Thursday, Aug. 15
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. 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. Aug. 15 Epic Eagles, a tribute to the Eagles, with The Focklers opening. Final concert Aug. 22 is Dwayne Gretzky, with Murray Drive opening.
Aurora’s Movies in the Park: Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free showing of IF on a large inflatable screen with surround sound at Town Park, 49 Wells St. Arrive early for pre-movie activities, before the film starts at dusk. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and snacks. Enjoy complimentary movie-quality popcorn while supplies last. A food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry is appreciated. To check for weather-related event closures, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
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, August’s sweet sounds include music by Epic Elton (Aug. 15) and Chicago Transit (Aug. 22). Parking is limited. Attendees can leave their bike at the bike valet booth. Additional free parking is available on concert nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the east parking lot of Mackenzie Health.
Friday, Aug. 16
Brownman Electryc Trio: Internationally acclaimed Brooklyn, N.Y. jazz trumpet player Brownman Ali — a recent Juno Award nominee for Jazz Album of the Year — brings modern electric jazz to Newmarket — colliding Black American music art forms such as funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass with classic jazz language. The trio features Ali, heralded by NYC's Village Voice as “Canada’s pre-eminent jazz trumpet player,” and features Josh Cohen on bass, first-place winner of the NAMM 2020 PJB Solo Bass Competition, and 22-year old Toronto drumset phenom Adam Mansfield. At 7 p.m. at Old Flame Brewing Co., 140 Main St. S. Tickets here.
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
Bradford West Gwillimbury Carrot Fest, Aug. 16 and 17: The award-winning Carrot Fest returns to Bradford West Gwillimbury Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with more than 150 vendor booths, music and entertainment, a kids zone and more. For the full event schedule, click here. The festival takes place along Holland Street, Barrie Street, Simcoe Road, and at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre. Parking is limited. BWG Transit will be offering free bus services.
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.
All You Can Pick at Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury offers weekly farmer/vendor markets, workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and until Sept. 10, all-you-can-pick lavender, with no time limit, in six fields with four types of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 20132 McCowan Rd. Admission ticket(s) required to enter the farm, and for $18 + tax, customers can pick as much lavender as they can fit into a designated bag. Standard bookings/ walkins accepted for $20 + tax/ person subject to last minute availability. Admission is free for children 12 and under. To book, visit: https://www.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Aurorapalooza: The vibrant celebration of music, art, and food returns to Town Park, showcasing an impressive lineup of headliners, emerging talents, homegrown artisans, and delectable food vendors. Bands include the Free Label, the Lemon Pistols, Rubber Tire Peep Show, Black Paint, Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train, Yellow Magnolia, Tangent and singer-songwriter Boy Wonder, Bijaan and Dom, headliner neo-soul sensation Katie Tupper. A portion of ticket sales support the Southlake's mental health program. Doors 2 to 11 p.m., after party 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets $25 to $35.
The Spiral Theory: The Spiral Theory, a tribute band for the Police, U2, and R.E.M., debuts at 9 p.m. at Rosie's Bar, 15474 Yonge St., Aurora. You can rsvp here.
Georgina’s Field to Table Event: The seventh annual Field to Table Event celebrates 201 years of local agriculture. Here’s your opportunity to visit some of the area’s biggest and most diverse farms. The day includes self-guided tours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. where visitors will enjoy samples and various educational experiences.
Markham Jazz Fest, to Aug. 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 on Saturday evening include 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. Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 6:30 p.m. There is a free shuttle from Markham Pan Am Centre, 15 Main St. near Unionville GO, and free parking. More information at markhamjazzfestival.com
Bradford West Gwillimbury Carrot Fest: The award-winning Carrot Fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with more than 150 vendor booths, music and entertainment, a kids zone and more along Holland Street, Barrie Street, Simcoe Road, and at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre. For the full schedule, click here. Parking is limited. BWG Transit will be offering free bus services.
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.
