Aug 13 - 16 | Markham's New Auto Race Weekend Special Programs
August 13 to 16, 2026
Celebrate Markham’s Auto Race Weekend at the Varley Art Gallery with extended gallery hours, free exhibition programs, hands-on art activities, live music, and opportunities to meet the exhibiting artist. Whether you’re visiting the race or exploring Unionville, stop by the gallery to enjoy art throughout the weekend.
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, August 13
Gallery Hours: 12 to 9 PM
- UBIA Music in the Courtyard | 3:30 to 6:30 PM
- Free Flag-Making Activity | 5 to 8:30 PM
Friday, August 14
Gallery Hours: 12 to 9 PM
- UBIA Music in the Courtyard | 3:30 to 6:30 PM
- Button-Making Activity | 5 to 8 PM
- Life Drawing Drop-in Studio | 5 to 8 PM
- Free Flag-Making Activity | 5 to 8:30 PM
- Free Exhibition Tour | 7 PM
Saturday, August 15
Gallery Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM
- Felt Leaf Embroidery Inspired by Par Nair | 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Button-Making Activity | 12 to 5 PM
- Artist in the Gallery with Par Nair | 2 PM
- Free Exhibition Tour | 3 PM
- UBIA Music in the Courtyard | 3:30 to 6:30 PM
Sunday, August 16
Gallery Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Felt Leaf Embroidery Inspired by Par Nair | 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Button-Making Activity | 12 to 5 PM
- Free Exhibition Tour | 3 PM
Program Details
Button-Making Inspired by Markham’s New Auto Race
$5 per group (up to 4 people)
All ages
Registration not required
Create your own souvenir inspired by Markham’s new auto race. Design a custom button using racing-inspired colours, patterns, and imagery, then take home a unique keepsake to remember the weekend. Located just a short distance from the race festivities, the Varley offers a creative stop for visitors of all ages.
Flag-Making Activity
Free
All ages
Registration not required
Create your own flag inspired by Markham’s Auto Race Weekend. Drop in anytime during program hours and decorate a flag to take home.
UBIA Music in the Courtyard
Free
All ages
Registration not required
Enjoy live music in the Varley courtyard, presented by the Unionville Business Improvement Area (UBIA), throughout Auto Race Weekend.
Exhibition Guided Tours
Free
All ages
Registration not required
Join Gallery Animateurs Sydney Hanson and Armas Voore-Lewis for a free 30-minute guided tour of the Varley’s 2026 Summer Exhibitions: What holds us together, Emerging Artist Spotlight, and Sketching the Past.
Artist in the Gallery with Par Nair
Free
All ages
Registration not required
Join exhibiting artist Par Nair for an in-gallery conversation exploring the ideas, materials, and processes behind her work. Presented as an interview-style Q&A, this informal program offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the artist’s practice and the themes explored in the exhibition, followed by audience questions.
Felt Leaf Embroidery Inspired by Par Nair
Free
All ages
Registration not required
Par Nair is not just a painter: she is also a textile artist who creates beautiful images with thread. Come learn to embroider and decorate your own felt mango leaf so you can see for yourself the ornate creative possibilities of thread.
