Summer might be winding down, but fall is just around the corner, and luckily in Toronto, there are tons of awesome events taking place throughout the city this September that will keep you busy. From the Toronto International Film Festival to delicious food festivals and so much more, you have to check them all out!
Here are our top must-attend events happening in Toronto this September.
TIFF
Calling all movie buffs: Toronto will once again roll out the red carpet from September 8 to 18 to host TIFF. This is your chance to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrities and the opportunity to watch new movies from around the world.
When: September 8 – 18
Where: Events are happening throughout the city. Check the TIFF website for full event locations
Rolling Loud
Rolling Loud – the world’s biggest hip-hop festival – is taking over Toronto this month for the first time ever. The festival features a stacked lineup of major headliners like Dave, Future, WizKid, Lil Uzi Vert, Roddy Ricch, Migos, Nav, Lil Yachty, Pressa, Rae Sremmurd, and Roy Wood$.
When: September 9 – 11
Where: Ontario Place
Celebrate Toronto
Celebrate Toronto is taking over Nathan Phillips Square this month to bring together local artists, entertainers, and businesses of the city’s past, present, and future. The event will feature art shows, photography meet-ups, pop-up markets, delicious food, and more.
When: September 10 & 11
Where: 100 Queen Street West
Toronto Ukrainian Festival
North America’s largest Ukrainian Festival returns for its 26th year this month. Come and enjoy everything the Ukrainian culture has to offer including traditional performances, youth performers, live music, dance, food, and activities.
When: September 16 – 18
Where: Bloor West Village
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
The annual celebration of Polish culture, art, and music is returning to Roncesvalles this month, in honour of the neighbourhood, its history, and the people who call it home. This year, visitors can look forward to Polka, pierogi, local artists, musicians and plenty of delicious food.
When: September 17 & 18
Where: Roncesvalles Avenue
Just for Laughs Toronto
If you need some comedic relief, this 11-day comedy festival is sure to do the trick.
Comedy enthusiasts can look forward to shows by Trevor Noah, Issa Rae, Amy Schumer, John Mulaney, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Trixie and Katya, Ben Schwartz, Deon Cole, Tim Dillon, and many more.
When: September 22 — October 1
Where: Events throughout the city, see the full schedule for full details
Motionball Toronto Gala
Hailed as ‘Toronto’s most sought-after gala,’ this red carpet soiree is in support of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. The evening features incredible entertainment, including 10 acts across two ballrooms, live music, DJs, an open bar, a silent auction, and a photo booth to capture the night.
When: September 29
Where: Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road
Toronto Oktoberfest
Bust out your lederhosen, the Toronto Oktoberfest event is finally making a comeback this fall to celebrate its 10th anniversary. In addition to delicious German drinks and food, there will be dancing and live entertainment, including the popular Fräulein E cabaret show.
When: September 30 & October 1
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
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The holiday season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean the excitement has to come to an end! This time of year our bank accounts have likely taken a hit from the festivities and we can feel the winter blues starting to set in.
Luckily, there are tons of amazing free events in and around Toronto this month, so you can give your wallet a little break after all that holiday shopping and keep the fun coming!
Here is our roundup of the top 10 free events happening in Toronto this January.
Skate at Nathan Phillips Square (January 1 – January 26)
Instagram/ @nathanphillipssquare
If you’re looking to get outdoors this month, why not go skating at Nathan Phillips Square? While it’s fun to skate here during the holiday season, it’s just as fun come January! You can get out for some fun and fresh air while you burn off those extra holiday calories.
Snowshoes and Snow Clues (January 3)
Instagram/ @meghanorourkee
This family-friendly event is fun for everyone! Located just outside the city in Caledon, you will be able to learn about winter wildlife. Snowshoes will be provided as well! If you enjoy the outdoors, this free event is definitely one to check out. Parking is free. Make sure to bundle up because the event will be held rain or shine!
