Year after year, tens of thousands of Newmarket and GTA residents come together for unforgettable events hosted by the Town of Newmarket, including Tim Hortons Canada Day, Ice Lounge on Main, Night Market, and the newest event Summerfest on Main. This week, the Town of Newmarket was recognized by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) for the third time in four years as the Municipality of the Year for its special events in the mid-sized municipality category (population of 50,000 to 150,000) once again highlighting the Town’s ongoing commitment to bringing the community together through original experiences. In recognition of the Town’s longstanding fan-favourite Newmarket Music Series presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, the Town also received a Best Event Series award.
“Every year, Newmarket continues to outdo itself and raise the bar for community experiences,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Being recognized as Municipality of the Year and for Best Event Series demonstrates the creativity and dedication that Newmarket continues to exhibit when it comes to creating community connection through music, arts, culture and local events. Thank you to all the staff members who bring these highly regarded events to life every year.”
Municipality of the Year is a prestigious honour that reflects how Newmarket continues to lead the way with bold events and initiatives as a growing town that welcomes many new residents each year. Newmarket is rooted in community, and the Town’s festivals and events help foster connection and enhance the lives of Newmarket’s residents, businesses, and visitors by offering opportunities to celebrate and gather year-round.
Since it began in 2018 as the Newmarket Music Festival, the Newmarket Music Series presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment has been a beloved summertime event. When the Town assumed stewardship of the series in 2019, it expanded and rebranded the event as the Newmarket Music Series, with TD continuing its valued sponsorship. This ongoing support has been instrumental in sustaining high-quality, accessible musical experiences for the community year after year. Now a signature celebration, this high-energy event draws thousands of people to the heart of downtown Newmarket to sing and dance and enjoy a show-stopping experience. Watch the 2025 highlights on YouTube.
In addition to the special events that the Town hosts itself, the Town supports countless local events and gatherings throughout the year hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, sports organizations and community groups through partnerships and facility rentals, including York Pride Festival and Parade, Newmarket Farmers’ Market, Fairy Lake Artisans Festival, and more.
To experience the Town’s vibrant events, find details and the most up-to-date information at Newmarket.ca/Events or sign up for the Recreation, Programs & Events Newsletter.
About the Festivals & Events Ontario annual awards
Festivals & Events Ontario recognizes Ontario’s finest events and festivals through its annual awards program. The awards include the Top 100, a select group of well-known and respected celebrations in the province; Service Excellence highlighting the accomplishments of festival and event suppliers; Achievement Awards that highlight top sponsors, social media campaigns and more, and lastly, the coveted Municipality of the Year which showcases the most active municipalities in the province for providing fun activities for their communities.
This is the third time the Town of Newmarket has won Municipality of the Year for its Special Events and the first Best Event Series award. Newmarket was awarded Municipality of the Year in 2024 and 2023. In 2024 the Town won Sponsor of the Year in recognition of successful collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Newmarket. And in 2021 the Town received Achievement Awards for Moonlight Movies, Santa Claus Candy Cane Lane and the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place 46th Annual Turkey Luncheon.
For a complete list of winners, visit FestivalsAndEventsOntario.com
