Friday, Oct. 18
La Fiammata Piano Duo: The Town of Newmarket presents piano duo Linda Ruan and Charissa Vandikas at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket. Tickets $35 adults, $30 seniors and students available at newtix.ca, the box office, or at the door. Only 160 tickets available.
Classical Music Concert with Joseph Petric and Ari Cohen Mann: Joseph Petric’s rich accordion interpretations continue to engage international audiences, with his 360 commissioned works, and dozens of works adapted for accordion. Joseph is professor and research supervisor for the graduate accordion performance department at the Faculté de Musique, Université de Montréal. Ari Cohen Mann is a dynamic recitalist, new music proponent, orchestral musician, and faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University.The program for the evening explores the soundscapes of this oboe and accordion duo in an array of works from Telemann to CPE Bach, Ravel to Mozart from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 227 Church St., Newmarket. Tickets, $25, available at the door.
Cooper's Farm Corn Maze in the Dark: Friday nights in October, Cooper's Farm, 266 Ashworth Rd., Zephyr, holds a "No Light" Night Maze from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets, $27.92 online, free admission for children age three and under. At the door, $25 cash or $30 credit/debit.
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, Oct. 19
Kids Halloween Party: Join the Town of Newmarket at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., for the Kids' Halloween Party presented by telMAX. Children ages four to nine are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy hands-on activities and crafts, a spooky maze, entertainment from Mad Science and a sing-a-long with Eve Channell, followed by a downtown Newmarket Halloween scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize. Learn more at newmarket.ca/halloweenparty (This new event is replacing Kids' Trick-or-Treat Trail at Environmental Park.)
Davis Drive Animal Clinic Open House: All are welcome to the Davis Drive Animal Clinic open house at 891 Davis Dr., Newmarket from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with clinic tours, scavenger hunt, pet photo booth, barbecue, book and bake sale, agility course, raffle baskets, silent auction and loot bags. They will also be raising money toward the Farley Foundation that provides financial support for low income pet owners.
Concert of the Senses: Nadine and Friends perform classical masterpieces at Concert of the Senses, Waves of Passion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora. Enjoy a night of chamber music performed by: acclaimed pianist Alexander Panizza, who has collaborated with over 40 major orchestras across 26 countries; Grace Kyung Rok Moon, principal violist of the Kingston Symphony Orchestra and regular performer with the Toronto Symphony; and Nadine Bargout, violinist and founder of Concerts of the Senses, known for her soulful and dynamic performances. Tickets $35, children under 14 admitted free.
Aurora Ghost Walks, Oct. 19 and 30: Creepy Tours promises an experience as real as you want to believe on this authentic Ghost Walk beginning at 7 p.m. "People walk away feeling they have taken a path into chills and a step back in unknown history." Groups of six or more can also book for Oct 26 at 7 p.m. Be there to be scared or have your perceptions changed about these strange occurrences. Tickets $20.
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.
Bradford Greenhouse Home and Lifestyle Show, Oct. 19 and 20: Bradford Greenhouse Garden Gallery, 4346 County Road 90, is holding a fall home and lifestyle show with speakers, live demonstrations, home renovations, home decor, interior design, home accents, outdoor activities Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7, with all net proceeds donated to Roots for Youth. Prizes, more than 100 exhibitors and free swag bags to the first 250 individuals each day.
Sunday, Oct. 20
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.
The Optimist Club of Aurora presents Heather Bambrick Quintet: JUNO-nominated jazz vocalist Heather Bambrick prides herself on being an entertainer through and through. Her concerts have been described as Ella Fitzgerald meets Carol Burnett at a Newfoundland kitchen party. Tickets $38.50, 7:30 p.m., Aurora Town Square Performance Hall.
Bradford Greenhouse Home and Lifestyle Show, Oct. 19 and 20: Bradford Greenhouse Garden Gallery, 4346 County Road 90, is holding a fall home and lifestyle show with speakers, live demonstrations, home renovations, home decor, interior design, home accents, outdoor activities Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7, with all net proceeds donated to Roots for Youth. Prizes, more than 100 exhibitors and free swag bags to the first 250 individuals each day.
Coming up:
Town of Newmarket Haunted Halloween Trail, Oct. 24, 25 and 26: Take a walk if you dare through Newmarket's Haunted Halloween Trail at the Dave Kerwin Trail, 325 Woodspring Ave, from 7 to 10 p.m. About one kilometre of the trail will be transformed with scary decorations, lighting, sound effects and actors in costume.
