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Weekend Roundup: January 6-8

Friday: Demar DeRozan looks to lead the Raptors to a third straight victory

Friday, January 6
The NBA lockout finally concluded on Christmas day, the shortened basketball season is starting to pick up and our hometown Raptors are on a two-game winning streak. Cheer them on tonight as they take on the New Jersey Nets (including former “Mr. Kardishian” Kris Humphries) at the Air Canada Centre.

The Next Stage Theatre Festival is back for another year at Factory Theatre. The festival’s first weekend features top independent stage shows including The Tiki Bikini Beach Paradise Party A-Go-Go! and Living with Henry.

Drama meets punk rock as Broadway smash American Idiot continues its short-term run at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Featuring tunes such as “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” from Green Day’s Grammy-winning album, this contemporary musical is not to be missed.

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Hot Art: Creative Presents

The Gardiner Shop (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Gift-giving season is here. Instead of settling for socks, why not pick out some Canadian-crafted jewellery, ceramics or paintings from these fine gallery boutiques:

1. Art Interiors has been exposing Torontonians to emerging artists for nearly 20 years. Its annual Festival of Smalls, from November 12 to December 24, offers a unique gifting opportunity, with hundreds of small works for less than $250.

2. The shop at the Gardiner Museum features curated retail exhibitions by Canadian ceramicists, as well as functional and decorative woodworking, glassware, jewellery and more.

3. Yorkville’s The Guild Shop showcases works by Ontario Crafts Council members. The abundance and diversity—everything from silk scarves to Inuit carvings—can be overwhelming, but attentive staff are more than willing to help narrow your options.

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!

Staff Picks: 10 Superb Specialist Museums

Specialty museums often operate on a smaller scale than their more comprehensive counterparts, but make up for their size with history and dedication to their subjects. Both informative and entertaining, these Toronto museums welcome visitors for a unique cultural experience.

The Gardiner Museum specializes in historical and contemporary ceramic art (photo by Tom Arban)

Bata Shoe Museum
This one-of-a-kind institution showcases over 4,500 years of footwear history. It features a celebrity collection and changing exhibitions that explore the function and style of shoes, and what they tell us about historical and contemporary culture. 327 Bloor St. W., 416-979-7799.

Casa Loma and Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens
Overlooking the city from midtown is financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt’s famed turn-of-the-century residence, which boasts dozens of finely decorated rooms and a general air of European splendour. Next door sits Spadina Museum—formerly home to three generations of the prominent Austin family, it’s been restored to demonstrate Toronto life in the 1920s. 1 Austin Terrace, 416-923-1171; 285 Spadina Rd., 416-392-6910.

CBC Museum
The history of the Canadian Broadcasting Company unfolds with the help of over 4,000 artifacts. This well-respected radio and television network has been integral in presenting Canadian news, entertainment and sports coverage for 75 years. 250 Front St. W., 416-205-5574.

Design Exchange
Internationally recognized for its dedication to promoting the value of design. The museum hosts curated exhibitions throughout the year, and offers frequent lectures and workshops as a part of its community outreach efforts. 234 Bay St., 416-363-6121.

Gardiner Museum
In its KPMB-designed building on the edge of Yorkville, this museum is dedicated to displaying and conserving one of the world’s oldest artistic media—ceramics, in all its varied functional and artistic forms. Grab a quick lunch at the airy Gardiner Café, featuring a menu created by chef Jamie Kennedy, or sign up for one of the museum’s many events and workshops. 111 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8080.

Hockey Hall of Fame
Home of the Stanley Cup and located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates Canada’s sport year-round. The museum is suitable for all ages and features interactive exhibits and the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia. 30 Yonge St., 416-360-7765.

Mackenzie House
The historic home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, is a city-run museum and fine example of Georgian architecture. Historical exhibitions are offered, and there’s also a re-created 1850s print shop and a modern gallery. 82 Bond St., 416-392-6915.

