Friday, Sept. 20
MusicCan Fundraiser with Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train, Patrick Fockler, Ryan Ainsworth: Local musicians take to the stage from 7 to 11 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket. MusicCan provides instruments and lessons to underserved youth and adults across the GTA and Canada. Tickets $20.
East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale, Sept. 20-24: East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Tuesday at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket.
WCYR Open Mic Fall Equinox: Celebrate Culture Days and the fall equinox as we lean into sweater weather at Sticks Craft Beer Bar, 13 Main St. S. at 7 p.m. No obligation to participate, but poetry, prose, spoken word, music from all are welcomed.
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, Sept. 21
Central York Fire Services Open House: CYFS invites residents to its open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Station 4-5 at 300 Earl Stewart Dr., Aurora. Activities include morning coffee and doughnuts, barbecue hot dogs, Tim Hortons Express Train, arts and crafts, prizes, games, and interactive fire safety activities. Live firefighter demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. New this year is the Dunk Tank for Good, with proceeds going to the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation, dedicated to preventing carbon monoxide tragedies.
Aurora Town Square Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting: The official opening is being marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 1 to 2 p.m. in the outdoor square at 50 Victoria St. The festivities include a procession from Town Park to the outdoor square, led by the town crier, a performance by St. Andrew’s College Pipe and Drums Band, and a traditional smudging ceremony by Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley.
Aurora Museum & Cultural Centre Re-opening Party: The Aurora Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting a re-opening party for its galleries at 50 Victoria St. from 4 to 7 p.m., with a number of projects being unveiled. Entry to the event is free.
East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale, to Sept. 24: East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket.
Aurora's Multicultural Festival: Experience the richness of Aurora's diverse community at the multicultural festival with captivating dance performances at Aurora Town Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a world of flavours and cultures at the brand-new Aurora Town Square from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Une Promenade Française avec Le Coin Français de Newmarket: Join Le Coin Français de Newmarket for a 5-km walk along the river from 2:30 to 4 p.m., beginning at Riverwalk Commons by the stage in downtown Newmarket, on Doug Duncan Drive. Walkers will travel north as far as the bridge at the old lift lock ruins, then back south on the other side.
Norman Dance Company, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening: 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.
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.
Sunday, Sept. 22
NewRoads LakeRide: Join the 9th annual NewRoads LakeRide in support of The Mental Health Program at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Ride leader is world medallist Ed Veal, with 10K, 20K, 45K, 80K, and 125K route options for riders of all abilities Departing from the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket at 8:30 a.m. More information and registration here.
York Chamber Ensemble presents Mozart to Movies, Aurora Town Square Grand Opening: 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.
Henry's Newmarket The Art of Travel Photography Workshop: Tired of travel photos that don't do justice to your adventures? Want to learn how to tell your travel stories through captivating images? This immersive experience goes beyond typical travel snapshots, teaching you to create evocative imagery that tells the stories of your journeys. From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, learn to encapsulate the spirit of each location. Space is limited for the free workshop from 1 to 2 p.m. at 30 Davis Dr., Newmarket. Register here.
East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale, to Sept. 24: East Central Ontario Art Association 66th Annual Juried Show & Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket.
Newmarket Tai Chi Academy Open House: Tai Chi Academy hosts an open house and and free Introduction to Tai Chi from 10 to 11 a.m. at 1220 Stellar Dr. unit 203B, Newmarket, 289-366-9956. Try out a few moves and start your journey to improved health, balance, and well-being.
Coming up:
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.
Sam Polley and the Old Tomorrows, Friday, Oct. 4: Town of Newmarket presents a Culture Days event with Sam Polley and the Old Tomorrows at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre for a free concert at 7:30 p.m (doors at 6:30 p.m.) NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres. Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows blends genres to create an upbeat boogie and groovy hooks. Formed in downtown Toronto in 2017, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows draws its sound from '50s and '60s rockabilly licks, old country twang, and Motown swing, blending genres to create an upbeat boogie and groovy hooks, that’s sure to make anyone listening get up and dance. Free tickets at Newtix.ca
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.
