Doors Open brings new opportunities for residents to experience community

September 18, 2026 · 0 Comments

Sunday marks the return of Doors Open Aurora and there is plenty to explore in buildings not generally open to the public and even more to experience in places that are a bit more familiar.

At this free event, which is being hosted by the Town of Aurora as part of the Town’s Month of Culture, more than 20 sites and activities are in store between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“We’re excited to showcase the spaces and stories that define Aurora,” says Michelle Johnson of the Aurora Museum and Archives. “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.”

Among the participating locations this year are the Aurora Cultural Centre, which will open its Church Street-facing doors for the occasion, the Aurora Cemetery, which will play host to the Aurora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Drumhead Service, Hillary House National Historic Site, the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows Lodge 148, Royal Rose Gallery, Micak Contemporary Art Gallery, the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge, Saltbox Café, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Anne’s School, and Trinity Anglican Church.

In addition to the historic sites, Aurora Town Square, Town Park, and Aurora Public Library have plenty on offer.

Within the Aurora Town Square complex, in addition to ongoing exhibitions in the Aurora Cultural Centre, David Heard and his Dave’s Vinyl Party will assemble 6ix x 100, a new 100 square foot mural of vinyl album covers showcasing historic Toronto scenes. Organizers describe it as “an uplifting, visually dynamic interpretation of the city’s layered history.”

Heard will also offer a walking tour from 10 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., departing from Town Park, entitled “The Aurora Storyteller – Walking with the Past.”

“Heritage, hope and harmony mesh into lore of uniqueness and linger in your thoughts long after you return home,” say organizers of Heard and his tour. “His dedicated research has uncovered inspiring sagas and inspired the preservation of important sites, including the Aurora Pet Cemetery.”

Outside Aurora Town Square, Central York Fire Services will showcase their 1926 Lorne fire engine, a mainstay of municipal events for generations after decades in service, as the vehicle marks its 100^th anniversary. Participants will be able to get up close with the vehicle and take part in a unique photo opportunity while Fire Services personnel will be on hand to answer questions and share tidbits about local fire history.

Another outdoor opportunity at Town Square is the chance to meet members of the Aurora Museum & Archives team on the front lawn of the historic Church Street School where they will host a Q-and-A about the building, local history, its collections, and seek feedback on what members of the public would like to see in the future.

Over at the Aurora Public Library, staff will showcase how a modern book sorter keeps the Library running smoothly with “backroom experience and learn how it connects today’s technology with a rich history of innovation and service, dating back to 1855.”

This activity will take place between 1 – 4 p.m.

On the lower level of the Aurora Public Library, the Pine Tree Potters Guild will welcome community members into its long-time studio space were members will demonstrate the potters’ wheel and make bowls ahead of their Empty Bowls fundraiser in November.

Local art galleries have joined the effort to make Doors Open 2026 extra special as well.

The Royal Rose Gallery, located at 15210 Yonge Street, will be open throughout the day highlighting Aurora’s early retail growth, with a drum circle led by Newmarket musician Glenn Marais from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Just up Yonge Street at the St. Andrew’s Village Plaza, the Micak Contemporary Art Gallery will welcome guests between 12 noon and 4 p.m. for an interactive painting event where participants will be invited to sketch animals and magical creatures that artist Christopher Nelson will “reinterpret and paint onto a piano destined for Aurora Town Square.”

For a full roster of Doors Open activities, including locations and times, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/aurora.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter