Newmarket’s award-winning events are one of one. Experience them all this spring/summer

Type
News & Notice

The Town of Newmarket’s summer line-up is full of standout experiences for the whole family all season long. Rooted in community, the Town is dedicated to bringing people together through exceptional experiences, and is a proud three-time Municipality of the Year award recipient (2023, 2024, 2026) for special events from Festivals & Events Ontario.

From the award-winning Summerfest on Main to the beloved Newmarket Music Series presented by TD Bank Group, you’ll want to catch it all. Keep reading and mark your calendar!

Stay up-to-date and share your event experiences:

Here are just a few of the fun, entertaining, and educational events, exhibits and happenings we’ve got planned:

Dear Diary

Date: Now to May 30, 2026
Time: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday)
Location: Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
Cost: Free admission

In honour of “May is Museum Month,” discover Newmarket like never before through the written, stitched and crafted memories of our textile and paper collection. Explore how local residents reflected on the passing of time through letters, lace and fashion in the first exhibition celebrating memories through hand crafts in Newmarket.

Information: Newmarket.ca/OTHExhibits

 

Imagined Histories: Beyond the Silence

Date: Now to May 30, 2026
Time: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday)
Location: Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
Cost: Free admission

Visit Old Town Hall to see Imagined Histories: Beyond the Silence. This art exhibit celebrates the life and works of Clarence Chong, maternal grandfather to Erika MacNeil, who arrived in Canada with an unknown birthdate and lineage. His grade school teacher recognized his talent and sent him to art school. The works are a collection of portraits from Chong's studies as an art student recently uncovered in a tube portfolio in Erika MacNeil's basement. Erika, local Newmarket resident, teacher-librarian and dancer, writer and performer, pays tribute to her grandfather.

Information: Newmarket.ca/OTHExhibits

 
Art at 395 Exhibit: Echoes and Memories

Date: Now to June 5, 2026
Time: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
Cost: Free admission

The latest Art at 395 exhibit, Echoes and Memories, features artwork created by members of the Newmarket Group of Artists, with pieces that explore the traces that linger – personal, collective, and imagined through the lens of sound and music. This theme reflects on how melodies, rhythms, and silence can carry memory, emotion, and history across time. Artwork is available for purchase.

Information: Newmarket.ca/ArtAt395

 

Touch a Truck

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Robert N. Shelton Operations Centre (1275 Maple Hill Court)
Cost: Free admission

In celebration of National Public Works Week, this fun hands-on event allows you to touch, explore and get up close and personal with different vehicles that are used by the municipality to maintain our roads, parks, water systems, facilities and protect the community in case of emergency. Explore some of your favourite trucks such as a fire truck, Zamboni, backhoe, dump truck and more! The North Newmarket Lions Club will be onsite offering delicious BBQ food for purchase.

Information: Newmarket.ca/TouchATruck

 

National AccessAbility Awareness Week

Date: Monday, May 25 to Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: Various times (see website for details)
Location: Various locations (see website for details)
Cost: Free admission

Join us as we raise awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate the achievements of Canadians with disabilities during National AccessAbility Awareness Week! Join us for two weeks of free, inclusive activities to break down barriers and create a more accessible and inclusive society for everyone. Activities include a sensory swim, social dance, dog therapy and more!  

Information: Newmarket.ca/NAAW

 

Adults 55+: Jeopardy Trivia Night

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive)
Cost: Members: $10 | Non-members: $11

Enjoy a fun night out with friends and test your knowledge in true Jeopardy fashion. Pizza will be provided and a cash bar is available. Register as a team (up to 4) or as an individual at newmarket.perfectmind.com (use code 83362). Please register by Wednesday, May 27.  

Information: Newmarket.ca/Adults55+

 

Night Market

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive)
Cost: Free admission

The Newmarket Group of Artists and the Town of Newmarket have once again partnered to present the annual Night Market. This event combines an art show and sale with food, drinks and live music, inviting you to discover the stories behind each piece and meet the local artists who made them.

