Heritage Week in Aurora | Town of Aurora

Celebrate Aurora’s rich cultural history during provincial Heritage Week (a nationwide observance in Canada, officially celebrated in Ontario during the third week of February). The Town of Aurora, together with the Heritage Advisory Committee, is proud to host a full day of free programming designed to highlight the stories, people, and places that have shaped our community, as well as other initiatives throughout the week.

Monday, February 16, 2026 • Aurora Town Square • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us on Family Day for guest presentations, hands‑on workshops, and drop‑in activities that bring local heritage to life.

Program Schedule

Davide De Simone Performance Hall (3rd floor Aurora Town Square)

10 a.m. - Opening Ceremonies

10:30 a.m. - “Once Upon a Time: The Postcards of Olde Aurora” a presentation by local historian and Heritage Advisory Committee Member, Bob McRoberts

1 p.m. – “The Great Aurora Built Heritage Quiz” an interactive presentation by local historian and former Curator of the Aurora Museum, Jacqueline Stuart

2 p.m. – “Discovering the Stories of Horton Place” a recorded interview discussion with local historian and former President of the Aurora Historical Society, John McIntyre

Aurora Town Square Café

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - “Music, Ambience, Love and Heritage” a motivational historic vinyl presentation by David Heard of Dave’s Vinyl Party

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - A Tribute to the Aurora Horse Show – A “Mane” Attraction, presented by David Heard of Dave’s Vinyl Party and featuring a 100 square foot artistic display

2nd Floor (Aurora Town Square)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – “Echoes of Aurora: Bridging Past and Present”- Museum staff will be on-site and tours of the Aurora Room exhibit are available

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.- “Aurora’s Connection to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper”- a unique display presented by David Heard of Dave’s Vinyl Party

Explore Aurora’s Heritage District

Heritage Tour Stops

A new self‑guided heritage district tour has been developed and will be available online. This interactive StoryMap offers an engaging way to explore Aurora’s historic sites at your own pace.

Visit the StoryMap Now! Download the PDF

Wells Street and Centre Street Intersection- Enter the Town’s Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District from Wells Street and turn left (west) on Centre Street
Intersection of Centre Street and Spruce Street- Turn right (north) onto Spruce Street. You are now entering the heart of the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District.
Spruce Street and Catherine Avenue Intersection- Notice 37 Spruce Street at the southeast corner of the intersection of Spruce Street and Catherine Avenue – a rare example of the Second Empire architectural style.
Catherine Avenue- Turn right (east) onto Catherine Avenue. You are now entering the Edwardian corridor.
Catherine Avenue and Fleury Street Intersection- Turn left (north) onto Fleury Street, where the Edwardian architectural theme continues on both sides of the street.
McMahon Park and 63 Maple Street- Notice McMahon Park at 76 Maple Street. Every tree in the District is considered a heritage asset. 63 Maple Street at the Southwest corner was also once the home of John Bowser, the construction superintendent who oversaw the construction of the Empire State building.
Maple Street and Spruce Street Intersection- Continue west on Maple Street and turn left (south) onto Spruce Street
39 Catherine Avenue- At the southwest corner of Spruce Street and Catherine Avenue lies 39 Catherine Avenue, the childhood home of the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson!
15342 and 15347 Yonge Street- Continue west on Catherine Avenue and then turn right (north) onto Yonge Street. Notice the landmark Our Lady of Grace Church at 15347 Yonge Street, as well as the Horton Place Italianate Style building at 15342 Yonge Street.
Hillary House at 15372 Yonge Street- Stop in at the National Historic Site Hillary House, for further information on the District and History of Aurora, and enjoy one of the best local examples of the Gothic Architectural style. Admission to the museum is free during Heritage Week!

During Heritage Week, the Hillary House National Historic Site and Koffler Museum of Medicine will offer free admission. Visitors are invited to explore one of Aurora’s most treasured landmarks and learn more about its nationally recognized history. Learn more at: https://aurorahs.com/