Thursday, Aug. 29
Splash of Culture: The Town of Newmarket hosts free musical performances by Blackburn Brothers and Joyride in a unique setting as the Mercedes-Benz Newmarket Skating and Water Feature at Riverwalk Commons is transformed into a beautifully lit stage complete with a baby grand piano, beginning at 8 p.m. Tables and chairs will not be available at this year's event, bring your own seating.
Aurora’s Movies in the Park: Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free showing of Kung Foo Panda 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.
Friday, Aug. 30
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. 31
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, Sept. 1
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:
Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, Sept. 5 to 8: The 8th annual Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays returns to the Old Town Hall.
Thursday opening night red carpet is at 6:45 p.m., featuring charcuterie and finger foods by A Million Mouthfuls and live entertainment by Love &
Light Muses, with show time at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday show times 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., with a family friendly show written, directed and
performed by The V.U.T.C. Young Company. Tickets $25 ($22.50 if purchased before Aug. 25), seniors $20 ($17.50 before Aug. 25.) Festival passes for all days $50. Box office at NewRoads Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket, or at www.newtix.ca. Show nights tickets can be purchased at Old Town Hall one hour before each performance. See full schedule here.
Machell's Alley Live Music in Downtown Aurora Sept. 6, 12, 13, 14: Machell’s Alley, an open-air seating space in downtown Aurora at 15217 Yonge St., features free performances: Sept. 6, the Cecil Street Syncopators, led by Newmarket’s Sean McCarthy, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Sept. 12, Erin Blackstock from 6 to 8 p.m.; Sept. 13, the James Brown Trio, joined by Clark Johnston and Aurora-based drummer Steve Farrugia from 5 to 7 p.m.; Sept. 14, local duo Morris and Brown from 5 to 7 p.m. More details at exploreaurora.ca.
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.
Garba Festival at Saffron Indian Restaurant, Sept. 13 to 14: All are invited to Saffron Indian Restaurant's Garba celebration with live music, singing and dancing, and Indian street food on two evenings, beginning at 7 p.m. to midnight, outdoors at 297 Wellington St. East, Aurora. Tickets, $25 for one day or $40 for both days, and more information here.
Norman Dance Company, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening, Saturday, Sept. 21: This production, choreographed by Tia Lu, draws inspiration from the four seasonal flowers, illustrating their essences through four different styles of Chinese dance at 7 to 9 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., in the Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St., Aurora. Tickets $15.45.
York Chamber Ensemble presents Mozart to Movies, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening, Sunday, Sept. 22: YCE brings the excitement of live classical music to Town Square with their Mozart to Movies concert from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St., Aurora. Tickets, $21.10.
Marshall Dane, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening, Tuesday, Sept. 24: Marshall Dane is a Canadian singer-songwriter, recording artist, and five-time male artist of the year nominee (CMAO). Dane writes original country songs that cross genres and bridge the gap between mainstream pop, rock, and new country. His performance also features an ASL sign language interpreter, making this an inclusive concert experience. At Performance Hall, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., tickets $33.
Silent Dance Party, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening, Thursday, Sept. 26: Dance the night away during an immersive and personalized silent disco party. Provided with your own set of headphones and the ability to choose your favourite musical genre, you will share the Performance Hall dance floor with others who are also absorbed in their own, individual musical experience from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets, $15.45.
Aurora Cultural Centre presents Barbra Lica + Charlotte McAfee-Brunner, Friday, Sept. 27: With tongue firmly planted in her cheek, the diminutive singer introduces “existential synth” to her blend of jazz, folk, R&B and pop genres from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Aurora Performance Hall. A true original Barbra works her wit worldwide on concert stages and festivals. Charlotte McAfee-Brunner, “Trombone Charlotte,” is the upstart discovery of the Toronto jazz and roots music scene who has a voice and poise that is arresting crowds. Her charm and passion is infectious. Tickets $38.50.
Sloan, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening, Friday, Oct. 11: Iconic Juno award-winning Toronto-based rock band Sloan is performing as part of Aurora Town Square’s grand opening celebrations, 9 p.m. at 50 Victoria St., Aurora. Tickets, $55, are on sale now at aurora.ca/WhatsOn.
