Vaughan is home to a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene, whether it’s visual art, music, performing arts or more. Discover the city’s fun, playful and dynamic nature through one of the many arts and cultural events happening this winter.
Visit the art gallery
Did you know that Vaughan is home to the largest publicly funded art gallery in Canada that focuses exclusively on Canadian and Indigenous art? Whether you’re interested in historical or contemporary art, you’ll find it at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The permanent collection consists of over 6,500 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists – you’ll be able to happily explore for a whole day.
Free Family Sundays happen every 3rd Sunday of the month with activities, interactive tours and storytelling all day long, so bring the little ones along!
ArtVenture Winter Workshops take place from December 27 to December 29, 2023.
Enroll your child in an exciting art program while you enjoy the gallery viewing on your own or take a break from a busy holiday season! This series of art workshops consists of guided gallery explorations and studio-based art activities designed to introduce participants to elemental art concepts and the exhibitions currently on view at the McMichael. Registration required.
If you’re visiting from Downtown Toronto, travel in comfort on the Art Bus from the city to the McMichael on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Enjoy outdoor art
Check out ArtWalk: a world-class art installation featuring 30,000 square feet of four bold, colourful statement murals. Native Torontonians birdO and Ben Johnston, Montreal artist Jeremy Shantz, and Madrid-based Ricardo Cavolo have brought colour and creativity to Vaughan’s downtown core.
While you’re there, be sure to visit Canada’s largest low-resolution art installation: PXL Gallery. Be amazed by the 10,000-square-foot luminous art wall.
And don’t forget to swing by Assembly Park and see what events they have – you might find street performances, gallery openings, outdoor concerts, festivals, or other enriching cultural events happening.
See some public art
Why not stay cozy in your car while you see some art? Take a drive around the city and try to find all twelve ARTonBOXES designs installed on traffic signal boxes across the city.
This past summer, the City of Vaughan unveiled the Group of Seven REMIXED pilot project as part of the ARTonBOXES program. Inspired by the iconic Group of Seven paintings, this pilot project profiles original work by Vaughan secondary school visual art specialty students.
Go to the theatre
The City Playhouse Theatre is where excitement, entertainment and education meet. The multipurpose 386-seat theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a live performance or explore one of the theatre camps. Highlights of the season include The Nutcracker and Fireside Munsch, fun for the whole family!
Make a mosaic lamp
Canada’s first Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop is in Vaughan! In this unique experience, you can create your very own Turkish mosaic lamp in 2.5 hours. Create lasting memories with friends and family as you delve into the captivating world of this incredible art form.
Take some art lessons
Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint or draw? Palette Art School is a place where kids and adults alike can get involved in the creative process. It is a place where you can learn drawing techniques and gain a further understanding of colour theory and composition basics.
After you’ve enjoyed your arts and culture adventures in Vaughan, don’t forget to check out all the other fun winter activities the city has to offer! For more ideas, check out our Things to do in Winter in Vaughan blog!
STAY TO PLAY LONGER
Vaughan is a great one-day trip, but it’s an even better weekend getaway! With so much fun in store and places to explore, 24 hours simply isn’t enough. Find your perfect stay now.
SHARE YOUR #VISITVAUGHAN MEMORIES
As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!
