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15 Must-See Artisans at the One of a Kind Show

Each year in the lead-up to the holiday season, Toronto’s arts and crafts–loving hordes descend on the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place to spend hours browsing the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale. On from November 24 to December 4, the massive event features hundreds of talented Canadian artisans showcasing their best wares, from designer apparel and unique accessories to glassware, works in metal and more. The sheer selection can be overwhelming, so in advance of the show, Where Toronto offers our 15 favourites.

Weekend Roundup, November 18 to 20

Friday: The National Ballet of Canada interprets Romeo and Juliet (photo by Bruce Zinger)

Friday, November 18
See one of the greatest dance dramas in a brand new light when the National Ballet of Canada presents Romeo and Juliet. Choreographer Alexi Ratmansky gives the classic tale with a modern edge for a fresh show at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

One of Canada’s best-known musical voices, Steven Page, interprets the tunes of Elvis Costello, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman and others in Songbook 6. The always innovative Art of Time Ensemble accompanies the singer at Harbourfront Centre’s Enwave Theatre.

Find unique Aboriginal arts, crafts and fashions at the Thunderbird Centre’s presentation, Very Beautiful Things. The exhibition and sale at the Gladstone Hotel will be a trove for discerning gift buyers and Aboriginal art collectors.

The rest of the weekend is just a click away!

Weekend Roundup, November 11 to 13

Friday: Pay tribute to Canada's soldiers on Remembrance Day (photo by Jennyrotten)

Friday, November 11
Take time to remember the sacrifices of veterans and currently serving members of our armed forces at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Toronto’s Old City Hall Cenotaph. The service is slated to include flybys from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Step up to the mic and contribute your MC skills to the Museum of Indulgence, a multimedia collaboration on display at Harbourfront Centre. The exhibition combines life-sized dioramas with on-site performances to explore the themes of hip-hop stereotypes, excess and indulgence.

Fire-emitting roller skates? Dancers on spinning turntables? A rockin’ song list? Check, check, and check. Alberta Ballet’s acclaimed spectacle Love Lies Bleeding, inspired by and featuring the music of Sir Elton John, is on stage at the Sony Centre.

There’s more action on Saturday and Sunday! Read on!

Farm Livin’ is the Life for Me: Where Toronto Previews the 98th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

For the next ten days, from November 4 to 13, the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place becomes a little less convention centre and a little more barnyard, as it hosts the 98th edition of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. We got a sneak peek at some of what’s on show at this year’s Fair, in the process acquainting our city selves with a bit of the country. By Rasheed Clarke

We crunched through scattered strands of hay and sidestepped splats of manure on our way to see cowboys practicing their riding technique on a bull of the mechanical variety. After a ride of our own on the spinning, bucking machine, Royal Rodeo organizer Ross Millar assured us that the 2,000-pound bulls featured in the Royal Rodeo (Sunday, November 6) will prove more of a challenge to the professional riders. The event, at the adjacent Ricoh Coliseum, pits top riders from across Canada against each other in barrel racing, bronco busting and bull riding competitions.

Next, we walked around the cattle barn and watched farmers trimming, washing and blow drying their livestock with all the attention to detail a Yorkville stylist would put into your coiffure. While the grooming sessions continued around us, we got intimate with an Ontario dairy cow. A few udder squeezes and there was enough milk (unpasteurized, natch) for a pot of coffee.

After dusting off our boots, we made our way to a set of showcases displaying prize-winning cheeses. It’s a shame they were under glass! We did, however, get close to a nearby block of butter and tried our hands at butter sculpting. Well, more like chiseling. The real sculptors will have their artistic creations judged next Thursday.

With butter carving crossed off our bucket list, we strolled the rest of the grounds and got a glimpse of the fair’s many other attractions: gargantuan vegetables, llamas and goats and ponies in the petting zoo, new products for city slickers and farmhands alike, and tasty treats made from local ingredients.

Yes, we can say from experience that this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is loaded with rural-style merriment. Plus, there’s the little matter of the Royal Horse Show, which runs for the duration of the fair at Ricoh Coliseum. This year’s show includes equestrian performances from Olympic gold medalists Eric Lamaze and Mark Todd, and former Toronto Maple Leafs Darcy Tucker, Curtis Joseph and Darryl Sittler trade their sticks for mallets in a game of “horse hockey.”

