Happy Victoria Day, Newmarket — it’s a great weekend to visit the farmers market, take a forest hike, and there are fireworks in Stouffville and Canada’s Wonderland if you want to celebrate with a bang
Friday, May 15
Iranian Gathering: Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St., hosts an Iranian Gathering from 3 to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Iranian culture and bring community members together. Meets every other Friday. No registration required.
Stouffville Victoria Day Fireworks: Town of Stouffville hosts Victoria Day fireworks in Memorial Park, rain or shine, beginning at 8 p.m. with food trucks, music, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Memorial Park is at Burkholder Street and Park Drive. This accessible event has plenty of parking available in nearby parking lots at the Leisure Centre and across from Latcham Hall.
Vaughan Ribfest X, May 15 to 18: 4th annual Vaughan Ribfest X featuring North America’s best rib teams at Assembly Park, IKEA Plaza, 80 Interchange Way, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission $5, no charge for children 10 and under.
Free Guided Forest Hikes: Join the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA) on guided walks and hikes on various trails in Markham, Vaughan, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Aurora, East Gwillimbury and further east and west from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Visit oakridgestrail.org for details of weekly hikes for non-members, hike leader contacts, locations, and descriptions. ORTA offers multiple group hikes and walks each week all year in varying levels of difficulty, speed, distance and terrain. All are led by experienced volunteers certified in hike leader training and first aid. Non members may join a limited number of hikes as a guest with registration.
Aurora Bridge Club: All are welcome to play duplicate bridge games with the Aurora Bridge Club from 12:15 to 4 p.m. at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave. Price $6 to $10.
Saturday, May 16
Avoou, Aurora Cultural Centre: Aurora Cultural Centre brings this new work developed through a collaboration between Kuné-Canada’s Global Orchestra and WeeFestival, to Brevik Hall, Aurora Town Square from 11 a.m. to noon for children age six months to 4. Aline Morales (Brazil), Padideh Ahrarnejad (Iran) and Matias Recharte (Peru) present an immersive and intimate performance in Farsi, Portuguese and Spanish and played on the berimbau, the tar, the cajon and more. Tickets, $10.
Newmarket Farmers’ Market: The Newmarket Farmers’ Market offers a collective of growers, producers and makers dedicated to building support for local food and small businesses Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons, Doug Duncan Drive until Oct. 31.
Aurora Farmers’ Market: The Aurora Farmers’ Market features local vendors, including growers, producers and community groups, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Aurora Town Park.
Plant, Bake & More Sale: Sharon-Hope United Church, 18648 Leslie St., hosts a Plant, Bake & More Sale with greenery and good food from 8:30 a.m. to noon (inside if it rains.).
Vaughan Ribfest X, to May 18: 4th annual Vaughan Ribfest X featuring North America’s best rib teams at Assembly Park, IKEA Plaza, 80 Interchange Way, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission $5, no charge for children 10 and under.
Meditation at Fairy Lake, Newmarket: Resiliant Life offers free meditation sessions Saturdays in all seasons from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Fairy Lake Park, Water Street, Newmarket. Some mats, cushions, and chairs will be available. Dress appropriately for the weather, and feel free to bring a mat, cushion, or folding chair, but not necessary.
Free Guided Forest Hikes: Join the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA) on guided walks and hikes on various trails in Markham, Vaughan, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Aurora, King East Gwillimbury from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit oakridgestrail.org for details of weekly hikes for non-members, hike leader contacts, locations, and descriptions. ORTA offers multiple group hikes and walks each week all year in varying levels of difficulty, speed, distance and terrain. All are led by experienced volunteers certified in hike leader training and first aid. Non members may join a limited number of hikes as a guest with registration.
Sunday, May 17
Canada’s Wonderland Fireworks Show: Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan is presenting the largest custom-designed fireworks display in the GTA, with 6,000 colourful explosions taking place over the park skyline, all choreographed to an original soundtrack, at 10 p.m. The show lasts 15 minutes and is included with admission or a season pass. The park has VIP experiences available for purchase, which include premium seating on a restaurant patio, appetizers, desserts, two adult beverages and more. Details here.
Vaughan Ribfest X, to May 18: 4th annual Vaughan Ribfest X featuring North America’s best rib teams at Assembly Park, IKEA Plaza, 80 Interchange Way, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission $5, no charge for children 10 and under.
Monday, May 18
Vaughan Ribfest X: 4th annual Vaughan Ribfest X featuring North America’s best rib teams at Assembly Park, IKEA Plaza, 80 Interchange Way, noon to 8 p.m. Admission $5, no charge for children 10 and under.
Coming Up
Newmarket Touch a Truck, Thursday, May 21: Town of Newmarket’s popular annual Touch a Truck returns from 5 to 8 p.m., rain or shine, at Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre, 1275 Maple Hill Court, offering kids the chance to explore up close all kinds of trucks — including a fire truck, Zamboni, backhoe, dump truck and more.
Aurora Cultural Centre presents Don Ross supported by Maneli Jamal, Saturday, May 23: Aurora Cultural Centre presents legendary Canadian guitarist Don Ross, joined by acclaimed fingerstyle virtuoso Maneli Jamal, at Davide De Simone Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St., Aurora, 6:45 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $45 and $15 student.
