Looking for something fun to do now that warm days are upon us? You don’t have to look far. We have an abundance of local festivals and events to entertain and delight you. Here are a few samples to liven up your social calendar:
TD-NEWMARKET MUSIC FESTIVAL “SEIZE THE SUMMER” SERIES: LIVE MUSIC EVENTS AT THREE DIFFERENT VENUES
newmarketmusicfestival.com
Thursday Evenings Music at Riverwalk Series (MARS) – Free music at Riverwalk Commons Outdoor Stage starting July 7th until August 16th (from 7 to 9pm). MARS will present top Tribute Bands like The Beatles Tribute Cover, Hot Rocks (The Stones), Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and more. Meet the Stars after performances from 9 to 9:30 p.m. at local restaurants for photo ops.
Friday Evenings MarketFestBrew Nights! Starting July 6 to August 17 – drop into Market Brewing Company (17775 Leslie Street, Unit 4, Newmarket) at 8:30 p.m. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy live local talents.
Saturday Evenings CachetFest Nights Starting July 7th visit Cachet Restaurant + Bar (500 Water Street, Newmarket) on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. for local live music of all genres.
NEWMARKET NATIONAL TEN MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL 2018
WED JULY 25 – SUN JULY 29
460 Botsford Street, Old Town Hall, Newmarket.
nationalplayfestival.ca
Celebrating Canada’s diverse voices and regional perspectives, professional theatre returns July 25-29th with the Newmarket National Play Festival. This popular event presents 24 ten-minute plays in four “pods” of six shows plus street performers, playwright readings, actor/director talk-back sessions, historical tours, “festilicious” dining, and discounts from Main Street shops and boutiques.
RICHMOND HILL ROTARY CRAFT BEER TASTING FESTIVAL
SAT AUG 11, 4PM-11PM
10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
rotarybeertasting.com
The Rotary Club of Richmond Hill’s annual Craft Beer Tasting Festival is a fundraiser for charities supported by Rotary. Ten local Ontario Craft Beer Brewers will offer a selection of lagers, ales, stouts, bitters, pilsners, porters, bocks and ciders too. Pair a drink with delicious food and live music. Ages 19+.
TD NEWMARKET MUSIC FESTIVAL
FRI AUG 24 – SUN AUG 26
200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, Newmarket.
newmarketmusicfestival.com
An all-weekend fiesta at Riverwalk Commons August 24-26 featuring live music, arts, kids’ activities, vendors, craft beer/wine, and workshops.
CARROT FEST
AUGUST 17-18, 2018
Downtown Bradford and Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre.
carrotfest.ca
Voted as one of the Top 100 events in Ontario by the Festival & Events Ontario for the last 8 years, Carrot Fest returns for the 20th time! The event includes a large vendor market, Aqua Dogs, Professional Wrestling, Top Freestyle Soccer Performers, a Kids Zone, live stage entertainment and more.
AURORA’S MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
SAT SEPT 8, 10AM-4PM
49 Wells Street, Aurora Town Park, Aurora.
aurora.ca multiculturalfestival.ca
Travel the world all in one day, no passport required! Be dazzled as you experience how other cultures celebrate song and dance with a packed entertainment line-up. Take your palate on a tour; sample global tastes and attend cooking demos.
THE SCHOMBERG STREET GALLERY
(presented by Arts Society King)
SUNDAY, SEPT 16, 2018
Main Street, Schomberg.
artssocietyking.ca
The Schomberg Street Gallery is an outdoor, juried exhibition and sale of quality fine art & crafts. Local artists line the streets, which are closed to vehicular traffic for the day. Admission is free, with live entertainment, a complimentary rickshaw service, and many local shops and restaurants to explore.
CHIPPEWAS OF GEORGINA ISLAND POW WOW
SAT SEPT 22 – SUN SEPT 23
26071 Park Road, Sibbald Point Provincial Park, Sutton West.
georginaisland.com
Experience a traditional POW WOW on the shores of Lake Simcoe: including drumming, hoop dance demonstrations and First Nations owned and operated food and craft vendors.
We’re out of space, but if you would like more information on all of the festivals and events in the area, check your municipal website or York Region’s Festival and Events Guide. You’ll find something fun
for everyone.
by Elaine Jackson