Free admission, for ages 10+ (note that the intention of the haunted trail is to scare and frighten all guests) and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is not required, however, tickets are limited and are distributed only to those who are in line beginning at 6:30 p.m. Find more details here.
Aurora Cultural Centre presents Pop! Pop!: Pop! Pop! is a performance piece for children ages two to four and their caregivers at 11 a.m. to noon at Aurora Town Square Brevik Hall. There are sensory experiences, live music, adorable puppets – lots of fun for children and adults alike. Every person attending must have a ticket, including caregiver and child. Ticket $8.50.
The Greg Morton Huntington Heroes Comedy Tour, Friday, Oct. 25: The Greg Morton Huntington Heroes Comedy Tour features Canadian comedian Greg Morton, best known for wowing the judges on America's Got Talent and his appearances on Just for Laughs, at 7 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket. The event raises vital funds for the Huntington Society of Canada - the only Canadian non-profit supporting families affected by Huntington disease. Tickets $30.
Halloween Hike and Mystical Market, Friday, Oct. 25: The Town of East Gwillimbury hosts a free Haunted Halloween Hike at the Sharon Temple, 18974 Leslie St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Come dressed in a costume and enjoy a walk through the spooky forest, live music from DjDemeanor, and visit community booths and the Mystical Market for tricks and treats. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for the Holland Landing Food Pantry.
Aurora’s Haunted Forest, Saturday, Oct. 26: Join the fun at Aurora's Haunted Forest, a family event suitable for all ages, including those looking for a good scare, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sheppard's Bush and Aurora Family Leisure Complex. At Sheppard's Bush (Mary Street entrance), there will be decorated trails and three cabins to explore. At the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, there will be crafts and games. Wristbands required for ages two and older to participate in indoor activities and to tour the trails: $5 for access to the family trail, family cabin and ghost stories; $6 for access to all trails, including the family and scary trails and cabins, and ghost stories. Wristbands can be purchased at: Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora Town Hall, 100 John West Way, Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., Joint Operations Centre, 229 Industrial Parkway North, and Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, 1400 Wellington St. East.
Movie Night with the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Saturday, Oct. 26: Town of Newmarket presents the musical "Movie Night" Rocky Horror Picture Show, a humorous tribute to various B movies associated with the science fiction and horror genres from the 1930s to the early 1960s. The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation. Doors open at 6 p.m., reception at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre. Tickets $25, not suitable for children - 18+ movie.
Oh Canada Creative presents Ghouls n' Guitars, Saturday, Oct. 26: Prepare creatures of the night to headbang and howl at the moon as The Boneheads and Monstrosa take the stage at Aurora Town Square Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St., at 8 p.m. These rock and metal maestros will summon riffs that’ll make your bones tremble. Enchanting drag queens Alissa Brink and Darculove will sashay their way into your hearts and coffins. With glittering gowns, killer makeup, and charisma to spare, they’ll add a dash of glam to this haunted night. Expect fierce lip-sync, fabulous costumes, and more glitter than even Edward Cullen can handle. Dress to impress (or distress) for the costume contest. Ticket $32.
Newmarket Folk Society hosts a tribute to John Prine, Saturday, Oct. 26: The Newmarket Folk Society is hosting an evening of music honouring legendary American singer-songwriter John Prine, who passed away on April 7, 2020. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, he was known for his signature blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often with elements of social commentary and satire, as well as sweet songs and melancholy ballads. He was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death. His songs will be performed by Katherine Wheatley, Travis and Kim Teed, Patty McLaughlin, David Walsh, Mary Bennet, and John Prince. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St. Tickets, $30, can be purchased online (newmarketfolk.com) or by calling 705-431-7182 (leave a message).
Newmarket presents Black Gold, Friday, Nov. 1: The concept of Black Gold is to illustrate in song the evolution of Motown music in 1963 hits to the mid-'80s pop hits of mega star entertainers. The early Motown songs are upbeat hand-clapping tunes about romance, love, friendship and that's what the show is all about: joy, hope, uplifting entertainment. The later numbers are love songs and about happier times. The underlying theme of the show is about coming together, loving one another, and helping make the world a better place. This talent-packed show features six skilled vocalists and a stalwart band of five musicians performing the golden hits of The Drifters, Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops,The Temptations, Donna Summer, The Supremes, Lionel Ritchie, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and others. Ticket $45, at 8 p.m. at at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre.
