Toronto Weekender: September 4 through 7, 2014

How did we get here?

As in, September. As in, not summer. As in, fall.

Luckily we have one of the greatest film festivals in the world to distract us for a little while. You shouldn’t have any trouble forgetting that the good weather is on its way out with all the stars pouring in.

So break out your binoculars and get your best selfie face ready – this edition of The Weekender is all about TIFF.   

Thursday

Just a little something called TIFF has its opening night. Here’s our 2014 TIFF Party Guide for those of you who want spend the weekend showing up where you’re not wanted – and have a hell of a good time doing it.

This Pepsi Pop Up thing is proving to make it a good week for music – just ask the Born Ruffians.

The TIFF Festival Street isn’t so much a party as it is a takeover. Seriously, they’re shutting down the street for three days to set up art, music, and food. Oh, and booze, obviously.

Go spend One Night in Cabbagetown.

Or check out the grand opening of abstract artist and curator Jimmy Chiale’s 416 Gallery

Nerd Nite Toronto is turning four. Expect indoor fireworks at the very least.

Miranda Lambert is in town playing the Amphitheatre. So if your cowboy boots are missing, one of your friends probably stole them to go here.

Midnight Madness is back. Are you up for it?

Friday

As one of the largest events of its kind in North America, Veg Food Fest can be expected to have a wide range of the best cuisine – all sans-meat, of course.

The biggest bridal show in Toronto is returning, so beware: we hear Bridezillas can travel in packs.

Fan Fest is offering unprecedented access to all things Leafs. So, no, the Stanley Cup will not be on site.

As far as West of Contra and Plus-1 are concerned, it’s when the movies end that the night is really getting started. Which is why Ovation couldn’t be a better name for this rooftop event.

Alternative dance music duo USS will be taking over the Pepsi Pop Up at 229 Richmond St.

Remember that party guide we told you about? Yeah, it’s got things like the TIFF Bachelor Party and Nikki Beach. Probably best to go back and check it out again.

Y2K: A Millennium Dance Party will be taking over the Drake. Looks like they finally got that computer virus thing all figured out.

Saturday

The Bloorcourt Arts & Crafts Fair will have more than 70 vendors on the closed off street. Get your art crawl on.

For two full days this weekend, INLAND will bring more than 80 Canadian designers to 99 Sudbury to offer you everything from their exclusive insight to their latest collections. This is the best ‘shop local’ experience you can imagine. 

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers challenges you to walk the walk – 60km or 32km to be exact – and raise money for cancer research. As an added bonus, you get to sleep on centerfield at the Rogers Centre. Yes, for real.

Riot Fest will be two days of top rock, punk, and alternative talent that includes the likes of The Cure, Billy Talent, City and Colour, Metric, Death Cab for Cutie, The National, and many, many more. Hopefully no actual riots take place. 

In its 38th year running, the Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts is Toronto’s longest running community festival. Go find out why. 

Notable’s latest event, Malapartay @ TIFF Bell Lightbox, let’s you eat brunch at TIFF during TIFF. Picture: bar stations by Absolut Elyx, Havana Club, & Pike Creek Whiskey, live beats by DJ Michael Coombs, and O&B’s expert chefs preparing everything from breakfast canapes to seafood stations and fresh paella. And hopefully a selfie with a star or two.

Lit only by the headlights worn by each runner, Night Race is a unique experience with profits going to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation. Bring your own glow sticks, or hit up a ‘Get Glowing’ station to throw on some glow in the dark paint and bracelets. Who knows, you might even find your way to the after-party. 

Rdio is bringing Ellie Goulding and Haim to Massy Hall. But in this case, we say go for Haim and stay for Ellie. 

And that TIFF Party Guide? Yup, back again. 

There’s also a full moon party at Hanlan’s Point Beach. Some people just keep insisting summer isn’t over.

Sunday

Think your pet is just the cutest? Prove it. And we don’t mean with Instagram likes.

Yoga and brunch in Bellwoods? Now that’s a Sunday morning combo worth getting up for. 

The B&O Yorkville Run is not your average competition. As the first race of its kind, this 5K combines running and local businesses in an attempt to raise funds for local charities. Think high-end. Think Yorkville. 

Taste of the Kingsway will take you far away from all things TIFF while still providing some Sunday flavour. 

Judging by our Facebook feed, you most likely supported ALS. Now do the same for Parkinson’s

The End of Summer Block Party couldn’t be more aptly named.

Artscape Youngplace is throwing a community birthday party to celebrate its 100 years in the area. And speaking from experience, centennials are always the best celebrations. 

DJs and drinks, just another Dirty Bird BBQ is all. 

The Toronto Frosh Festival has a great line up and thousands of people are headed there. Is there such a thing as getting a fake ID that says you’re younger than you are?

And one last time, we leave you with this

Well, that’s it, that’s all.
Four days and more than 35 ways to spend them.
Just remember: FOMO isn’t real if you’re there. 

Stay Notable,

The Weekender 

#NOTABLE 

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Top photo courtesy TIFF Facebook Page