Museum of Inuit Art
Located in the Queen’s Quay Terminal, this lakeside museum is devoted to presenting the history of the Inuit people through their distinctive art forms. Its collection spans hundreds of artifacts and artworks, and includes a number of showcase sculptures by major Inuit artists of the modern era. An adjoining gallery shop offers authentic stone carvings, prints and more for purchase. 207 Queens Quay W., 416-640-1571.

Redpath Sugar Museum
Canada’s oldest sugar refining company opened its museum to the public in 1979.
A self-guided tour is also included, and reservations are recommended for your visit. 95 Queens Quay E., 416-366-3561.

Textile Museum of Canada
This museum boasts a permanent collection of more than 12,000 historical and contemporary objects from around the world. The garments and fabrics displayed in themed exhibitions tell the stories of different cultures, while contemporary showcases place textile art in a modern context. A hands-on gallery teaches visitors about the ways in which textiles influence our lives. 55 Centre Ave., 416-599-5321.

Hot Art: The Vibrant Clay of Betty Woodman

Detail of Ceramic Pictures of Korean Paintings by Betty Woodman (image courtesy of the Gardiner Museum)

MARCH 3 TO JUNE 5 The commingling of painting, sculpture and ceramic art finds expressive purchase in Places, Spaces and Things, the latest exhibition at the Gardiner Museum. A survey of recent works by prolific American artist Betty Woodman, the display highlights its subject’s extravagant use of colour and eccentric shapes in 50 porcelain vessels that hearken to Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. A number of her grandiose canvas and ceramic installations make clear Woodman’s painterly panache even more explicitly.

Yours to Discover: Day Four

Winter’s on its way out; it’s time to get a head start on exploring. Guide yourself with our specialized itineraries, or contact one of Toronto’s many tour operators to delve deeper into this multifaceted metropolis. And don’t forget to check out previous Yours to Discover posts, here: Day One, Day Two, Day Three.

MUSEUM SHOWPIECES
Must-see art and artifacts at the city’s preeminent institutions.

Enhance your experience at the Art Gallery of Ontario and Gardiner Museum by joining docent-led collection tours, free with admission. The AGO’s hour-long highlights tour runs daily at 1 p.m., while the Gardiner offers a tour at 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Bata Shoe Museum and the ROM provide guides for groups of 10 and 20 or more visitors, respectively; call in advance to arrange.

Hot Art: Gardiner’s Medium Mash-Up

Brendan Tang's Manga Ormolu 4.0-b

OCTOBER 7 TO JANUARY 31 The Gardiner Museum continues to pursue its mission of demonstrating that plates and teacups are no longer the ceramic arts’ sole concern. Its current exhibition, Breaking Boundaries, does just that by presenting a variety of sculptural pieces that adapt an age-old art form to contemporary circumstances and perceptions. Featuring works by four young Canadian ceramicists—Shary Boyle, Marc Courtemanche, Carmela Laganse, and Brendan Tang, whose hybrid vessels combine conventional porcelain with Japanese comic-book imagery—the display pushes the limits of the medium itself, as well as the viewer’s imagination.

Weekend Roundup, December 3rd to 5th

It’s the beginning of December and Christmas is fast approaching. Get in the holiday spirit with some great events and shopping this weekend.

Friday: Gamble on Kenny Rogers for seasonal songs (photo by Jay Fletcher)

Friday, December 3
The Distillery Historic District’s Toronto Christmas Market opens today. This charming, European-style venture features numerous vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts, plus food, beer and wine, carolers, and a giant Christmas tree—all in a lovely outdoor Victorian setting.

Dubbed by Oprah as one of North America’s hottest singing groups, operatic quartet The Canadian Tenors return home to present some Christmas favourites and their own hits at The Sony Centre.

If country music is more your cup of tea, the legendary Kenny Rogers brings his Christmas and Hits tour to Massey Hall. As the name suggests, Rogers will be crooning seasonal classics as well as the songs that made him an American icon.

Saturday: Enjoy A Dickens of a Christmas

Saturday, December 4
A holiday theatre classic gets the musical treatment as the Canadian Children’s Opera Company presents A Dickens of a Christmas at Harbourfront Centre. Featuring professional opera singers and all 200 of the company’s choristers, this production is becoming a seasonal tradition in Toronto, with two shows both today and tomorrow.

