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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

Events galore return this weekend, with the Festival of One Act Plays, New'bark'et, country artist Dani Strong, Aurora's street party with George St. Kitts, fall market, holistic healing fair
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New'bark'et one-of-a-kind, family-friendly dog festival returns this Saturday and Sunday to Lions Park. File photo/Greg King for NewmarketToday

Thursday, Sept. 7

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, Sept. 7 to 10: Produced by the Very Useful Theatre Company, the 7th annual Newmarket Intenational Festival of One Act Plays features one act plays by selected playwrights from around the world. Each show consists of two or three plays — from mysteries, to comedies, to dramas — separated by a short intermission where you can enjoy finger foods, alcoholic beverages and refreshments at the Old Town Hall. The Sunday matinee features works by the VUTC Young Company. Tickets $22.50 to $25.

Board Gaming: Join local board game enthusiasts at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar at 200 Main St. Newmarket from 6 to 10 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. 

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.

Friday, Sept. 8

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays: Produced by the Very Useful Theatre Company, the 7th annual Newmarket Intenational Festival of One Act Plays features one act plays by selected playwrights from around the world. Each show consists of two or three plays — from mysteries, to comedies, to dramas — separated by a short intermission where you can enjoy finger foods, alcoholic beverages and refreshments at the Old Town Hall. The Sunday matinee features works by the VUTC Young Company. Tickets $22.50 to $25.

Saturday, Sept. 9

New'bark'et 2023: Don't miss Newmarket's one of a kind, family-friendly dog festival presented by Global Pet Foods, with vendors, a dog-only swim at the Peter Gorman Outdoor Pool ($5 per dog), Aqua Dogs competitive dog dock jumping, Dog Lovers Days Lure CourseSuperDogs shows, off-leash area, food and beverages stands, trucks; live DJ, face painting, dog caricature, photo booth, balloon twister, kids inflatable. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lions Park, 424 D'Arcy St. 

Fall for Autumn Market Showcase: Well-loved brands and unique vendors with homemade and one-of-a-kind items are featured at the market showcase at Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Club from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays: Produced by the Very Useful Theatre Company, the 7th annual Newmarket Intenational Festival of One Act Plays features one act plays by selected playwrights from around the world. Each show consists of two or three plays — from mysteries, to comedies, to dramas — separated by a short intermission where you can enjoy finger foods, alcoholic beverages and refreshments at the Old Town Hall. The Sunday matinee features works by the VUTC Young Company. Tickets $22.50 to $25.

Dani Strong at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Saturday, Sept. 9: Country, rock performer Dani Strong is a powerful singer/songwriter with a big personality to pair with her depth and charm. She has earned multiple awards and nominations both nationally and internationally. Dani is a voice and an advocate for independent and emerging artists. At NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket, reception at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets here.

Saturday Night Fever on Yonge Street: The Town of Aurora brings a tribute to Motown to its historic downtown from 4 to 11 p.m. Yonge Street is closed to traffic from Mosley Street in the south to Wellington Street in the north, for an evening of live music, a showcase of restaurants and a chance to pop into shops staying open well into the evening. On stage, at 4 p.m. Natural Women, 5:30 p.m. Quisha Wint and THE QW BAND, 7 p.m. Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train and 8:30 p.m. George St. Kitts.

Newmarket Farmers' Market: Every Saturday morning to October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Riverwalk Commons in historic downtown Newmarket is transformed into a vibrant market space. Connect with local farmers, enjoy a delicious treat, discover unique artisans or take in some live music while visiting with family and friends. Join a free Zumba class at 8 a.m. To learn more, visit newmarketfarmersmarket.com.

Sunday, Sept. 10

New'bark'et 2023: Don't miss Newmarket's one of a kind, family-friendly dog festival presented by Global Pet Foods, with vendors, a dog-only swim at the Peter Gorman Outdoor Pool ($5 per dog), Aqua Dogs competitive dog dock jumping, Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, off-leash area, food and beverages stands, trucks; live DJ, face painting, dog caricature, photo booth, balloon twister, kids inflatable. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lions Park, 424 D'Arcy St. 

Newmarket Holistic Healing FairNourish your body, mind and soul at the free healing fair  to 4 p.m. at Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., featuring speakers, and 40 holistic and wellness vendors with crystals, essential oils, handmade jewelry, tarot card readings, mediumship and psychic readings, positive coping mechanisms, energy healing. First 50 attendees get wellness swag bags.

DIY Bike Repair: Drop by the Community Bike Hub and friendly staff and volunteers will help you identify any repairs needed on your bike and provide you with the tools, assistance, and knowledge to complete the fix confidently. Common repairs include safety checks and assessments, adjusting the fit of bike seats, pumping tires, tightening brakes, checking gears, oiling chains, and repairing flat tires. All services are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.No registration is required—  just show up from 3 to 6 p.m. at 470 Davis Dr. with your bike.

Learn How to do the International Samba with Hit Songs, Sunday, Sept. 10: This is an opportunity for adults of all ages to learn simple basic figures in Samba, a dancing skill that will help you build confidence to dance certain types of fast tunes playing in most social dancing settings. Registration $5. At Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., 5 to 6 p.m.

Newmarket Cycles Group Ride: Explore Newmarket by bike at Newmarket Cycles’ free family-friendly group ride from 2 to 3 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. 

Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays: Produced by the Very Useful Theatre Company, the 7th annual Newmarket Intenational Festival of One Act Plays features one act plays by selected playwrights from around the world. Each show consists of two or three plays — from mysteries, to comedies, to dramas — separated by a short intermission where you can enjoy finger foods, alcoholic beverages and refreshments at the Old Town Hall. The Sunday matinee features works by the VUTC Young Company. Tickets $22.50 to $25.

Coming up: 

Mission IV Gospel Artists, Saturday, Oct. 7: Church of The Nazarene, 79 Main St. South, Newmarket hosts a free gospel concert at 7 p.m. Dessert, coffee at 6 p.m.

15th Annual Newmarket Artwalk & Studio Tour, Oct. 14 & 15: The 15th Annual Art Walk & Studio Tour is a free walkable event in and around Newmarket’s historic downtown district. Visitors are able to see a wide variety of juried, original art on display in artists’ home studios, in local businesses, and at public facilities. The tour is a great opportunity to visit with artists, purchase original art, and enjoy Newmarket’s amazing restaurants, cafes and shops. On Main Street Newmarket, 461 Park Ave., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NACCA Gala and Volunteer Appreciation Night, Thursday, Oct. 26: Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association hosts its 5th anniversary celebration, fall fundraising wrap-up and appreciation of volunteers at the Old Town Hall from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., including a three-course meal, complimentary glass of wine, live music and entertainment, raffle. Proceeds go to NACCA’s programs and community support. Limited tickets, $161 each, available.


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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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