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Weekend

Weekend Roundup, August 14 to 16

Friday, August 14
You might have to wait for a table, but once you’ve tried the margherita pie at super-popular  Pizzeria Libretto, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. (221 Ossington Ave., 416-532-8000)

Dance into the wee hours of the morning at multi-level mega-club Circa.

Slip on your sneakers, sunglasses and whitest polo shirt, the Rogers Cup women’s tennis tournament‘s opening rounds start today.

Saturday, August 15
Get a dose of local history without breaking the bank. Fort York, Mackenzie House and Todmorden Mills are free to visit all weekend long.

Learn about the Canadian Aboriginal art scene at the Planet Indigenus festival at Harbourfront Centre.

Take a road trip to Markham’s massive Chinese-centric shopping centre, Market Village, one of the few malls where noodles are made right before your eyes.

Sunday, August 16
Grab a blanket, find a spot to sit in Trinity Bellwoods Park and enjoy a sunny day of people watching. (Queen Street, west of Bathurst Street)

Discover Sidecar’s boozy ginger- and lemongrass-infused lemonade, also known as your new favourite summer drink.

Escape the heat and catch a matinee performance of theatrical blockbuster The Sound of Music at the The Princess of Wales Theatre.

Weekend Roundup, August 7 to 9

The holiday weekend is over, but Muskoka is still buzzing with activity—we’re particularly excited about Handel’s Messiah on Sunday!

RMS Segwun

Tour Muskoka's lakes on the historic RMS Segwun.

Friday, August 7
Brush up on your canoeing skills by registering for a five-hour course from Muskoka Outfitters in Bracebridge. Learn how to paddle in tandem, how to brace, and how to canoe through rough waters.

Armed with an affordable day membership for Spa at the Rosseau, relax in the steam room or sauna, take advantage of complimentary refreshments in either the men’s, women’s or co-ed lounge, and admire the lake vista while soaking in an indoor hot tub.

Saturday, August 7
Board the RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship, for a Millionaire’s Row cruise. Feast on lunch and the multi-million-dollar summer homes perched on Muskoka’s shores.

In the evening, head over to Port Carling and seek out in Treasure Island, an interactive family theatre production that’s part of the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival. Who doesn’t like pirates? Arrr!

Sunday, August 9
It’s your last chance to catch the Festival of the Sound. Spend the afternoon listening to Handel’s Messiah, as performed by the Elmer Isler Singers with the Festival Chamber Orchestra and others. Arrive early at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts to hear conductor Lydia Adams talk about the classical-era masterpiece.

Kids too active to sit through a concert? Then take them to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, also located within Parry Sound’s Charles W. Stockey Centre, to learn about one of the National Hockey League’s greatest players. (Visit the Hall’s website for a printable 2-for-1 admission pass.)

Weekend Roundup, August 7 to 9

Friday: Whimsical contemporary art at MOCCA.

Friday: Whimsical contemporary art at MOCCA.

Friday, August 7
Gawk, Giggle and admire the quirky, psychedelic cartoons and drawings that make up the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art‘s Pulp Fiction group exhibition.

Get messy! It’s rib night at Toronto’s new favourite smokehouse, Stockyards BBQ. Here, the scrumptious ribs—of both beef and pork varieties—are smoked for 8 hours, which ensures an excellent meat-falling-off-bone factor.

Cheer on the hometown heroes of yesteryear as more than 30 players and coaches from the Toronto Blue Jays’ 1992 and 1993 World Series-winning teams are honoured prior to tonight’s game. Among the champions in attendance: Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, John Olerud and Tom Henke.

Saturday: Souvlaki and more at the Taste of the Danforth.

Saturday: Souvlaki and more at the Taste of the Danforth.

Saturday, August 8
Listen to indie songstress St Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark) play her signature brand of cabaret-pop at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern.

Sample tasty Greek treats, meet some local celebrities and dance to traditional bouzouki music during the weekend-long Taste of the Danforth.

Savour South Asian cuisine at Zaika, a food festival serving up regional tastes at Harbourfront Centre.

Sunday: The funky sights of east Chinatown (photo by Wyliepoon).

Sunday: The funky sights of east Chinatown (photo by Wyliepoon).

Sunday, August 9
Find out why Bob Wiseman will never become a Canadian Idol in the Summerworks Theatre Festival show, Actionable. The former Blue Rodeo guitarist dissects his work using powerpoint, accordion, guitar and a casio keyboard in a show for mature audiences.

