Notable Now Toronto: May 16, 2014

Cherry Blossoms 
Date: Now  
Location: High Park  

Several Notable Now’s ago we told you to keep a watch on High Park for one of the most quintessentially Toronto events that spring has to offer – the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Well, it could have been that we wanted winter to end so badly that we were jumping the gun, but either way it’s five weeks later and these buds have finally decided to burst. Get there this weekend if you don’t want to have to wait until 2015 to get the perfect Instagram shot.    

Luminato
Date: June 6-15
Location: Various   

A festival that invites the world to celebrate artistry and creativity alongside a collection of incredibly talented Canadian artists and performers, Luminato is a full week of can’t-miss events. This year’s line-up includes The Roots, TV On The Radio, Rufus Wainwright, Jian Ghomeshi, and Ziggy Marley among many, many more. There are talks, movies, performances, music, and pretty much anything else you’d associate with opening up your mind to its creative side.

Victoria Day
Date: May 19
Location: Canada   

In case it was unclear, this is how summer starts. Whether you’re sticking around the city to enjoy patio season, hitting up a harbour boat cruise (with DJs and drinks obviously), or heading up to Wasaga Beach for Canada’s largest May 2-4 party put on by Electric Elements, this is how you set the tone for the next few months. We suggest you take this day off pretty seriously.

Woofstock
Date: May 24-25
Location: Rogers Centre

This is the largest dog festival in North America. For two days, 300,000 people and 150,000 of their four-legged friends are going to take over Woodbine Park in The Beaches for the biggest doggy party yet. If you’ve ever even seen a dog walking in Toronto, this is probably where they’ll be next weekend. If entering your dog in a fashion show isn’t exactly your thing, however, just be happy that Woofstock will likely leave most of the other parks in the city relatively empty for a few days.  

TEDx
Date: June 20
Location: Crescent School, 2365 Bayview Ave. 

It’s like TED, only local and self-organized. You’re still going to receive the kind of experience you’d hope to find at any TED event, only this one will feature discussions that are more directly relevant to your life in Toronto. Speakers, including John Tory, Michael Landsberg, and The Water Brothers, among others, will “present their thoughts, ideas and examples of how we can use experiences from our past as lessons for a successful future.”

Marathon of Sport
Date: May 24
Location: The Hanger, 75 Carl Hall Rd.

A motionball event, teams compete in a full day of athletic competition alongside Special Olympics athletes in events that include basketball, bench ball, and ultimate Frisbee to name a few. Teams aren’t simply responsible for bringing their A-game to the field, however; they’re also encouraged to raise funds for the Special Olympics and can use your help. And you’d better believe Notable has a team – if only we knew what bench ball is.  

 

#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)

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Photo courtesy Sakura/Japanese Cherry Blossoms High Park (Facebook)