Karaoke (January 9)
Instagram/ @thesocialcapitaltheatre
If you’re looking to plan a fun night out with friends this month, look no further! Every Wednesday night you can head to the Social Capital Theatre for free Karaoke from 10:30 to close. This is guaranteed to be fun whether you’re a great singer or not!
Trinity Bellwoods Flea – New Year – Market (January 13)
Instagram/ @thetrinitybellwoodsflea
Located on Queen Street West, this incredible flea market will be open to the public from 10-5 with tons of new vendors and brands any shopper will love! If you’re looking to beat the winter blues and treat yourself to something nice, this is the event for you! While it costs to shop, admission is completely free – though we can’t guarantee that the local eats and other products won’t tempt you!
Meditation Series (January 16 – 23)
Instagram/ @justbemeditation
This completely free event is perfect if you have ever wanted to try meditation. With the new year, a lot of people are making health-related resolutions and meditation can be great for your mental health! Cassidy from Just Be Meditation will be leading this series at the Sony Centre.
Toronto Light Festival (January 18 – March 3)
Image: StyleDemocracy
Located in the iconic Distillery District, the Toronto Light Festival is definitely an event worth checking out! The festival transforms the historic neighbourhood into one of the largest outdoor galleries in North America. The display features work from both local and international artists and is fun for all ages!
DesignTO (January 18 – 27)
Instagram/ @designtofestival
DesignTO transforms Toronto into a hub for all things design! From engaging talks to incredible exhibitions, and more, this event has no shortage of events happening. With over 100 exhibits to choose from, there is something for every design lover. While some events do cost money to attend, the majority of them are absolutely free!
Mindfest (January 24)
This free mental health and wellness fair takes place at U of T from 10 to 2. Here you will find inspirational speakers, informative exhibits, and fun workshops!
Afternoon Movies at the Riverdale Library (January 29)
Instagram/ @anthonyfarnell
The Riverdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library will be screening The Book Club at 2:00 and admission is free! The movie is rated PG-13 and it’s sure to be a good time.
European Short Film Festival (January 31)
Carlton Cinema will be hosting the European Short Film Festival on January 3rd. Admission is free, or you can pay what you can. Here you will be able to check out some of the best short films from around the world while you stay warm and cozy inside!
Featured Image: Pexels
We always want to end the year with a bang, but if you’re not careful, you can end up spending an arm and a leg on one night of New Year’s Eve fun. If you’re determined to head into 2019 with some cash in your pocket, a free NYE event is the way to go! Luckily, there are a bunch of Toronto events that have kept your wallet in mind.
From DJ skating parties to a beautiful winter light exhibition, dance parties, fireworks and more, there are tons of free events on New Year’s Eve.
Winter at Ontario Place
Instagram/ @ontarioplace
In the winter, Ontario Place turns into a winter wonderland. A stroll through their various exhibitions and activities is the ideal way to have a no-spend NYE. Make sure to plan your time accordingly as you can enjoy skating, the snack shop and the bonfire until 9 pm, and then you can enjoy the winter light exhibition and fairy lights as you welcome the New Year!
DJ Skate Night at Harbourfront Centre
Instagram/ @harbourfrontcentre
Harbourfront is known for their amazing DJ skate nights and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Admission is free, and skate and helmet rentals are available if you don’t have your own. This year’s NYE skating party will feature tunes by DJ Titan of Nth Degree Entertainment Group. What could be more fun than ringing in the new year on ice? On NYE, skate night goes until 1 am.
NYE at Nathan Phillips Square
Instagram/ @nathanphillipssquare
From 8 pm to midnight, you can enjoy an array of winter activities at Nathan Phillips Square. From DJ skating parties, to live musical performances, and a fireworks show, you can ring in the New Year in style. The DJ acts for the night include DJ Money Jane and DJ Mel Boogie, and the musical performers are LIZA, Cadence Weapon and DJ NDN. As always, there will be an epic countdown at midnight, featuring a magical fireworks display.