Spend an afternoon in east Chinatown. It might not be as grand as its Spadina Avenue counterpart, but you can’t beat the dim sum at the Pearl Court restaurant (633 Gerrard Street East, 416-463-8778). After lunch, head north on Broadview Avenue to Riverdale park for a picturesque view of the city’s skyscrapers.

Weekend Roundup, July 31 to August 3

Friday, July 31
Treat your tastebuds to the Drake Hotel‘s “Gone Fishing” prix fixe  menu ($40) – a three-course meal that features, among other things, smoked Georgian Bay white fish and house smoked BBQ ribs.

It’s your last chance to catch the quirky and yet profoundly thoughtful “Common Wealth” exhibition at contemporary gallery MKG127.

Saturday, August 1
Be dazzled by the colourful costumes and music of the Caribana parade, starting at 10 a.m., then head to Harbourfront Centre and dance to more calypso, soca, salsa and reggae at the Island Soul festival.

Let the beautiful sound of Anton Kuerti’s piano playing at the Summer Music Festival remind you why classical piano is best experienced live.

Sunday, August 2
Plan your day over delectable blueberry pancakes and coffee at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, the coolest Brunch spot in Liberty Village.

Walk through the SculptArt Maze, a 250-foot painting in the shape of a Celtic knot created by Canadian artist Grace Loney and presented by Prime Gallery at the Royal Botanical Gardens (on 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, 905-527-1158), a short drive west of Toronto.

Weekend Roundup, July 24 to 26

Friday: See the Kuba Komet and other eclectic historical sets at the MZTV Museum of Television

Friday: See the Kuba Komet and other eclectic historical sets at the MZTV Museum of Television

Friday, July 24
Celebrate the arts and culture of South Asia at Masala! Mehndi! Masti!, a popular festival featuring artists, food and clothing vendors and more representing such countries as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Book a tour of the newly re-opened MZTV Museum of Television and see some of the most striking historical televisions still in existence.

Look closely at the exceptionally intricate works on paper by Luke Painter, whose current show, entitled Revival-esque is on display at Angell Gallery.

Saturday: Amy Millan takes the stage at Harbourfront Centre

Saturday: Amy Millan takes the stage at Harbourfront Centre

Saturday, July 25
Grab some new walking shoes or sandals from one of the hundreds of available pairs at Get Outside, then saunter along Queen Street West for more retail therapy.

Enjoy more ethnic offerings as part of the Kultura Filipino Arts Festival, with music, visual arts and readings that reflect the Filipino-Canadian experience.

Sing along under the stars with Stars vocalist Amy Millan as she headlines the Harbourfront Centre‘s Canadian Voices festival.

Sunday: Sassy songstress Katy Perry belts 'em out at the Molson Amphitheatre.

Sunday: Sassy songstress Katy Perry belts 'em out at the Molson Amphitheatre.

Sunday, July 26

Join the resident artists of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, as they offer another in a series of “Sundays at the Young.” This week, Noah Richler presents performances of Depression-era songs and stories by Murray McLauchlan, Chris Whiteley, Jean Stillwell and others.

Bounce around on the lawn of the Molson Amphitheatre as Katy Perry performs her sassy little ditties.

Weekend Roundup, July 17 to 19

Toronto hosts music, theatre and funnymen this weekend!

Friday: Catch God Made Me Funky at the Beaches Jazz Festival

Friday: Catch God Made Me Funky at the Beaches International Jazz Festival

Friday, July 17
Experience the energy of soulful ensemble God Made Me Funky at the Beaches International Jazz Festival.

Savour the spice of Southern Accent with its Summerlicious prix fixe menu—your choice of mains includes Bourbon Street blackened chicken, Louisiana catfish or Creole jambalaya.

Saturday: Share a chuckle with John Cleese

Saturday: Share a chuckle with John Cleese

Saturday, July 18
Indulge in some regal relaxation at Truefitt and Hill, barbers to British royalty since 1805, where a hot-towel shave and stress-relief massage are among the traditional treatments offered to dapper gents.

Witness iconic English comedian John Cleese as he cracks wise at Massey Hall during the Just for Laughs Festival.

Sunday: Make <i>The Sound of Music</i> one of your favourite things.

Sunday: Make The Sound of Music one of your favourite things.

