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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

The St. Patrick's weekend kicks off with the Celtic sounds of the RUNA and Off the Rock, then catch a most magical experience, Mysteries of the Keyhole House, before heading to the physic fair, collectibles show, sugarbush or Nowruz celebrations
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Newmarket Folk Society presents RUNA Friday, March 15 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Newmarket.

Friday, March 15

Film Fridays at Newmarket Library: Watch free movies at Film Fridays every Friday at Newmarket Public Library. Bring your own snacks, doors open at 1:45 pm, movie starts at 2 p.m. This week, it's Shazam, Fury of the Gods (2023, PG-13). More action and excitement in this sequel to Shazam, which sees Billy Batson and his alter ego Shazam battling evil gods. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Newmarket Folk Society presents RUNA: Newmarket Folk Society presents RUNA at 8 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 426 Newmarket. Celebrating 14 years together as a band, Celtic-American Roots music “super group” RUNA pushes the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. For more details and tickets, $30, see https://newmarketfolk.com/runa-friday-march-15-2024 or online.

Off the Rock Tribute to Great Big Sea: Off The Rock, North America's premier tribute to Great Big Sea, is at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres. Events feature audience participation with spoon-offs, to ugly stick competitions, to getting screeched in. At 5:30 p.m. is the Kitchen Party, with The Puffin restaurant providing food for purchase, at 6:45 p.m. 709'ers, an Ontario band made up of Newfoundland musicians Christopher Bowers, and Adam Squires and special guests; 7:30 p.m. Off the Rock. Tickets $39.55. 

Aurora Bridge Club: All are welcome to play duplicate bridge games with the Aurora Bridge Club from 12:15 to 4 p.m. at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave. Price $6 to $10.

Nowruz Celebration at Hillcrest Mall, March 15 to 20: Hillcrest hosts a celebration for Nowruz, the Iranian New Year that aligns with the Spring Equinox. Centre Court will be decorated with traditional floral décor, including a vibrant backdrop featuring tulips and hyacinths, alongside an eight-foot Haft-Sin table. On Sunday, March 17, free activities include a traditional Persian classical dance by Hoor Dance Studio at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., featuring a 10-minute dance demonstration and a five-minute interactive workshop with the audience. From 1 to 5 p.m., kids can participate in traditional egg decorating. Visit hillcrestmall.ca for more information.

SpringFest: SpringFest offers families an indoor fun park with the latest in children's entertainment, games and activities at the Markham Fairgrounds, with mechanical and inflatable rides, dinosaur exhibit, food vendors, arts and crafts and daily performances by The Dance Party Crew, Doo Doo the International Clown, The Birds of Prey and roaming performances throughout the day by Trulee Odd.

Saturday, March 16

Mysteries of the Keyhole House: Catch one of the most magical experiences coming to Newmarket this year with Mysteries of the Keyhole House at 7:30 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., presented by Canada's Grand Masters of Illusion, the Outerbridges. The interactive mystery is filled with magic. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets $36.70

Newmarket Psychic Medium Fair: The fair takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Best Western Voyageur, 17565 Yonge Street, Newmarket, with astrology, aura readings, tarot, mediumship, oracle readings, tea leaf readings, chakra tuning, palm readings, numerology, along with door prizes, early bird entry gifts, complimentary tea and tisane bar by necessitea. Holistic handmade products include elixirs, protection sprays and oils, soap, salt and sugar scrubs, massage bars and oils, ear candles, handmade jewelry, gemstones, sage and smudging supplies.

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.

Nowruz Celebration at Hillcrest Mall, to March 20: Hillcrest hosts a celebration for Nowruz, the Iranian New Year that aligns with the Spring Equinox. Centre Court will be decorated with traditional floral décor, including a vibrant backdrop featuring tulips and hyacinths, alongside an eight-foot Haft-Sin table. On Sunday, March 17, free activities include a traditional Persian classical dance by Hoor Dance Studio at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., featuring a 10-minute dance demonstration and a five-minute interactive workshop with the audience. From 1 to 5 p.m., kids can participate in traditional egg decorating. Visit hillcrestmall.ca for more information.

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright, to April 8: Come out and tap into spring with family-fun activities and maple syrup demonstrations. Weekdays: festival 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., demonstrations 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., gift shop 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., café 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, Easter and March Break: festival 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., demonstrations 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., gift shop 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., café: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $7.45 to $11.50. 