The Ballroom NYE
Instagram/ @foreigncitymusicto
Head to The Ballroom on New Year’s Eve for free entry and spins by DJ Thugli. With two levels of pub/club fun, you can head to the dance floor, hang at the bar, play some pool, or book a lane to bowl. Bowling will cost you though, so if you want a totally free NYE, stick to the dance floor!
NYE at Swan Dive
Instagram/ @swandiveto
If you want to dance the night away on New Year’s Eve, head to Swan Dive on Dundas Street West for no cover, cheap drinks and music all night long. Boogie to tunes by DJ Shirley Tempo, who will be playing everything from pop to soul and of course, a few guilty pleasures. This is a banger you don’t want to miss.
3030 Dundas Street West
Instagram/ @3030dundaswest
3030 Dundas Street West knows how to throw a party, and on New Year’s Eve admission is free and DJ Corey Dawkins will be spinning starting at 10:30 pm and bringing guests into the New Year! If you’re into hip-hop, reggae and RnB, this is the place to be for NYE!
NYE After Party at Weslodge
Instagram/ @weslodge
Need somewhere to ring in the new year after your dinner plans? Head to Weslodge to enjoy the countdown with live entertainment, complimentary bubbles at midnight, and more! With a ticket, you’re guaranteed access to the party, but not a reserved table, so get there early if you want a place to sit!
Featured image: Instagram/ @nathanphillipssquare
It’s hard to believe it’s already October, but we’re ready for all the great things that come with fall. We’re pretty excited because there are a TON of amazing free events happening this month in the city. Here are a bunch of our favourites events that you should definitely check out:
The Disruptors, Presented By Samuel Adams
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Check out the free pop-up shop which features four inspiring businesses, each handpicked by Samuel Adams for having the same entrepreneurial spirit shared by the founder when he first created Boston Lager 30 years ago. In addition to being able to browse and purchase merch from the retailers, shoppers can sample a selection of Samuel Adams beers – including some exclusive beers that will only be available to try at the shop.
When: October 1 – October 14 (check times on the website)
Where: 324 Queen Street West
World Press Photo Exhibit
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Free entry to experience this amazing global exhibition presenting the best visual journalism of the past year. You can find the most compelling photos in stunning high-quality Canon prints.
When: October 2 to October 23 (9am to 9pm)
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria
14th Annual Art Walk
This yearly event features over 50 businesses with the works from local artists. The public will be invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” for Best Merchant Display.
When: October 4 to October 24
Where: Along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue
Free Lunch Time Yoga
Spend your lunch hour stretching, twisting, breathing to add some calm to your Tuesdays and Thursdays this month with this FREE yoga class! You can even register online here.
When: October 9, 11, 15 and 22 (12pm to 1pm)
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Rebecca Belmore: Facing The Monumental
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A member of Lac Seul First Nation (Anishinaabe), Rebecca Belmore is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist currently residing in Toronto. TD is helping make Rebecca Belmore (an interdisciplinary Anishinabekwe artist) ’s work/story accessible to the public by showcasing a video of her work on the art of media wall at the TD Bay and Queen branch and supporting an exhibit at the AGO in parallel.
When: October 9 to October 21
Where: TD Bay and Queen TD branch
Waterlicht
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A huge light display that explores the role of water and all its dangers. Created by Daan Roosegaarde, the large-scale light installation represents the universal power, poetry, and danger of water. The displays are created through the imaginative use of LEDs, special software, and lenses.
When: October 12 – 14
Where: The Bentway
First Legal Smoke
Legalization takes effect across Canada on October 17 and what better way to celebrate than to light it up in the park.
When: October 17
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Fall Opening Party
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The Power Plant kicks off a new season of programming with a huge party featuring new exhibitions, drinks and free admission.