Sunday, July 19
Fall in love with the Von Trapp family all over again: The Sound of Music has a matinee performance at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Head to the Harbourfront Centre for food, music and lucha libre wrestlers (!) on the final day of Mexico, Beyond Your Expectations, part of Harbourfront’s ongoing World Routes programming.

Weekend Roundup, July 17 to 19

This weekend, enjoy all the trappings of a cottage-country summer in Muskoka.

Algonquin Park offers hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness (photo by Craig Moy).

Algonquin Park offers hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness (photo by Craig Moy).

Friday, July 17
Admire the aerial ambience aboard as you fly over the 30,000 Islands on a Georgian Bay Airways floatplane sightseeing tour.

Paddle and portage through the pristine paradise of Algonquin Provincial Park for a breathtaking backcountry experience.

Saturday, July 18
Marvel at the popular melodies of Michael Buble and Andrea Bocelli, as performed by tenor Mitch Seekins at the Hunstville Festival of the Arts.

Enjoy a pint of premium ale at the Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery—take a tour and have a taste of country food and charm.

Sunday, July 19
Survey more than 200 artists showcasing everything from fashion and furniture to paintings and pottery during the 47th annual Summer Show presented by Muskoka Arts and Crafts.

Tee off amidst the graceful fairways of the Bracebridge Golf Club, then cool down on the licensed patio for a leisurely conclusion to the weekend.

Weekend Roundup, July 10 to 12

Summer continues in Muskoka’s laid-back cottage country. There’s lots to see and do!

The Kee to Bala is Muskokas famed concert hall (photo by Reegmo).

The Kee to Bala is Muskoka's famed concert hall (photo by Reegmo).

Friday, July 10
Revere the reggae sound of Toots and the Maytals, as they reign over the Kee to Bala tonight.

Saturday, July 11
Admire the charm and history behind venerable vessels at the Antique and Classic Boat Show.

Coddle the kids with carnival buskers and crafts during Muskoka Summerfest at Bracebridge Bay Park.

See puppet shows plus dance and music performances at The Edge of Woods Theatre Festival in Huntsville.

Sunday, July 12
Marvel at Bracebridge’s downtown milieu as the Art in the Heart outdoor art market covers the town with colour.

Experience the rolling terrain of a traditional Scottish golf course by playing a round at Muskoka Highlands.

Weekend Roundup, July 3 to 5

Cottage country welcomes friends from the big city this weekend as musical guests and international chefs reign over the Canadian Shield.

Friday, July 3
Spend a night with prominent international record producer and DJ Steve Aoki. He exudes an electric groove tonight at the Kee to Bala.

Sample savoury smoked meats, farm-fresh fruit and baked goods to boot at the Rosseau Market. There are handmade soaps, arts and crafts to take home, too!

Saturday, July 4
Witness the fervent fire of Latin guitarist Johannes Linstead—he takes to the Algonquin Theatre stage as part of the Hunstiville Festival of the Arts.

Dine at Deerhust Resort’s Thrill to Grill gala with barbecue guru Rob Rainford. Expert wine pairings and beer tastings compliment this culinary carousal.

Sunday, July 5
Refine your backswing and appreciation for nature by teeing off amidst 300 acres of pristine meadowlands at the Ridge at Manitou.

Nourish your body with the healing minerals found in the leaves and lakes of northern Ontario at Touchtone on Lake Muskoka’s Touch Spa.

Weekend Roundup, June 26 to 28

Spa treatments, golf courses and gourmet dining—Muskoka has all you could ask for in a relaxing summer vacation!

Friday, June 26
Greet summer with a shimmer at Taboo Resort by indulging in the royal treatment of a glistening gold body wrap.

Admire Muskoka’s natural charms amidst an award-winning 18-hole design by Nick Faldo at one of Ontario’s premier golf courses, The Rock.

Saturday, June 27
Brush up on your brush strokes at the Group of Seven Mural Festival in Huntsville and contribute to the colour covering the town.

Treat your taste buds to traditional English high tea accompanied by select sandwiches, scones and sweets at Gravenhurst’s Blue Willow Tea Shop.

Sunday, June 28
Awaken the artist in your youngster at the Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival, which includes theatre, games, music and fun for the whole family.

Wend your way through Georgian Bay on a guided kayak tour from White Squall Paddling Centre, and marvel at Muskoka’s majestic milieu.