Thursday, Aug. 1
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. Aug. 1 is Exodus (a tribute to Bob Marley), with Ainsworth & Degrandis opening. You can see the full line-up for the summer 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 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. Aug. 1 Trainwreck (Party Band), Aug. 8 Fleetwood Mac Mania, Aug. 15 Epic Elton, Aug. 22 Chicago Transit.
Friday, Aug. 2
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, Aug. 3
Author Reading and Book Signing: Sisters Margaret and Eleanor Clowater, authors of the children's storybook The Great Big Yawn, will be reading and autographing their new book at Chapters, 17440 Yonge St., in Newmarket from noon to 3 p.m. A great outing with your little one where they can hear the story behind the book, have it read to them and have an opportunity to buy the book and have it personalized by the authors. There will be multiple readings during the three hours, followed by signings between readings.
Aurora-Newmarket Walking Group: The walking group meets at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Aurora Family Leisure Complex by the main doors. This is a great walk as it is mostly paved and has easy elevation.
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, Aug. 4
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.
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.
Monday, Aug. 5
MPP Caroline Mulroney's Simcoe Day Barbecue: York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney hosts the annual Simcoe Day free barbecue from noon to 2 p.m. at Holland Landing Community Centre, 19513 Yonge St. with food and activities, including music, face painting and a large inflatable obstacle course. All are welcome.
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. Aug. 7 is Material Girls. See the full line-up here. To check for inclement weather cancellations, call the 24-hour special events line at 905-726-4762.
Southlake Artisan Market, Friday, Aug. 9: Experience an evening of community spirit and fun at the Southlake Artisan Market. More than 20 local vendors will be in attendance, offering a variety of unique items including candles, homemade jewelry, art and more from 4 to 8 p.m. at Southlake Regional Health Centre, parking lot P10, 596 Davis Dr., Newmarket.
Aurora’s Movies in the Park, Thursdays, Aug. 15, 22 and 29: The Town of Aurora transforms Town Park, 49 Wells St., into an outdoor cinema for it Movies in the Park. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free movies on a large inflatable screen with surround sound. 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
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.
Bradford West Gwillimbury Carrot Fest, Aug. 16 and 17: The award-winning Carrot Fest returns to Bradford West Gwillimbury Friday, Aug. 16 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 17 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 and information, 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.
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