When: October 19 (8pm – 11pm)
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
The Tetley Super Tea Break
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Much like the well-known “rage room” experiences, consumers who participate in the Tetley Super Tea Break will be suited up in protective gear and handed a baseball bat. In an enclosed room, they’ll then be given free reign to use that bat to smash a teacup inscribed with a stereotypical word – (weak, dainty, fragile) – commonly used to diminish women. Visitors will also be able to sample the three new Super Teas.
When: October 19 to October 21 (check times on the website)
Where: 639 Queen Street West
YouTube Music Night Market
YouTube Music believes that music is about more than just streaming and they are celebrating with this outdoor free event. Enjoy incredible food and drinks, local music purveyors, and a live performance by none other than Roy Woods on Saturday night. #YouTubeMusicCA
** Come ready with your YouTube App upon entry
When: October 19 to October 20 (Friday: 7pm to 11pm // Saturday: 5pm to 11pm)
Where: 464 King Street West
Toronto Flower Market
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Browse through 18 incredible vendor stalls on display to visit and admire, each selling an assortment of seasonal flowers including tulips, daffodils, gerbera, orchids, hyacinths, muscari, lilacs, and more. Plus you can expect an array of dahlia tubers, seedlings, garden planters, handmade pots and indoor plants also for sale.
When: October 20 (10am to 3pm)
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West
Halloween on Church
Every year, Church Street turns into the largest outdoor Halloween party where thousands of people put on the most creative and outrageous costumes and join the outdoor street party. Bars and restaurants participate in this unique experience with costume contests and Halloween night events.
When: October 31 (6pm to 11pm)
Where: Church and Wellesley
Featured Image: Instagram/@ashtontekno
Source: The Daily Hive
As the lingering summer finally rolls to a close and those beer-filled times on the dock or patio slowly become a distant memory, it’s easy to slide into a deep mourning of the easy, breezy days.
But it’s also easy not to.
The good news is that – aside from the photo op-filled apple orchards and pumpkin patches – there are many reasons to look forward to fall in Toronto. Case in point: These nine events….
Just for Laughs
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If live comedy is your thing, Toronto is about to get a massive dose of LOLs when the annual Just for Laughs Comedy Festival hits the city September 20 to 29. Held at various venues throughout Toronto, this year’s event features famous funny people like Seth Meyers, Wanda Sykes, and Ken Jeong (to name just a few).
Nuit Blanche
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While it’s become more about the party than the art to some, if you’re looking for an event that will last all night and offer no shortage of creative inspiration, you may want to mark sunset on September 29 to sunrise on September 30 on your calendars. The marathon art affair that is Nuit Blanche will take over the city with over 75 talking point-filled art installations and no shortage of parties.
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
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Unless you have a soft spot for the waterpark, the best time to hit Canada’s Wonderland is in the fall, when the lineups and crowds aren’t maddening and when the temperature is actually tolerable. It’s even better when everything is Halloween-themed. Beginning on September 29, Halloween Haunt takes over the amusement park for 14 nights, offering added bonuses like terrifying mazes, scare zones, live shows, and hundreds of monsters lurking in the sidelines.
Bobbyball Presents: Wild West
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Toronto’s longtime favourite fundraiser for the young social set, Rethink Breast Cancer’s Boobyball, returns on October 12 to transform the sprawling space at Rebel into a charity event that never cuts corners when it comes to details. Perhaps one of the best themes yet, this year’s affair asks guests to rock their country finest for a cowboy boot-filled interactive evening of southern hospitality.
Hush Hush
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Offering a chance to be as loud as you want to be in a library, Hush Hush – the sixth annual fundraiser for the Toronto Public Library Foundation presented by the young professional-filled New Collection – returns to transform the Gladstone Library into a multi-sensory party on Saturday, October 20. Hush Hush: Dewey Decimal to Digital will showcase a fusion of aesthetic nostalgia and advanced technology against the building’s classic architecture.
