Welcome to the first weekend of the year!
Besides being frozen, check out what to do in the city this weekend while you’re all layered up.
Have a great weekend, Toronto.
Best of 2016 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Best of 2016 highlights the best, brightest and most astonishing documentaries of 2016 on display with this special series.
Where: 506 Bloor Street West
When: January 6 to 11
ParticipACTION Launch Event
Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to be more active? If so, the ParticipACTION launch event is a must-do for you. It’s where the ParticpACTION will be revealing the 150 activities they are challenging Canadians to try in 2017. You’ll even have the opportunity to experiment with a few at the event itself, which is free!
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
When: January 6 at 10 am to 6 pm
Long Winter at the Gladstone Hotel
Long Winter is an annual concert it’s worth leaving the house for. This year, the event will feature such acts as La Luna, The Magic, and Queen of Swords. Tickets are pay what you can at the door, so whatever your budget, the price is right!
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: January 6 at 7 pm
Sebastian Maniscalco – Why Would You Do That? Tour
2016 Just for Laughs Stand Up Comedian of the Year Sebastian Maniscalco continues spreading his laughs across North America on his WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? TOUR.
Where: The Sony Centre for Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
When: January 6 and 7, at 7 and 9:30 pm
Moneen
Possibly one of Canada’s, but especially Toronto’s, most memorable emo band circa 2000 something, Moneen (or .moneen.) return for a few shows on their “The Red Tree Anniversary” tour.
Where: Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street
When: January 6 at 8 pm
2017 Next Stage Theatre Festival
The Next Stage Theatre Festival (NSTF) is the premiere winter theatre event in the city. Produced by the Toronto Fringe, NSTF is a platform for past Fringe artists to take groundbreaking work to the next level – and a gathering place for discerning culture lovers in the city.
Where: Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street
When: January 6 to 15
ROM for the Holidays
A wonderland which enchants adults and children alike, the CHIHULY exhibition is the inspiration for holiday activities – and it is the last weekend to catch the fun. Make family memories that sparkle as you experience large glass sculptures, brilliantly coloured and dancing with light.
Where: The ROM, 100 Queen’s Park
When: January 6 to 8
Avenue Q The Musical
From the creator of Book of Mormon, Avenue Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone’s looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.”
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Avenue
When: January 6 to 8
OVO Sample Sale
Drake’s OVO label is having a rare sample sale this weekend. Jackets, fleece, tops, bottoms, and hats are among the items that will be on sale. Head down early!
Where: Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street
When: January 7 and 8 at 10 am to 7 pm
Winter Waves
Free family programming transforms the Young Centre through music, theatre and interactive experiences. Fun for everyone!
Where: 50 Tank House Lane
When: January 7 and 8
Toronto Maple Leafs Home Game
Our boys in blue return for a home game against the Montreal Canadiens. Catch the game this Saturday evening at the arena or your favourite pub!
Where: ACC, 50 Bay Street
When: January 7 at 7 pm
See also
- You can try Barre Fitness classes in Toronto for free this month
- You can do yoga at a brewery in Toronto this month
- Everything you need to know about the FREE fitness classes at the Sony Centre
DJ Skate Nights
Harbourfront Centre’s DJ Skate Nights continue this year, and they’re sure to heat up your Saturday nights until February 18. Each Saturday will feature DJs and hit tracks to keep you moving on ice.
Where: Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink, 235 Queens Quay West
When: January 7 at 8 pm
Good Enough Live Karaoke Band
Ab four-piece band featuring guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, Good Enough’s repertoire of 300 songs spans genres and eras. From Aerosmith and Tom Petty to Taylor Swift, Dr. Dre, White Stripes and everything in between, they play and you sing.
Where: Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas Street West
When: January 7 at 8 pm
Turn Back Time: 80s Video Dance Party
Everything 80s is coming back this weekend at the Turn Back Time video dance party! Think Michael Jackson, Queen, and of course, Wham! Get your costumes out and get the grooves on.
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: January 7 at 10 pm
Free Yogathon
Get ready to get your sweat on, as there’s a free yogathon taking place at Prosserman JCC Goldie Fitness Centre. There’ll also be a number of prizes to be won including yoga mats and one month memberships to the centre.
Where: Prosserman JCC, 4588 Bathurst Street
When: January 8 at 10 am to 12:30 pm
Winter Bird Count in the Rouge
Dig out your mittens and thermos! The 14th annual Winter Bird Count in the Rouge, led by Parks Canada and the Toronto Zoo, is happening Sunday, January 8, 2017. Experienced birders will lead groups of participants through beautiful areas of the Rouge, counting all birds seen and heard along the way. No experience is needed, and participation is open to anyone 13 years of age or older.
Where: Rouge National Urban Park, 1749 Meadowvale Road
When: January 8
Mayor’s Winter Skate Party
As part of Winter Week in Toronto, Mayor John Tory is lacing up his skates to skate with the public on Sunday. Bundle up, and head on down!
Where: Colonel Samuel Smith Park
When: January 8 at 1 to 3 pm
No Pants Subway Ride
It’s almost time for the annual No Pants Subway Ride! Breaking free from the leg jail, the No Pants Ride tradition returns this month. The event, happening all over the world, is “a celebration of silliness to bring a smile to commuter’s faces.”
Where: TTC – further details will be on the event page.
When: January 8 at 3 pm
The Big Lebowski
Louis Cifer Brew Works will be hosting a free screening of the 1998 Coen brothers classic Blockbuster hit starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and Julianne Moore.
Where: Louis Cifer Brew Works, 417 Danforth Ave
When: January 8 at 6 pm
Bowie’s Birthday
It’s been one entire year since Major Tom drifted into space forever. David Bowie stage-managed his fascinating life to the very end, leaving with his parting gift of the momentous and haunting Blackstar album on January 8 last year, his 69th birthday. To that end, The Royal is celebrating Bowie’s 70th birthday in style, with a screening of the legend’s first “death” – David Bowie’s final electrifying performance as Ziggy Stardust in 1973 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon Theater.
Where: The Royal Cinema, 608 College Street
When: January 8 at 7 pm
Great Good Fine OK
American synthopop duo Great Good Fine OK gained popularity with their 2013 hit song “You’re The One For Me.” Since then the duo has remixed some tracks (including by Foxes, and Twenty One Pilots) and last year they released their latest single “Already Love.”
Where: The Garrison, 1197 Dundas Street West
When: January 8 at 8 pm