Taking inspiration from Canada’s beloved winter activities, Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All comes to the Sony Centre tonight. Get ready for an interactive sing-along experience with this beloved bald-headed boy and his friends and family.

Still struggling to find gifts for choosy friends and family members? Stop by Chasse Gardee on Queen Street West for the Magwood Vintage Pop-Up Sale. High-end designer womenswear, menswear and accessories from the likes of Dior, Givenchy and Fendi are just some of the great vintage items to be found at prices that fit your budget.

Sunday: See Shary Boyle's Tumbleweed and other works at the Gardiner Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario

Sunday, December 5
Harbourfront Centre hosts HarbourKids: Sk8 for kids aged 5 to 12, an event that celebrates all forms of skating. Ice skating, skateboarding, breakdancing, live performances and much more will be taking place at this free event.

This weekend marks the opening performance of the Church of the Holy Trinity’s annual showing of The Christmas Story. All are welcome to attend this moving presentation of the traditional Christmas tale, a Toronto seasonal staple since 1938.

Or perhaps you’re looking to escape the holiday season’s excess of cheer. If so, catch the final day of Shary Boyle’s Flesh and Blood exhibition of provocative paintings, drawings and sculptures at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Her intriguing ceramic works are also on display as part of the Gardiner Museum’s Breaking Boundaries group show.

Hot Art: Tokyo Gift

The Gardiner Museum displays numerous Japanese ceramics, such as this Ko-Imari flask

ON NOW One of the best things about the Gardiner Museum, apart from the sheer breadth and beauty of its collection of functional and decorative ceramics, is the way it so effectively connects these works with the artistic and cultural conventions of a given time and place. Private Pleasures: Japanese Porcelain of the Edo Period is yet another example of this mandate’s fulfillment. The display of over 100 objects from 17th- to 19th- century Japan provides a glimpse into the lives of feudal elites, artists and even geishas through pieces like a Ko-Imari flask, plus related paintings and textiles from the era. Another nifty bit of synergy: the show was realized thanks to the donation of the Macdonald Collection of porcelains, itself the product of a private, pleasurable pastime.

Hot Dining: Bite at the Museum

Enjoy brunch and more at Frank (photo by Edward Pond)

Combine the arts with artfully prepared cuisine—from fresh sandwiches to soft-shell crab tempura—at these major cultural institutions.

>> At the apex of the Royal Ontario Museum’s geometric Michael Lee-Chin Crystal sits C5, a sleek restaurant and lounge featuring a thoroughly modern spread. It’s best savoured following a day of contemplating the ROM’s many historical treasures.

>> The much-applauded 2008 renovation of the Art Gallery of Ontario created more space not only for paintings, but also locally inspired cuisine—including a popular brunch—at Frank, a chic but casual dining space named for architect Frank Gehry

>> Star chef Jamie Kennedy devised the menu of healthy soups, salads and artisan sandwiches at the Gardiner Café, making its namesake museum a noon-hour hub for a well-heeled but time- and calorie-conscious clientele.

March Break Manual

School’s Out, springs a tease and the babes need boredom-busting adventures. Where Toronto offers a dozen ideas to keep the kids—and your entire family—happy during March Break.
By Naya Valdellon

The gang from High School Musical head back to class in a stage production (photo by Joseph Hammond)

TIPS FOR TWO HOURS

Ice Breakers
MARCH 3 TO 7 See your favourite Disney characters come to life with Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate!. The magical, action-packed skating party features a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains, a royal ball with princesses like Cinderella and Belle, and a winter wonderland with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Monstrous Fun
OPENS MARCH 8 Youngsters—and the young at heart—can both enjoy The Monster Under the Bed, presented by Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People. Penned by Kevin Dyer and directed by Nina Lee Aquino, the comedy dramatizes the fears and fantasies of a young boy named Ben who swaps lives with the scary creature hiding beneath his mattress.

Teenage Drama
MARCH 17 TO 21 Real high school, with its intrigues and cliques, is no song-and-dance number. But the Disney phenomenon High School Musical 2 makes us remember how fun it could be. A new 70-minute stage version has Troy, Gabriella, Chad and the rest of the gang landing summer jobs and singing original songs from the movie, including “You Are the Music in Me.”

