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May 20, 2012

Festivals in Toronto

Long Weekend - May 19-21, 2012

This is Queen Victoria Day weekend (long weekend across Canada) where we have Monday as a public holiday. It's also fondly known as the May Two Four weekend and usually associated with cottagers who use this weekend to open up their cottages (up in cottage country eg Muskoka area) for the season.

For those who decide to stay in town, there are many special fun events happening around Toronto and fireworks are usually held on Monday in celebration.

Toronto Festivals

  • Toronto Circus Festival at the Harbourfront
  • Artisans at the Distillery

Film Festivals

  • Inside Out Film Festival - LGBT film festival
  • Punjabi International Film Festival (PIFF)

Out of Town

The Stratford Festival (about 1.5-2hr drive west of Toronto) begins in April and their tickets have already went on sale.

The Shaw Festival in Niagara region also starts in April. Both of these festivals continue right through the summer until late Autumn/Fall.

Cavalia Presents Odysseo

Cavalia's newest production marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects. It delivers a spectacle with soul and sends hearts racing. So, if you enjoy watching horses perform, then you'll be sure to enjoy this show that is coming to Toronto in May.

  • When: May 15-June 3, 2012**
    [**Due to popular demand the show has been extended to June 3]
  • Where: 324 Cherry Street at Lakeshore(MapWhere the big top is situated - can't miss it, even from the Gardner Expressway)
  • Cost: $62.00 - $242.50

Note: When driving down there, remember that Cherry Street is Closed due to construction of the PanAm Games residences so it's best to come down Parliament, Sherbourne or Jarvis if you're coming from the north-end of the city.

Party Night at the Museum

Friday Night Live @ROM is a new social event for young adults at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). With pop-up bars featuring local and international artisanal wines, beers, cocktails and delicious food from Fidel Gastro, JK Frites and Waffle Bar, visitors enjoy a moveable feast of food and drink throughout the ROM’s galleries.

Partygoers can also dance their way through the ROM’s collections to the music of Toronto’s hottest DJs. Modeled on similar events at museums and galleries in the U.S. and Europe, “Friday Night Live @ROM is an opportunity for Toronto’s young adults to experience the museum in a way that speaks to them,” says ROM Director and CEO, Janet Carding. This unique social destination will showcase a different themed program each week, including live performances, art installations and late-night talks from local artists, designers and curators.

Friday Night Live at ROM runs Fridays (April 20 - June 15, 2012) from 6pm to 11pm. Pop-up Food, Drink and DJ's provided by ElectriCITY Events, plus themed programming each week! Visitors must be 19+ yrs. and provide ID.

Art Gallery of Ontario

The AGO has FREE Wednesday nights which allows you entry to their Permanent Collection between 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.


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Farmers Markets

Some of the farmers markets are opening up during May. You'll find all details of the most popular markets over in the Farmers Market section

Apassionata "The Beginning"

It must be the year of the horse, because Toronto is getting not one, but two fabulous horse performances. Cavalia (as above) and Apassionata.

APASSIONATA is coming to Toronto in July. Apassionata has been Europe’s most popular live arena show for nearly a decade with a breathtaking display of the beauty and the bond between horse and rider. Taking audiences through a magical adventure featuring more than 40 horses, with exhilarating equine stunts by the world’s best performers.

  • When: July 20-22, 2012
  • Where: Ricoh Coliseum, Exhibition Place, Toronto
  • Cost: $58.50 - $133.50

Breeds from Friesians to Bretons – some rarely seen in North America – and their riders are brought from Europe to create this theatrical event. From trick riding to liberty dressage, Apassionata has something for every horse lover.

PATH Information

PDF map of Toronto's underground Pathway through the downtown coreI am keeping this information on the front page as I believe it's definitely worth checking out, especially when weather's not so good. Now in the Guiness World Record book, this underground heaven is busy throughout the year. During the summer, using the PATH is a great way to keep cool whilst checking out the numerous stores hidden under the downtown core of Toronto and during the winter, you stay warm and dry. And if you're in the downtown core (financial district at King/Bay area) and it appears to be kinda quiet on the streets during the week, just head underground and you'll find everyone there. Remember, if you feel lost - just ask, hopefully you'll ask a local!!