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What's going on in and around Newmarket

Tonight, Rolling Stones tribute band The Blushing Brides in downtown Newmarket; weekend events include Aurora's three-day Ribfest, brewery comedy night, pub crawl

Thursday, Aug. 25     

Update: The TD Music Series concert is cancelled for tonight due to weather conditions: Newmarket's free summer concert series headlines Blushing Brides, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, with Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train opening, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. Newmarket Food Pantry donation bins will be located at the Town of Newmarket booth at Riverwalk Commons. For up-to-date weather and/or cancellation details, call 1-877-PLAY936 on the date of the event, two hours prior to the start time. 

Brew HAHA at Old Flame: RyGuy Comedy presents Brew HAHA, a beautiful marriage of delicious craft beer and hilarious comedy. Each ticket includes a 12oz beer (19+) or soft drink, courtesy of Old Flame Brewing Co. at 140 Main St. South, Newmarket. Doors open upstairs in the event space at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. $20 in advance / $25 at the door (if available).

Music in the Alley, Thursdays in August: Downtown Aurora BIA presents free live music Thursday in Machell's Alley at 15217 Yonge St., Aurora from 7 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Aug. 25 Ryan Ainsworth and Manny DeGrandis.

Movies in Aurora Town Park: Watch Encato on a giant inflatable screen at 49 Wells St., Aurora. Movies are free to attend; pre-registration is not required; bring your own lawn chairs. Arrive early to explore the culture of Colombia through crafts and activities starting at 8 p.m. Movie starts at 8:45 p.m.

East Gwillimbury Farmers Market: Every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. until Oct. 6, the market is held at the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie St., Sharon.

Friday, Aug. 26

Board Gaming: Join local board game enthusiasts every other Friday at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar at 200 Main St. Newmarket at 6 p.m. The games are provided and teachers are available, or you bring your games to teach others. Note from organizers: We don't tend to play a lot of 'traditional' board games such as Monopoly, Clue, Sorry! Let them know what you would like to play when you RSVP and they will bring those games. 

Aurora's Ribfest: From Friday, Aug. 26 to Sunday, Aug. 28 at Machell Park, it's all about the ribs, bibs and sauce. Friday 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beer garden, children's activity zone. As well as tasty ribs, there will be roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes for every appetite. Event is free to attend. ATM on-site in the midway. Most vendors accept cash only. Limited vendors accepting debit on-site. Machell Park will be fenced with additional procedures for the safety of the attendees, performers, food vendors, volunteers and staff.

Blackstock at Ground Burger Bar: Enjoy live music on the patio from 7 to 11 p.m at 352 Doug Duncan Drive, Riverwalk Commons.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Aurora's Ribfest: At Machell Park, it's all about the ribs, bibs and sauce from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Beer garden, children's activity zone. As well as tasty ribs, there will be roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes for every appetite. Event is free to attend. ATM on-site in the midway. Most vendors accept cash only. Limited vendors accepting debit on-site. Machell Park will be fenced with additional procedures for the safety of the attendees, performers, food vendors, volunteers and staff.

Newmarket Farmers Market: Farmers, vendors and volunteers create a hive of activity reminiscent of the town’s early years as a new market. A place to buy farm fresh produce, homemade baking, handmade crafts and a great place to meet up with friends over breakfast or lunch. At Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aurora Farmers Market: Saturdays at Town Park, 64 Wells St from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Summer Saturdays: ClearWater Farm is open to the public for free family fun activities, including self-guided tours, art and nature activities, workshops, outdoor yoga classes, live music and a local artisan market. Visit the ClearWater Farm stand.  At 1614 Metro Rd. N., Georgina from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 28

Main Street Pub Experience: Join an afternoon celebrating a few of the food and drink establishments of Main Street Newmarket, including Cachet, Hungry Brew Hops, and Old Flame Brewery, with a bonus stop from 4 to 10 p.m. You will spend an hour at each establishment getting food and drinks at each before you move on to the next one! Tickets, $112, include: a food item and drink; swag bag; lanyard pass; live music at some of the spots.

Aurora's Ribfest: At Machell Park, it's all about the ribs, bibs and sauce from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beer garden, children's activity zone. As well as tasty ribs, there will be roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes for every appetite. Event is free to attend. ATM on-site in the midway. Most vendors accept cash only. Limited vendors accepting debit on-site. Machell Park will be fenced with additional procedures for the safety of the attendees, performers, food vendors, volunteers and staff.

Georgina Farmers Market: Weekly market features about 30 vendors from local farmers and crafters, with live music, yoga in the park and other events at The Link, 20849 Dalton Rd. on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Coming Up: 

Newmarket's TD Music Series offers free concerts every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the bandshell at 200 Doug Duncan Dr. at Riverwalk Commons. 

  • Sept. 1, Sounds of Motown (greatest songs of the Motown era); opening David Toms. 

Newmarket's Moonlight Movies, presented by TD: Throughout the month of August, free family films are taking place at various parks throughout Newmarket. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch a movie under the stars on a large inflatable screen. 

  • Tuesday, August 30, LUCA, at College Manor Park, College Manor Drive
  • Wednesday, Aug. 31, Monsters Inc., at Dennis Park, Cane Parkway 

Aurora's Concerts in the Park offers free concerts Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Town Park (food bank donations welcome).

  • Aug. 31 with Epic Elton: A Tribute to Elton John.

Richmond Hill Live! In the Plaza – Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Join the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts this month for a revamped summer music series featuring local artists performing in the theatre’s outdoor plaza on Yonge Street. Tuesday nights feature artists from a range of musical genres and Wednesdays are Open Mic nights.

Kenny U-Pull Newmarket After Hours Event, Thursday, Sept. 1: Looking for parts but only available in the evening? Like to hang out with car enthusiasts and discuss your automotive projects? Kenny U-Pull Newmarket is hosting an after hours event with music, free barbecue and fully operational yard until 8 p.m. At 3518 Davis Dr, Cedar Valley, Newmarket.

Holistic Healing Fair, Sunday, Sept. 4: Join in and nourish your chakras, mind, body and soul for the annual holistic healing fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. The free admission event features 40 vendors that focus on health and wellness.

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, Sept. 8 to 11: The annual festival features a variety of plays and performances, including world and Canadian premiers, from Thursday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. For tickets and more information, visit here.

191st Annual Illumination at Sharon Temple, Friday, Sept. 9: Since 1831, the Children of Peace have held a celebration on the first Friday in September, lighting all of the candles in the temple, and holding a concert and an alms-giving service. During the Illumination, the main floor of the temple is lit with beeswax candles and filled with music. Refreshments will be served on the lawn afterward. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. with the Marion Singers at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. For more information, visit sharontemple.ca/

English Country Dance, Saturday, Sept. 3: Join the dance at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. at Main Street, Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginners welcome; all dances taught; you don't need to bring a partner. Admission by donation; your first class is free. Join the group on the first, third and (when there is one) fifth Saturday of the month.

To have your event included in this regular feature, send an email with full details to [email protected]


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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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