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Weekend Roundup, July 2 to 4

We hope you have some energy leftover following the big Canada Day bash, because the city is flush with exciting activities all weekend long.

Friday: Cirque du Soleil inspires awe (photo by Domenique Lemieux)

Friday, July 2
The impossible is achieved before the naked eye in Cirque de Soleil’s Alegría, yet another spellbinding performance by the world-famous troupe. This spectacle derives its name from the Spanish word for jubilation, a feeling sure to be evoked by its gravity-defying acrobatics, graceful contortionists and more.

Immerse yourself in the theatrical arts at the Toronto Fringe Festival, which presents 150-plus independent theatrical productions—musicals, dramas, single-person shows and much more.

Dig into some juicy beef and pork at the Toronto Ribfest. The popular event at Centennial Park also features live entertainment, plus vendors for those who may be immune to the allure of a juicy rack of ribs.

Saturday: Catch a Cyndi Lauper concert

Saturday, July 3
Lords and ladies are welcome to attend Casa Loma’s Renaissance Festival. Take a trip back to medieval times: warhorses parade in the stables, warriors patrol a Viking encampment, and minstrels stroll by as you explore the castle. Don’t be surprised to see soldiers burst into spontaneous duels!

Gather at Yonge-Dundas Square this evening for a free concert by Chaka Khan, Macy Gray and Quebec-based trio Lost Fingers, courtesy of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.

“Girls just wanna have fun”—and you probably do, too, so head over to Queen’s Park, where Cyndi Lauper—along with The Clicks and Dragonette—performs live as part of this week’s Pride festival. The pop icon also marks the release of her latest album, Memphis Blues, with a CD signing at the Manulife Centre‘s Indigo store.

Sunday: The Queen comes to town (photo by Steve Punter)

Sunday, July 4

Hear ye, hear ye! Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, grace Toronto with a royal visit today. The monarchs will greet well-wishers following the 11 a.m. service at St. James Cathedral, and then preside over the 151st running of the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack.

Show your (rainbow) stripes at the 30th annual Pride Parade takes off from Church and Bloor streets at 2 p.m., in the country’s biggest celebration of sexual diversity.

Gather at Exhibition Place to partake in the annual CHIN International Picnic, the world’s largest free picnic and music festival. Snack on multicultural fare, see jungle cats, a dog show and circus acts in the midway, and then cheer the crowning of this year’s “Mr. Chin.” (Saturday’s festivities name Miss Chin and culminate in an evening of fireworks.) If the karaoke competition doesn’t raise the bar, a musical performance by Italy’s Nek certainly will.

Canada Day Bashes

Join all of Toronto in celebrating Canada’s 143rd birthday! The city is bursting with memorable parties, activities and festivals to commemorate the special occasion.

photo by Ian Muttoo

There’s no such thing as too many birthday parties!
>> Sing “Happy Birthday” to this country on Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square. The North Toronto venue offers magicians, fire-breathers, jugglers and musical entertainment, including performances by Digging Roots and God Made Me Funky. There’s also an opportunity to meet 2010 Olympic gold medallists Vicky Sunohara (from Canada’s women’s hockey team), Kristina Groves (long-track speed skating), and Charles and François Hamelin (short-track speed skating). Fill up on barbecue fare before the evening culminates with an explosion of fireworks. (more…)

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.

Weekend Roundup, November 13th to 15th

A colourful cast of characters arrives in the city this weekend: a magical princess, a notorious former president—even Santa Claus makes an appearance!

Friday: Marvel at the National Ballet's classic staging of The Sleeping Beauty.

Friday: The National Ballet presents its classic staging of The Sleeping Beauty.

Friday, November 13th
Be enchanted as the National Ballet of Canada brings to life a beloved children’s fairytale in a sumptuous performance of The Sleeping Beauty.

Giggle and guffaw at the silly antics of She Said What, The Understudies and 46 other North American improv troupes participating in the fifth annual SketchFest comedy festival.

Sing along as country crooner Lyle Lovett performs his Grammy-winning hits at Massey Hall, a storied concert venue in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Saturday: Intrigue is everywhere in Stuff Happens.

Saturday: Political intrigue abounds in David Hare's Stuff Happens.

Saturday, November 14th
Spend the afternoon in the Market Kitchen of the historic St. Lawrence Market, where you can taste exclusive wines from local vintners and nosh on delicious nibbles supplied by the building’s vendors—all while listening to live jazz.

Speculate about the behind-the-scenes decision-making of the George W. Bush administration, following the opening-night performance of Stuff Happens, a riveting political drama by David Hare.

Spend an illuminating evening at Yonge-Dundas Square’s holiday lighting event, complete with a pyrotechnic performance by Circus Orange.

Sunday: Santa sleds down University Avenue.

