Toronto Weekender: July 25 through 28, 2013

It’s another hot weekend for the notable brood in the city. From beer gardens to beer fests, we’ve a host of the ‘real’ events you’ll want to check out…

Thursday
Feed your cultural belly at ART SALAD tonight at the Norman Felix Gallery. Eight artists from Ottawa and Toronto will showcase their works of masterful creativity amidst beats by Brian O’Brien and drinks from the bar. Art + Music + Booze = Notable Evening.

Summer parties just for the hell of it are the best kind, and that’s what’s going down at Everleigh tonight as GOTSTYLE and King West Magazine join forces to amp up the heat in this temperature cool down. With DJ Vaneska on the tables, this will be one bumpin’ shindig to be sure. 

Friday
Art is on the rise in the city, thanks in large part to Art Battle. Hosting its national championship on Friday night, 16 artists will square off inside the halls of the AGO, creating canvases as quickly as they can to be deemed the 2013 Art Battle National Champion.

Sure, we all love food and wine pairings, but beer and belly-aching is almost as resplendent. BeerProv is back at Comedy Bar this Friday, mixing booze-fuelled buoyancy with booze-fuelled comedy. It’s the perfect way to combine two favourite pastimes, which means, to us, it’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night. 

Saturday
If you’ve yet to sail around the harbour this summer, then ROCK THE BOAT 2013 is your main draw this weekend. With Carlsberg, Kronenberg, and Somersby Cider on hand to tempt your thirst, and TO’s hip-hop kings Mensa and Soundbwoy ready to raise the roof, this is one cruise that everso un-family friendly. (AKA the perfect cruise.) 

Live a greener life down at the annual Live Green Toronto Festival, which overtakes Yonge-Dundas Square and the stretch of the strip from Dundas to Queen. Featuring dozens upon dozens of vendors, products, and services all dedicated towards helping you decrease your carbon footprint, as well as performances from the likes of Shawn Desman and Kardinal Offishall, it seems that living green is akin to living the good life. 

Be a part of an international film festival this weekend at the Winchester in Cabbagetown, as the Hidden Film Festivals makes its only non-European stop. You won’t know what flick you’ll be privy to, but that’s the whole point of this innovative film fest. Go social (media that is) during the viewing and help bring to light the talents of unknown filmmakers. 

Sunday
Best part of summer: backyard BBQs. Worst part of summer in the middle of the city: few backyards. Bridge the gap at the Kensington Market Backyard Beer Garden this weekend, put on by the good folks at Kensington Brewing Co. Featuring $5 brews and a host of nosh to go alongside – including Pancho’s Bakery, Don Taco, Gordo Empanadas and more – this is one beer garden BBQ y’ain’t gon’ wanna miss. 

Top photo courtesy Art Battle