Family is a concept that has shaped societies and individuals throughout history. It is often our first introduction to the world, teaching us values and forming the foundation of our sense of identity. But what exactly makes a family? While the traditional view holds that family is made up of biological relatives, many cultures and communities around the globe embrace a broader understanding.
Across cultures, the definition of family can differ significantly. In many Indigenous communities, the idea of family extends well past those who are related by blood. The community is often seen as one big family, bound by shared traditions, history, and responsibilities towards one another. In Korean culture, the word for family 'Shikgu' literally means 'people you eat with,' and is often described as 'those who eat from the same pot of rice.' It reflects the idea that sharing meals is central to family bonds and love.
In some Eastern cultures, the notion of family includes ancestors and future generations, shaping practices surrounding ancestral worship and reverence. The family takes on a timeless quality, with living members seen as a link in an infinite chain. This approach not only honors the past but also encourages individuals to carry forward family virtues and values.
York Region is hosting its inaugural celebration of Welcoming Week from September 12 to 21, 2025. Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome. We recognize how important newcomers are as they represent the biggest driver of our population growth, strengthen the regional economy and enrich the social fabric of our local communities. Welcoming Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate all this. Check out the
Welcoming Week Webpage to learn more and register for local events happening around the Region.
This juried exhibition will show the best of fine art photography from all around Ontario.
Drawing on the photographers' vision, emotions or concepts, this exhibition will explore creative expression, connecting community through fine art photography. Photographer exhibitors will bring their unique experiences to understand a deeper belonging through arts and culture.
The show will be at the Old Town Hall located in Newmarket, Ontario. Exhibitors include:
In partnership with the Newmarket Welcome Centre, Newmarket Library is excited to share a Welcome to the Library Newcomer Tour! This free, drop-in tour will showcase the amazing opportunities and resources that exist at the Library, including multilingual resources. Snacks will be provided. This tour will have a Farsi-speaking translator.
Please join the Newmarket Historical Society (NHS) to discover the world of historical information related to our wonderful town, Newmarket, Ontario. Drop by and visit our information booth. We will share about our work as an organization. Learn about our online archive and more!
A cornerstone of Newmarket for over 50 years, we continue to engage members and residents through our monthly curated historical newsletters, as well as monthly expert lectures.
The Newmarket Historical Society Archives house over 6,000 records, including: historic photographs, postcards, drawings, rare documents, early maps, books, family and business histories, memorabilia, official Town Minutes, land grants and indentures from 1805, and one of Ontario's most intact local newspaper collections of The Era. We provide public access via our online portal:
Online Collections | Newmarket Historical Society
Town of Newmarket Presents: The Hypnotist Guy
Friday, September 19, 2025 | Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) | Doors Open 6:30 p.m. Show: 7:30 p.m
Free Admission |
Tickets at Newtix.ca
The Ultimate in Audience Participation featuring YOU, YOUR friends and FAMILY as the stars of the show. Live comedy entertainment at it's best! Ontario's only FULL TIME Professional Comedy Hypnotist, That Hypnotist Guy brings his clean style of comedy to the Old Town Hall!! Some of the FUN you can expect to see: 15-20 participants are invited onstage to participate in some hilarious skits based on their creative imagination. Maybe a trip to a warm, comfy beach in another country! Speed painters with invisible canvases as famous artists? Who will fall in love with a giant red monkey?
This family friendly show especially geared for diverse audiences will be sure to bring lots of laughter. Bring your friends, and family for this FREE family friendly show for a laugh filled night at the Old Town Hall.
'Culture Days' Heritage Main Street Walking Tour Featuring the History Hound
Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South) | September 19, 2025 | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. tours
Free Admission |
Register at Xplor
In partnership with the Elman W. Campbell Museum, the History Hound, local historian Richard McLeod will be leading the Heritage Main Street Walking Tours. Join us in our abridged version as we tour sites of Newmarket's historic Main Street and discover untold stories of the diverse tapestry of Newmarket's past through architectural testaments located all around the town's core.
Guests will begin the tour at the Elman W. Campbell Museum and have a chance to learn and explore historic buildings along the way. Please meet at the Elman W. Campbell Museum to begin the tour. Donations are appreciated.