For more information on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Royal Horse Show, and to purchase tickets, call 416-263-3400 or click here.

The Haunted Weekend Roundup, October 28 to 30

With All Hallows’ Eve upon us, here’s a look at some spooky ways to spend the weekend around the city. If you’re seeking less zombified events, our regular spine-warming, hair-dropping Weekend Roundup is still here.

photo by Jelle Druyts

Friday, October 28
Grown-up trick-or-treaters can don costumes and make their way around Liberty Village for the Nightmare on Liberty Street. Local restaurants offer deals on food and drink, and there’s an after party at Vogue Supper Club with prizes and a live DJ.

Squeeze into your bustier and slide on your fishnets for the Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast. Watch the cult classic film with live performers at Toronto Underground Cinema.

Murderous scarecrows, demented clowns, and blood-thirsty vampires take over Canada’s Wonderland for Halloween Haunt. Find your way through haunted mazes, see performances with mind readers and acrobats, and soar through the darkness of night on rides like Behemoth, Flight Deck, and The Bat.

Saturday, October 29
Dare to enter the Powerhouse of Terror, where you’ll meet disturbed carnival workers, zombie inmates, and feel the sensation of being buried alive. Then, venture into another realm in the Insidious-inspired haunted house. It all happens at the Power House Recreation Centre.

Clear your vocal chords and for the Toronto Zoo’s Halloween Howl. When the sun goes down, you’ll get to learn about wolves and how they communicate, then test out your howling skills out and see if the Arctic wolves return your call.

A night of family-friendly fun and spooky science awaits at the Ontario Science Centre’s Halloween Sleepover. Dress up in costume and watch Dr. Frank & Mr. Stein’s Odd-itorium Show, see what crazy concoctions are brewing at the Cackling Chemistry Cauldron, then sleep among the exhibits!

Sunday, October 30
Terror comes in 3D inside the Diabolical House of Cards, just one of the shriek-inducing attractions at Screemers. Feed your fear with haunted houses, mazes, and the Midway of Mayhem, all at the “Scream Elizabeth Building,” Exhibition Place.

See the dark side of the fairy tale world at Revival when Les Coquettes present Cabaret Enchanté. A carnival troupe of beloved fairy tale characters amazes and delights for Halloween with dance, live music, cirque and burlesque.

Spadina House transforms into Hörrorhaüs, a decrepit mansion filled with ghoulish sights and sounds. Channel the spirit world with a midnight séance by candlelight, and they might just award you with the prize for best costume.

Hot Shopping: A Sale Like No Other

Resin bangles by Lemon Park

NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 4 You won’t have any trouble checking items off your holiday gift list after a trip to the One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale. More than 800 artisans showcase their unique clothing, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and more at this hugely popular annual event. Find distinctly designed items like sterling silver watches by Scott Wilk, funky tees from independent clothing company Crywolf, and resin bangles by Tania and Penny Gleave of Lemon Park. If you need a break from shopping, there are fashion shows, a visual art gallery and tasty eats, too. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, admission $7 to $14; 416-960-3680 or visit here for further details.

Hot Dining: Excitement You Can Eat at the Delicious Food Show

Lynn Crawford is but one of the top chefs at the Delicious Food Show

OCTOBER 20 TO 23 Canada’s premier culinary expo cooks up a storm for three and a half days of taste bud bliss. The Delicious Food Show brings together world-class chefs alongside lifestyle and decor experts to showcase the best in both cooking and entertaining. Top Toronto chefs including Lynn Crawford, Corbin Tomaszeski, Mark McEwan and others flaunt their skills on the Delicious Celebrity Kitchen Stage, while seminars offer advice on everything from cake decorating to hosting a fabulous Sunday brunch. Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, admission $20 ($75 for opening night preview); call 416-960-9161 or visit here for more information.

Weekend Roundup, October 14 to 16

Friday: Cheer on the Argos as the seek to stop the Stampeders (photo by John Steadman)

Friday, October 14
Watch Chad Owens as he tries to become the first player in pro football history to rack up 3,000 combined yards in back-to-back seasons when the Toronto Argonauts take on the Calgary Stampeders at the Rogers Centre.

