Spring has sprung. We don’t care what the thermometers have to say – if it’s passed Mardi Gras, then the party has officially begun. March may be coming in like one hell of a lion, but you know what? We say roar back. Put a smile on your face, leave your excuses at home, and step up your social life with any one of the more than 20 hot events we’re delivering right to your doorstep (well, your monitor at least). Birthdays, festivals, pop-ups, brunches, and bands are only a few of the ways you can spend the next four days in this city. It’s a jungle out there – and you should be happy about it.
THURSDAY
Romantic Planet Vacations specializes in honeymoons and destination weddings. And for three hours on Thursday their certified experts will help you figure out everything you need to know about getting away. Just know that if you end up choosing Fiji, we’re coming.
Toronto is turning 180 years young! Head down to Steam Whistle to celebrate the occasion with Happy Birthday Toronto (what else would it be called?) and enjoy a semi-formal cocktail affair that’ll keep this city of ours on the map.
Shatter: Provoke Your Curiosity marks a gala event that celebrates Canadian Stage’s critically acclaimed season of innovative theatre, dance, music and visual art. Hosted by CBC’s Amanda Lang, guests will enjoy a three-course meal, cocktails, entertainment, an exciting live auction, and dancing. If O’Leary doesn’t show up, maybe you could even be the one to tango with Lang.
The Gladstone Hotel and curator Leila Courey are hosting the juried exhibition, If Walls Could Talk. This collection of experiential illustration features work by both emerging and established artists and will alter the hotel’s 2nd floor gallery and public spaces in dramatic, conceptual, and experimental ways. So basically the hotel will drop LSD for 10 days so you can go get high on art.
The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is throwing their annual photographic fundraiser, SNAP! This is an opportunity to directly support ACT’s programs and services, increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, and all while adding to your art collection. If you weren’t already aware, two more Torontonians are infected with HIV/AIDS every day – help support the fight.
FRIDAY
Suit up and strap in and don’t forget your pen. ComiCon Toronto is happening this weekend. We’re talking autograph signings, celebratory photo sessions, and celebratory Q&As. And most importantly, Jon Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite) will be there to teach you some skills.
Juno-nominated A Tribe Called Red will be busting out their electronic blend of hip-hop, dubstep, reggae, and moombahton at The Hoxton. We suspect you’re going to want to be getting your dance on when they drop their contemporary version of a powwow.
Like SNL? Well Toronto’s Sketch Comedy Festival should fulfill all your comedic needs. Have a laugh on us.
It’s definitely been a Long Winter, but that’s no reason to skip the last installment. You’re going to want to be at The Great Hall for all your Friday music needs.
Converage 4.0, a one of a kind business and social event at The Windsor Arms, will be focusing on Crowdfunding. In attendance you’ll find some of Toronto’s finest professionals, entrepreneurs, brands, and leading organizations. After a two hour panelist session you can smooze and booze your way into the early morning hours.
Pantages Hotel is turning 10 and they’re throwing a big party to celebrate. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeurves, a free drink, 50% off appetizers, and $5 drinks all night long. You’re welcome.
The Chekhov Collective is bringing Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull to our fair city – and this is opening night. If you haven’t seen the play that helped change the template of modern drama, we suggest you do. Bring tissues – it’s a serious one.
SATURDAY
Thanks to Toronto Common, you can have a brunch at The 8th Deadly Sin for less than $25. You’ll taste fresh baked in-house breads & jam, roast chicken & sweet potato hash, crab cake Benny, chicken & waffles, and a mimosa. Start Saturday off right.
Feeling stretchy? Strala Yoga will be giving a pop-up class to help you get your limbs ready for the weekend.
It’s International Women’s Day. Now, we’re not sure why this isn’t every day, but one thing’s for sure: more attention needs to be paid to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment both within Canada and around the world. No joke here – get involved.
The International Home and Garden Show will feature over three acres of (surprise, surprise) home and garden shopping with advice from over 400 exhibitors. That’s a lot of advice.
If you’re really still stuck on the fact that it’s cold outside, we’re going to suggest you stay indoors – on the beach. Escape The Winter will be held at Beach Blast and encourages you to participate in an indoor beach volleyball tournament in support of the MLSE Foundation. Don’t worry if your spike isn’t what it used to be – there’ll also be a bar and a dance party.
Parts and Labour has a new event kicking off called The Brthday Prty. Why? ‘Cause everyone enjoys partying like it’s their birthday.
We’ve always felt the worst part about a pub crawl was the, you know, crawling part. Luckily you don’t have to when a private streetcar will take you everywhere you’re going.
SUNDAY
Sunday is all about the evening. Enjoy your day ‘cause Bill Burr is coming to town at night. Do you know BB? You should. If not, here you go.
The Canadian Screen Awards will celebrate everything worth knowing in Canadian film, television, and digital media. And since Martin Short will be hosting, you know it’ll offer more entertainment than a celebrity selfie and some pizza.
The Rocket Man is back. You should enjoy the ride. That is all.
If you need the soothing reality of words to wind your weekend down, we’ve got just the event – the Toronto Poetry Slam Semifinals. Go hear the bards of tomorrow duke it out today.
So there you are. 22 reasons to let winter know it’s dead to you. Breaking up can be hard to do, but we’re pretty sure you’ll make it through – especially when it means saying goodbye to snow (if only in your mind). Spring has sprung. We promise. Sometimes you just have to make your own flowers this time of year.
Stay Notable,
The Weekender
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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