Middle Ages for All Ages
ON NOW Get whisked away to the 11th century as the royal guests of King Philippe and Princess Leonore at Medieval Times. Walk through a majestic castle, feast on a four-course banquet with your bare hands and cheer for your knight in shining armor at an authentic jousting tournament.

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10 Do-It-Yourself Classes

Head back to school with these one-day workshops and take home a new skill. By Jessica Napier

The Creators

Eight Canadian jewellers turned their passions into a profession, and now you can wear the fruits of their artistic labours. Click any of the images below to learn more about Toronto designers including Richard Booth, Linda Penwarden and Anne Sportun.

February Editor’s Picks: Art

Anna Kirzner's Free Space is at the Gardiner Museum.

OPENS FEBRUARY 4 The vibrant ceramic art scene of contemporary Israel draws inquiring eyes to the Gardiner Museum. Its latest exhibition, From the Melting Pot into the Fire, presents almost 40 pieces that examine the myriad issues faced by the Jewish state and its citizens, from the reconciliation of religious traditions indicated in Martha Rieger’s My Melting Pot vessels to the concept of borders—physical and psychological, territorial and personal—evident in Anna Kirzner’s Free Space. Taking cues from pottery’s historical (read: communal, functional) origins while seeking modern, artistic self-expression, each piece offers a unique perspective on matters that shape both individual and collective identity.

Origami in the style of Masahiro Chatani.

TO FEBRUARY 25 Even if you’re all thumbs—or, perhaps, because of this deficiency—it’s easy to appreciate the skill needed to conjure intricate cranes, frogs, flowers and boats out of single pieces of paper. This month the Japan Foundation offers an even more impressive showcase of three-dimensional objects in its Origamic Architecture exhibition, which renders historical and contemporary buildings from around the world in folded and cut paper. Combining a traditional art form with modern design, the survey pays tribute to late Japanese artist Masahiro Chatani—all featured models are originally of his design—but adds a Toronto twist, with many of the pop-up-style pieces freshly crafted by local folders.

A Fair Way to Celebrate Canada's Centennial by Sam Falk.

TO FEBRUARY 27 Toronto’s premier space for fine photography broadens its focus across time and space—more than 140 years and 9,984,670 square kilometres, to be precise—with O Canada, an exhibition of approximately 75 vintage prints depicting landmarks, personalities and events from this country’s past, such as Montreal’s Expo ’67, shown in Sam Falk’s A Fair Way to Celebrate Canada’s Centennial. Collected and presented by Stephen Bulger Gallery, these images reflect the history not only of a nation, but in their analogue formatting and evident wear, that of the photographic medium itself.

Weekend Roundup, December 4th to December 6th

December is finally here! ‘Tis the season to eat, drink, shop, skate and be merry at festive holiday performances.

Friday: Spend an evening at the Distillery Historic District

Friday: Spend some time at the Distillery Historic District

Friday December 4th
Pick out gifts for little loved-ones at the Distillery Historic District’s Children’s Trunk Show shopping event, then spend the evening walking the area’s cobblestone laneways and admiring its seasonal light display.

Get into the festive spirit at the Friday After Five event hosted by the Gardiner Museum. This special holiday happy hour features Christmas cocktails and a tourtiere poutine created by celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy.

Partake in a 72-year-old seasonal tradition at the Church of the Holy Trinity—its Christmas Story performance brings the nativity to soul-stirring life.

Saturday: Tea at the Royal York

Saturday, December 5th
Take time for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel and nibble on finger sandwiches, mincemeat tarts and other holiday treats. Visitors can also take home decadent goodies from the on-site Festive Bakery.

Meet new friends while learning how to pry open shellfish at the singles oyster shucking, tasting & wine pairing night at Leslieville gastro-pub Prohibition.

Sing along with Weezer and other alternative-rock superstars—the Air Canada Centre hosts radio station 102.1 The Edge’s Jingle Bell Rock concert.

