meditation All Seasons: Join the meditation group every Saturday outdoors in the beautiful setting of Fairy Lake Park at 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., rain or shine, snow or sun, or blizzard (unless extreme.) Some mats, cushions, and chairs will be available. Dress appropriately for the weather, and feel free to bring a mat, cushion or folding chair if you like, but not necessary.
English Country Dance: Join the dance at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. at Main Street, Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginners welcome; all dances taught; you don't need to bring a partner. Admission by donation; your first class is free. Join the group on the first, third and (when there is one) fifth Saturday of the month.
Curtain Club presents Deathtrap: Ira Levin's Deathtrap is featured at the Curtain Club Theatre, 400 Newkirk Dr., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24 - 905-773-3434.
Sunday, Feb. 4
Songwriters Open Mic: Burning Red Writers Round hosts its first open mic from 2 to 4 p.m., sign-up at 1:30 p.m. at Main Street Music Hall upstairs at Old Flame Brewing Co. - Newmarket, 140 Main St. S. Original music only.
Goblins & Goblets Family Day: Families are invited to enjoy games for free from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 17766 Leslie St, Newmarket.
Napoleon at the Jam Spot, Sunday, Feb. 4: Napoleon is at The Jam Spot from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1166 Gorham Street #3, Newmarket. Tickets $17.31.
Coming Up:
Newmarket Stage Company presents The Long Weekend, Feb 6 to 18: See the Norm Foster comedy at the Old Town Hall, Newmarket. Tickets 289-500-2114 showtimes noon to 5 p.m.
A Night of Music in support of Southlake, Thursday, Feb. 8: Old Flame Brewery, 120 Main St., Newmarket, is hosting a fundraising evening from 6 to 10 p.m. in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre, featuring live music by Murray Drive, silent auction, food pop-up by Zest Catering. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
Beatlemania Revisited, Thursday, Feb. 8: At NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 8 p.m. Tickets $54.80.
Moms Market York Region Valentine's Day Market, Sunday, Feb. 11: Celebrate love and find the perfect gifts for your special someone. Explore a wide variety of unique and handmade items from over 50 local vendors, from charming crafts to delicious treats at Newmarket Community Centre & Lions Hall, at 200 Doug Duncan Dr. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Caribbean Fusion, Saturday, Feb: 17: Get your Caribbean Fusion on with a performance by the DOAHL Academy, then join them for a dance workshop and learn some of the moves. Whether your vibe is hip hop, African or contemporary, this workshop promises to be a fun for all ages, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Aurora Public Library.
Mind Bender's Magical Mystery Tour, Monday, Feb. 19: Mind Bender is thrilled to present the most magical Family Day event at Theatre Aurora, 150 Henderson Dr., doors open at 1 p.m., show at 2 p.m. With a track record of performing across Ontario, captivating audiences at birthday parties, summer camps, and schools, Mind Bender has enchanted thousands of children throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Tickets $25.
Aurora's Arctic Adventure, Monday, Feb. 19: The Town of Aurora invites you enjoy frosty Family Day fun in the Aurora Town Park, 49 Wells St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with snow tubing, Nerf axe throwing, mock ice fishing, Great Canadian Lumberjack Show, fire buskers, live ice carving demonstration and more. Delicious food on site includes Catarina's Kitchen, Optimist Club of Aurora and Churricos. Or grab something tasty from the Armoury's pop-up cafe. A nominal fee for food applies. For more information, visit aurora.ca/arcticadventure.
26th Annual Newmarket Voice Festival, Feb. 20 to 24: The Newmarket Voice Festival will be held Feb. 20 to 24, with a Concert of the Stars Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket. Categories offered in musical theatre, popular voice, classical voice, songs from the screen and more, and speech arts for performers of all ages five and up. Professional adjudicators provide written and verbal feedback to each participant and recommend singers and actors for the OMFA Provincial Finals in Oakville June 10 to 15. Visit www.newmarketvoicefestival.com for more details.
Newmarket Ice Lounge on Main, Feb. 22 to 25: Ice Lounge on Main will transform Newmarket’s Main Street into an outdoor winter lounge, featuring live performances, captivating public art, including ice sculptures, and lighting, expanded outdoor restaurant options and Ice Bars, and more.
York Symphony Orchestra presents A Night at the Opera, Saturday, Feb 24: At Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora at 8 p.m. with guest artists Daniela Agostino, soprano, Nicole Dubinsky, soprano, Alvaro Vasquez Robles, tenor, and Jamal Al Titi, baritone. Tickets here.