Culture Days

Activity:    The Big Scene Writing Workshop

In this workshop, you will develop a character sketch and plot and learn about the power of setting up scenes. Bring a character you are already developing or start fresh with a new being. Using writing prompts, you will outline the absolutely worst incidents in your character’s life, which will ultimately lead to a happy ending, epiphany, breakthrough, or liberation — the character’s BIG SCENE. Workshop Facilitator: Marnie Maguire

Time:         2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:   Online

More info: Event Brite

Activity:    Tribal Vision Dance Family Event

Join us for a free, family-friendly performance by the renowned Tribal Vision Dance Company at the Town Park Bandshell. Headlined by Naomi and Derek Martin from Six Nations of the Grand River, along with 3 drummers, this incredible live singing, dancing and drumming presentation is presented in contemporary Powwow and traditional Haudenosaunee styles. 

Time:        3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Location:  Town Park

More info: Aurora Cultural Centre

Activity:   Victorian Harvest Tea

Register to enjoy FREE sneak peak tours of Hillary house, use the grass court for tennis or
badminton, and play croquet on the lawn! Afterwards, stay for a ticketed 'Victorian Harvest Tea' on the grounds of Hillary House National Historic Site. Enjoy the tastes of the season with: freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, seasonal desserts, fresh fruit, and tea and warm apple cider. Tickets are $7/person. Advance purchase required. COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

Time:       12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Two seatings)

Location: Hillary House, 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora ON

Activity:   Family Wellness Market

The Family Wellness Market is a market featuring vendors that support the health and wellness of every member of the family. Featuring a mix of vendors and local practitioners, we invite you and your family to come shop, learn and exercise with us!

• Free admission,
• Classes available

For more information please email the Family Wellness Market

Time:       11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Aurora Armoury

Website:  Family Wellness Market

Activity:   Cooking Demonstration - Spanakopita

Why not try making a new appetizer as you head into the Thanksgiving Weekend. Scrap the deviled eggs this weekend and try Spanakopita.  

Time:       All day 

Location: Online

Directions:

1. Squeeze all the water from the spinach and place it into a bowl.
2. ln a pan saute both the onions until they start to soften with the olive oil. After about 5 minutes add the garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and then add the spinach to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes then put the entire mix into the bowl.
3. Add the dill, lemon zest, nutmeg and feta. Mix well but gently to not completely break apart the feta.
4. Remove one sheet of Phyllo. Keeping the rest covered with a damp cloth. Brush it with butter and place a second sheet on that again brushing that sheet with butter.
5. With the long edge of the dough facing you. cut the sheet into 6 strips. each becoming 12 x 3 inches in size.
6. Add 1 tbsp of the filling into the bottom of each of the sheets and then begin one at a time to fold the left corner up towards the right side of the strip, forming a triangle, then fold up again, maintaining the triangle shape until you have reached the end of that strip. Brush the last edge with butter to help seal and place on a lined cookie sheet.
7. Once all the filling is done, brush the triangles with butter and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 23 minutes.

Ingredients: 

• 2 10 oz package of frozen spinach. thawed and chopped well
• 1 tbsp onion. chopped finely
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 green onions. sliced thin
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced finely
• 1/2 tsp each of oregano and dried chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh dill. chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• Pinch of nutmeg

Activity:  Trailblazer Music Festival

The Trailblazer Music Festival is back as part of the Aurora Museum & Archives’ Live at The Armoury series. Join us at the newly restored Historic Armoury in Town Park. Tonight's performers include The Beresfords and Rob Watts along with an up and coming student performer to open the show. Free outdoor, socially distanced seating areas are available but must be pre-booked by registering online.

Bring your own chairs! Tickets are limited.

If you prefer an indoor experience with a chef-prepared meal, visit Aurora Armoury to purchase your dining package with the Niagara Food and Wine Institute the The Armoury. Reserve now!

• To book a free outdoor spot
• To purchase an indoor dining package

Time:       6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: The Aurora Armoury

Activity:    Behind the Scenes Tour - New Artifacts

The Aurora Historical Society presents Behind the Scenes Tours of Hillary House National Historic Site. Uncover the history of Hillary House, a beautiful Victorian-era house recognized for its Gothic Revival architecture. In this behind the scenes tour, learn about the fascinating new artifacts that came back to Hillary House after 100 years and how museum staff handle accepting donations. COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

Time:         All day - call ahead to book a tour time

Location:   Hillary House, 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora ON

More info: 905-727-8991

Activity:    Colours of Fall Concert

As the colourful leaves fall off the trees, come enjoy one last concert in Aurora's Town Park. The Colours of Fall Concert will include live music and pumpkin carving.

As you nestle into your blanket, enjoy live entertainment provided by Lennon Live. Enjoy a celebration of the music of John Lennon that showcases songs from all phases of his illustrious career. Pre-registration is required. Register online. Registration opens Friday, October 2.

Time:        6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Location:  Aurora Town Park, 49 Wells Street

More info: Colours of Fall Concert 

Activity:   Cooking Demonstration - Mushroom Risotto

Looking for a delicious and savoury dish, which is a staple comfort food?  Join Chef John from Food in Motion as you learn his secret to making incredible Mushroom Risotto.  

Time:       All day 

Location: Online

Directions:

Heat oil at medium low heat. Add rice. Stir to toast it. Add broth and cover. The rice will absorb the broth in at 14 minutes without stirring. Add the prepared choice (Porcini Mixture Follows) of condiment. Together with the butter and cheese. Cover for 1-minute longer. then remove from heat. stir. serve and ENJOY.