Newcomer Tour: Welcome to the Library (Chinese)
Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Avenue) | Multipurpose Room | September 20, 2025 | 2 p.m.
In partnership with the Newmarket Welcome Centre, Newmarket Library is excited to share a Welcome to the Library Newcomer Tour! This free, drop-in tour will showcase the amazing opportunities and resources that exist at the Library, including multilingual resources. Snacks will be provided. This tour will have a Mandarin-speaking translator.
Details at Newmarket Public Library
Newmarket Group of Artists Presents | What Makes a Good Photograph?
Panel Discussion and Talk
Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) | Serpa Gallery | Saturday, September 20
| 2 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a panel discussion followed by a walk and snap (shoot) through downtown Newmarket. All welcome. Camera phones welcome. Everyone is welcome and encouraged.
Wondering who's behind this?
We are four artists living in the Newmarket Ontario area: 3 photographers and 1 mixed media artist. We all submit work to juried shows and participate in local art groups. We got together some time ago and saw a need for a photography specific art show. Pooling our ideas and talents, we came up with the Newmarket Fine Art Photography Exhibition. It will be an annual event, and we are excited to offer it to the Ontario photographic community.
Our purpose in organizing and presenting this exhibition is to showcase fine art photography so that others may come to appreciate the beauty and depth of the medium. We aim to celebrate photography's unique place in the world of art.
Find out more the Newmarket Group of Artists
Newcomer Tour: Welcome to the Library (General)
Newmarket Public Library( 438 Park Avenue) | Multipurpose Room | Sunday, September 2, 2025 | 2 p.m.
In partnership with the Newmarket Welcome Centre, Newmarket Library is excited to share a Welcome to the Library Newcomer Tour! This free, drop-in tour will showcase the amazing opportunities and resources that exist at the Library, including multilingual resources. Snacks will be provided.
Details at Newmarket Public Library
The Writers' Community of York Region | Ink to legacy: How to Publish Your Book
Everyone has a story to tell – what's yours?
Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street) Serpa Gallery | Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us for an inspiring and informative seminar with Cali Platek of Simon and Schuster, as she shares insider tips on how to turn your personal story into a published book. Whether you're just beginning to write or ready to take the next step toward publishing, this is your chance to learn what it takes to get your story in the hands of readers.
The event will also include time for networking with fellow writers, exchanging ideas, and building your creative community. Refreshments will be served. Don't miss this opportunity to bring your story to life! All are welcome.
Cali Platek is an experienced publishing professional, currently serving as Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Simon & Schuster Canada. Cali works on marketing campaigns for top authors like Stephen King, Jeannette Walls, Megan Miranda, Mona Awad, and more, while overseeing Simon & Schuster's digital strategy, including website updates, social media, email marketing, and influencer marketing. Previous roles include Marketing & Communications Manager at TCAF: Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Digital Marketing Manager at Scholastic Canada, and editorial roles at Robert Kennedy Publishing, Maple Tree Press, and Firefly Books. Cali has a Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College and has trained at Brainstation. Cali lives in Toronto with her two daughters
The Writers' Community of York Region
The Writers' Community of York Region is a collective of local authors, poets, and industry professionals who strive to build a supportive and encouraging framework for writers and their craft. Our shared love of literature provides a platform for education, inspiration, and an opportunity to network, connect and celebrate.
Our goal is to engage our fellow writers by increasing public awareness and attendance at our events, and active participation within our online forum. All writers at all stages are welcome. Ultimately, we are in pursuit of being the representing body for literary endeavours in York Region.
The WCYR provides:
- Monthly events from September to June with knowledgeable speakers
- Free member-run workshops
- Special event opportunities for both polished and published writers
- Networking and newsletters
- Opportunities to build your writing CV/portfolio
For more information visit wcyork.ca
Cup of Culture Tea Hosted by the Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place
Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive) | September 21 | 1 to 4 p.m.
