Culture Days 2026

Culture Days 2026 - Many Voices, One Community

September 11 to 30, October 3 & 4, 2026

Newmarket Culture Days, is part of a broader Canada-wide celebration. 2026 will focus on animating the downtown cultural core district – creating a hub for residents to experience curated arts and culture FREE or pay what you can culturally curated experiences.

Focusing on the theme of 'Many Voices, One Community.' Newmarket Culture Days will reflect on a shared sense of belonging, through shared experiences, and creative expressions.

Check back here for complete schedule of activities. Learn more about Culture Days Canada

Celebrating Welcoming Week

The Town of Newmarket will also co-celebrate Welcoming Week, September 10 to 19, 2026. This annual event aims to celebrate the contribution of newcomers and immigrants, fostering a sense of belonging, and inclusivity within the community.

Learn more about events and activities Region wide: Celebrating Welcoming Week | York Region

Events

Reflections on Kindness and Shared Humanity

September 11 to 30, 2026 | Gallery Hours

Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)

Discover the inspiring work of artist Soroush Boroumand in this thought-provoking interactive exhibit. Through compelling artwork and personal stories, visitors are invited to reflect on compassion, resilience, hope, and the connections that unite us across different experiences and backgrounds.

Past, Present and Future: Mulock Park and the Newmarket Historical Society

September 18, 19 & 20, 2026

Mulock Park (33 Mulock Drive)

Presented by the Newmarket Historical Society, this interactive experience invites participants to discover fascinating stories from Newmarket’s Mulock Park's past. Explore archives, learn local history and celebrate the diverse voices that continue to shape our future.

Mixed Media Japanese Style Pastel and White Dot Painting

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 5 to 9 p.m.

Drop-In Program

Slow down, unwind and explore a meditative art experience using soft pastel blending and rhythmic white dot techniques. Participants will create their own unique artwork while connecting with others through creativity, mindfulness and self-expression.

Stories of Us: Creating Human Connections

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1 to 4 p.m.

Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Ave)

Drop-In Program | Suitable for ages 16+

Take part in meaningful conversations with Human Books who share personal experiences of identity, belonging, migration and resilience. This unique program encourages empathy, understanding and genuine human connection through open dialogue and shared perspectives.

Finding Our Musical Voice

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Explore rhythm, sound and spontaneous musical expression in a supportive setting led by facilitator Jame Erickson. Participants are encouraged to contribute their own unique musical voice while discovering the joy of collaboration and creative connection.

Many Voices, One Community: A New Homeland

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Free admission

Explore the experiences of newcomers navigating language, culture and community through storytelling, music and discussion. This inspiring evening highlights how diverse voices, perspectives and traditions strengthen and enrich our shared cultural landscape.

Stories of Heart

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Celebrate storytelling, literacy and imagination through hands-on family fun.

An Evening with Monique Gray Smith

Monday, September 28, 2026 | 7 p.m.

Registration Required

Through storytelling, discussion and reflection, Monique Gray Smith shares perspectives on kindness, resilience, Indigenous voices and building understanding. Participants will leave inspired by the power of stories to create connection and community.

Click Here for Tickets

Many Rivers We Crossed

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Centre & Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive)

Drop-In Sessions:

11 a.m.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

Participants will be given the opportunity to create an abstract piece of art using a variety of art materials with guidance from professional artist, Paulette Fleury and are invited to 'build' a story with Storyteller, Maxine Palomino. All welcome – no experience needed.

Pay It Forward: A Taste of Community

Free admission | Pay what you can

Presented by Roots of Holmes Foundation, this unique culinary experience features fresh Trinidadian-inspired street food, treats and refreshments. Celebrate culture, generosity and connection while sharing food and community in a welcoming environment.

2026 Newmarket ArtWalk

October 3 & 4, 2026

Downtown Newmarket

Explore a vibrant exhibition featuring dozens of artists working in a wide range of styles and mediums. ArtWalk transforms Downtown Newmarket into a creative showcase where artists and visitors come together to celebrate visual arts and community.

Frozen in Time: Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place Time Capsule

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 1 to 4 p.m.

Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place (474 Davis Drive)

Registration required

Join older adults, families and friends in creating a living snapshot of Newmarket today. Share memories, traditions, letters, photos and artwork that will be preserved for future generations and celebrate the voices and experiences that shape our community.

Register on Xplor

Many Voices: One Community Expressed Through Dance

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 12 to 4 p.m.

Experience a dynamic showcase featuring talented local dance groups presenting diverse styles and performances. From graceful movement to energetic expression, this event highlights the power of dance to inspire, connect and celebrate community.

One Voice, One Community Dance Workshop

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 7 to 9 p.m.

NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent)

Suitable for ages 16+ | Free admission

Through guided movement and expressive dance, participants are invited to release, reflect and reconnect in a supportive environment. This wellness-focused experience celebrates self-care, shared stories and the power of community connection.

Brain Power Studio Presents: Local Lens Film Showcase

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Enjoy a selection of family-friendly films produced by Brain Power Studio and featuring recognizable Newmarket locations. This engaging showcase highlights local creativity, filmmaking talent and the stories that bring our community to life.

Celebrate Many Voices, One Community with a fun, interactive radio experience at 102.7 CHOP FM – The Voice of Newmarket!

Pickering College Campus (16945 Bayview Avenue)

Community members of all ages are invited to step behind the microphone and become part of a special on-air community broadcast.

Past Events

Culture Days 2024

Newmarket Culture Days 2024 - "Building Bridges"

Connect. Share. Celebrate.

Dates:

September 27 to 29

October 4 to 6

Locations:

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

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

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.

In Partnership