Sunday: Santa and leads his team of reindeer down University Avenue.

Sunday, November 15th
Bundle up and wave to elves, snowmen, reindeer and the big man himself as the 105th annual Santa Claus Parade makes its way through the city.

Take a cue from Toronto’s trendsetters by hunting for vintage treasures and stylish one-of-a-kind pieces along the West Queen West strip. Pick up whimsical fashions from a variety of eras at Vintage 69, Cabaret and other colourful boutiques in this hip ‘hood.

Don’t miss your final chance to see a dazzling array of gems and jewels at the Royal Ontario Museum’s Light and Stone exhibition.

Frugal Faves: T.O. Tix and Festive Winter Windows

<i>Jersey Boys</i> swings it '60s style (photo by Joan Marcus).

Snatch up discounted tickets to Jersey Boys and other hot shows from T.O. Tix (photo by Joan Marcus).

Box-Office Bargains
Want to take in the hottest shows in the city without paying the hefty price? The T.O. TIX outlet is your one stop shop for exclusive deals on tickets for stage performances around the city. If you’ve got a flexible schedule (all tickets are for same-day shows) visit the booth at Yonge-Dundas Square to purchase half-price and discounted tickets to popular shows like Jersey Boys and Medieval Times. You can also purchase seats for select shows online.

T.O. TIX accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit and cash, and is located on the southeast corner of Yonge and Dundas streets. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m; call 416-536-6468, ext. 40 or visit here for more details.

Check out the city's holiday window displays (photo by Jessica Napier).

Take a Walk in a Window Wonderland
Get in the holiday spirit early by embarking on a self-guided tour of the festive window displays in and around downtown Toronto. At The Bay‘s flagship store, Christmas creatures come to life alongside a working train and an animatronic Santa Clause in a series of Toyland vignettes. Explore the tony Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood and marvel at the dazzling high-fashion window decor at chic retailers like Holt Renfrew. And creative windows designed by retail management students at Ryerson University can be spotted at businesses throughout the Downtown Yonge area—you can even vote for your favourites online.

The Bay is located at 176 Yonge St., while Holt Renfrew resides at 50 Bloor St. W. To check out a map of Ryerson students’ holiday windows, click here.

October Editor’s Picks: Dining

1. When acclaimed chef David Lee left fine-dining destination Splendido to focus on a new endeavour, Toronto foodies understandably questioned whether the award-winning Harbord Street staple would survive. They needn’t have worried. Now co-owned by chef Victor Barry and manager Carlo Catallo—both of whom were integral to Splendido’s past success—the restaurant has re-opened with a bright new look and a tasty, more affordable dinner spread. A cross-Canada photographic mural and a prominent display of preserves replace chandeliers and gilded mirrors in the dining room. On the menu, locally sourced mains like Yorkshire pork chop ($32) from Cumbrae Farms and Lake Huron pickerel ($26) are complemented by chef Barry’s fresh-daily pastas, and lovingly presented by the exceptional servers for which Splendido has long been known.

2. This city’s reputation as a raw fish–lover’s haven continues to grow as Japanese restaurants such as Yuzu stake their claim on the local sushi scene. Situated on the edge of the financial and entertainment districts, the cozy boîte offers both bankers and theatre goers an extensive selection of sashimi, maki and more. Of course, freshness is key when it comes to uncooked seafood; if co-owner Bruce Bu’s other hidden gem of a sushi house, Japango, is any indication, high-quality ingredients are assured. And be sure to try one of Yuzu’s signature cocktails, given a kick with a splash of premium sake.

The Queen & Beaver

3. It’s easy to eat well (and affordably!) at the latest nosh spots to open near downtown’s Yonge-Dundas Square.

>> French import The 3 Brewers is known for its five made-in-house unfiltered beers, but its brasserie-style fare, including crisp Alsatian tartes flambée ($9.95 to $13.45), is equally satisfying.

>> Thoroughly British, The Queen & Beaver offers dishes like cider-braised leg of duck ($17) and beef short ribs ($23) amidst rustic, club-like ambience.

>> Expansive Woo Buffet Restaurant & Lounge presents a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines—everything from dim sum nibbles to barbecued pork ribs—as part of a lavish buffet spread.

Weekend Roundup, September 18th to 20th

Explore the city on foot with a walking tour a day.

Friday: check out downtown with Muddy York Walking Tours (photo by amish.patel).

Friday, September 18th
Discover the history behind the names of some of the city’s major avenues on the Toronto Street Names: Downtown tour by Muddy York Walking Tours.

Check out the art show, food, music, dancing and demonstrations at the Toronto Ukranian Festival, the continent’s largest street celebration of Ukranian culture.

Saturday, September 19th
To commemorate its 10th year as a Canadian Heritage River, follow the flow of the Humber waterway on a guided Heritage Toronto Walk.

