We hate to point it out, but fall is finally, actually, officially, definitely, for real here.
But at least Toronto is doing its best to keep the events scene as hot as possible. How else could this edition of The Weekender be packed with more than 40 fun things to get up to over the next four days?
From concerts and charity events to festivals and food trucks, this is everything you want to be doing in the city as it formally says goodbye to summer.
Thursday
The Aga Khan Museum officially opens its doors for the first time to “to offer unique insights and new perspectives into Islamic civilizations and the cultural threads that weave through history binding us all together.” Sounds legit.
Just for Laughs is bringing a collection of the world’s best comedians to Toronto for a nine-day stretch. Look for headliners Seth Meyers, Lena Dunham, Wanda Sykes, Nick Offerman, and Amy Schumer to have the city in stiches.
Hit up the Steam Whistle Brewery for a chance to catch an international graffiti artist doing his thing – legally.
Who doesn’t like celebrating condiments of the world? In art form, naturally.
ScienceROCKS! adult night is on from 7pm til midnight. And dammit if we aren’t suckers for anything that comes with the label adult night.
Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival kicks off with Burton Cummings. Hopefully he doesn’t tell you he has more important things to do.
Who watches The Watchman? Well, tonight you can.
The Modern Love Tour continues, hitting up Adelaide Hall with some nice Thursday beats.
Friday
In case it somehow slipped your mind, it’s still Toronto Beer Week. Drink up while you can.
Go for the whisky barrel making and charring demonstration and stay for the $3 Jameson.
Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias. Surely someone cares about this…?
The Gaslight Anthem is out at Sound Academy while Kevin Drew and Comet Control will be performing at Adelaide Hall.
It’s hip hop. It’s karaoke. It’s a competition. What else do you need to know?
The Importance of Being Ernest is at Hart House Theatre for a limited run. Should be Wilde.
It’s movie night in Liberty Village, which means it’s time to head back to the future.
Dean Brody represents at the Canada Walk of Fame Festival even though he’s not, you know, on the Canadian Walk of Fame. Which isn’t weird at all.
It’s the Watchman redux.
Saturday
Something about the end of summer? An equinox? Ba, Humbug.
Need a little more sexy in your breakfast? No problem.
If there’s such a thing as an honest sidewalk sale, this is it.
Ever wondered what it was like in Toronto during the War of 1812? Well, it makes sense that you didn’t. But hey, you can find out anyway.
The Junction Music Festival will feature five outdoor stages and 30 participating venues. Good thing the weather is returning to what should resemble summer now that summer is over.
If you love to go retro or need some material for a Halloween costume, it’s worth swinging by the mega-display of clothing, accessories, and jewelry known as the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show.
The Bloor Ossington Folk Festival will be rocking, err, playing Christie Pits.
Break out your lederhosen and your tubas and get ready to drink from mugs three times the size of your face – it’s Steam Whistle’s Oktoberfest Party.
Because who wouldn’t want to go to a Mennonite and Pennsylvania-German festival?
It may be sold out, but we wonder if RBC is really going to stop you if you still try to Run for the Kids…
Speaking of running, who says you shouldn’t run at the zoo? Bears, that’s who.
Besides raising money for The Canadian Cancer Society, Bark for Life will probably also be the most adorable charity event you go to all month.
Rascal Flatts and Sheryl Crow will take the stage at the Amphitheatre for a show that will surely be worth a hoot and a holler.
Matthew Goode & Jay Baruchel take the stage in an unlikely pairing at the getting-stranger-and-stranger Canada Walk of Fame Festival.
We can’t remember if we’ve seen Memento, but since it’s free we’ll definitely go again.
Bliss Ball is a big deal. Just check out last year’s highlights from the Sick Kids fundraiser when A.C. freakin’ Slater hosted.
Sunday
The Word on the Street is that people still like to read, yo.
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and this Sunday is the focal point of awareness efforts from Alzheimer’s organizations around the world, namely World Alzheimer’s Day. Expect to see a purple CN Tower.
If you’re going to walk, walk for a good cause at the People’s Climate March.
The Food Truck Festival Ontario had us as soon as they used the word ‘mouthgasmic’.
Not one for close-talkers or vampires, the Toronto Garlic Festival promises to supply you with the best and most delicious reasons to willingly give yourself bad breath.
It’s a real live Spaghetti Western, pa.
Sunday is a great day to enjoy The Weeknd too, you know.
Well, that’s it, that’s all.
Four days and more than 40 ways to spend them.
Just remember: FOMO isn’t real if you’re there.
Stay Notable,
The Weekender
#NOTABLE
Images: splitsider.com, thatericalper.com, countryweekly.com, Facebook, steamwhistle.ca
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