What’s going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

The weekend, check out Girls Inc.’s free prom dress event, a Black entrepreneurs marketplace, an artisans pop-up, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes to the stage, and a beer and chocolate pairing
Friday, April 11

Girls Inc. Prom Prep: Prom Prep is an annual event hosted by Girls Inc. of York Region and provides female-identifying and non-binary identifying, high school and grade eight graduates with a boutique-style shopping experience where they can select a free prom or graduation dress, shoes, and accessories—all made possible through generous community donations. This event, from 3 to 8 p.m. at EventMRKT at 325 Doug Duncan Dr. in Newmarket, is available to all 2025 graduates regardless of economic background. Register in advance to guarantee entry.

Marquee Theatrical presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, to April 13: Marquee Theatrical adult cast presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket. Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, this musical features memorable songs from the well-known 1971motion picture, including Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination. This show presents ageless themes of hope, friendship, and the consequences of greed but overall that having a loving family is the best golden ticket of all. Adults $35, senior, student, child $32. Tickets and showtimes. 

Aurora Bridge Club: Play duplicate bridge weekly with the Aurora club at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 12:15 to 4 p.m., open games Wednesdays and Fridays, Thursday 0-500. Price $6 to $10.

Saturday, April 12

Innovate. Network. Thrive: Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs in York Region: York Small Business Enterprise Centre is partnering with the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) Coalition to host a free business exposition and marketplace at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket from noon to 6 p.m. in Centre Court, near Dollarama, and Davis Court, near Laura. The event showcases 30 Black-owned small businesses in York Region, including food, art, health and wellness and more.

Karima Essa: Aurora Cultural Centre presents a family show that blends Bollywood dance with body positive messaging with BC South Asian dancer and choreographerKarima Essa, entertains and educates simultaneously with swirling colour and movement. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Aurora Town Square – Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St., tickets $25.

2nd Annual Artisan Pop-Up, April 12 to 20:  Matsu Jewellery hosts a spring pop-up, alongside eight talented artisans, featuring a curated selection of handcrafted pieces, from handwrought jewelry and ceramics to leather goods, artful greeting cards, textiles, fibre art décor, and all-natural skincare at 1235 Gorham St Unit 1, Newmarket. Also included is Pollinator Gardens, offering dried flower wreaths, seeds, and seedlings. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Marquee Theatrical presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, to April 13: Marquee Theatrical adult cast presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket. Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, this musical features memorable songs from the well-known 1971motion picture, including Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination. This show presents ageless themes of hope, friendship, and the consequences of greed but overall that having a loving family is the best golden ticket of all. Adults $35, senior, student, child $32. Tickets and showtimes. 

Sunday, April 13

Beer and Chocolate Pairing: Old Flame Brewery, 140 Main St., Newmarket, hosts a beer and chocolate pairing event from noon to 1 p.m. Tickets $38.

Marquee Theatrical presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Marquee Theatrical adult cast presents Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket. Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, this musical features memorable songs from the well-known 1971motion picture, including Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination. This show presents ageless themes of hope, friendship, and the consequences of greed but overall that having a loving family is the best golden ticket of all. Adults $35, senior, student, child $32. Tickets and showtimes. 

Coming Up:

Newmarket Juried Art Show, April 15 to 26: The seventh annual juried art show features 46 pieces of artwork at the Newmarket Old Town Hall with free reception and awards ceremony on April 16 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. More information at newmarketjuriedartshow.ca.

Aurora’s Easterpalooza, Saturday, April 19: Aurora’s Easterpalooza presented by Aurora Home Hardware offer Easter-themed events for the entire family, including carrot limbo, egg croquet, crafts, face painting, egg fishing, hopstacle course, story walk and more, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Aurora Seniors’ Centre, 90 John West Way. Wristbands, $5 per person, must be purchased in advance at Aurora Family Leisure Complex, 135 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora Joint Operations Centre, 229 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora Town Hall, 100 John West Way, Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., or Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, 1400 Wellington St. More information at aurora.ca/Easter.

Barks & Banter: Stand Up for the Ontario SPCA, Saturday, April 26: Bark your calendars and get ready to howl with laughter at Market Brewery in Newmarket. This event promises to be a purr-fect night of comedy, great drinks, and paws-itively fantastic company. Hosted by Jesse Ralph, a staple in the local Newmarket comedy scene, this event features Cathy Boyd and headliner Alex Wood. Tickets  https://tinyurl.com/5n7ysepc

Newmarket Folk Society presents Russell deCarle, Saturday, April 26: Newmarket Folk Society is closing out its 2024-25 season with Russell deCarle, the lead vocalist and bassist of the iconic Canadian country roots band Prairie Oyster that won six Juno Awards, more than a dozen Canadian Country Music Awards and enough gold and platinum records and No. 1 singles to fill a living room wall. He will be joined by guitarist Steve Briggs and bassist Russ Boswell. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St. Tickets, $30, at newmarketfolk.com or 705.431.7182 (leave a message).

Aurora Home Show, April 26 and 27: The Aurora Chamber of Commerce home and lifestyle show at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex features more than 100 vendors from Aurora and the surrounding area, as well as a children’s area, a paint-your-own birdhouse station, and magician performances Coach Steve. (Saturday at 1 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m.)m Newmarket Community Craft Beer Festival pop, food vendors and mobile axe throwing trailer. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1400 Wellington St. E. Vendor directory here. Admission is free.

Region of York Quilters Guild Show, April 26 and 27: Region of York Quilters Guild presents Quilted Treasures at Newmarket Community Centre & Lions Hall.

Angel Heung Piano Recital, Sunday, April 27: Winner of international competitions 10-year-old Angel Heung performs her first fundraising solo recital in Trinity United Newmarket at 3 p.m. featuring works by Bach, Haydn, Chopin, Mendelssohn & Debussy. Tickets $25, children under 12 free. Proceeds to Trinity United.

And Now for Something Completely Different, Saturday, May 3: After Hours Big Band will be joined by two amazing vocalists performing music from the ’70s and ’80s that are not typical for Big Bands, including songs from Chicago,Tower of Power, Harry Connick Jr. and more, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church,227 Church St., Newmarket, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.Tickets $20. 

York Region Community Choir 30th Anniversary, Saturday, May 3: The York Region Community Choir holds 30 Years of Harmony spring concert at Trinity United Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora at 7 p.m. Tickets $25, at the door or call Carol 905-895-3868.

Encore! Choir presents Wade in the Water, Saturday, May 3: Encore! presents a choral concert, Wade in the Water, at 3 p.m. at Bethel Community Christian Reformed Church, 333 Davis Dr. at Lorne Ave., Newmarket. Come travel the waterways in and around North America through spirituals, folksongs and music that reflects our strong sense of Canadian identity, as together, we explore the importance of water to our existence. The concert is in support of Water Ambassadors Canada (waterambassadorscanada.org.) Tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors/students $20 at [email protected], 416-402-4409.

61st annual Aurora Art Show and Sale, May 3 and 4: The Town of Aurora and Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA) present the 61st annual Aurora Art Show and Sale, a cherished community tradition and one of Canada’s longest-running art shows, featuring over 350 creations. This weekend promises a lively display of local artists and their distinctive, creative pieces. The event is open to the public at no cost, providing a unique chance to purchase artwork directly from the creators Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall, 100 John West Way.

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