👋 SLOOOW down summer. August is flying by but there is still plenty of summer left and family fun to be had. If you're in town this week, there are free events happening across York Region to help you make the most of these last precious weeks of summer.

Things I'm loving this week:

1. The Canada Strong Pass - we'll be cashing this in for a trip to Ottawa next week. Children travel free on VIA Rail! (Note: it's not a physical pass you purchase, just visit participating Parks Canada sites, national museums/galleries and VIA Rail to benefit from free admission or discounts).

2. This Tick Check and Remover Kit I picked up for an upcoming camping trip. Hopefully we don't have to use it, but it includes a helpful tick identification card.

FREE events I’m checking out this week:

🍖 Ribfest with kids zone, 🎬️ Outdoor movies (Jumanji and E.T.), ☀️ 4-day Summerfest on Main in Newmarket, 🌿 Clay-making at Kortright and a 🧱 LEGO Party at Richvale Library in Richmond Hill. 💸 Plus 11 other FREE events happening this week!



- The Mayhem Mamas

⚠️ Quick reminder: Registration for fall recreational programming across York Region opens this week! Check out last week's newsletter for direct links to your municipality's programming and registration timing.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

🎬 Movies in the Park - Jumanji | AURORA
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Aurora Town Park, Aurora
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free outdoor summer movie with pre-movie family activities and popcorn. Activities start at 7:30 PM, movie begins at 8:30 PM. Bring lawn chairs or blankets!

🌭 Summerfest On Main (Day 1/4) | NEWMARKET
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | Time: 3:00 PM–11:00 PM
Location: Main Street from Water St. to Park Ave.
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Historic Main Street transforms into a summer hangout with live music, food, street performers, and family-friendly stage shows. Road closures in effect, fully licensed street.

👑 Newmarket Music Series: Tribute to Queen | NEWMARKET
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free tribute band concert featuring a Queen tribute band. Bring lawn chairs, food and beverage vendors on site. No outside alcohol allowed.

🎸 Concerts in the Park - CCR Tribute | RICHMOND HILL
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Mill Pond Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free outdoor concert featuring Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for a perfect evening of classic rock!

🎬 Starlight Cinema Nights - E.T. | GEORGINA
Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2025 | Time: 8:15 PM
Location: The ROC
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free outdoor movie under the stars. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for this classic family film!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

🍖 Ribfest (Day 1/3) | AURORA
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 | Time: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
Location: Machell Park
Cost: FREE (Entry), Food/Drinks cost extra | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Aurora's tastiest event with ribs, roasted corn, live entertainment, and a kids zone. Three days of family fun ahead!

🌭 Summerfest On Main (Day 2/4) | NEWMARKET
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Location: Main Street from Water St. to Park Ave.
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Day 2 of the street festival with extended hours. Check website for full schedule of performances and activities.

🎵 Music on the Street | MARKHAM
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 | Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Live performances by local musicians bring Main Street Unionville and the Varley courtyard to life with music and community spirit.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

🌽 Community Corn Roast | AURORA
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Aurora Farmers Market
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate the corn harvest and support the Aurora Food Pantry! Guest chefs including Mayor Tom Mrakas will be cooking fresh Ontario corn, plus Canadian country music star Marshall Dane performs. Shop local vendors and try "OMG" kettlecorn from sponsor Munchies Gourmet.

🍖 Ribfest (Day 2/3) | AURORA
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Location: Machell Park
Cost: FREE (Entry), Food/Drinks cost extra | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Peak day of Ribfest with extended hours! Perfect Saturday family outing with live entertainment throughout the day.

🦸 Brooks Farms - Superhero Summit | EAST GWILLIMBURY
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM
Location: Brooks Farms
Cost: $17.48 | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Ladybug and Spider-man join Brooks Farms for superhero training! Meet & greet sessions at 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM, available with barnyard playland admission.

🌭 Summerfest On Main (Day 3/4) | NEWMARKET
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 PM
Location: Main Street from Water St. to Park Ave.
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Saturday brings the biggest crowds and best entertainment schedule. Get there early for the best spot!

🛒 Village Market | VAUGHAN
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Toronto Waldorf School, Vaughan
Cost: FREE (Entry), Purchases cost extra | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Local farmers market connecting organic farmers and producers with the community. Runs every Saturday until December 20th!

🍓 The Stouffville Market | WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: 6240 Main Street, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Cost: FREE Entry | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Fun outdoor market for a delightful shopping experience! Open Saturdays until October 18th.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

🍖 Ribfest (Day 3/3) | AURORA
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Location: Machell Park
Cost: FREE (Entry), Food/Drinks cost extra | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of Aurora's tastiest event! Perfect Sunday family outing to wrap up the weekend.

🦸 Brooks Farms - Superhero Summit | EAST GWILLIMBURY
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM
Location: Brooks Farms
Cost: $17.48 | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Last chance this weekend to meet your favorite superheroes! Two meet & greet times available.

🌭 Summerfest On Main (Day 4/4) | NEWMARKET
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Main Street from Water St. to Park Ave.
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of this amazing 4-day street festival. Family-friendly closing celebration!

🛒 Hillcrest Farmers Market | RICHMOND HILL
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Hillcrest Mall
Cost: FREE (Entry), Purchases cost extra | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Weekly farmers market offering local produce, gifts, crafts, and food. Runs every Sunday until October 5th!

🌿 Summer Sunday at Kortright | VAUGHAN
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation
Cost: General admission: $5.30–$8.00 | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Pack a picnic and enjoy family-friendly nature activities, clay-making with educators, and bluegrass music from Duke Street Turnaround. Rain or shine event!

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

🎬 Moonlight Movies - The Wild Robot | RICHMOND HILL
Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 | Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Richmond Hill
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Outdoor movie screening under the stars! Pre-show fun and delicious snacks start at 6:30 PM, movie begins at dusk. Bring blankets or chairs.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

🧱 Lego Party! (Richvale Branch) | RICHMOND HILL
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Location: Richmond Hill Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Drop in for some LEGO fun! The library supplies the bricks, you bring the creativity. No registration required.

ONGOING ALL WEEK

🎨 Earth to Art: Garden Rock Painting | KING
Date: Drop-in Tuesday–Saturday | Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: King Heritage & Cultural Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in activity to personalize a rock and add it to the Indigenous Medicine Garden border. Available all summer, no pre-registration required!

🖼️ Art Box: Make Art in the Park | MARKHAM
Date: Open during gallery hours until September
Location: Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Cost: $12.50 (plus security deposit) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Get creative outdoors with art supplies provided in a portable box for an en plein air adventure. Perfect for families! Inquire at gallery front desk, first come first served.

🎨 Free Exhibition Guided Tours | MARKHAM
Date: Saturday's & Sunday's in August | Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Join Gallery Animateurs for free 30-minute tours of the 2025 Summer Exhibitions. Drop-in program to learn about current art exhibits.

🎨 A Cultural Tapestry in Art Tour | MARKHAM
Date: August 21-24, 2025
Location: Markham Village Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Transforming the library into a vibrant gallery with fine art exhibitions and hands-on workshops. Opening night celebration with family-friendly activities!

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