Award-winning Ontario festival returns to send off summer

A local Ontario festival recently received some pretty big recognition, and now it's returning to downtown Newmarket for some end-of-summer fun.

Summerfest on Main, Newmarket's annual summer bash, takes place from Thursday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 23, bringing live music, entertainment, and fun activities to the historic Main St.

Back in spring, it was awarded Best Event for a City or Municipality by Canadian Event Awards, beating out all other events in the province. And you can bet that with that prestigious title comes a boatload of fun.

Here's what's in store this year.

Entertainment

Summerfest has a stacked schedule of activities. Standouts include the crowd-favourite silent discos, where you can dance your heart out on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Fuel up for the day on Saturday morning at the Coffee Party hosted by Chickadee Cafe and enjoy live music and entertainment all day long from  K-Pop Idols, The Soda Pop Boys, Zoe Stardust's Unforgettable Bubble Show, The 99s, The Dreamboats, and others.

Since this is a fully licensed event (running from Water St. to Park Ave.), guests can grab a drink at the outdoor bar and take it with them as they explore the event. 

If you've got little ones with you, don't forget to visit the Family Game Zone sponsored by Farm Boy for fun for all ages. Kids will also enjoy family-friendly stage shows packed with music, magic, and non-stop entertainment.

nmrkt. at Summerfest on Main

Celebrate that community pride with nmrkt. — the town's new community brand, with free nmrkt.-branded merch and products up for grabs while supplies last. 

Snap a picture with the iconic nmrkt. sign and share what you think makes Newmarket special on the Glow Wall. Festival attendees can even record a personal story in the video booth.

Shop Local on Main St.

Unique shops, cozy cafes, and one-of-a-kind services are what make Newmarket a special place to visit, shop, and connect — and now it's your turn to check them all out. 

Shop local throughout the weekend to earn Choose Local gift cards (while supplies last) and a chance to win a grand prize. All you need to do is save your receipt and visit the Choose Local booth to enter.

And while you're at it, this is also the perfect opportunity to dive into Newmarket's vibrant restaurant scene. 

Celebrate local pride at Summerfest on Main

Close out August with a trip to Newmarket (that's less than an hour from Toronto, by the way) and a visit to Summerfest on Main.

From food and drinks, dance parties, live music, and local culture, it's the perfect way to enjoy a final moment of summer fun.

Head over to the event website to learn more.

Summerfest on Main

• When: Thursday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 23
• Where: Main St., Newmarket
• Time: Thursday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free!