Ingredients: 

• Use a heavy bottomed saucepan. add l tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 325 gr. (l.5 cups) of vialone nano rice (do not rinse)
• 325 gr (1.5 cups) Sauteed and Seasoned Mushrooms. Cremini. Oyster. White Champignons. Shitake. Porcini
• 750 ml. (3 cups) of hot vegetable/chicken broth
• 20 gr. of unsalted butter
• 70 gr. of grated parmigiano cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Saute' onion and garlic in oil. at med. heat in a covered saucepan at 5 min. Add mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, covered then add wine and some stock. Simmer for 10 minutes or until it has softened. Blend smooth or choose a rustic chunky consistency. Add to rice pot at the 14-minute mark.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 kg. raw. chopped mushrooms (use your favorite mushrooms)
• 1 onion, chopped-1 garlic clove. minced
• 1 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
• 250 ml. White wine
• 4-5 sage leaves, minced
• salt/pepper to taste

Activity:  Behind the Scenes Tour - Archives &                                       Transcription Project

The Aurora Historical Society presents Behind the Scenes Tours of Hillary House National Historic Site. Uncover the history of Hillary House, a beautiful Victorian-era house recognized for its Gothic Revival architecture. In this behind the scenes tour, learn about the ongoing volunteer Transcription Project and the wonderful stories found within the Aurora Historical Society archives. COVID-19 safety precautions in place

Time:         All day. Please call ahead to book a tour time

Location:   Hillary House, 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora ON

More info: 905-727-8991

Activity:  Trailblazer Music Festival

The Trailblazer Music Festival is back as part of the Aurora Museum & Archives’ Live at The Armoury series. Join us at the newly restored Historic Armoury in Town Park. Tonight's performers include Louisa Barbosa, Ian Marc & Sara, and Treeline along with an up and coming student performer to open the show. Free outdoor, socially distanced seating areas are available but must be pre-booked by registering online.

If you prefer an indoor experience with a chef-prepared meal, visit the Aurora Armoury website to purchase your dining package with the Niagara Food and Wine Institute at The Armoury. Tickets are extremely limited so reserve now!

• To book a free outdoor spot
• To purchase an indoor dining package

Time:       6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: The Aurora Armoury

Activity:   Cooking Demonstration - French Baguette

Who doesn't love a French baguette? They are so versatile and can compliment any dish, such as a last week's Mushroom Risotto cooking demonstration. Now is your chance to learn how to make these in the comfort of your own kitchen. 

Time:       All day 

Location: Online

Directions: 

1. Combine water. sugar and yeast in a bowl and let sit to activate for 3-5 minutes.
2. Once it begins to bubble. add the oil. 3 cups of flour and the salt. in that order. Its important to keep the salt from coming into direct contact with the yeast. Using your mixer. or by hand. stir and add more flour. 1/2 cup at a time. until the dough begins to clear the sides of the bowl.
3. This is a fairly soft dough so it will feel slightly damp but not leave a lot of dough residue on your hands. if your mixing by hand. Knead it for 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and bounces back when you press into it. You shouldn't need to exceed 6 cups of flour.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel to allow it to proof and double in size. This can take. depending on your location. warmth of the kitchen and weather outside. anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours. but I would recommend checking at 1 hour.
5. Turn the dough out onto lightly greased surface, or a slip pat and divide in half. Gently pat it out until it becomes a 9 x 13 rectangle roughly. Start rolling the dough up from the long edge. pressing out any air bubbles with your fingers or the heel of your hand in between each roll. Place seem side down on the baking trays. Cover and let rise again until double. about 1 hour.
6. Slash the loaves gently with a very sharp knife or bakers blade at an angle a few times on the top of each loaf.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and baked through.

Ingredients: 

• 2 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp instant or active dry yeast
• 3/4 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive. canola or vegetable oil. (even avocado oil will work here)
• 5 1/2 to 6 ups all purpose or bread flour (or a mix of both)

Activity:   Behind the Scenes Tour - Collections Care

The Aurora Historical Society presents Behind the Scenes Tours of Hillary House National Historic Site. Uncover the history of Hillary House, a beautiful Victorian-era house recognized for its Gothic Revival architecture. In this behind the scenes tour, take a peek behind closed doors and learn how the Aurora Historical Society cares for its artifacts. COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

Time:        All day. Please call ahead to book a tour time

Location:  Hillary House, 15372 Yonge Street, Aurora ON

More info: 905-727-8991

Activity:   Temple of Fame, Silent Short Film Premiere

Pop some popcorn and visit auroramuseum.ca for the premiere of the new silent short film, Temple of Fame. The film was created using footage from the theatrical production of the performance that took place in Aurora on May 11-13, 2018. 

Time:        All day

Location:  Online

More info: Aurora Museum

Activity:  Pumpkin and Carving Kit Giveaway

Register now to reserve your free pumpkin and carving kit! Pick up will take place at the Town of Aurora booth during the Aurora Farmer's Market on Saturday, October 24 between 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

If you registered for Culture in a Box, please visit the booth to drop off your contribution to the Community Art Installation and Community Quilting Quest.

Please note: this giveaway is for Aurora residents only, limit of one pumpkin and carving kit per household. 

Time:       8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Aurora Farmer's Market, Town Park 

Register Online