Sunday: Eva Avila portrays Maid Marian in Robin Hood

Sunday, December 6th
Enjoy a festive afternoon at Roy Thompson Hall as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents Dickens’s holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.

Strap on your blades for Harbourfront Centre’s HarbourKIDS: SK8 festival at Canada’s largest artificially cooled outdoor ice rink.

Follow Robin Hood as his merry men as they engage in eco-conscious hijinks in the Ross Petty production of Robin Hood: The Environ-Mental Family Musical.

Frugal Faves: Gardiner Museum, Kidzfest and the William Ashley Warehouse Sale

There’s so much to see and do in this city, but after a while, admission fees, restaurant bills and shopping sprees start to add up. Where Toronto’s weekly tips on discounted tickets, exclusive sales, free events and more help you get the most out of your trip without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Gardiner Museum (photo by Shai Gill)

Pay Less, See More
Nurture your passion for porcelain with a visit to the Gardiner Museum. On Friday evenings, admission is half price from 4 p.m. until closing time. The renowned institution’s permanent collection boasts more than 3,000 ceramic pieces of Ancient American, Asian and European provenance, as well as many dynamic contemporary pieces by international artists. The current exhibition Bigger, Better, More: The Art of Viola Frey invites visitors to come face to face with whimsical, larger-than-life clay sculptures created by the late California artist. Through to December 10, a dozen spectacular holiday trees, decorated by some of Toronto’s top designers and architects, are on display in the museum lobby. And for a jump-start on holiday shopping, stop by the Gardiner Shop, which offers beautiful ceramics, glass, jewellery and more—perfect for the gift-giving season.

Admission to the Gardiner Museum is half-price every Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; call 416-586-8080 or visit here for more information.

Child-friendly fun abounds at Kidzfest

Festive Family Fun
Exotic animals and beloved cartoon celebrities invade Yonge-Dundas Square this weekend for Kidzfest, an annual holiday hootenanny for little ones and their willing parents. Part of the ongoing Winter Magic celebrations in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood, the free event features kid-friendly activities, educational entertainers and zany stage shows. Budding young artists can make colourful creations in the craft tent and wildlife lovers will love the live jungle cat shows and birds of prey demonstrations. Popular characters like Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer are sure to create a frenzy during special meet-and-greet sessions.

Kidzfest runs November 28 and 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Southeast corner of Yonge and Dundas streets; click here or call 416-597-0255 for further details.

William Ashley's warehouse sale is a bonanza for bargain hunters

China on the Cheap
Whether you’re picking up presents for loved ones or treating yourself this holiday season (hey, you deserve it!) you’re sure to find some stunning pieces at the 34th annual William Ashley warehouse sale. Savvy shoppers can save up to 90 per cent on a vast selection of name-brand china, crystal, flatware, and chic home decor items that are ideal for any gift-giving occasion. Hint: to avoid the crowds hit the sale on weekday afternoons between 3 and 6 p.m.

Sale on now to December 6. Monday, Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weekend 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). 62 Railside Road; call 416-964-2900 or visit here for details.

November Editor’s Picks: Art

Early Snow with Bob and Doug, by Diana Thorneycroft

TO NOVEMBER 29 Fresh—both refreshing and cheeky—aptly evokes the Diana Thorneycroft: Canada, Myth and History exhibition at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The Winnipeg artist juxtaposes toy figurines with well-known landscape paintings in memorable, outlandishly staged photographic tableaux that seem comical but ultimately reveal darker underpinnings. Her Group of Seven Awkward Moments series irreverently deconstructs mythological narratives and challenges notions of cultural identity in such works as Early Snow with Bob and Doug, which places über-Canuck pop icons the McKenzie brothers against the back-drop of Tom Thomson’s 1916 oil painting, Early Snow. Among the other iconoclastic, diorama-like images, expect to see a brilliant exploration of Canadiana emblems like mounties, Bobby Orr, and the Tim Hortons double-double.

