The Town of Aurora is actively collaborating with local cultural organizations to highlight Aurora’s arts, culture and heritage scene.
What is Culture Days?
Culture Days is a national celebration of culture that invites the public to participate in hands on and behind the scenes activities that highlight the importance of culture in our communities. Initiated by the Canadian Arts Summit, Culture Days began in 2010 and five years later, it became an independent non-profit.
How do I participate as a Culture Days activity organizer?
If you are interested in having your event included in the Aurora event listing please send us an email. For more information about Culture Days visit our Culture Days webpage.
2024 Culture Days Event Schedule
Taking place from September 20th through to October 13th join us as we celebrate all that Aurora has to offer in the arts, culture and heritage landscape!
Sunday September 22 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aurora Town Square Grand Opening Culture Days Celebration!
Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria Street
Museum Tours – Intermittently – Main Lobby, Victoria Street Entrance |
Embark on a unique museum tour that combines the best of both worlds: start with an engaging exploration of our public exhibits, guided by knowledgeable museum staff and volunteers. Then, venture behind the scenes for an exclusive look at artifact storage, conservation, and the intricate curation process. This all-encompassing tour promises to deepen your appreciation for Aurora's cultural and historical treasures that we proudly display and care for. Join us for tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. No registration required |
Museum Unpack With Us – Intermittently – Plaza Level Program Room |
Experience the thrill of discovery by joining museum staff to unpack artifacts safely stored in crates during the construction of Aurora Town Square. This hands-on, behind-the-scenes drop-in program offers you the chance to help us move into our new home while unearthing hidden treasures from the past. Join the unpacking sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. No registration required. |
Aurora Cultural Centre Galleries – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at the Aurora Cultural Centre Galleries! Discover stunning works of art that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, our galleries offer a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone. Come and be inspired! |
Pine Tree Potters’ Guild Open House & Demos – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pine Tree Potters’ Guild Studio |
Come see how clay is brought to life for our Empty Bowls event! Visit the Open House in the studio at the corner of Church and Yonge in the basement rotunda of the Aurora Public Library. This FREE event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All items made at the Open House are to benefit Empty Bowls in November. |
Aurora Historical Society Button Making & Information Booth – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Main Lobby |
Stop by the Aurora Historical Society's booth to make customized buttons! Get to know our organization, check out our AHS merchandise, and explore all the exciting programs that we offer at nearby Hillary House National Historic Site. |
Bollywood Dance Workshop – 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – Addison Hall Dance Studio |
Come try a new, fun and energetic dance style. Bollywood dancing is a colourful, highly theatrical dance style seen in Indian films. It combines classical forms of dance including traditional Indian, folk, salsa, and belly dance while also incorporating more contemporary Western forms such as hip-hop, jazz and funk. There are 2 sessions available, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Register Online 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Register Online Come dressed ready to move in comfortable clothing and footwear. |
Road Tennis - Try It – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Outdoor Square |
Join us in the Outdoor Square to try out the exciting game of road tennis! Invented in Barbados in the 1930s road tennis is played on a smaller concrete court using a wooden divider as a net and wooden racquets. |
York Chamber Ensemble Performance – 2 p.m. – Performance Hall |
YCE bring the excitement of live classical music to Town Square with “Mozart to Movies”. Please note that tickets are required to enjoy this performance. All tickets can be purchased here. |
September 21 – 28
Aurora Cultural Centre Discovery Days 2024
Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria Street
Pique your curiosity with free, bite-sized introductions to various arts classes! Meet the artist-educators for a brief intro & demo and opportunity to give it a try! From Indigenous Beading, Bookbinding and Printmaking to Wood Carving, Acrylics & Oils and many more. All classes are offered in the Fall program. Registration is open throughout the week!
Check out all there is to experience here: Discovery Days 2024 - Aurora Cultural Centre
Meet The Culture Days Partners
The Town of Aurora is proud to be the home to many diverse Culture Days partners who provide engaging and unique programs for our community. Learn more about some of these great organizations!
Aurora Cultural Centre |
At the Aurora Cultural Centre, we believe that arts, culture, and heritage can play a role in changing our world and our community. This is the fabric that deepens our understanding of our shared experience, and creates a more compassionate society. The Centre is a registered charity, generously funded in part by the Town of Aurora. We are proud to have earned the Imagine Canada Trustmark, demonstrating excellence in non-profit operations. Our professional staff is supported by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and enthusiastic team of volunteers.
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Aurora Farmer's Market |
The Aurora Farmers Market began in 2002 in the parking lot of Temperance at the suggestion of Councillor Nigel Kean. At that time, there were only about six vendors, including few local farmers. Gradually the market grew and more varied vendors joined. Today, we have a Board of Directors, a Constitution, two staff and student volunteers. We maintain our status as a " True Farmers Market"! We host approximately forty vendors at any given time, including farmers, food vendors, artisans and community groups. We have a Children's craft every Saturday. We host Special Events and entertainment approximately once a month. The market continues to operate at the Town Park location every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the beginning of May to the end of October - RAIN OR SHINE!
