Thursday, July 18
TD Newmarket Music Series: Newmarket's free summer concert series takes place at downtown’s Riverwalk Commons on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout July and August. The lineup features a mixture of local talent along with premier tribute bands offering a mix of pop, rock and soul. Bring a lawn chair and arrive early to secure a spot. Parking is limited due to volume. Bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Newmarket Food Pantry. July 18 is Swift Night featuring The Beresfords, with Buck Twenty opening. The first 1,000 individuals to donate a minimum of one food item will receive a free friendship bracelet. You can see the full line-up for the summer here.
International Circus under the Big Top, July 18 to 22: The International Circus under the Big Top returns to Newmarket with an incredible showcase of artists, family entertainment and acrobatic acts. In the Upper Canada Mall parking lot, southwest corner by Davis Drive, on Thursday, July 18 5 and 7 p.m., Friday, July 19 5 and 7 p.m., Saturday, July 20 3, 5 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 213, 5 and 7 p.m., Monday, July 22 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
East Gwillimbury Farmers Market: Every Thursday, rain or shine, the farmers market features local vegetables, artisan vendors, meat, cheese, baked goods, honey, soaps until Sept. 28 at the Civic Centre at 19000 Leslie St. in Sharon from 2 to 7 p.m. Some vendors may only accept cash payments.
Richmond Hill Concerts in the Park at Mill Pond, Thursdays: Presented by Tim Hortons, July’s toe-tapping tunes include music by Trilogy – Styx & Foreigner (July 18), and Groove Marmalade – Motown (July 25) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Pond. Concert-goers are encouraged to walk or cycle as nearby parking is limited. Attendees can leave their bike at the bike valet booth.
Friday, July 19
International Circus under the Big Top, to July 22: The International Circus under the Big Top returns to Newmarket with an incredible showcase of artists, family entertainment and acrobatic acts. In the Upper Canada Mall parking lot, southwest corner by Davis Drive, on Friday, July 19 5 and 7 p.m., Saturday, July 20 3, 5 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 213, 5 and 7 p.m., Monday, July 22 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Richmond Hill's Retro Ribfest, July 19 to 21: Richmond Hill’s Retro Ribfest returns to Richmond Green with drool-worthy, finger-licking ribs, fun contests, midway, activities and live music Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East. For the complete line-up of the weekend, visit RichmondHill.ca/Ribfest.
Aurora Bridge Club: Play duplicate bridge weekly with the Aurora club at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 12:15 to 4 p.m., open games Wednesdays and Fridays, Thursday 0-500. Price $6 to $10.
Saturday, July 20
Newmarket Makers Festival: NewMakeIt hosts its 2nd annual makers festival with artisans market, live demonstrations of pottery and blacksmithing and other live entertainment from 1:30 to 8 p.m. at NewMakeIt at 621 Timothy St.
Braden Hache brings home CHL Memorial Cup: Newmarket hockey star Braden Haché is bringing the CHL Memorial Cup to Newmarket after his Saginaw Spirit team won the top championship in junior hockey. The event takes place at the Magna Centre Honda Rink July 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
International Circus under the Big Top, to July 22: The International Circus under the Big Top returns to Newmarket with an incredible showcase of artists, family entertainment and acrobatic acts. In the Upper Canada Mall parking lot, southwest corner by Davis Drive, onSaturday, July 20 3, 5 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 213, 5 and 7 p.m., Monday, July 22 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Newmarket Car Club's Tire 'n' Mag Show: Entry is free, all makes and models are welcome at the first annual car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 450 Mulock Dr., with food, music, 50/50 raffle.
Conscious Club Night: DJ GQ, George Quarcoo, will spin a selection of dancehall, reggaeton, pop, afro and disco songs at this no-alcohol served event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door for the dance night at the Optimist Club of Newmarket, 55 Forhan Ave., beginning at 8 p.m.
Lavender Festival for SickKids: Support SickKids Hospital at the Lavender Festival with live polo matches, East Gwillimbury firefighters, vendor market, fun kid-friendly activities around the farm, and a full day of yoga classes at the Lavender Polo Farm, 20132 McCowan Rd., East Gwillimbury from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 adult, $10 child, $40 family. Chef-prepared lunch is $10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. @CitrusbyChefJay.
Richmond Hill's Retro Ribfest, to July 21: Richmond Hill’s Retro Ribfest returns to Richmond Green with drool-worthy, finger-licking ribs, fun contests, midway, activities and live music Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East. For the complete line-up of the weekend, visit RichmondHill.ca/Ribfest.
Newmarket Farmers' Market: The Newmarket Farmers' Market at Riverwalk Commons, on Doug Duncan Drive, where you can connect with local farmers, enjoy delicious treats, discover unique artisans, take in some live music, and enter a draw for a market basket, while visiting with family and friends. The market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October.
Aurora Farmers' Market & Artisan Fair: Shop local, shop fresh at the Aurora Farmers' Market Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 26 at 49 Wells St. (northeast corner of Town Park) featuring artisans, farmers, food vendors and community groups.
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. 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.
Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury is open for summer season with weekly farmer/vendor markets, weekly workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and lavender picking in six fields with four different species of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres. New activities this year features weekly picnic bookings, candle and other maker workshops, and harvesting your own lavender plants. Contact [email protected] for more information, 20132 McCowan Rd. East Gwillimbury.
Sunday, July 21
International Circus under the Big Top, to July 22: The International Circus under the Big Top returns to Newmarket with an incredible showcase of artists, family entertainment and acrobatic acts. In the Upper Canada Mall parking lot, southwest corner by Davis Drive, on Sunday, July 213, 5 and 7 p.m., Monday, July 22 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Richmond Hill's Retro Ribfest: Richmond Hill’s Retro Ribfest returns to Richmond Green with drool-worthy, finger-licking ribs, fun contests, midway, activities and live music from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. East. For the complete line-up of the weekend, visit RichmondHill.ca/Ribfest.
Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury is open for summer season with weekly farmer/vendor markets, weekly workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and lavender picking in six fields with four different species of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres. New activities this year features weekly picnic bookings, candle and other maker workshops, and harvesting your own lavender plants. Contact [email protected] for more information, 20132 McCowan Rd., East Gwillimbury.
Coming up:
Aurora's Concerts in the Park, Wednesdays: The Town of Aurora and TD Bank Group host free live music every Wednesday at Aurora Town Park from 7 to 9 p.m. in July and August. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry for a chance to win a prize pack. Bring your own portable chairs. July 24 the Beresford perform Taylor Swift. See the full line-up here. To check for inclement weather cancellations, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
Markham Jazz Fest, Aug. 16 to 18: The Markham Jazz Festival features more than 30 free jazz, blues, soul and related acts on three stages, as well as along charming Main Street Unionville and in area restaurants. Experience award-winning music (Grammy and Juno winners) in Unionville's charming heritage village setting. Headliners include New York-based Duchess, and Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis (Best Jazz Vocal Album 2024) on Friday evening. Saturday evening includes Jackie Richardson, Juno winner Dominique St Fils, plus the amazing U.N. Jefferson. Sunday, Hilario Duran's Big Band (2024 Juno winner for Jazz Album of the year) closes off the show. Friday 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 6:30 p.m. There is a free continuous shuttle from Markham Pan Am Centre, 15 Main St. near Unionville GO, and free parking. More information at markhamjazzfestival.com
