The Town of Newmarket is excited to announce the return of the GTA's premier winter event, Ice Lounge on Main, from February 20 to 22. Newmarket's award-winning Historic Main Street will transform into a vibrant outdoor winter lounge with live music, outdoor bars, busker performances, and family-friendly activities, creating an unforgettable weekend for residents and visitors.
From Water Street to Park Avenue, Main Street will become a fully licensed pedestrian zone offering a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of free activities and entertainment for guests to experience.
- Enjoy live music, performances, shopping and family-friendly activities
- Dine, drink and explore the fully walkable and licensed event space
"Last year's Ice Lounge on Main brought thousands of people to Newmarket's Historic Main Street, attracting locals and visitors from across the GTA and we are thrilled to invite everyone back again for a full weekend of winter fun," says Mayor John Taylor. "It's a wonderful chance for our community and visitors to come together, enjoy the season, experience the charm of Main Street and support local businesses. We can't wait to see you all there!"
Newmarket is recognized for hosting some of the best events in the province, earning Municipality of the Year from Festivals and Events Ontario two years in a row. With overnight accommodations throughout town, including a boutique hotel right on Main Street, it's an ideal destination for a magical winter getaway.
Shop local for a chance to WIN
When you Choose Local and explore the many boutique shops and services on Main Street, you have a chance to win exciting prizes and support local businesses. Spend $50 on products or services at participating businesses and redeem your receipt for a $25 Choose Local gift card (while supplies last; first 100 participants per day). Plus, when you shop or dine downtown, you'll earn a chance to win a prize.
Food and beverage
During the event, guests will be permitted to enjoy alcohol purchased along Main Street outdoors throughout the event area. Swing by one of the outdoor bars or enjoy a drink from one of the incredible restaurants and take it along as you explore the buzz of the street.
Live entertainment and winter activities
Enjoy live music from local talent and family-friendly busker performances all weekend long. Take a thrilling ride down the Snow Valley Mini Tube Slide, capture your favourite memories along Main Street at photo spots, or challenge your friends in our games zone! Plus, enjoy complimentary marshmallow roasting, maple taffy on snow, and more (while supplies last)! There will also be plenty of cozy lounge areas to relax, gather, and enjoy the winter atmosphere.
The Town is working closely with the Main Street District Business Improvement Area (BIA), and with their support, Ice Lounge on Main is sure to be the highlight of the winter season, showcasing local talent and businesses.
The event runs:
Friday, February 20 from 12 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 21 from 12 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 22 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Visit Newmarket.ca/IceLoungeOnMain for more information.
Background
Newmarket's historic award-winning Main Street attracts over a quarter of a million visitors each year and sets the scene for Ice Lounge on Main. In a first-of-its-kind event for the Town of Newmarket, the inaugural Ice Lounge on Main event in February 2024 brought thousands of visitors to downtown Newmarket and boosted local business revenue, taking sales from a generally low period to near summertime highs for many establishments.
About Newmarket
Just north of Toronto, in central York Region, Newmarket is home to 90,000 extraordinary people. As one of the most densely populated communities in Ontario, Newmarket may be small in area, but BIG things are happening there, like the ongoing transformation of the landmark Mulock Park into Newmarket's very own urban oasis, which will feature works from the Art Gallery of Ontario at the historic Mulock House. Newmarket's award-winning Main Street (voted the best in the country) is vibrant, thriving and recently welcomed York Region's first boutique hotel, the Postmark. Find out more about why Newmarket was recently recognized as one of the most liveable communities in Canada at Newmarket.ca.