Free Admission | Register by September 15 at Xplor
Experience the world through tea, coffee, and performance at Cups of Culture. Enjoy an afternoon of cultural connection featuring captivating performances by the elegant Persian dance group Hoor Dance, the powerful rhythms of the Toronto Women's Dragon Drum Group, and the vibrant energy of Bollywood dancer Era Padhye. Donations to the Food Pantry will be accepted. All welcome. Sponsored by the Women's Centre of York Region.
Making Music Together – Newmarket Community String Orchestra Experience
Old Town Hall (460 Botsford) | Pfaff Auditorium | September 21, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants register here | Free admission for audience at Newtix.ca
This participatory project invites violinists, violists, cellists of all ages and levels from the Newmarket area to join a contemporary string orchestra under the guidance of a professional violin teacher and piano teacher accompanist.
Participants will rehearse and perform a selection of easy or moderately challenging pieces arranged for string ensemble with piano accompaniment. The rehearsal will culminate in a short live concert where all musicians – student and mentor will perform together for family, friends and the public.
This opportunity will bring together local and encourage an intergenerational collaboration and celebrate the joy of making music in a larger ensemble. Tis initiative welcomes beginners and intermediate players performers along with returning adult learners.
This event is free to attend. Pay what you can donations are appreciated and gratefully accepted to help support future community music initiatives.
Presented by Qashqai Sound Ltd.
Program Schedule:
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Group Rehearsal
- 1:30 to 2 p.m. | Sound check and warm up
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Concert for friends, family and public
- 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Qashqai Sound Ltd.
Amin Aghaie Koohi Biography
A versatile musician, Amin is an ethnomusicologist, and educator known for his mastery of multiple instruments, particularly the violin. With over 25 years of professional experience, Amin has dedicated his life to the study, performance, and teaching of music.
As a violinist, Amin possesses a remarkable ability for improvisation, infusing his performances with creativity and spontaneity. His dynamic playing style captivates audiences and showcases his deep understanding of musical expression.
Galyna Omelchenko-Aghaie Koohi Biography
Galyna Omelchenko-Aghaie Koohi is an accomplished musician, educator, and composer with a rich background in musical arts. She currently serves as a Voice and Piano Teacher at Inspire Music Academy in Markham and Aurora, Ontario.
Galyna's artistic prowess extends to composing, arranging, and conducting. She has contributed significantly as Composer, Arranger, and Conductor for the Shiraz Chamber Orchestra "Chanli Kyuch" in Iran from 2018 to 2021, where she created compositions based on Qashqai folk melodies. Her collaboration with orchestras and choirs, both in rehearsal and studio settings, culminated in the creation of a CD featuring her original works.
Clarence Chong a Retrospective – 'Painted Girls – Imagined Histories'
NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent) | September 21, 2025 | 1 to 5 p.m.
Clarence Chong, maternal grandfather to Erika MacNeil, arrived in Canada with an unknown birthdate and lineage. His grade school teacher, known to MacNeil as Granny Abel, recognized his talent and sent him to art school through a tunnel from Windsor to Detroit across the border when he came of age.
The works are a collection of portraits from Chong's studies as an art student recently discovered in a tube portfolio in Erika MacNeil's basement. Erika, local Newmarket resident, librarian at Rogers Public school who runs open mics, a book club and writing workshops pays tribute to her grandfather, Clarence; this exhibit celebrates the life and works of Clarence in recognition of MacNeil's rich family history.
Artists and poets will be in attendance to draw and write in response to the portraiture, accompanied by live music.
Erika Loughran MacNeil
Instagram | Substack
Dancer by training, teacher by trade, writer on a whim. Erika is the librarian at Rogers PS in Newmarket where she lives with her family and runs open mics, a book club and writing workshops. She is a mentor for York Pride and offers copy editor and public speaking services.
ArtTalks: Teresa Dunlop – Ceramics
Newmarket Public Library ( 438 Park Avenue) | Multipurpose Room | Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Join Newmarket Library in the lead-up to the annual Newmarket ArtWalk with a free ArtTalk Series platforming some of Newmarket's exciting local artists. Join us on Thursday September 25, 2025 in conversation with local ceramics artist Teresa Dunlop. All welcome.