Hear the sweet stringed sounds of Sinfonia Toronto at their first Masterpiece Concert of the new season at the Glenn Gould Studio. The virtuoso chamber orchestra welcomes pianist Davis Jalbert and trumpeter Guy Few for the show.

Tiptoe around corpses, feel the blood on the walls of a darkened maze, and outrun movie slashers come to life! Screemers, the indoor haunted scream park, takes over the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place. (more…)

Weekend Roundup, September 30 to October 2

Friday: Get tips from the experts (like the Cupcake Girls) at the Baking and Sweets Show

Friday, September 30
Learn how to bake like a boss at Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show, opening today at the International Centre. See the latest equipment in the demo kitchen and watch rivalries heat up (pun intended) on the competition stage. Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, “Cupcake Girls” Heather White and Lori Joyce, and The Happy Baker, Erin Bolger, will be at this weekend-long event, too.

Hear two of Canada’s star singers—who just happen to be married to each other—perform live at Massey Hall, as part of this weekend’s Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival. Chantal Kreviazuk performs with a symphony orchestra and a special guest – Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida.

It’s an A.V. Club member’s dream. The Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show showcases state-of-the-art consumer products and technologies, with full-scale home theatre setups and music systems. The show opens today at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel.

Saturday: Flightpath is Nuit Blanche's showcase piece at Nathan Phillips Square

Saturday, October 1
A woman rolls a rock down Yonge Street. Humans soar like birds above Nathan Phillips Square. Actors mock-arrest members of the public. Yup, it must be Scotiabank Nuit Blanche time again. The city-wide contemporary art feast runs from sunset to sunrise.

Sip, swig, and slurp flavourful creations from some of the city’s great chefs and restaurants at Soupalicious, taking place at Hertiage Court, Exhibition Place. An abundance of belly-warming soups are on offer, and chef Corbin Tomaszeski hosts a series of cooking demonstrations.

Sing, “come on you Reds!” in between bites from a French fry sandwich while watching Major League Soccer at BMO Field. Today, Toronto FC take on Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls.

Sunday: The Evergreen Brick Works fills up with foodies today (photo by Craig Moy)

Sunday, October 2
Eat your way around Southern Ontario, without leaving the city. Local growers, ranchers, and fishers supply the goods for the Picnic at the Brick Works, where Toronto chefs, vintners and brewers will serve up savoury creations.

Free, family-friendly, fall activities are on at Downsview Park’s Annual Fall Fair, including a lumberjack competition, and the chance get up close to a peregrine falcon and a great horned owl. There’s also face painting, pumpkin carving, and roaming buskers.

Hilarity is sure to ensue when Jon Dore hosts a performance featuring Mike MacDonald, Jessica Holmes and Carla Collins at Comedy Night in Canada, tonight at Massey Hall.

Hot Date: Fall Ideas for Your Abode

SEPTEMBER 22 TO 25 Learn about the latest products and get house improvement tips at the Fall Home Show. This large, annual expo features a lineup of renovation and design experts, vendors, showcase rooms and much more. Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, $14; call 416-644-5452 or visit here for additional details.

Hot Date: Honda Indy’s Toronto Milestone

Danica Patrick

JULY 8 TO 10 Celebrate 25 years of speed at the Honda Indy Toronto. On top of Sunday’s big race along the shores of Lake Ontario—including drivers Dario Franchitti, Alex Tagliani, Will Power and Danica Patrick—there is also a slew of other features for fans, such as the new Ferrari Challenge, in which these legendary cars are showcased in their natural racing environment. Since its first running in 1986, the Honda Indy has become one of the largest sporting events in Canada. Exhibition Place, general admission $30 to $45, reserved grandstand $60 to $423; call 1-877-503-6869 or visit here for a complete schedule of events.

Hot Shopping: The Clothing Show’s Cache

Find fab Sui Generis frocks at the Clothing Show

MAY 27 TO 29 No matter your style profile, you’re sure to find new additions to your wardrobe at one of Toronto’s largest showcases of original and unusual designer apparel. The Clothing Show has it all—from runway shows to sample sales and even a fashion photography contest. Scour the more than 300 booths for deals you can only find at this one-stop clothing shop, featuring fabulous frocks from Canadian indie labels such as Lux & Luster and Sui Generis. Unique handmade pieces from vintage-inspired Paper People Clothing are also a draw, as are the one-of-a-kind jewellery designs from Black Iris. Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building, $10 admission; call 416-516-9859 or click here for more information.