Markham Jazzlicious Winterfest, to March 22: Jazzlicious brings together food lovers and music enthusiasts for a night of delicious meals and live jazz performances. Guests can enjoy a gourmet dinner, prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs, followed by an intimate performance of award-winning Canadian jazz artists. Whether you’re a foodie or a jazz aficionado, or just looking for a fun evening out, Jazzlicious is sure to delight. Get tickets here.

Sunday, March 17

Newmarket Vinyl Record & Collectibles Show: The Record Vault hosts its first show of the year in Newmarket at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 35 tables of vinyl LPs & 45s, plus books, cassettes, CDs, DVDs t-shirts and memorabilia. Admission $5.

Lululemon Parent and Kid Yoga: Enjoy a free one-hour yoga class for parents and children aged five to 10 at lululemon Upper Canada Mall. Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle and arrive 10 minutes before the class starts at 9 a.m. to get settled.

Newmarket Psychic Medium Fair: The fair takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Best Western Voyageur, 17565 Yonge Street, Newmarket, with astrology, aura readings, tarot, mediumship, oracle readings, tea leaf readings, chakra tuning, palm readings, numerology, along with door prizes, early bird entry gifts, complimentary tea and tisane bar by necessitea. Holistic handmade products include elixirs, protection sprays and oils, soap, salt and sugar scrubs, massage bars and oils, ear candles, handmade jewelry, gemstones, sage and smudging supplies.

Nowruz Celebration at Hillcrest Mall, to March 20: Hillcrest hosts a celebration for Nowruz, the Iranian New Year that aligns with the Spring Equinox. Centre Court will be decorated with traditional floral décor, including a vibrant backdrop featuring tulips and hyacinths, alongside an eight-foot Haft-Sin table. On Sunday, March 17, free activities include a traditional Persian classical dance by Hoor Dance Studio at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., featuring a 10-minute dance demonstration and a five-minute interactive workshop with the audience. From 1 to 5 p.m., kids can participate in traditional egg decorating. Visit hillcrestmall.ca for more information.

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright, to April 8: Come out and tap into spring with family-fun activities and maple syrup demonstrations. Weekdays: festival 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., demonstrations 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., gift shop 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., café 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, Easter and March Break: festival 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., demonstrations 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., gift shop 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., café: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $7.45 to $11.50. 

Coming up:

Rescue Junction bluegrass concert, Saturday, March 23: Rescue Junction is featured at the bluegrass concert at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 484 Water St., at 7 p.m. For tickets, $25, email [email protected] or call 905-895-5512 or 905.836-3006. 

Hello Spring at the Aurora Seniors Centre on Saturday, March 30: Spring into the season with Hello Spring from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 90 John West Way. Wristbands are $5 per person and are only sold at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora Joint Operations Centre, Aurora Town Hall, and the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex. There will be lots of egg-citing activities to participate in, including meet the Easter Bunny, story walks, a hopstacle course, face painting, and LaSalle’s Farm will have an educational animal display with goats, lambs, chicks, and more adorable spring animals. Free goodie bag filled with treats and crafts for ages 12 and younger. Aurora Optimist Cub will also be onsite with a delicious pancake breakfast (nominal fees apply). For more information, visit www.aurora.ca/HelloSpring.

'80 '90s Dance Party, Friday, April 5: They'll be playing your song — and there are prizes for the best moves and costumes — at the dance party in support of CHATS at 8 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, Botsford Street, Newmarket. Tickets $30.

Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show, April 6 to 7: The Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show, the biggest home show in York Region, returns to the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more than 150 exhibitor spaces, including landscaping, renovating, decorating and more.

The Stampeders, One More Time, Thursday, April 11: It is with sadness and love that the Stampeders, the predominant Canadian rock 'n' roll band of the 1970s, announce the passing of longtime friend and bandmate Ronnie King. The tour intended to be his final bow will now be a tribute to, and celebration of, a beautiful friend and partner. Bassist Dave Chobot to has joined for this final run. It will be an evening filled with our classic hits, delivered with love. Limited tickets available.

A Night of Illusion with illusionist Wij Siva, Friday, April 12: Northridge Church hosts illusionist Wij Siva. Doors open 7:30 p.m., how at 8 p.m. $40 per ticket, limited to 100 guests. Tickets and more info here


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Debora Kelly

About the Author: Debora Kelly

Debora Kelly is the editor for AuroraToday and NewmarketToday. She is an award-winning journalist and communications professional who is passionate about building strong communities through engagement, advocacy and partnership.
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