Information: Newmarket.ca/NightMarket

 

Busk Till Dusk

Date: Fridays and Saturdays from June 5 to August 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Newmarket
Cost: Free (however a cash tip for the busker is always appreciated)

Every Friday and Saturday evening this summer, street performers will showcase their talent on Main Street Newmarket. Busking brings a variety of performance art forms to the street, offering close-up entertainment for a tip in the hat which goes to support the entertainers themselves, and provides a sense of energy and buzz to the area.

Information: Newmarket.ca/BuskTillDusk

 

Adults 55+: Friday Night Social Dances

Date: Friday, June 5 and June 19, 2026
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive)
Cost: Members: $10 | Non-members: $11 | Day of (if available): $15 everyone

Enjoy a fun evening at the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place and dance the night away on two dance floors – one for ballroom and Latin dancing, the other for line dancing. A cash bar is available. Pre-register at newmarket.perfectmind.com (use code 83360 for June 5 and code 83361 for June 19). Walk-in tickets will be available on the day of the event and can be purchased at the door (cash only).

Information: Newmarket.ca/Adults55+

 

Town of Newmarket presents Early Keyboard Festival

Date: Various dates in June
Time: Various times (see website for details)
Location: Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
Cost: Tickets start at $50/adult and $25/student with additional package options available

In partnership with the Town of Newmarket, Céleste Music proudly presents the inaugural Early Keyboard Festival at the Serpa Galleries in Old Town Hall. This immersive and interactive festival transforms the gallery into a living exhibition of sound, where history comes alive through professional concerts, engaging lectures, and inspiring student performances.

This event features four concerts, one student festival, five days of Masterclasses and six free events. See the website for full details. 

Information: Newmarket.ca/OldTownHall

 

Town of Newmarket presents Duende

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Location: Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
Cost: $32 plus tax

Get ready for a night of irresistible rhythm, passion, and world class musicianship as Duende, Canada’s premier Gipsy Kings tribute band, brings the electrifying sounds of rumba flamenca to Newmarket’s historic Old Town Hall!

Information and tickets: Newtix.ca

 

York Pride Festival

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (see website for details about specific activations)
Location: Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive) and Main Street
Cost: Free admission

Celebrate Pride Month and join York Pride for a festival on Saturday, June 13 at Riverwalk Commons. Be sure to come celebrate the Trans March & York Pride Parade on Main Street, Newmarket beginning at 4 p.m. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Newmarket, this vibrant festival transforms Main Street and Riverwalk Commons into an unforgettable hub of pride, connection, and excitement. Because in Newmarket, you can care to be you.

Information: YorkPride.ca

 

Car Wash for United Way  

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Ian Laing Headquarters (Station 4-5, 300 Earl Stewart Drive, Aurora). Enter through the second laneway on Isaacson Crescent  
Cost: Donate what you can to support United Way. Cash, debit or credit.

Come get your car washed and help fight poverty in your neighbourhood. Stop by the Central York Fire Services (CYFS) Ian Laing headquarters to get your car washed by local firefighters in exchange for a ‘pay what you can’ donation to United Way locally.  

Information: cyfs.ca

 

Tim Hortons Canada Day

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive) and George Richardson Park (Bayview Parkway)
Cost: Free admission

Enjoy a fun-filled day with the Town of Newmarket! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., join us at Riverwalk Commons for a daytime concert and festival where you can enjoy rides on the Tim Hortons Express Train, facepainting, food vendors including a licensed area managed by the North Newmarket Lions Club, entertainment, Main Street festivities and more!  

Head over to George Richardson Park from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. for live music and an incredible fireworks display!

Information: Newmarket.ca/CanadaDay

 

Elman W. Campbell Museum: Making History

Date: Saturday, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, September 26, 2026
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South)
Cost: $6.69/child (ages 6 to 12)

Develop your children’s creativity at the Elman W. Campbell Museum. Learn about different time periods around the world with some fun activities, including making unique crafts to take home. Parent supervision is required.  