Samosa Masters Community Appreciation Event, Saturday, May 23: Samosa Master invites residents and visitors to a community appreciation initiative taking place at the Community Fridge, outside Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., when they will be distributing 2,000 free samosas as their way “of giving back to the community and bringing people together through kindness and food.”
South Asian Heritage Celebration, Saturday, May 23: Newmarket Library is partnering with the Canadian Indian Newmarket Cultural Association to host a free, drop-in South Asian Heritage Celebration with dancing, refreshments, cultural displays, henna art and vendors from 2 to 5 p.m in the library’s multipurpose room, 438 Park Ave.
Newmarket Citizens Band’s On Broadway, Saturday, May 23: Newmarket Citizens Band perform On Broadway with guests Rise Children’s Chorus at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket at 7:30 p.m., newtix.ca or $20 at door.
Newmarket Garden Club Plant Sale, Sunday, May 24: Newmarket Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale beginning at noon sharp at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, Lounge 2, 100 Eagle St. W., with annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, indoor plants grown by club members. Friendly expert advice offered. Cash only, come early, it’s always a sell-out.
Newmarket Rib and Beer Fest, May 29 to 31: Indulge in perfectly cooked ribs from from the best BBQ Ribbers around when Northern Heat brings its Rib and Beer Fest to Newmarket, Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge St., (southwest lot, off Davis Drive) Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Admission $3, no charge for kids under 5. Kids zone, live music (see schedule.) Charitable donations support Rotary Club of Newmarket.
Curtain Club Dracula, May 29 to June 13: Curtain Club Theatre presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Curtain Club Theatre, 400 Newkirk Dr., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24 or 905-773-3434.
York Symphony Orchestra’s Nordic Sounds, Saturday, May 30: York Symphony Orchestra presents Nordic Sounds, featuring Grieg piano concerto, Sibelius Symphony No. 2 & more at Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora at 8 p.m. Tickets here.
Central York Fire Service Firefighters Charity Car Wash, Saturday, May 30: Central York Fire Service Professional Firefighters Association is hosting its annual car wash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date May 31) at York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge St., Newmarket to benefit local charities, including food banks, shelters and more.
Town of Aurora Community Garage Sale, Saturday, May 30: It’s time for spring cleaning, and a chance to give your pre-loved items new homes, as the Town of Aurora hosts its popular Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Aurora Community Centre parking lot. For full event details and to register (while available), click here.
Aurora’s 2026 Pride Festival, Sunday, May 31: Aurora’s 2026 Pride Festival, hosted by the Aurora Community Band and Borealis Big Band, in partnership with the Town of Aurora and York Pride, takes place at Aurora Town Square from 1 to 5 p.m., offering an afternoon of free family-friendly fun. Events include with interactive displays from arts organizations, businesses, and York Pride, photos with Just Peachy, and live music.
Voices Alive, Tuesday, June 2: Voices Alive performs at Victory Baptist Church, 18408 Yonge St., East Gwillimbury at 7 p.m. Admission by cash
donation at door, bake sale at intermission.
Newmarket Craft Beverage Festival, June 5 & 6: The Newmarket Craft Beverage Festival at 395 Mulock Dr. (outdoors, Newmarket Municipal Offices) opens Friday night with a retro dance party, including a vinyl-spinning DJ, throwback hits, and a vibrant dance floor. Saturday offers family fun from noon to 4 p.m., including face painting, games, crafts, and beginner line dancing (under 19 free to attend); Battle of the Beverages from 3 to 7 p.m., taste, vote, and crown the best; and a twilight disco party from 6 to 10 p.m. with a live band, disco classics, and glow-in-the-dark vibes. All day offerings include food trucks, grazing garden, giant games, photo moments, artisan makers, and over 15 beverage vendors. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Great Artist Music Series, Saturday, June 6: The Great Artist Music Series presents pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin at Davide De Simone Performance Hall, Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., at 7 p.m. Tickets at boxoffice.auroratownsquare.ca.
June Day, Saturday, June 6: Sharon Museum and Gardens, 18974 Leslie St., hosts a beloved tradition stemming from the Children of Peace to kick off the summer season at the museum at . Experience rich local heritage while enjoying an afternoon filled with fun for the entire family. Join us for a festive day of music, history-inspired activities, demonstrations, and community spirit.
Newmarket Garden Club 100th Anniversary, Saturday, June 7: The Newmarket Garden Club celebrates its 100th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newmarket Community Centre, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., with a flower show and displays.
Aurora Street Festival, Sunday, June 7: The Aurora Chamber of Commerce hosts York Region’s largest community event, the Aurora Chamber Street Festival, a fun-filled family event for all ages with 500+ vendors, street performers, live music, food galore and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Yonge Street is closed to traffic between Wellington Street and Murray Drive, rain or shine. Free parking and admission.
Aurora Community Band, Sunday, June 7: Aurora Community Band presents A Gallery of Sound, music inspired by art, at Davide De Simone Performance Hall, Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., at 3 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of music inspired by visual arts. The concert will include music from Disney’s Fantasia 2000, Scenes from ‘The Louvre’, Postcards from Manhattan and Selections from Moulin Rouge.Tickets $20 at boxoffice.auroratownsquare.ca
