Explore Aurora’s Unique Places at Doors Open Aurora 2026

The Town of Aurora invites residents and visitors to explore the community’s rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and architectural treasures during Doors Open Aurora 2026, taking place on Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We're excited to showcase the spaces and stories that define Aurora,” said Michelle Johnson, Collections & Exhibitions Coordinator. “Doors Open Aurora offers a rare opportunity to explore sites of historic and cultural significance throughout our community and celebrate the heritage that makes our Town so unique.”

This free event offers behind-the-scenes access to 20 unique heritage and cultural experiences in our community. From Aurora Town Square to the Hillary House National Historic Site, participants will enjoy guided tours, interactive exhibits, and special programming that celebrates Aurora’s past, present, and future.

Highlights of this year’s event include:

• 6ix x 100 (Mural by Dave’s Vinyl Party) - A first-of-its-kind 9-square-metre (100-square-foot) mural of vinyl album covers and grooves that showcase historical Toronto scenes.

• Aurora Cultural Centre at the Shining Hill Visual Arts Studio - Explore sustainable art techniques like fabric sculpting, liquid polymer and textile reuse. Also, learn about acrylic painting materials, 3D texture processes and teaching approaches.

• Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibitions in the Galleries - Explore exhibitions throughout Aurora Town Square on a self-guided tour. Featured exhibitions include Arnie Lipsey: Past. Tense., Remix, and Tracey-Mae Chambers’ powerful textile installation addressing Canada’s opioid crisis.

• Aurora Museum & Archives: Meet the Team and Help Shape our Future - Join museum staff on the front lawn for an informal Q-and-A about the historic Church Street School, local history, exhibitions and collections.

• Aurora Public Library - Discover how the Library’s modern book sorter keeps everything running smoothly. Enjoy this exclusive backroom experience and learn how it connects today’s technology with history.

• Aurora Town Square: 1926 Lorne Fire Engine - Visitors can view this historical vehicle up close and outdoors. They can capture a unique photo opportunity and learn about its role in the community’s firefighting heritage.

• Aurora Town Square: Performances by Allyson Whitmell - The Auroran singer-songwriter blends cinematic pop, intimate vocals and bold piano, drawing on classical training and musical theatre.

• Chinese Arts Pavilion: Harmony in Ink - On view in the Nichols Family Foundation room, this exhibition explores the rich artistic traditions of Chinese culture through painting and calligraphy.

• Drumhead Service by the Aurora Legion Branch 385 - The Aurora Legion invites the community to gather at the flagpole for a traditional Drumhead Service at Aurora Cemetery. This solemn ceremony, rooted in military tradition, uses a drum as a symbolic altar for remembrance and reflection.

• Hillary House National Historic Site (The Koffler Museum of Medicine) - Discover Hillary House National Historic Site and the Koffler Museum of Medicine, an immersive window into Aurora's past. This 1862 landmark blends striking Gothic Revival architecture with a fascinating collection of medical instruments and Victorian history.

Additional sites include the Oddfellows Lodge, Micak Contemporary Art Gallery, Pine Tree Potters’ Guild, Rising Sun Masonic Lodge, Royal Rose Art Gallery & Gifts, Saltbox Café, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Anne’s School, The Aurora Storyteller – Walking with the Past and Trinity Anglican Church.

Doors Open was organized collaboratively across multiple Town departments including planning and development services and cultural services. Additional thanks are also extended to the volunteers and organizations who are participating in this event.

For more information on Doors Open Aurora, visit doorsopenontario.on.ca

About Doors Open

Doors Open began in France in 1984 and quickly spread across Europe, becoming part of the European Heritage Days initiative. In 2000, the concept reached North America with Toronto’s first event, and by 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario—Canada’s first provincewide heritage tourism initiative. Since then, over 9 million visits have been made to participating sites across Ontario. Today, Doors Open continues to celebrate cultural heritage and community pride, inviting people to explore unique spaces and stories across the province.