ArtTalks: Dan Wu – Encaustic Art – A Journey
Newmarket Public Library – Multipurpose Room | Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Join Newmarket Library in the lead-up to the annual Newmarket ArtWalk with a free ArtTalk Series platforming some of Newmarket's exciting local artists. Join us on Thursday October 2nd where local artist Dan Wu will share the journey he has taken in encaustic art. The artist will show and talk about the development of encaustic art, the process, techniques, artists that have inspired him, along with how his love of travel has inspired his works of art.
Newmarket Group of Artists 2025 Artwalk
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Sunday October 5, 2025 - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Artwalk is a juried, walkable art show with 43 artist of diverse disciplines exhibiting at 11 venues around Newmarket's beautiful, historic downtown. The artists are hosted in public venues, and businesses, all within walking distance of Newmarket's picturesque Main Street. They are an exciting blend of established local artists and fresh talent, in a wide range of mediums, including jewellery, mixed media, ceramics, painting, photography, textile and more!
Newmarket Group of Artists
The Newmarket Group of Artists was formed in 2009 to launch the inaugural Newmarket Artwalk & Studio Tour and build awareness of local visual artists. Since that time, the NGA has grown to provide more opportunities for our artists such as art shows at the Art at 365, venues along Historic Main Street, and various marketing workshops.
Find out more the Newmarket Group of Artists
Past Events
Culture Days 2023
Create. Share. Celebrate
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Each year millions of people attend thousands of free participatory art and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities.
Culture Days activities across Canada can be held indoors, outdoors and online (virtual workshops, self-guided activities and live presentations from September 22 to October 15.
Click here to learn more about Culture Days
Culture Days Community Collective Art Project – Chalk it Up – Your Favourite Things
Saturday, September 23, 2023 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at the Riverwalk Pathway at Water Street | Free Admission
Get inspired by chalk artist, Kim Egan and artists from the Society of York Region Artists as you contribute through your own drawing or add to our chalk walk masterpiece along the blue path. Connect to your health and wellness. Practice mindfulness and experience joy through chalk art.
All ages! All artists budding or seasoned are welcome! Join us indoors at the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Halls, 200 Doug Duncan Drive - Hall 3 & 4 if it rains – we will bring the fun indoors with a giant mural!
About the Artist
Kim Egan is a mixed-media artist, muralist, crafter, milliner, jewelry designer and chalk artist. Her chalk murals have been recently featured in the news media. Her works are imaginative and magical. Kim is a firm believer in the power of art as a catalyst for self discovery, personal growth and joyful wellness. Her journey to wellness has been underscored through her practice of art.
Culture Days 2024
Newmarket Culture Days 2024 - "Building Bridges"
Connect. Share. Celebrate.
Dates:
- September 27 to 29
- October 4 to 6
Locations:
- Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
- NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent)
- Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
- Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 main St. S.)
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Newmarket Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Culture Days activities include curated cultural experiences including workshops, self-guided activities and live presentations.
Celebrate and experience this years' theme of 'Building Bridges.' Explore the spirit of connection, collaboration, and understanding with community. Bridge gaps, whether they be cultural, social, or geographical, promoting dialogue and understanding in order to create a more inclusive, harmonious and be part of a more interconnected community and society.
Culture Days at Old Town Hall
- Toronto Women's Dragon Drum Group
- Very Useful Theatre Company
- Writers' Community of York Region
- Kim Egan Sidewalk Chalk Demo
- Seagull Cultural Forum (Syrian Mediterranean Cultural Forum)
Culure Days at the Newmarket Municipal Offices
- Indigenous Cultural Showcase - Affects of Colonization
Culture Days at NewRoads Performing Arts Centre
- Newmarket Historical Society
- Town of Newmarket presents: Sam Polley and the Old Tomorrows
- Very Useful Theatre Company
- Seagull Cultural Forum (Syrian Mediterranean Cultural Forum)
Culture Days at the Elman W. Campbell Museum
- Cultural Days Open House at the Elman W. Campbell Museum
Culture Days at Main Street Newmarket
- Downtown Newmarket Historical Walk with Wes Playter
- Newmarket Artwalk
Culture Days at Pickering College
- Storytime Trail and Regenerative Forest Viewing at Blue & Silver Farm
