Aurora

Join Oddside Arts for an interactive activity as the Town of Aurora officially launches its new Public Art Strategy. Located on the Treasure Hill Bridge inside the town hall, this engaging experience will be a collaborative imagining of what Aurora's first public art project might look like. Use your creativity and become part of Aurora's public art legacy. (Image credit: Moonlight Murals Collective)

Step into the sound world of centuries past. Andrea Botticelli showcases the expressive colours of the fortepiano, harpsichord and clavichord in an immersive demonstration at the Davide De Simone Performance Hall. Presented with Céleste Music, a non-profit organization curating Canada’s historical keyboard collection, this event brings early instruments to life — revealing their secrets, stories and timeless beauty.

Come and participate in this family-friendly collage and painting workshop that draws inspiration from the architectural and cultural history of the Aurora Cultural Centre. The project includes historical elements (such as the red schoolhouse doors) and modern elements, blending old and new. Hosted by the Aurora Cultural Centre, this program takes place in the Shining Hill Visual Arts Studio.

Since 2010, the Aurora Cultural Centre has inspired all ages through creativity. During Doors Open, come by and meet Julia Mobbs — the Centre’s fall artist in residence. She will be opening the doors of the residency studio for visitors to drop by and have a peek at what she is working on during her time at the Aurora Cultural Centre.

Returning for Doors Open, this youth-led exhibition is a collaboration between the Town, the Aurora Cultural Centre and Oddside Arts. Installed on the Treasure Hill Bridge, the exhibition features eight artists: Sydney Achtermeier, Niya Ahmed Abdullahi, Justina Kandiotis, Narmineh Khurram, Madison Kwok, Nazia Munir, Joycelyn Ng and Luna Quijano-Barraza. Scan the art with Artvive to reveal augmented reality layers.

Machell's Alley, once home to Wilson Hardware, a second-hand shop and other local businesses, is now a vibrant open-air venue. During Doors Open, enjoy two one-hour sets by Aurora’s own K-Tel at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., featuring a coast-to-coast journey through decades of iconic Canadian music — celebrating history, community and the Canuck spirit.

Doors Open Aurora is excited to have the Pine Tree Potters’ Guild back. Come and tour the studio and watch members bring clay to life on the potter’s wheel. All bowls made during the event will be donated to the Empty Bowls fundraiser in November, supporting local causes through creativity and community spirit.

As part of Doors Open, Dave’s Vinyl Party will be showcasing many sides of historical vinyl —including handcrafted picture discs, a 9-square-metre (100-square-foot) album cover mural (curated exclusively for Doors Open) and live record spinning! Don't miss this incredible afternoon on the café level of the Aurora Town Square where music will emanate from "Goliath" — Dave's prized portable DJ booth.

The Odd Fellows Block, centerpiece of three post-1887 fire buildings, gives the illusion of one grand structure. Purchased by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 148 in 1887, it still hosts meetings upstairs while businesses occupy the street level. During Doors Open, step inside to explore the preserved meeting room and uncover its lasting legacy in Aurora’s story.

Known locally as the Shoemaker's House, this early Wellington Street East residence was built in 1862 by shoemaker Joseph Hunt. A modest, Georgian-style, two-storey wood-frame home, the building features rare rooflines and fine craftsmanship. In 2024, it became home to the Saltbox Cafe, transforming the historical space into a warm, inviting hub where community and flavour meet.

Join us for an engaging talk and Q-and-A session with the Project Architect of the Aurora Town Square, Thomas Nemeskeri from RAW Design Inc. Nemeskeri has 20-plus years’ experience in the design and execution of performing arts facilities, mixed-use buildings, civic architecture and private residences. He will share his experiences in translating the Town’s vision for the Aurora Town Square.

Constructed in 1887 following the great fire of the same year, this office block is a fine example of Ontario’s late-19th-century commercial vernacular style. Once part of the historical Syndicate Block, it reflects the town’s early retail growth. Today, this culturally significant building continues to serve the community as home to the Royal Rose Art Gallery & Gifts.

Built between 1880-82 by William Rowland, this private residence showcases the eclectic style of the era, blending classical balance with the dramatic lines of late-Victorian/Gothic design. During Doors Open, visitors can step into the main foyer and explore two original rooms on the lower level, offering a glimpse into the home’s architectural charm and historical character.

Step inside St. Anne’s School, a beautifully restored Jacobean-style building. Constructed in 2008 as a private residence, it was transformed in 2023 into York Region’s first independent all-girls school. Along with structural upgrades and modern systems, there are striking architectural features — gables, parapets, chimneys and intricate brickwork. The result is an inspiring space for learning, designed with intention and care.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Aurora-Whitchurch-King War Memorial. To commemorate this important anniversary, a new temporary exhibition called In Their Memory: The Story of the Aurora-Whitchurch-King War Memorial will be on view. This exhibition explores how Aurora, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville came together to memorialize the fallen and how the memorial has helped shape public memory over time.

A Trinity Anglican Church has stood on this site since 1846. The current one, built in 1884 in the Gothic revival style, features stained-glass windows, stenciled walls and ornate dormers. A new sanctuary was added in 2001. As Aurora’s finest example of Gothic church architecture, it blends historical charm with modern touches. Discover its rich legacy during Doors Open.

This Gothic revival-style building is home to Aurora’s Freemasons and is the town’s oldest, continuous community organization. Formerly the Methodist Episcopal Church, it was purchased by the Masons in 1885. Visit the lodge during Doors Open and discover exquisite murals that adorn the meeting room. Learn more about this history of the building and the Masons who call it home.

Discover Hillary House — home of the Koffler Museum of Medicine and the Aurora Historical Society — and explore a fascinating blend of architecture, history and medicine. Built in 1862, this Gothic revival gem was home to four physicians whose careers spanned major medical advances. Explore original instruments, enjoy self-guided or facilitated tours, and experience the new exhibition Pills, Poison and Painkillers.

Join an immersive journey led by gifted storyteller David Heard, who has roots in Aurora dating back to the early 1800s. Beginning at Town Park, the tour will flow throughout Old Aurora and its historical downtown. Chilling tales, music lore, haunts and heritage will bring Aurora's history to life in a compelling way. Appropriate footwear recommended.

Step behind the scenes at the Aurora Public Library. Discover how their modern book sorter keeps the library running smoothly. Enjoy this exclusive back-room experience and learn how it connects today’s technology with a rich history of innovation and service, dating back to 1855. Come and explore how they continue evolving to meet the needs of their vibrant community.