Viola Frey's Weeping Woman

ON NOW Colossal clay sculptures by one of the world’s premier ceramicists take over the Gardiner Museum as part of Bigger, Better, More: the Art of Viola Frey. The California-based artist, who died in 2004, helped elevate the status of ceramics as an art form in the latter half of the 20th century. Monumental in aesthetic and scale—the exhibition’s 22 works fit into crates that occupied two 18-wheeler transport trucks—Frey’s figures, such as the larger-than-life Weeping Woman, boast bright primary colours and an electrifying marriage of ceramics, painting and sculpture that offers a provocative commentary on American life. Complementing this retrospective is the release of a catalogue that compiles three essays about the artist along with photographs of her bold mixed-media pieces. Pick it up for posterity at the popular Gardiner Museum Shop.

Tutankhamun's <em>canopic coffinette</em>

Pharaoh Tutankhamun's canopic coffinette

OPENS NOVEMBER 24 The boy-king is back—30 years after his celebrated Canadian debut—with his fellow pharaohs in tow. The Art Gallery of Ontario showcases King Tut: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, with more than 100 incredible artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including weapons, jewels, furniture, his golden sandals, and a gold, carnelian and coloured-glass Canopic Coffinette. Also on view are historical objects from Egyptian temples and other royal tombs circa 2600 to 660 BC, including one of the largest icons of the monarch ever unearthed—a 10-foot statue with much of its original paint intact. There’s also a CT scan of Tut’s mummy! Even if you succumbed to “Tutmania” during the 1979 exhibition, it’s still worth reacquainting yourself with the pharaoh. The AGO’s new display offers an almost entirely different collection of treasures, with twice as many relics as the previous show.

Halloween Weekend Bonus: Fright at the Museums

This weekend, ghosts, mummies and monsters of all sorts scare up frightful fun at this city’s biggest museums.

Halloween at the Royal Ontario Museum<br>photo illustration

Historically relevant ghosts haunt the ROM this weekend.

Gab with ghosts at the
Royal Ontario Museum
Spirits come to life this Saturday to share their spooky stories with ROM visitors. Don’t be surprised if you bump into some familiar faces haunting the halls, including Dr. Charles Trick Currelly, the museum’s founder and friendly resident ghost. Brave little goblins can get up close and personal with some real-life creepy crawlies and make clip-on spider crafts to take home.

October 31. Adults $22, kids (under 14) $15, infants (under 3) free; call 416-586-5797 or click here for more information.

Run away to the circus at the Art Gallery of Ontario
To coincide with its ongoing Alexander Calder exhibit, the AGO hosts trapeze artists, jugglers, fortune tellers and many more dazzling performers from local circus troupe Lookup Theatre. Step right up and marvel at astounding acrobats and uncanny contortionists as they perform under a big top tent in the gallery’s spectacular Walker Court. Kids can make their own trapeze wire sculptures in the Off The Wall! creative space while adults sip on a festive Halloweeni Bellini cocktails at the museum’s restaurant, Frank.

October 31 and November 1. Adults $18, youth (under 17) $10, kids (under 5) free; call 416-979-6648 or visit here for tickets.

Spot spooky shoes at the Bata Shoe Museum
Play dress up at the Bata Shoe Museum’s Costume Bonanza. There’s plenty of hands-on fun for kids—try on one-of-a-kind costumes, create scary shoe art and decorate ghost-shaped cookies with tasty icing. Afterward, take a tour around the museum to admire the frighteningly comprehensive collection of footwear.

October 31 and November 1. Adults $12, kids (under 12) $6; call 416-979-7799 ext. 242 or click here for further details and ticket information.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Gardiner Museum
Don’t be scared to enjoy yourself at this morbid-sounding (but actually celebratory) traditional Mexican festival. Listen to musical performances by Jorge Lopez and his mariachi band while feasting on Mexican chocolate and pan demuerto (literally, bread of the dead). Admire remembrance altars made by local artists and let creative kids get their hands dirty sculpting clay skeletons.

November 1. Adult $12, kids (under 12) free; call 416 408 5063 or visit here for more details.

