What’s happening in your corner of the country this weekend? To ease your FOMO, we’ve curated a selection of fun events in some of the nation’s major markets.
HALIFAX
The aptly named In the Dead of Winter (IDOW) Music Festival happens annually in Halifax on the third weekend in January, featuring Atlantic Canadian artists at a number of venues. Non-profit IDOW prides itself on giving lesser-known musicians airtime, at well-known community locations.
MONTREAL
Celebrate Montreal’s 375th birthday (pretty much all year, no?) at Igloofest in the Nordik Village. This electronica music event, taking place at the Quays of the Old Port until February 18, features both local and international DJs from Thursday to Saturday. For tourists who don’t understand the Montreal cold, dress warmly for a great night under the stars!
TORONTO
You’re probably no stranger to the Gladstone Hotel: The 126-year-old building is a well-known venue for social events of all kinds. But if you’ve never been to the Gladstone’s alternative, multidisciplinary design festival, Come Up To My Room, make this your year. All four floors are turned into “immersive design and art installations” that’ll blow your mind. Make a night of it and hit up the Opening Party on Saturday the 21st.
CALGARY
Canadians know how to make the most of long, cold winter weekends; a little frosty weather doesn’t scare us. Case in point: Calgary’s winter music festival, Big Winter Classic, takes place at a handful of great venues around the city, no matter the temperature. You can expect local brew and and great tunes from Calgary artists, and plenty of “dancing under patio heaters when it’s -15 outside.” Because it’s what we Canucks do.
EDMONTON
It might not be a hopping night time event, but for future brides and grooms, Bridal Fantasy is as exciting as a great party. Tick things off of the long wedding to-do list with many of Edmonton’s most popular vendors in one place. You know this is a great starting point for planning your big day when the same event has been operating in Western Canada for 35 years.
VANCOUVER
Craft beer and tacos…is there anything better? On Dine Out Vancouver’s Craft Beer and Tacos Brewery Tour, you’ll see the inner workings of two of Vancouver’s awesome craft breweries, Big Rock Urban Brewery and Strathcona Beer Co., followed by the opportunity to chow down at Gastown eatery Tacofina. You’re welcome.