Weekend Roundup, April 8th to 10th

Friday: Marvel at the Harlem Globetrotters' amazing basketball skills

Friday, April 8
For more than 84 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have dazzled fans of sports and showmanship around the world, even presidents and popes. This weekend, they’re dusting off their best moves for three shows at the Rogers Centre: tonight at 7:30 p.m., and tomorrow (April 9) at 2 and 7 p.m.

Kicking off another spring is the Total Health Convention and Exhibition, taking place this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and featuring more than 200 exhibitors. Attendees can also hear from 60-plus speakers on topics like “The Ancient Healing Art of Ayurvedic” or “Health Effects of Genetically Modified Foods.” Don’t miss the gourmet organic café or the spa oasis!

Learn about and celebrate the traditions of First Nations peoples at Survival of the Indigenous Spirit. The fundraiser will take place at the University of Toronto’s Innis Town Hall offers talks by Anishnabe spiritual leader Dave Courchene and Survivorman Les Stroud. Proceeds support the Vision Quest & Makoose Ka Win project.

Saturday: Kids will enjoy seeing Bugs "conduct" the orchestra

Saturday, April 9
Bring the kids to a classical concert they may actually enjoy, as the Sony Centre and Warner Bros. presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. Two showings (at 2 and 7 p.m.) feature the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony performing live while Bugs Bunny at the Symphony and other classic cartoons are projected on the big screen.

Massey Hall welcomes a Canadian music legend tonight, as iconic singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn plays songs from his latest studio album, Small Source of Comfort, and, possibly such past hits as “Lovers in a Dangerous Time.”

Starting today, Veggielicious takes place at more than 20 restaurants and bakeries across Toronto. Specials on vegan dishes or prix fixe menus are on offer at establishments such as Bunner’s Bake Shop—where you can get a Veggielicious Snack Pack for $7.50—and Live Organic Food Bar, where for $25 you can experience a three-course 100 per cent vegan meal.

Sunday: Colborne Lodge offers family Fun (photo by Bobolink)

Sunday, April 10
Get a head start on all the family fun at Easter Traditions at Colborne Lodge, taking place from noon to 4 p.m. Kids and families can tour High Park’s historic Colborne Lodge while they learn and participate in 19th-century Easter traditions like dyeing and hunting for eggs.

For old and young alike, stamp collectors will enjoy spending the day at the National Postage Stamp Show at Exhibition Place’s Queen Elizabeth Building. Check out the North Toronto Stamp Club’s annual show, meet with dealers from across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., and participate in prize draws.

Three exciting Asian-inspired exhibitions beckon visitors to the Textile Museum of Canada: Beauty Born of Use: Natural Rainwear from China and Japan showcases the historical use of natural elements like straw, bark, vines, and seaweed to create waterproof and eco-friendly clothing; artist Kai Chan’s A Spider’s Logic brings together common household items reminiscent of his Chinese upbringing to create nature-inspired elements; and, new to the museum, Silk Oasis on the Silk Road: Bukhara displays a collection of ikats and silks from Central Asia’s textile- and history-rich Silk Road.

Weekend Roundup, March 25th to 27th

Friday: Thrill to the fleet footwork of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance (photo by Ken Howard)

Friday, March 25
Michael Flatley, who has been aweing audiences for over a decade as the Lord of the Dance returns to the Sony Centre for a mythic tale of Irish folklore that has dazzled over 100 million people worldwide. Don’t miss this classic story of good versus evil expressed through fast-footed dance.

Emerging director Philip McKee of artistic troupe Idée Fixe presents a passionate adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear at Harbourfront Centre. As the king comes closer to death, he demands his daughters prove their love to him in order to secure their inheritance. When the most faithful fails to offer concrete evidence of her devotion, Lear banishes her from his home and heart.