Art Toronto
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If you’re in the market for some quality art, to shake up date night, or for a great party, Art Toronto – Canada’s international fair for modern and contemporary art – returns October 26 to 29. The event fills the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with important artwork from leading Canadian and international galleries, lectures, and panel discussions. Best of all, it kicks off with a hot-ticket (but pricey) Opening Night Party on Thursday, October 26, which always attracts the city’s finest for a cocktail-filled sneak peek.
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
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Almost 100 years old, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a Toronto staple for the lovers of horses, agriculture, food, entertainment, schmoozing, and shopping unique finds. The event takes over the Exhibition Place November 2 to 11 and is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world. If you’re seeking like-worthy social media material, you’ll find it here.
The One of a Kind Show and Sale
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If you’re looking for unique gift ideas, to refresh your own jewellery box, decorate your home, or to meet local artisans (or all of the above), you may want to save the dates for the One of a Kind Expo, which takes over the Enercare Centre November 22 to December 2. Here, you’ll find hundreds of one-of-a-kind handmade products and gifts that you didn’t know you were missing in your life.
The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo
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The annual Gourmet Food and Wine Expo– an event not to miss if you call yourself a foodie – returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre once again (November 22 to 25) to offer guests the chance to sample all kinds of culinary goodness, quality wine, and other boozy beverages. If you’re looking to shake up typical date night, this is where to do so.
Did we miss any of the best events happening in Toronto this fall? Share with us in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @canadaswonderland
From food festivals to skateboard workshops, there is no shortage of unique and entertaining events in Toronto this month. Check out some of the best free events taking place in the city below.
adidas x Parley Run For The Oceans, July 4
Whether you’re a pro-athlete or just enjoy running, you just can’t miss this exciting event taking place at Trillium Park. Today at 6:30 p.m. hundreds of runners will get together to take part in adidas X Parley Run For The Oceans to run 5km through the provincial park. For every 1km completed at the event, adidas will donate $1 USD (up to $1M USD) to support the Parley Ocean Plastic Program. For more details, click here.
The Foodie Festival, July 6
The Foodie Festival will host its 5th annual FREE food fest on Friday, July 6th at Rexdale’s Albion Library, with the mission to introduce Torontonians to Rexdale and Etobicoke’s diverse food community. You will be able to enjoy family-friendly performances by local poets, dancers, musicians and comedians. There will also be FREE yoga and Zumba classes.
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, July 6-8
Back for its 57th year, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) will take over Nathan Phillips Square from July 6th to 8th, showcasing the contemporary and original works of over 360 accomplished artists. Several exciting activations, workshops, and panel talks will occur over the three days, all igniting a passion for art and challenging the boundaries that come with it. For more details, click here.
Learn To Skateboard Workshops Presented by CITE, July 7
The Bentway and Build for Bokma present CITE, a summer-long celebration of skateboard arts and culture. During the weekends, CITE will provide a variety of workshops like learning to skateboard, building skate sculptures, videography, screen printing and designing skateboards – plus a speaker series. The Skate Trail with the Semblance sculptures will be open and available for skateboarding every day from 10 am until 9 pm.
The Really Really Free Market, July 7
The Really Really Free Market opens at 10:00 am and runs until 4:00 pm. There is a limit of one shopping bag per family in order to ensure everyone gets their fair crack at all the great free stuff. These happen on the first Saturday of every month throughout the summer!
TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, July 7 -8
If you want to scratch that dance itch while enjoying some great music, this is the place to be! One of the largest Latino-themed cultural celebrations in Canada invites you to take part in Canada’s hottest salsa party featuring an international calibre of Latin music, authentic cuisine and much more.
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea, July 15
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market is back this July! Check out vendors, artisans, local eats and delicious spring sweet treats. As always admission is free, four-legged friends and kids welcome.