Unravel the secrets of mummies at the Textile Museum
The Textile Museum of Canada hosts Dr. Elizabeth Barber, an expert on prehistoric textiles, for a special lecture about her recent archeological expedition to Western China. Learn about the mysterious process of mummification and see photos of recently discovered ancient bodies which, although more than 3,000 years old, are astonishingly well-preserved.

November 3. Adults $12, kids (5 to 14) $6; call 416-599-5321 or click here for more information.

Weekend Roundup, June 12 to 14

The weather is warm and the weekend is here; get out and see the city!

Friday: Indulge in fine seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.

Friday: Enjoy the seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.

Friday, June 12
Sample everything from Alberta whiskey to Zen Green Tea Liquor in the open-air ambience of the waterfront at the Toronto Drinks Show.

Surrender to the artistry of Searching For… a showcase of art work and stage performances created by FireSlide Productions and the artists and writers belonging to their workshops.

Dive into the Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco for a sophisticated selection of seafood like the signature coquilles St. Jacques: a medley of bay scallops, shrimp, lobster and crab meat in a white wine and cream sauce baked with parmesan cheese.

Renowned soprano Measha Brueggergosman performs this month with the TSO (photo by Joy von Tiedemann).

Saturday: Hear soprano Measha Brueggergosman (photo by Joy von Tiedemann).

Saturday, June 13
Examine the evolution of painted pottery over the last 500 years at the Gardiner Museum’s exhibition Clay Canvases: The Fine Art of Painted Ceramics.

Marvel at Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman as she pays homage to composers Richard Strauss and Béla Bartók with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Experience the enchanting flow of flying feet and fiddles at a performance of the award-winning Riverdance at the Canon Theatre.

Join Russell Peters for a hilarious evening of impressive impersonations and cultural humour at the Air Canada Centre.

Sunday: Treatments from Shizen Spa are a great way to unwind (photo by Getty Images).

Sunday: Unwind at Shizen Spa (photo by Getty Images).

Sunday, June 7
Soak in the sun and the blues on the beach during the Waterfront Blues Festival at Woodbine Park.

Get wrapped in a blanket of flower petals and revel in the soft texture and aroma of the signature rose wrap treatment at Shizen Spa.

Delight in a decadent croque-monsieur and mimosa for brunch on the sunlit terrasse of Le Sélect Bistro.

Weekend Roundup, May 22 to 24

This weekend, as ever, the city offers more entertainment options than you can shake a stick at. Highlights include the popular Doors Open Toronto event and the Gardiner Museum’s 25th anniversary festivities.

The Elgin Theatre hosts beloved <i>Anne of Green Gables—The Musical</i>

The Elgin Theatre hosts beloved Anne of Green Gables—The Musical

Friday, May 22

Follow the charming misadventures of Canada’s storybook sweetheart, Anne of Green Gables, in the musical rendition of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s childhood classic.

Dance to worldly rhythms as Toronto-based percussion collective Samba Squad celebrates its 10th anniversary with a high-energy gig at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Share champagne and conversation in Yorkville’s Amber Restaurant & Bar—the whitewashed patio exudes a modern, South Beach–inspired ambience.

The Drake Hotel shows off its eclectic rooms as part of Doors Open (photo by Keith Pace Asciak).

Saturday, May 23

Get up close and personal with the city during this year’s 10th edition of Doors Open Toronto—175 buildings of architectural, historical and cultural significance open their doors to the public.

Honour a timeless tale of divine love with the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company as it presents Gita Govinda at Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Dance Theatre.

Get something extra with your tea at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel’s Epic restaurant—its traditional afternoon service is followed by a tour of the hotel’s rooftop herb garden, which offers a lovely view of the city.

Puccini's <i>La Bohème</i> spins a bohemian yarn.

Puccini's La Bohème spins a bohemian yarn (photo by Michael Cooper).

Sunday, May 24

Live vicariously through the struggles of young lovers, artists and philosophers in 1830s Paris, as the Canadian Opera Company presents its final performance of Puccini’s La Bohème.

Meet and greet the lovable characters of Sesame Street Live’s latest show, When Elmo Grows Up, an educational musical adventure for the whole family.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the renowned Gardiner Museum with international music and dance performances, professional clay demonstrations and, best of all, free admission.