All You Can Pick at Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury offers weekly farmer/vendor markets, workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and until Sept. 10, all-you-can-pick lavender, with no time limit, in six fields with four types of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 20132 McCowan Rd. Admission ticket(s) required to enter the farm, and for $18 + tax, customers can pick as much lavender as they can fit into a designated bag. Standard bookings/ walkins accepted for $20 + tax/ person subject to last minute availability. Admission is free for children 12 and under. To book, visit: https://www.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Summer Family Fun Day: 108 Health Promotion Association hosts a family fun day at Newmarket's Fairy Lake Park from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with performances, food and snacks, lucky draws, and engaging community interactions. Bring your neighbours and friends, adults and children of all ages.
Newmarket Cycles Group Ride: Explore Newmarket by bike at Newmarket Cycles’ free family-friendly group ride from 3 to 4 p.m., starting and ending 470 Davis Dr. Rides are typically about 10 km long and explore trails, quiet residential streets, and local cycling infrastructure. No registration required.
Summerfest Car Show: Highway 11 Car Cruisers Club presents a collection of custom and classic cars, trucks, and bikes, as well as vendors and a barbecue lunch at the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum, 18974 Leslie St., East Gwillimbury, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds support the preservation of the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum.
Markham Jazz Fest: 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 from noon to 6:30 p.m. Experience award-winning music (Grammy and Juno winners) in Unionville's charming heritage village setting. 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
All You Can Pick at Lavender Polo Farm: The family lavender farm in East Gwillimbury offers weekly farmer/vendor markets, workshop sessions, monthly events, performances, natural products, and until Sept. 10, all-you-can-pick lavender, with no time limit, in six fields with four types of lavender totalling 100,000+ plants on 155 acres from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 20132 McCowan Rd. Admission ticket(s) required to enter the farm, and for $18 + tax, customers can pick as much lavender as they can fit into a designated bag. Standard bookings/ walkins accepted for $20 + tax/ person subject to last minute availability. Admission is free for children 12 and under. To book, visit: https://www.
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. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry for a chance to win a prize pack. Bring your own chairs. On Aug. 21, Fandango pays homage to ZZ Top, promising an unforgettable night of Texas boogie, nostalgia and timeless rock. Don your beard and sunglasses for a Texas-sized tribute. Final concert on Aug. 28 is Abbamania, the world’s No. 1 tribute to Abba. To check for inclement weather cancellations, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
Aurora’s Movies in the Park, Thursdays: Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free movies on a large inflatable screen with surround sound at Town Park, 49 Wells St. Aug. 22 Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Aug. 29 Kung Fu Panda 4. Arrive early for pre-movie activities, as each film starts at dusk. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and your favourite snacks to enjoy classic movies under the stars. Enjoy complimentary movie-quality popcorn while supplies last. A food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry is appreciated. To check for weather-related event closures, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
Aurora’s Ribfest, Aug. 23 to 25: Ribfest is a paradise for foodies, with top-tier ribbers serving up finger-licking ribs, smoky pulled pork and juicy chicken, as well as roasted corn on the cob, bloomin’ onions, churros and classic Canadian beavertails. Entertainment includes: on Friday, SAGA, known for their innovative sound and electrifying performances; on Saturday, the Northern Pikes bring their platinum hits and timeless tunes to the stage. There's a children’s zone packed with free activities, and for the adults, a beer garden. Friday 4 to (beer garden 5 to 10); Saturday 11 to 11 (beer garden: noon to 10, children’s zone 2 to 5); Sunday 11 to 8 (beer garden noon to 7 p.m., children’s one 2 to 5) at Machell Park at Yonge Street and Aurora Heights Drive. Parking is limited.
Navratri and Janmashtami Celebration, Sunday, Aug. 25: The Samosa Master hosts a Navratri and Janmashtami Celebration with DJ, food stalls, vendors and light refreshments from 5 to 11 p.m. at Madison Greenhouse Event Venue, 1600 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket. For tickets, $20, visit The Samosa Master, 130 Davis Dr., Newmarket or call on 647-325-2509. Free admission for children age four and under.
Saturday Night Fever, Saturday, Sept. 7: Saturday Night Fever returns to Yonge Street between Mosley and Wellington streets in downtown Aurora — this year, celebrating women who rock with performances from Tribute to Joan Jett, from Janis to Alanis and headliner Suzie McNeil & the Chain Reaction — from 4 to 11 p.m. You can also enjoy delicious food from on-site restaurant patios while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Bring your own portable chairs. For more information on Saturday Night Fever, visit aurora.ca/SNF.
