It’s the weekend of love, so let’s get out and about and paint the town red. (Puns… so fun). While we may not be able to help you find that perfect partner, we’ll always help you find the perfect scene…
Thursday
Today is VDay, so if you’re considering heading out to a nice restaurant, you better think twice. Instead of perilously trying to traverse the trail of titillating tastes, head over to a cool hang-out like The Dog and Bear on Queen West, or WVRST on King West. These joints will offer some great eats without a side of couples canoodling.
And if you’re looking for love tonight, you’re in luck. Try your hand at one of the two charitable bachelor/bachelorette auctions tonight. To start, you have Love a Heart at The Hideout. This one’s a social media haven, with some of the city’s most influential tweeters and media types up on the auction block in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Or, you can help raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer at Maison Mercer during the Love for a Cure auction.
Friday
Start a themed night off at Harlem Restaurant for some Southern eats. The soul food will have you thinking of the South, and the cool vibes will have you celebrating a belated Mardi Gras. In spirit only, naturally.
Hip Hop Karaoke celebrates its sixth anniversary Friday night at Revival. To raise the funk during the festivities they’ve tapped Psycho Les and JuJu from the infamous Beatnuts. Hip Hop Karaoke lets your inner MC out to pump up the volume… or you can just watch others befuddle the mics with their killer styles.
Saturday
If you’re in the mood to celebrate love and stuff, then… well… head on over to Celebrate Love and Stuff II at the Spoke Club. Show up with a lover or leave with one at this post-VDay bash that sees DJ El Devine playing songs for heart-strings.
If you’re a fan of the Toronto Underground Market, then you won’t want to miss out on Sips n’ Nibbles at Steam Whistle Brewery. This event affords you the opportunity to sample exclusive menus from TUM alumni in an intimate and elegant fashion, and taste cocktails from the likes of Sailor Jerry’s, Forty Creek, Tequila Tromba, and more.
Release your inhibitions at the Smiling Pets Un-Hibition at Izakaya Sushi House. Featuring over 20 artists and performers, this event invites you to celebrate your hidden dreams and desires and share them with the crowd. Create something beautiful or simply revel at beautiful creations during this artistic affair.
Sunday
Grab some brunch on Gusto 101‘s covered patio and bask in the indoor/outdoor dichotomy while nursing your night-before belly ache with soul-satisfying Italian-inspired eats. Order up a cocktail or some mimosas and chase the morning away under the cloudy winter sky.
101 Markets is back at 3030 Dundas West Sunday, presenting you the opportunity to peruse the wares of vintage vendors and local artisans and craftspeople. This vintage and handmade marketplace features some of the city’s top curators and creators, and you’ll likely leave with some hip new pieces.
Since Monday’s a holiday, why not get a little wild at three of our fave YP clubs? Cinema’s presenting Family Values, all-star DJ JoJo Flores is dropping beats over at UNIUN, and Provoke and Dynamite are taking over The Darkroom at Bloke and 4th.
Photo courtesy Gusto 101