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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

Events kick up again this weekend, with an international play festival, jazz in an alley, a festival for dogs and dog lovers, fall marketplace, seniors fair, and Saturday Night Fever on Yonge Street
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Church Street is lined with vendors catering to dog lovers at New'bark'et all weekend. File photo/Greg King for NewmarketToday

Friday, Sept. 6

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, to Sept. 8: The 8th annual Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays returns to the Old Town Hall.
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, seniors $20. 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:  Machell’s Alley, an open-air seating space in downtown Aurora at 15217 Yonge St., features a with the Cecil Street Syncopators, led by Newmarket’s Sean McCarthy, from 6 to 8 p.m. More details at exploreaurora.ca.

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.lavenderpolo.com/book-your-visit

Saturday, Sept. 7

New'bark'et, Sept. 7 & 8: The Town of Newmarket host New'bark'et at Lions Park, 424 D'Arcy St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities for dog owners, dog lovers, and four-legged animals to enjoy, including Pooch Plunge at Gorman Outdoor Pool for $5 per dog, DogLoversDay Lure course, face painting, dog caricatures, photo booth, a balloon twister, and inflatable for children. Entertainment by Aqua Dogs. Vendors on Church Street, between D'Arcy and Eagle, and dogs can run free at a fenced, off-leash dog park. 

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, to Sept. 8: The 8th annual Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays returns to the Old Town Hall.
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, seniors $20. 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.

Seniors Active Living Fair: The Town of Aurora is hosting a free seniors active living fair for adults aged 55+ from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre at 90 John West Way. This event provides seniors with the opportunity to gather information about health services and support in the community from more than 50 exhibitors, fitness demonstrations, blood pressure clinic, complimentary grab bags for attendees and a barbecue lunch (while supplies last).

Aurora Armoury's 150th Anniversary: Town of Aurora, Niagara College and Queen’s York Rangers Regimental Museum are inviting the community to join them in celebrating the Aurora Armoury's long history at its 150th anniversary open house from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 89 Mosley St., at the northeast corner of Aurora Town Park. The open house will feature exhibits brought in by Jeremy Hood, curator of the Queen’s York Rangers Regimental Museum.

Aurora Soccer Club's 70th anniversary: Join the Aurora Soccer Club for its 70th anniversary celebration with entertainment, sports, food, and refreshments, music by Soul Benefit, Founders Cup Challenge and more from 1 to 5 p.m. at 510 Industrial Parkway South.

Fall for Autumn Market Showcase: The Fall for Autumn Market Showcase takes place at Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with unique artisans and well-known brands.

Saturday Night Fever: 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.

Highway 11 Cruisers Car Club Drive-In to Drive Out Cancer Car Show: Highway 11 Cruisers hosts their annual car show at Stardust Drive-In on Mount Albert Road, Sharon, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Centre in honour of Howie and Lorne Meyer. Doors open at 5 p.m., with music, prizes, awards and a cut-a-thon with $15 haircuts, proceeds going to Wigs for Kids Canada. Movie Gone in 60 Seconds will play after the awards ceremony. All welcome, suggested minimum donation of $10 per ride entries.

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.lavenderpolo.com/book-your-visit

Sunday, Sept. 8

New'bark'et, Sept. 7 & 8: The Town of Newmarket host New'bark'et at Lions Park, 424 D'Arcy St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities for dog owners, dog lovers, and four-legged animals to enjoy, including Pooch Plunge at Gorman Outdoor Pool for $5 per dog, DogLoversDay Lure course, face painting, dog caricatures, photo booth, a balloon twister, and inflatable for children. Entertainment by Aqua Dogs. Vendors on Church Street, between D'Arcy and Eagle, and dogs can run free at a fenced, off-leash dog park. 

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays: The 8th annual Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays returns to the Old Town Hall.
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, seniors $20. 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.

Holistic Healing Fair: 2024 Holistic Healing Fair Road Show comes to Newmarket at the Newmarket Seniors' Centre, 474 Davis Dr., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of mind, body, and soul rejuvenation, packed with all things wellness vendors. Free admission, first 50 attendees get wellness swag bags. 

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.lavenderpolo.com/book-your-visit

Coming up:

Machell's Alley Live Music in Downtown Aurora Sept. 12, 13, 14:  Machell’s Alley, an open-air seating space in downtown Aurora at 15217 Yonge St., features free performances: 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.

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.


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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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