Information: Newmarket.ca/Museum

 

Elman W. Campbell Museum: Little Museum Time

Date: Saturdays (three-week sessions), July 4 to 18, August 1 to 15, September 12 to 26, 2026
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South)
Cost: $20.07/three-week session

Watch your tot learn, play, and make new friends at the Elman W. Campbell Museum's Little Museum Time. Held monthly, these three-week sessions introduce the Museum to your preschoolers. Each weekly session will follow themes during hands-on activities to stimulate communication, cooperation, imagination, and make new friends!

Information: Newmarket.ca/Museum

 

Newmarket Music Series presented by TD Bank Group

Date: Thursdays from July 9 to August 20, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive)
Cost: Free admission

Join us every Thursday evening from July 9 to August 20 for a free tribute band concert at Riverwalk Commons. Each concert will feature talented local performers and a premier tribute band. Check out the FREE Mercedes-Benz Newmarket Backstage Lounge and enjoy the concert from the comfort of a Muskoka chair.

This is a highly-attended event; please arrive early to secure a spot and remember to bring your own chair. Food and drink vendors will be back again this season. Please note that the Mercedes-Benz Newmarket Water Feature will be closed for the day each Thursday during the series in preparation for the event. Visit the website for the full 2026 lineup!

Information: Newmarket.ca/MusicSeries

 

Elman W. Campbell Museum: History and Hops Pub Quiz

Date: Tuesdays, July 14, August 11 and September 15, 2026
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South) and Old Flame Brewing Company (140 Main Street South)
Cost: $11.15/participant (limited spots available; registration required)

Join us for an evening tour of the Elman W. Campbell Museum and trivia at the Old Flame Brewery for the History and Hops Pub Quiz. Test your general knowledge and some local history at this community collaboration. Registration includes an after-hours tour of the museum and a spot at the Old Flame Brewery for the trivia night.

Information: Newmarket.ca/Museum (stay tuned for more information)

 

Elman W. Campbell Museum: Translated History Walking Tours

Date: July 29, 31 and August 12, 14, 26, 28, 2026
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South)
Cost: $11.15/participant (limited spots available; registration required)

Join us at the Elman Campbell Museum for our first ever translated historical tours in Farsi and Cantonese in partnership with the Newmarket Public Library. Families and visitors of all ages are welcome to participate on these walking tours down Historic Main street.

Tours in Farsi and English on Wednesday July 29, August 12, August 26.
Tours in Cantonese and English on Fridays July 31, August 14, August 28.

Information: Newmarket.ca/Museum (stay tuned for more information)

 

Moonlight Movies

Enjoy summer evenings at Moonlight Movies, taking place at various parks throughout Town. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch a movie under the stars. Stay tuned for more information about dates and locations.  

Information: Newmarket.ca/MoonlightMovies

 

Summerfest on Main

Date: Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23
Time: August 20, 3 to 11 p.m. | August 21, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. | August 22, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. | August 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Newmarket
Cost: Free

Get ready to soak up the sun and the good vibes as historic Main Street Newmarket transforms into the ultimate summer hangout! This award-winning event will have the street buzzing with music, food, fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a local or coming from out of town, Summerfest on Main is the place to be.

Information: Newmarket.ca/SummerfestOnMain

 

Splash of Culture presented by Mercedes-Benz Newmarket

Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive)  
Cost: Free admission

Enjoy an evening of performances showcasing original music. You’ll experience art, water and music colliding into a dazzling evening under the stars in a unique setting as we transform the Mercedes-Benz Newmarket Water Feature into a beautifully lit stage complete with a baby grand piano. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.  

Information: Newmarket.ca/Splash

 

In addition to the many events put on by the Town, residents can discover local talent by taking in community performances at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre or Old Town Hall. For event information and tickets visit Newtix.ca.