Celebrating 40 years of Canadian music, Junofest features over 100 bands in 20 venues over two nights across the city. Catch tunes from such bands as Billy Talent, Die Mannequin and Bedouin Soundclash playing at such concert locations as the Opera House and Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Saturday: Check out the best bikes at the National Motorcycle Show

Saturday, March 26
Turn off your technology and experience Earth Hour at the Ontario Science Centre with a free live stage show from TVOkids entitled Don’t Sit Still. Or, as the lights go out, observe the stars in Toronto’s sky and a special viewing of Saturn through a telescope with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Rev up your engines and head down to the Better Living Centre for the 30th anniversary of the National Motorcycle Show. View vintage bikes, including the new row of champions, and find everything you need to get geared up for the season.

Celebrate with tequila at Embrujo Flamenco, an authentic Spanish tapas restaurant which this weekend features a special pre-fixe tasting dinner menu with tequila tasters. Sample fare like flambéed shrimp cooked in Cuervo Blanco tequila and a chocolate mousse with Jimador Reposado tequila and orange marmalade. Post-supper fun includes flamenco dancing and a live music show.

Sunday: Applaud your favourite Canadian musicians at the Junos

Sunday, March 27
The Juno Awards mark their 40th anniversary here in Toronto, home of the very first awards show honouring Canadian musicians. Rap superstar Drake hosts a line-up of stellar performances featuring Sarah McLachlan, Broken Social Scene and Hedley, nominated respectively for Best Artist, Group and Album of the Year.

Hurry to the Art Gallery of Ontario for the last week to see the majesty of the Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts. See amazing artworks, royal costumes, jewellery and a life size model elephant enrobed in textiles, trappings and a silver howdah. Don’t miss the afternoon performance by South Asian dance company inDance.

Marvel at the National Ballet of Canada’s premiere performance of Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s Themes & Variations, Apollo & Russian Seasons. This showcase features three short one-act ballets set to Tchaikovsky’s Orchestral Suite No.3., created by George Balanchine and Igor Stravinsky with a score by Leonid Desyatnikov.

Hot Date: A Floral Affair

MARCH 16 TO 20 Surround yourself with six verdant acres of colourful blossoms and plants at Canada Blooms. The festival of flowers and gardens features numerous vendors catering to the green thumb in everyone, as well as more than 200 hours of seminars, workshops and demonstrations with such speakers as Frank Ferragine, a.k.a. Frankie Flowers, and author Mark Cullen (The Canadian Garden Primer, An Organic Approach). Check out the stylized Juno Rocks Gardens—interpreting the theme of “rhythm” in honour of this month’s Juno music awards. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, general admission $18; call 416-447-8655 or navigate here for further details.

Weekend Roundup, March 11th to 13th

Friday: The Kodo Drummers of Japan bring their forceful rhythms to the Sony Centre

Friday, March 11
Enjoy the dazzling showmanship and primal rhythms of the world-famous Kodo Drummers of Japan as they take the stage for the Toronto stop of the group’s 30th-anniversary tour. This dazzling display of speed, dexterity, precision, and muscular endurance takes place tonight at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Canadian Music Week Film Festival—just one of many events comprising Canadian Music Week, from March 9 to 13—screens today and Saturday at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The festival showcases 10 features and a handful of shorts, including rock docs, concert films, band biographies, and musicals.

Dog lovers and pet owners are advised to make tracks to the Purina National Dog Show, which opens today at the International Centre in Mississauga, and features hundreds of purebred canines strutting their stuff in competition. A number of vendors are also on-hand with the latest in doggie gear and accessories.

Saturday: Janet Jackson offers an intimate, all-hits concert

Saturday, March 12
Ms. Janet Jackson herself strides onto the Sony Centre stage for her international “Number Ones, Up Close and Personal” tour. The accomplished singer is set to perform top tracks from her Number Ones album in a personal, intimate setting.

Stroll through the bustling streets of Kensington Market on the Kensington Foodies Roots Walk, which has been featured on CNN and in National Geographic Traveler. From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., you’ll be able to savour the diverse foods from the ethnic markets, stalls and restaurants.

Start March Break on a high note by making your way to the Toronto Zoo. Starting today and continuing through the week, the zoo offers additional family-fun activities, events, and keeper talks.

Sunday: Enjoy a day at Spring Fling

Sunday, March 13
An excellent daytime activity to kick off your March Break is Spring Fling, Canada’s largest indoor carnival. Enjoy the midway with rides, family entertainment, and exotic animals. All-day ride tickets at this Rogers Centre event are $20, and the fun continues to March 18.

