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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

This weekend, support Easter Seals at the Joe Persechini Charity Midway, help fight local poverty by getting your car washed by our firefighters, laugh along with comedian Glen Foster, visit the magical underwater kingdom of the Little Mermaid Jr.
car wash
Come get your car washed by local firefighters and help fight poverty in your neighbourhood, donate what you can to support United Way, from noon to 5 p.m. at Station 4-5, 300 Earl Stewart Dr.

Thursday, May 11

Joe Persechini Charity Midway: Enjoy rides, games and food from 4 to 10 p.m. outdoors at the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr., Newmarket. Single coupon $1.50, 20 coupons $25, 50 coupons $50. Family day passes valid for all-day ride bracelets for any one day of the event. Family passes can be used for any combination of four to six people but all must be present at redemption.

Celebrate and Protect the Greenbelt Town Hall: Hear from dynamic speakers and be part of a conversation about Ontario’s Greenbelt, as we discuss how its permanent protection is essential for climate resilient communities and a thriving local economy. Sponsored by York Region KAIROS in partnership with Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket. 

Tom Taylor Trail Walking Group: Join the group at 5:30 p.m. starting at East Gwillimbury GO station, 845 Green Lane East, going North on Main Street, Newmarket. The Tom Taylor Trail follows the Holland River and Fairy Lake and eventually meets the Rogers Reservoir Trail in East Gwillimbury. It is fairly flat, paved and well-maintained and great for biking, running, dog walking. There is not much shade on the trail. There are several spots along the trail to hop on and do a portion of it.

Kaia Kater at the Aurora Armoury: Smithsonian recording artist Kaia Kater makes a rare stop in the GTA between shows in NYC and Europe, 6:45 p.m. doors open; 7:30 p.m. concert. These talented young Black women are shining a spotlight on Americana music and central role of the banjo. For this concert, Kaia will perform in a duo configuration along with an upright bassist. Fresh off a win at the recent Canadian Screen Awards for Best Original Song (for CBC’s The Porter), Kaia Kater draws upon so many musical influences – from her home province of Quebec, her Grenadian roots and Appalachian folk traditions to create a sound uniquely her own. Join us for this special event in the intimate performance setting of the Aurora Armoury, 89 Mosley St. $35 for 1 ticket or $45.00 for 2 tickets by choosing Bring a Friend.

Friday, May 12

Joe Persechini Charity Midway: Enjoy rides, games and food from 2 to 10 p.m. outdoors at the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr., Newmarket. Single coupon $1.50, 20 coupons $25, 50 coupons $50. Family day passes valid for all-day ride bracelets for any one day of the event. Family passes can be used for any combination of four to six people but all must be present at redemption.

Marquee's Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.: In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. At 7 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket.  Tickets $20. 

Saturday, May 13

Joe Persechini Charity Midway: Enjoy rides, games and food from noon to 11 p.m. outdoors at the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr., Newmarket. Single coupon $1.50, 20 coupons $25, 50 coupons $50. Family day passes valid for all-day ride bracelets for any one day of the event. Family passes can be used for any combination of four to six people but all must be present at redemption.

Newmarket Farmers' Market: Every Saturday morning from May through October, Riverwalk Commons in historic downtown Newmarket is transformed into a vibrant market space where our community gathers to support local food. Connect with local farmers, enjoy a delicious treat, discover unique artisans or take in some live music while visiting with family and friends. To learn more, visit newmarketfarmersmarket.com

Central York Fire Services Car Wash: Come get your car washed by local firefighters and help fight poverty in your neighbourhood, donate what you can to support United Way, from noon to 5 p.m. at Station 4-5, 300 Earl Stewart Dr., Aurora, enter through the second laneway on Isaacson Crescent. Donate what you can with cash, debit or credit. 

Free Nordic Pole Walking Clinics: For all ages and fitness levels, the free clinic offered by Shawn Nisbet begins at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Valley Golf Club, St. John's Sideroad, Aurora. You will learn the basics or pick up tips to better your technique. You can bring your own poles or borrow a new set. You will learn how to set your personal height, use the straps and the five basic steps. You will also learn about the history of Nordic poles, the health benefits of using poles compared to walking without poles, some of the 400+ clinic studies on the benefits of Nordic pole walking. For details on what to wear and the benefits of Nordic Pole walking you can visit: www.shawnnisbet.com or contact Shawn at: [email protected].

Marquee's Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.: In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. At 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket.  Tickets $20.

Premium Comedy presents Glen Foster, Saturday, May 13: "That Canadian Guy” Glen Foster is coming to Newmarket to perform at the intimate and historic Sociable Pub, 17380 Yonge St., at 8:30 p.m. Glen, who has been performing standup comedy for over four decades, is always witty, timely, and relevant, with comedy that reflects both on his own experience and current affairs and popular culture. Those who enjoy a more sophisticated yet slightly “edgy” kind of humour will enjoy Glen’s comedy. You have a full show in store with  opening acts Matt Render, Sara Nicklin and the best MC in Ontario Liam Kelly. Enjoy dinner and drinks from the renowned menu of Sociable Pub. Tickets $15 to $20.

Spring Book Sale: The Aurora United Church Women offer a good selection of used books from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora. Proceeds to support local charities. 

Cut your own Tulips & Daffodils at Country Cut Flowers, to May 14: Enjoy a cut-your-own flowers experience at Country Cut Flowers at 970 Miller's Sideroad, Newmarket 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Mason jar supplied, but bring trimmers or scissors. You’re welcome to take pictures, but no professional photography. Tickets $43. If you want to bring one guest, the entry fee is $20 at the field. Children six and under get in free.