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Aurora Film Circuit |
The Aurora Film circuit is a volunteer initiative committed to enhancing arts and culture in the community of Aurora. We are a devoted body of local film enthusiasts who provide our audiences with an alternative experience in cinema. Proceeds from ticket sales support special community projects and programs. Our Steering Committee works with the Film Circuit to bring you a wide variety of film choices. Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, provides filmgoers outside of Toronto with transformative experiences through access to Canadian and international independent films. With over 180 groups in 165 communities across Canada, Film Circuit is essential in helping TIFF lead the world in building markets and audiences for Canadian cinema.
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Aurora Historical Society |
The Aurora Historical Society (AHS) is an independent, volunteer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to heritage education for all ages. Since 1963, the Aurora Historical Society has worked to preserve and promote Aurora’s local heritage by offering innovative programming, hosting unique events, and making the town’s history accessible through a wide range of exhibitions.
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Aurora Museum & Archives |
The Aurora Museum & Archives is a municipal run museum whose mission is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the Town of Aurora. Currently closed to the public due to Aurora Town Square construction, you can explore our collection, watch documentaries or even take a walking tour by visiting auroramuseum.ca |
Aurora Public Library |
Aurora Public Library builds community by sparking connections, enriching lives and contributing vibrant spaces for discovery. We offer early literacy programs, vibrant literary and cultural experiences, a creative studio, online learning, extensive print and digital collections, newcomer services and comfortable seating for meeting, collaborating and socializing. Visit us at aurorapl.ca |
Aurora Seniors Association |
The Aurora Seniors Association is a group of energetic older adults who are very enthusiastic about the programs and activities at the Aurora Seniors Centre. Operated in partnership with the Town of Aurora Parks and Recreation Department, the Centre’s success is based on the Seniors who volunteer their time and Town of Aurora staff. We provide programs, events and activities to benefit and enrich the lives of older adults.
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Aurora Sports Hall of Fame |
Their Legacy. Our Future! The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is a celebration of sport history and excellence; dedicated to the recognition of the important place that sport has assumed within the fabric of Aurora. Every person who values the contribution of sport to our Community and Country is a part of that commemoration. Explore the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame |
Marquee Theatrical Productions |
Marquee Theatrical Productions was founded in 2003 by its current Executive Director, Sheryl Thomas. We are an award-winning, registered charitable, community theatre group and performing arts school, located in Aurora, Ontario. Our goal is to inspire excellence, motivate learning, uplift the human spirit, build confidence and spark a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By helping children develop their artistic talents and coaching them to strive for excellence, we teach them how to achieve – in the performing arts, in school, and ultimately in life. Marquee Theatrical Productions strives to provide an environment that meets the needs of all children. We believe in the interconnection of physical, mental, social and emotional health and work hard to provide an environment that promotes holistic health and wellness.
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Music Aurora |
Music Aurora is a registered not-for-profit organization whose mission is to foster a vibrant and active music scene in the community of Aurora and area for the benefit of its residents, local musicians, schools and businesses that support the music industry and live programming. Music Aurora is 100% volunteer organized and any proceeds go to support Youth in Music in our community.
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Pine Tree Potters' Guild |
Pine Tree Potters' Guild is a non-profit organization founded in 1979. Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of ceramic arts, the guild has a complete working studio supporting members from Aurora and the surrounding areas.
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Society of York Region Artists |
The Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA) was founded in September 1987 to provide a forum for artists of all levels to exchange ideas, opinions and assist each other in the advancement of their artistic goals. This is achieved through three annual Art shows, field trips, study groups and instruction by recognized professional artists.
Learn more about SOYRA |
Theatre Aurora |
Theatre Aurora is a registered non-profit charitable organization that has been operating in Aurora since 1958. We are dedicated to providing affordable, high quality, diverse and relevant theatre that engages the community both as audience, and as creator. We are volunteer run and operated. In 2020, we received the Arts and Culture Award from the Town of Aurora.
Explore Theatre Aurora |
Thank you to our Culture Days partners
Culture Days in Aurora is a collaborative effort across multiple partners who strive to bring creative and engaging programming to the Town.
Thank you to the following local partners for their support and vision to help make Culture Days a success in Aurora: Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Farmer’s Market, Aurora Film Circuit, Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Museum & Archives, Aurora Public Library, Aurora Seniors Association, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, Marquee Theatrical Productions, Music Aurora, Pine Tree Potters’ Guild, Society of York Region Artists, and Theatre Aurora.
Related Information
Additional funding provided by: