When the weather is cold, it’s easy to get cooped up inside. But there are so many opportunities to get outside and experience what Toronto has to offer.
From Instagrammable art installations to free food, facials, and more, here are seven Toronto events that will help you make the most of winter this weekend.
Pick up some new clothes at the Winter Uber-SWAP
If you’re itching to upgrade your wardrobe but don’t want to blow your budget, then you’ll want to check out this women’s clothing exchange. Located at Eastminster United Church, bring your gently used cold weather clothing and accessories to trade with other women in the neighbourhood. Sizes are primarily XS to XL, tickets are $10, and all proceeds will benefit the Toronto Distress Centre’s program for survivors of suicide. Leftover clothing will be donated to the Yonge St. Mission, Eastminster’s Out Of The Cold program, and other east-end hubs serving women, teens, and newcomers.
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Get some inspiration at the Interior Design Show (IDS)
The annual Interior Design Show is back in town! Located at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 17 to 20, IDS will feature a number of notable exhibitors and keynote speakers who will focus on a the latest and greatest trends in Canadian and international design. Take part in a class and brush up on how to take your home to the next level, party the night away with fellow design enthusiasts and industry professionals, or just tour the beauty that is IDS. Tickets can be purchased online and start at just $25.
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Brave the cold and tour the Toronto Light Festival
Back for its second year, tour the Toronto Light Festival and take in a number of wonderful light displays and features. The festival is great excuse to go outside and celebrate the beauty of creativity during winter’s dark and dreary months. The Toronto Light Festival can be found in the Distillery District from January 18 to March 3 and is completely free for visitors! Make sure to drop by — especially if you want to up your Instagram game.
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Get cheesy with Taco Bell
If you love free stuff, Taco Bell, and nacho cheese, then you’ll want to head over to this event. On Saturday, January 20, Taco Bell is unveiling something special at its 482 Queen St. West location in Toronto. While details are scarce, what we do know is that there’ll be nacho cheese and free food. Need we say more? Get more details on Taco Bell’s Facebook event page.
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Take in some free outdoor art and visit Ice Breakers presented by PortsToronto
Bundle up and head outside for this free art event. From January 19 to February 4, Ice Breakers presented by PortsToronto is a wintertime art exhibition located in the Queens Quay West neighbourhood. Take a tour of five interesting exhibitions by artists from Toronto, Greece, and Germany. There’ll be plenty of picture perfect moments and opportunities to interact with the larger-than-life art. Oh, and did we mention that it’s completely free?
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Fit in some cardio and skate the night away at DJ Skate Nights
Head to the Natrel Rink for a stellar, free skate night. This Saturday, January 19, Little Kicks, Digits, and ARP2600 will be DJing a fun mix of electro dance music. Head there to get your boogie on from 8 to 11 p.m — all you need to do is round up your friends and your skates.
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Treat yourself to a free mini-facial at Sephora
If you’re headed to CF Toronto Eaton Centre this weekend, be sure to drop by Sephora to spoil yourself with Laneige. You’ll get to try the new Lavender Water Sleeping mask, enjoy a free custom skincare consultation, and a free dream interpretation session by Giovanna’s Psychic Studio. The event takes place January 18 to 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. Get more details on the Facebook event page.
Let DesignTO take you to explore different pockets of the city
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DesignTO, formerly the Toronto Design Offsite Festival, is a huge design festival that spans across Toronto. With over 100 exhibitions and events, there’s something to get you out of the house every day from January 18 to 27. As the largest cultural design festival in Canada, DesignTO transforms Toronto into a hub of creativity, and the best part is, the majority of the events are completely free!
Featured image: Instagram/@samsamsametc