Harry Walker Prkwy & Stellar Dr - Newmarket's Entertainment District

More residential units are planned for around Main St Newmarket not bars

Newmarket's Entertainment & Activities District features excellent school break options.


It's becoming more apparent that Newmarket's Main St. will not suffice as an entertainment district in the growing town of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. There are simply too many residents living in units above and around the establishments for any sort of real night action to take place without recurring noise issues. Seniors buildings overlook it's square as well, adding to the negative impact late night entertainment has in the zone. Not so in Newmarket's unofficial; entertainment / recreational district, a kilometre stretch along Harry Walker Parkway North from Davis Drive to about Ringwell Dr.

Remember bowling? Winter activity revised.
1220 Stellar Features latest in Escape Room technology
Along that stretch you'll find no less than two hotels, the local craft Arch Brewery and retail outlet,  an axe throwing facility, Laser Play with licensed lounge and an upstairs Kids PlayZone, bingo hall, NewMakeIT where creative artists and set builders can be 3d creative - in fact both nearby escape rooms Crypto and Arch Brewing both make signage using them -  and an entertainment and leisure complex at the heart of it all, at 1220 Stellar Dr.and H.W. Parkway, that houses a billiard hall with off- track betting, bowling - including York Region's largest 5 pin centre, an escape room - dance hall, karate centre, and Stellar Hall which features everything from live bands to hip hop to comedy sand dinner theatre and of course weddings and special events. Wow, who knew!? And with the area infused with industry, there are no night time neighbours kept awake evenings and nights by the exciting events that go on.

Recently I had a chance to chat with a few of the business owners and operators in the unofficial entertainment district including Arch Brewing, Crypto Escape Rooms and Stellar Hall and look forward to featuring them in some upcoming online info pieces and video profiles.


Arch Brewer Brewing Company, on Pony Drive adjacent to the Holiday Inn Hotel, is open 7 days a week and open to the public. Here you can see the beer as its brewed and labelled and bottled on site! Cool paraphernalia adorn the walls too with some Souvenir-like buy-ables, samples, and upper floor lounge.

The Crypto Escape Room features the latest in escape room technology where participants are forced to figure out mind bending escapes built into their fantastical themed rooms and based on the traffic I witnessed just while interviewing the owners outside their 1220 Stellar Drive location - down the hallway from stellar hall on the 2nd floor - they are on the right track.

Book for New Year's Eve in Newmarket @ 905-830-9441
Stellar Hall and Event Centre, also in the complex at 1220 Stellar, has been featuring special event nights that showcase live entertainment from rock to hip hop to comedy and dinner theatre, keeping up a long standing tradition for the location which 40 years ago was the biggest live act venue for miles and featured top Canadian Entertainers like Tommy Hunter!

Stellar Bowl - York Region's largest 5 pin bowling centre -  on the main floor level, is also alive and well taking up the ground level spot at the complex along with Bigg Wiggs Billiards. Both of which recreational entertainment venues are becoming rare entities in this day and age for self entertainment and recreation. Stellar Bowl is also open all Xmas break, offering glow in the dark bowling while listening to cool tunes or enjoying a drink.

Town won't license this Main St location as a nightclub

I believe the town needs to start recognizing this " industrial" area as also the entertainment district and supporting it as so, including relaxing zoning regulations on occasion to adjust to the times.

This unit left sits empty on Main St. as the town will not license it for a Nightclub or bar - despite the location having been one of Newmarket's longest having been known as Fitzgerald's, Sneakers Sports Bar and the White Rabbit over the years.

And while the town may not have been successful in attracting much industry to it's crosstown industrial designated area, these industries seem to mix well in the zone. So...as they say...if it ain't broke don't fix it. Although, we can enhance it, and transit past 7:30 pm would be nice.

Stellar and Harry Walker Parkway - The Heart of Entertainment and Activities in Newmarket

Arch sits on perch engraved using 3d technology from NewMakeIt
Visit Newmarket's Entertainment and Activities District soon and check out the new and old businesses, entertainment and activities available for Xmas and March break and night time activities including the Stellar Hall featuring the (click to book)  New Year's Eve Stellar Hall Ball and in the new year look for their upcoming regular monthly Jam as well as  a new feature band / talent contest series!

Stay tuned to TPE for more. Just Google Entertainment Newmarket to stay in the loop!
Or get on the Mail list @tpeproductions@gmail.com.

Later,

TP