Christie Pits Film Festival, June 29 – August 19
All movie lovers out there, this special festival is for you! All summer long come to Christie Pits park and enjoy a free weekly series of outdoor film screenings. According to the organizers, “The festival’s carefully curated programme includes a combination of popular and critically-acclaimed feature films alongside local and Canadian short and feature films that allow us to celebrate excellent homegrown talent.”
Did we miss any of the top free events in Toronto and the GTA? Share them in the comments section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@salsaintoronto
Canada’s 151st birthday is fast approaching and very soon Toronto will be jam-packed with celebrations.
If you’re spending the long weekend in the city, here are a few solid options for properly honouring your home and native land. Check out a list of the best food and music festivals taking place in Toronto this Canada Day.
East York Canada Day Celebration, July 1
This massive East York Canada Day celebration will be held on Sunday, July 1, starting with a parade and continuing with all day events at Stan Wadlow Park ending at dusk before the FIREWORKS at 10 pm. Aside from a sea of floats, there will also be a Midway with carnival rides, food vendors, entertainers and of course, fireworks.
Toronto Ribfest, June 29-July 2
If food is what you look forward to the most, you’ll probably want to head to Etobicoke for the annual Ribfest. Beyond all the ribs you can eat, you’ll also be helping Rotary raise money for the community while enjoying a strong lineup of local musicians.
TD Toronto Jazz Festival, June 22 – July 1
An iconic 10-day festival bringing in over 500,00 people and is now known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals is here! Enjoy jazz music across the city while exploring corners of Toronto.
Electric Island, July 1
If you’re looking for a high-energy dance party that goes all day and into the evening – complete with the view of the city – you’ll find it at Electric Island. The event offers a wide assortment of DJs, food vendors, some inevitable costume-clad guests and an excuse to hit the island.
Harbourfront Centre, June 29 – July 1
Harbourfront Centre will continue its tradition of bringing great Canadian musicians to the lake to celebrate the day – including voices that are feminist, Indigenous, People of Colour, queer, newcomer and more. These concerts will represent the many talents that live, learn and create in Canada.
Party Like It’s 1867! July 1
This Canada Day weekend head over to Black Creek Pioneer Village and experience the excitement of a 19th-century carnival as performers juggle fire, attempt daring feats of strength and amaze you with unbelievable magic tricks. The best part is that the admission is free, so don’t miss out!
The 2018 Queen’s Plate Festival, June 29 – 30
Start this long weekend with a concert by three-time GRAMMY Award winner and country music superstar, Brad Paisley at Toronto’s Queen’s Plate Festival. In addition to the concert, walk the red carpet in style at the Hats & Horseshoes Party presented by Stella Artois.
StoneFest Canada Day, June 30
You definitely won’t want to miss this family-friendly festival taking place at 45 Davenport Rd, Toronto. Enjoy free food (hotdogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and more) inflatables, dunk tank, photobooth, face painting, carnival games, and much more at StoneFest Canada Day.
TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, July 2
If you want to scratch that dance itch while enjoying some great music, this is the place to be! One of the largest Latino-themed cultural celebrations in Canada invites you to take part in Canada’s hottest salsa party featuring an international caliber of Latin music, authentic cuisine and much more.
Did we miss any of the best festivals happening over the long weekend? Share them in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@harbourfrontcentre
It’s time to soak up all the sunshine because summer is finally here! And what better way to enjoy sunny days than with these 10 free Ottawa events and festivals in June. Check them out below.
The Happening Artspark festival, June 2
Discover what makes Hintonburg so unique! The Happening Artspark festival is full of free live music, dance performances, an art throw down and artisan crafts. Not to mention local and Ontario vendors including Seed To Sausage, Carleton Tavern, Merry Dairy, and Craft beer gardens featuring Beyond the Pale, Vimy Brewing and Tooth & Nail. Donations from the event will be going back into the community and help fund art grants for the Wellington West community. See all the happenings here.
