18 things to do in Toronto this weekend: November 18 - 20

Nov 1 2016, 9:48 am

Santa is here!

Well, almost.

Holiday season is full swing, with plenty of holiday activities already taking place this weekend, including Toronto’s annual Christmas Market and the Santa Claus Parade.

So schedule some time, and check out all these awesome events in Toronto this weekend!

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

See your favourite podcasts live on stage! With a selection of one-of-a-kind and totally unforgettable events, live podcasts and panels showcasing some of the world’s greatest audio storytellers, Hot Docs Podcast Festival is bound to be an exciting and electric weekend in Toronto.

Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers, 506 Bloor Street West
When: November 18 to 20

Toronto Christmas Market

Toronto’s Christmas Market brings the spirit of the season to life! One of the favourite holiday events, guests are invited to rediscover the magic and romance of Christmas by taking in stunning light canopies, enjoying unique shopping experiences, traditional music and dance performances, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Where: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
When: November 18 to December 22

Balancing on the Edge

Six collaborative new works interpret what it means to be “balancing on the edge.” New circus and new music collide in boundary pushing, radical circus performances featuring special guest, DJ P-Love.

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen Street West
When: November 18 to 19

Simple Plan

Remember Simple Plan? The early 2000’s pop-punk French-Canadian band is back with a fifth studio album, and a new tour. Their album Taking One for the Team features rapper Nelly, and debuted as the number four album in Canadian Album Charts upon its release.

Where: Air Canada Centre, 50 Bay Street
When: November 18 at 7 pm

Friday Night Live at the ROM: Wild

Another Friday, another party at the ROM! Tonight’s theme is Wild. Discovery the beauty and diversity of the natural world through stunning photography, with complimentary access to Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
When: November 18 at 7 pm

Steven Page

Since leaving the Barenaked Ladies back in 2005, Steven Page has released four studio albums, including this year’s release Heal Thyself Pt. 1: Instinct. He’s currently touring the record and his intimate evening featuring Craig Northey (Odds) and Kevin Fox rolls in this month.

Where: The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.
When: November 18 at 7 pm

A Paintlounge Paint Party!

Get your creative juices flowing at the Paintlounge Paint Party! Party with awesome music as you paint, drink, love, laugh – and break out some funky dance moves, if that’s your thing.

Where:1173 Queen Street East
When: November 18 at 7:30, 7:45, and 8 pm

Saddle Up!

Grab your partner and head to the last hoedown of 2016 at Saddle Up! Don’t expect Blake Shelton or Carrie Underwood: this is all about classic hits from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and more. And legion hall atmosphere also means legion hall drink prices.

Where: Owl’s Club (upstairs), 847 Dovercourt Road
When: November 18 at 10 pm

Scarborough South Asian Film Festival

The Scarborough South Asian Film Festival (SSAFF) will be featuring a host of eye-opening short films and documentaries from all across Canada and South Asia, examining the social justice issues affecting the communities.

Where: Woodside Square Cinemas, 1571 Sandhurst Cir, Scarborough
When: November 19 at 9:30 am to 4 pm

5th Annual Baby it’s Cold Outside Holiday Open House and Soup Festival

The Baby Point Gates BIA invites the community to get into the holiday spirit at their 5th Annual Baby it’s Cold Outside Holiday Open House and Charity Soup Festival! The Baby Point Gates’ merchants delight in decorating their stores for the holiday season and offering special sales for community members who have supported them throughout the year. Families are sure to enjoy entertainment lined up for the day, including carolers singing traditional holiday songs, and Santa Claus will be available to visit with children throughout the shopping district.

Where: Jane and Annette Streets
When: November 19 at 10 am to 6 pm

SickKids X Drake Onesie Brunch

The Drake + Drake General Store are suiting up onesie style with 10% of all onesie sales at Drake General Store and 10% of brunch sales at The Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty, + Drake Devonshire going to SickKids. Drake General Store has proudly collaborated with SickKids patient ambassadors to design a new onesie print featuring beautiful hand-drawn illustrations of the kids’ favourite winter activities.

Where: Various locations
When: November 19 at 11 am

Illuminite

The Downtown Yonge BIA invites you to kick off the holidays with Illuminite, a magical evening of music, dance & spectacle in Yonge-Dundas Square. Enjoy music from Toronto’s Ride the Tiger, followed by a stunning tree lighting performance.

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
When: November 19 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Roots: A Journey Through India

Experience the richness and beauty of of Indian culture with a dance extravaganza! From the mystique of classical Indian movement to the vibrant colours and energy of modern Bollywood styles, this narrated production will take you on a journey inspired by important events and cultural traditions in India’s history – from the love stories of the Indian empires to modern Mumbai, where Bollywood dancing has gained a world-wide fan base.

Where: The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive.
When: November 19 at 7:30 pm

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea: Pre Holiday Market

Nothing like a little local shopping with some cocktails to get the spirits up for the holidays. There will be music, food vendors, goods vendors, and more.

Where: Studio Bar, 824 Dundas Street West
When: November 19 and 20

Swedish Christmas Fair

More events for your Christmas spirit! Warm up to the sounds of children singing and participate in folk dancing, craft making and more. It’s the perfect place to sample delicious Scandinavian food and have a rinkside drink of glögg. Yum.

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: November 19 and 20

Toronto Christmas Pet Show

With over 200 exhibitor booths, there will be something for every furry one at the Toronto Christmas Pet Show! And Santa will be there for family portraits too.

Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
When: November 19 and 20, from 9 am to 5 pm

Toronto Santa Claus Parade

Get your red noses on, and get ready to meet the man himself! The Santa Claus Parade will take over the downtown streets from Christie Pitts to the St Lawrence Market, so get warm and head down

Where: Starts at Christie Pitts
When: November 20 at 12:30 pm

The Fray

They taught us “How to Save a Life” and then were “Over our Head,” and now The Fray are here to “Break your Plans.” Just kidding. But the Grammy-nominated band are back on the road since their 2014 album Helios, so wind down the weekend with some Fray.

Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
When: November 20 at 7 pm

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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