Satisfy Harry Potter fantasies at the Wizard World Indoor Family Fun Park, which opens today and runs to March 20 at Exhibition Place’s Better Living Centre. The park features 150,000 square feet of indoor fun: food and drinks, professional stage shows, 20 carnival rides, free loot bags for kids under 12, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and much more.

Put on your best green outfit and shamrock buttons to engage in a little Irish revelry. The Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins today at noon. The annual procession starts at Bloor and St. George streets, marches east to Yonge, and then south toward Nathan Phillips Square.

Hot Art: Approachable Project

Reinvention by Stev’nn Hall

MARCH 3 TO 6 Two hundred independent and emerging artists gather this month for The Artist Project Toronto. Accessibility is paramount at this annual exhibition, which encourages both novices and seasoned collectors to interact directly with creators. Ask Stev’nn Hall how he achieves the mystifying effect of his photo-based works, or find out how movement informs the paintings of Lysanne Pepin. Visitors can also walk down Installation Alley to see immersive large-scale works, experience the digital revolution at the Video ArtBox new-media display, and learn what inspires participants in a series of art chat seminars. Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building; call 416-960-3680 for more information.

Hot Date: Home Decor and More

FEBRUARY 18 TO 27 Colin and Justin of HGTV’s Home Heist are among the guests at the National Home Show, which offers ideas for pros and do-it-yourselfers alike. Direct Energy Centre, $12 to $16; call 416-644-5400 or visit here for details.

Hot Shopping: Meet the (One-of-a-Kind) Makers

NOVEMBER 25 to DECEMBER 5 The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale kicks off the holiday shopping season as more than 800 artisans tout their artfully made wares ranging from sweet and savoury goods to jewellery and ceramics, such as vessels by Alisha Boyd Metal Works.

Weekend Roundup, November 5 to 7

The seasons are a-changing! Don’t miss these final fall performances or the first winter productions.

Friday: Marvel at the Merchants of Bollywood

Friday, November 5th
Don’t miss the Canadian Opera Company’s final performance of Aida tonight. Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece tells the tale of forbidden love between an Egyptian king and an Ethiopian slave. After a well-attended run at the Four Seasons Centre, this production closes on a high note.

It’s the opening night of Merchants of Bollywood! This extravagant performance pays tribute to India’s show business, past and present, in an extravagant musical. With 3,800 costumes and 2,000 pieces of jewellery, this performance has all the glamour of Mumbai’s Film City.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returns this weekend! Catch a rodeo, browse giant vegetables, see the livestock and more at this Toronto tradition. It’s happening at Exhibition Place, all weekend long.

Saturday: See Allegra Fulton in The List (photo by Robert Popkin)

Saturday, November 6th
Nightwood Theatre’s critically acclaimed play, The List, wraps up tonight. The unique show tells the story of a woman who forgets an item on her to-do list, with tragic results.

Tickle your funny bone at the 2010 Sketch Comedy Festival, featuring more than 40 comedy troupes from North America. At venues throughout the city, this wacky event is sure to have you laughing all the way to next week.

Make it a girl’s weekend at the National Women’s Show! The Metro Convention Centre hosts more than 450 vendors and service providers featuring products geared toward the gentler sex. And let’s not forget, there’s also wine sampling, cooking demos, fashion shows and free makeovers!

Sunday: Fall in love with Acis and Galatea

Sunday, November 7th
Get out your helmets, shoulder pads and pig skin: the National Football League makes its now annual northerly trek as part of the Bills Toronto Series! Today at the Rogers Centre, the Buffalo Bills battle the Chicago Bears for gridiron glory. Be sure to join the Budweiser tailgate party prior to the game!

The witty, romantic—and ultimately tragic—opera Acis and Galatea takes its final bow this afternoon. The tale of a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal is sure to have you swooning, thanks to Handel’s pastoral music and the elegant staging by Opera Atelier.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Harbourfront Centre! This Mexican tradition brings families together to remember departed ancestors. See live music and dance performances, watch films and peruse the marketplace. Be sure to try the pan de muerto, or Day of the Dead bread.