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Doors Open Ottawa, June 2 – 3
History Buff or not, anyone can appreciate the true Canadian history that Ottawa has to offer. And for 2 days you can discover the beautiful heritage buildings that have shaped Ottawa to its beauty. From the Supreme Court of Canada to Hydro Ottawa’s new Hydroelectric facility at Chaudière Falls, there’s a story behind all 50 participating structures. There’s even a free shuttle bus service!
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Parliament Hill Yoga Sessions, every Wednesday
For all the yoga lovers out there – the event you absolutely need to attend! Every Wednesday up until August 29, come to Parliament Hill and enjoy a yoga practice lead by some of the best teachers around. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat and water.
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Ottawa Italian Week Festival, June 7 – 17
Show your love for all that is Italian and head over to Preston St. For one of Ottawa’s largest free festivals this summer. From Ferraris, to live music, art demos and more, the event celebrates all that is Italian: art, culture, and history — with different shows and events every day.
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West Fest, June 8 – 10
For 15 years, West Fest has been Ottawa’s favourite free music festival and it can be yours too! Featuring 100 Canadian Musicians to hit the stage, 2 after parties, food trucks and more!
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The New Art Festival, June 9 – 10
Think gallery in the park. If walking through Central Park in Ottawa wasn’t beautiful enough, every year over 200 curated artists set up their tents and sell and display one-of-a-kind masterpieces, in a variety of art form, that you can take home or just breathe in and enjoy as you stroll around, and eat from the many local food vendors there. Don’t miss out!
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Glow Fair, June 15-16
Bring your neon coloured shirts and start snapping those glow sticks, wands, and necklaces. With over 10 city blocks closed down, 3 unforgettable days and nights of music and art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — from an augmented reality experience, mesmerizing murals painted from start to finish, glow yoga, and the famous enchanted forest full of glowing trees. Check out what everyone is “glowing” on about:
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Tim Hortons Dragon Boat 25th Anniversary Festival, June 21 – 24
Take part in North America’s largest dragon boat festival. Watch over 200 teams compete, enjoy free concerts from many popular artists such as Sam Roberts Band, Broken Social Scene, Matt Mays and many more. There’s also a variety of amusement attractions, sports demos and delicious culinary treats to feast upon.
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The Changing of the Guard Ceremony, June 24 – 28
One of Ottawa’s most recognized traditions that have welcomed thousands of people every summer, is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Parliament Hill. With Troops of the Ceremonial Guard coming from Canadian Armed Forces units from all around the country, this is a 55-year-old tradition that every Canadian should see. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. each morning.
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Featured image: Instagram/ @haymancallan
April showers bring no shortage of things to do in Toronto.
From art-filled charity events to the return of the Jays, and stoner holiday 4/20, April is definitely a good time to emerge from hibernation and take full advantage of the city.
Here are 11 reasons that April is going to be amazing in Toronto.
The GTA’s first Jollibee shop
After weeks of swirling rumours, beloved Filipino fast food chain Jollibee Canada has finally opened up shop in Scarborough at 15 William Kitchen Road (and yes, it’ll be worth the Uber ride out there) on April 1. The chain has been met with lineups each time it opens a new location, with hungry fans craving their juicy chicken, spaghetti, and burgers.
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The Jays are back in town
A true sign of spring in Toronto, the Toronto Blue Jays will hit the field running for their opening weekend (Thursday, March 29 to Sunday, April 1), as they take on the New York Yankees in Toronto to officially kick off the season. They then return to the Rogers Centre (aka the SkyDome) for nine more games throughout the month of April.