Doors Open Richmond Hill: Doors Open Richmond Hill returns for the first time since 2019 in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., discover the story behind every door of our featured sites: Thomas Boynton House Art Exhibition Space; Burr House Spinners and Weavers Guild and Hill Potters’ Guild; St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church; Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church; St. Mary’s Anglican Church; Phyllis Rawlinson Park; Richmond Hill Heritage Centre (Amos Wright House); Artifact Collections Storage at the Operations Centre; Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory. This free event is part of Doors Open Ontario, launched in 2002 by the Ontario Heritage Trust. For the complete list and more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/DoorsOpen.

Sunday, May 14

Joe Persechini Charity Midway: Enjoy rides, games and food from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. outdoors at the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr., Newmarket. Single coupon $1.50, 20 coupons $25, 50 coupons $50. Family day passes valid for all-day ride bracelets for any one day of the event. Family passes can be used for any combination of four to six people but all must be present at redemption.

Marquee's Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.: In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. At 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket.  Tickets $20.

Coming up: 

Night Market, Friday, May 26: The Newmarket Group of Artists and Town of Newmarket present the inaugural Night Market, a new outdoor event that combines an art show and sale, food, drink and live music. Enjoy an evening in downtown Newmarket and discover art that speaks to you while celebrating with Newmarket’s artists from 5 to 10 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons. 200 Doug Duncan Dr. Free admission.

Lorne Lofsky Benefit Concert for Inn From the Cold, Friday, May 26: St. Paul's Anglican Church hosts world-renowned jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky, with pianist Adrean Farrugia, for a concert with all proceeds from the show going to the shelter building project for Inn From the Cold at 227 Church St., Newmarket at 7:30 p.m. Lofsky is a master guitarist, and one of Canada’s great musical treasures – having toured and recorded for several years with the great Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson. He has also worked and recorded with Chet Baker, Ed Bickert, and Dizzy Gillespie, among others. He will soon be returning from a European tour as co-lead of the Canadian Jazz Collective, a seven-piece jazz ensemble, with Kirk MacDonald and Derrick Gardner. Farrugia is one of the country’s most sought-after pianists and composers.  He has won two Junos, and been nominated for eight, and has performed with such great artists as Matt Dusk, Molly Johnson and Jane Siberry. There will be a cash wine/beer bar. For tickets, $25, call the church office at 905-853-7285 and leave a message on the ticket line - option 9, or emailing saintpaulstickets@gmail.com  

Curtain Club Theatre's Jonas & Barry in the Home, May 26 to June 11: In Jonas & Barry in the Home, two retirees search for friendship, love, sex and elusive happiness in an assisted living home. Barry meets new arrival Jonas and together they bicker and bond over women, sports, family values – learning how to open up to each other and how to keep living their lives. Directed by Sharon Dykstra, produced by Steve Hetherington, starring: Cam Lund, Phil Dionne and Rashi Gupta. Opens Friday, May 26 and runs till Sunday, June 11 at 400 Newkirk Rd., Richmond Hill. Single tickets $22.

Fleetwood Nicks & Practically Petty, Saturday May 27: Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region, in partnership with Benefit Show, is hosting a benefit tribute concert at Sutton District High School with Fleetwood Nicks and Practically Petty featuring all the hits from Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Using the same equipment as the original groups, they have not only the sound but the look nailed as well.Tickets are available at www.BenefitShow.net or by calling 1-888-777-9793. Proceeds benefit Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region. Sandgate is dedicated to providing all persons who identify as women, and their children; shelter, support, and information so they can take steps towards ending abuse in their lives.

Newmarket Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, Saturday, May 27: Healthy perennials, annuals, herbs, shrubs, indoor plants grown by club members for sale at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, hall 2, at 1 p.m. Cash only, come early. 

Teddy Bears Picnic, Elman W. Campbell Museum, Saturday, May 27: All teddy bears and their owners are invited to the museum for a teddy bears picnic with games, teddy bear contests, bear hunts, bear-aerobics, displays and light refreshments. Contest categories: Tiniest bear, Bear that looks most like owner and Bear with the most creative costume. From 1 to 3 p.m., $5/child, suitable for ages 4 to 10. Register at newmarket.perfectmind.com. The museum is at 134 Main St., S., Newmarket. 

GranAurora presents the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, Sunday, May 28: Marketplace opens at 2 p.m., concert starts 3 p.m. at Bethel Christian Community Church at 333 Davis Dr. Newmarket. All proceeds go to Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to  Grandmothers Campaign. For tickets, $30, contact Ticketscene.ca or Pat Parker at 905-715 2570 or [email protected].

CompassCon, Saturday, June 3: CompassCon Newmarket at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. features multiple exhibitors selling board games, video games, comic books, toys, funko POPs, sports cards, arts and crafts, as well as many other collectibles. General admission $2, children 12 and under admitted free. Exhibitors $40 for "bring your own table" option, or $60 for table rental. Visit compassconevents.ca

Wreckroom Elvis, Saturday, June 3: Rock 'n’ roll with Wreckroom Elvis at a Live Music Pub Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr. Members $20, non-members $25. Tickets must be purchased by May 29 (use code 6796) at newmarket.ca/adults55+. Light refreshments, tea and coffee included. 

CFUW Home and Garden Tour, Sunday, June 11: Canadian Federation of University Women Aurora/Newmarket hosts its Come Be Inspired 2023 Home & Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This signature fundraising event features six homes and two gardens in Holland Landing, Aurora, Newmarket and Oak Ridges. Proceeds benefit scholarships for young women in the community. Tickets are $40

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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