Catch remix kings Electic Method at Yonge-Dundas Square, as part of the Toronto International Film Festival‘s outdoor closing party.

Sunday: Harken back to pioneer days of yore (photo by Gary J. Wood).

Sunday, September 20th
Explore the city’s first post office, St. Lawrence Market, St. James Cathedral and other charms of Old Town Toronto on today’s ROMwalk.

Watch butter churning, try out Victorian dancing and bid on handmade country quilts at the Pioneer Festival at Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Festival Fare: 10 Days of TIFF—Day 8

Red carpets, nightly parties, fans’ faces obscured by continually clicking cameras—looks like the Toronto International Film Festival is back in town. Each day of the TIFF we’re not only listing our daily flick pick, but we’re mapping the hottest attractions, restaurants, and shops and services that are just steps from the screening spot.

The films: A free outdoor screening of U2: Rattle & Hum, which follows the iconic Irish rockers on their 1987 North American tour; and BAND, a multi-disciplinary film-based art installation complete with post-punk band Deerhoof live in concert.

The venue: Yonge-Dundas Square, located at the southeast corner of one of the city’s liveliest intersections.

If you want something different to what’s offered at the Square, where can you go?

View Festival Fare: 10 Days of TIFF–Day 8 in larger size

Weekend Roundup, August 28 to 30

Friday: See pyrotechnic performers at Buskerfest.

Friday, August 28
Try making Chia-A-Noodle, a dish going back to the days of a mostly poor, agricultural Taiwanese society, at Taiwanfest. While slurping up your fresh-made noodles, take in art exhibitions, fashion, music, demonstrations and films at two festival venues: Harbourfront Centre and the Distillery Historic District.

Ooh and ahh as Dream State Circus, The Fast Horses, Trulee Odd, PyRomeo and Circus Orange light it up in a nighttime fire show, the “hottest” gala performance at the 10th annual BuskerFest in Old Town Toronto.

Lose yourself in your thoughts while walking the Toronto Public Labyrinth in Trinity Square (between Queen and Dundas streets, entrance off Bay Street), an oasis of peace in the heart of the bustling city.

Saturday: The historic Sunnyside Pavilion hosts an art show.

Saturday, August 29
Taste specialties of African cuisine at the Toronto African Film & Music Festival marketplace on Bloor Street, between Ossington and Christie Streets.

Get ready for dark humour as Soulpepper Theatre Company opens Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? Edward Albee’s 1962 boundary-crossing masterpiece provides an honest glimpse into married life at the time.

View paintings, photography, sculptures and fashion (and meet the artists!) showcased in the annual Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale at the historic Sunnyside Pavillion.

Sunday: Hear music at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Sunday, August 30
Make yourself comfortable amongst the graves and gardens at Mount Pleasant Cemetery for its Music at Mount Pleasant series. Today, a Royal Conservatory of Music brass quintet performs Bach and other classical works.

Take a walking tour of the city’s most eco-friendly sites and spaces as part of the Live Green Toronto Festival. Be sure to return to the festival hub at at Yonge-Dundas Square to check out over 100 green exhibitors and hear live music by The Philosopher Kings, Samba Squad, Carly Rae Jepsen and more.

Blow bubbles in the streets at today’s air-themed Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market. With cars banned for the day, it’s easy to experience the multicultural neighbourhood’s many charms.

Theatre Preview: The Harder They Come

The story of a dreamer-turned-outlaw gets a lively retelling in an acclaimed stage show featuring some of Jamaican music’s best-known songs. —By Lindsay Hope

Performers in <em>The Harder They Come</em> (photo by Robert Day).

Performers in The Harder They Come (photo by Robert Day).

The infectious rhythms and memorable melodies of the latest musical to hit Toronto come by way of a recent London stage sensation and a 1970s cult-classic film. This month, Mirvish Productions brings The Harder They Come to the Canon Theatre for its much-anticipated North American premiere.

Faithfully based on the 1972 movie of the same name—its co-writer and director, the late Perry Henzell, also penned the musical—this stage version was first performed in 2006 by the Theatre Royal Stratford East and has since garnered rave reviews over a number of sell-out runs in the U.K. The Toronto production features much of the original’s vibrant, youthful cast, not to mention a live reggae band with a groove so energetic, it rouses audience members to dance in their seats. Among the British stars are Joanna Francis as the God-fearing Elsa, and Rolan Bell, who hits all the right notes as the show’s tragic hero, Ivanhoe Martin. A poor Jamaican farm boy with stars in his eyes and a dream in his heart, Ivan heads to Kingston with ambitions to become a reggae hit-maker. Soon enough he is faced with the harsh realities of the music industry and veers sharply down the path of drugs, crime and vengeance, earning infamy for his exploits as an outlaw just as his musical star begins to rise.

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