So, it’s the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, which officially signals the scene’s rise from winter’s ashes. Though, this week we could count it as bubbling under, simmering with some awesome events to help you train those livers in anticipation of next weekend’s glory. Get your training shorts on, folks – after all, it’s going up to a balmy 5°C this weekend – and sprint to the finish with your weekly rundown…
Thursday
Speaking of heat, travel to the South for dinner tonight. Those in the Riverside/Leslieville area looking for some tasty Southern BBQ need look no further than the recently opened Aft Kitchen and Bar. Occupying the space left by Toucan Taco Bar, AFT is serving up the flavours of the South alongside some thirst-quenching bevvies on Queen East.
Looking for an after-work affair ce soir? Zensou‘s going down tonight at Blowfish on Bay. This monthly affair sees DJ Morgan Shim laying the beats for sushi-loving, label-wearing YPs.
One of tonight’s big tickets goes down at Andrew Richard Designs, where you can SNAP! to it with this photographic art fundraiser in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Peruse dozens of glorious displays of photographic brilliance, partake in the live and silent auctions, mix and mingle with tastemaking Torontonians, and help raise funds for this notable cause.
Friday
If the stresses of the present are feelin’ a little hard to handle after the drudgery of winter, head over to the Annex WreckRoom tonight for a blast from the past, 90210 style. Yessir, reminisce of the good ol’ days while drinking buck-a-Brandon-Walsh-jello-shots and listening to grunge-tinged tunes while dancing like no one’s watching.
Happy Birthday CUBE! The nightclub – part of Khabouth’s empire – celebrates its one-year anniversary this weekend, starting Friday night with a live bongo performance from Mark Bongo and music by Jed Dadson.
Saturday
Comic, sci-fi, fantasy, et. al. lovers head on down to the MTCC this weekend – in full garb, one would assume – for the Toronto ComiCon presented by FanExpo. With special guests of honour, the crew from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and exhibitors aplenty, this will be one surreal spot for the inner nerd in all of us.
While the weather’s slowly starting to mild out, if you’re looking to feel a li’l more humidity, head out for some California Cruisin’ as iYellow Wine Club sips on sunshine at the Hoxton tonight. With over 30 Californian wines on display alongside the tuneskies of DJ Sam Fleming and some food truck inspired eats, this event is the perfect way to head to the Hollywood state without ever leaving the 416.
Know how sometimes it’s pretty effin’ rad when you’re feeling “ill”? Of course, that term being used in the sense of whacked out and cray cray. That’s what’s calling us to Johnny Jackson tonight for a hair-flipping, back-throwin’ Stay Ill party. (St. Practice Day?)
The Toronto Urban Photography Festival kicks off Saturday night and runs through March 23rd. This fest celebrates the true photographic eye with nine en masse exhibitions showcasing the talent of genuine photographers… not Instagramophiles. Saturday night marks the opening night gala at the Norman Felix Gallery, so show up and expect to be entranced.
The official Grey Goose Lounge opens to the public tonight at Muzik. The slek and beautiful space will feature five new Grey Goose cocktails that they’ve created especially for the Lounge. The official opening kicks off at 9:00pm and will feature the famed Parisian DJ Michael Canitrot.
Sunday
Get a feast for your eyes and appetite at the Great Canadian Burlesque Brunch at the Cadillac Lounge. Featuring eggs and legs, this edition showcases the talents of six burlesquers ready to serve up a side of “saucy” with your pancakes.
Start feeling a touch of the Irish today with the Toronto Irish Film Festival taking over the screens at TIFF Bell Lightbox. With over a dozen films being screened Saturday and Sunday, this is the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the Emerald Isle.
With Spring right around the corner, we feel it time to revamp our home decor and more. What better place than at the Drake Hotel’s Warehouse Sale. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, find discounts up to 70% on your fave merch like salvaged furniture, curated curiosities, and clothing.
Photo courtesy Blowfish