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You can see “the hottest violinist alive”
If classical music is your thing, you have an extra special reason to check out a Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) concert in April, as well-known (and extremely fashionable) Taiwanese-Australian violinist Ray Chen joins the TSO on stage at Roy Thomson Hall (April 5-7) as a featured soloist for Sibelius Symphony 5. The musician, who has been called “the hottest violinist alive,” is sponsored by Giorgio Armani, has been featured in Vogue Italia, and is an Instagram star in his own right.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgta_LRgB8z/?hl=en&taken-by=raychenviolin
You have plenty of quality musical theatre options
Whether the folks are in town visiting, or you want to switch up your date night routine, a Mirvish production is always a no-fail option. While the uber-popular hit Come From Away continues (until October), other buzz-worthy Mirvish musicals to grace iconic Toronto stages this month include the Tony award-winning An American in Paris (March 27 to April 29) and Annie (April 24 to June 3).
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Hundreds of yoga lovers will unite in one place
If you’re in the market to step up your yoga practice, you may want to register for the Yoga Conference Show, which takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Thursday, April 12 to Sunday, April 15. Here, you can expect 300 exhibitors, 700 hours of world-class sessions, and 80 master teachers to inspire you to unroll that yoga mat often and with purpose.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgzJxwkhXer/?taken-by=yogaconference
A caffeine wonderland will hit the city
The second annual Toronto Coffee & Tea Expo takes place on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at Evergreen Brickworks, filling the breezy venue with 5,000 coffee and tea lovers, iinviting them to experience the city’s top brews, and discover industry tips, emerging trends, and new beans from local vendors and indie cafés.
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You can party in a massive gallery
One of the hottest tickets on Toronto’s event scene is The Art Gallery of Ontario’s (AGO) Massive Party. Taking over the sprawling AGO on Thursday, April 19, the party offers interactive and totally Instagrammable art installations, an eclectic assortment of guests from the arts world and social scene, flowing drinks, memorable eats, performance art, DJs, and a high-energy dance party.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWP87pOFqa9/?hl=en&tagged=agomassive
You can shamelessly celebrate your love of weed
With the legalization of marijuana now just months away, we can expect this year’s 4/20 celebrations to take over the city in a bigger way than ever before. An added bonus for all the weed lovers is the fact that 4/20 falls on a Friday, making it a little easier to sneak out of the office an hour early to “go green” and shake off the workweek.
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You can feed your documentary addiction
Now that you’ve spent hibernation season making your way through every documentary on Netflix, you can catch dozens beginning on Thursday, April 26 – and on the big screen – as part of the city’s annual Hot Docs competition. As North America’s largest documentary film festival, Hot Docs offers films on pretty much every subject – even if you’re not historically a doc junkie, you’ll find something that catches your attention.
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The cherry blossoms will flood your news feed
If you have a soft spot for the spring’s cherry blossom flowers – particularly those found in High Park – you can expect to see dozens of snaps of them grace your newsfeed by the end of April. The limited appearance of the cherry blossoms provides all the incentive you need to swap your couch on a spring Sunday for a walk through the sprawling park.
https://www.instagram.com/p/2Z3lKJPpIG/
Featured image: Instagram/ @jollibee
International Women’s Day is fast approaching and if you still don’t know how to celebrate, we’ve got you covered!
This Thursday, March 8, TIFF will be teaming up with HBO to offer you a full day of free screenings in celebration of International Women’s Day 2018. TIFF x HBO will be highlighting women storytellers and will be hosting an exclusive panel discussion on the wildly successful comedy-drama series Insecure. The discussion will cover such topics as representation for young Black women on screen, empowering women on both sides of the screen and shifting trends in the film and television industry.
Check out the schedule below and get your tickets today for the March 8 free screenings by logging into your account.
- 11am – Olive Kitteridge Episode 1
- 12:50pm – Olive Kitteridge Episode 2
- 2:30pm – Love Crimes of Kabul
- 5:30pm – Suited
Also, if you didn’t know, TIFF is participating in a five-year program aimed at increasing opportunities for women behind, and in front of, the camera. See Share Her Journey campaign and make a donation.
Will you check out the free screenings for International Women’s Day? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @insecurehbo