25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: February 1 to 3

Well Toronto, we finally made it to February. And if you ask us, it felt like January was seriously never going to end.

This is why you need to make the most of the first weekend of the new month, not to mention the warm-ish weather by checking out some of the events happening throughout the city today.

From food and drink festivals to cheering on your favourite team during the Super Bowl, here are the top Toronto events for February 1 to 3.

See also

• There's a massive new outdoor skating rink open in the GTA
• You can meet Toronto's new professional esports team this weekend
• John Mayer is returning to Toronto this summer

Friday, February 1

Winterlicious 2019

What: Toronto’s biannual prix fixe promotion returns this winter from January 26 to February 8, and in addition to the special menus at restaurants across the city, Winterlicious will also host a Culinary Events Series.

When: Now until February 8
Time: Varies by location
Where: Restaurants across Toronto
Price: Varies by location

Progress Festival

What: Progress is an international festival of performance and ideas, with shows ranging from theatre to dance to music. The festival is co-presented by the SummerWorks Festival and the Theatre Centre and it brings groundbreaking work from around the world to Toronto for three weeks.

When: Now until February 17
Time: Varies by day
Where: Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen Street West
Price: Single tickets are $25

Ice Breakers

What: Now in its third year, temporary winter art exhibit Ice Breakers is returning to Toronto’s waterfront. Organized by Winter Stations and The Waterfront Business Improvement Area (WBIA), Ice Breakers will provide the city with five temporary wintertime art installations that are 100% free to the public.

When: Now until February 24
Time: All day
Where: Queens Quay from Harbourfront Centre to the Toronto Music Garden
Price: Free to the public

Rose: A New Musical

What: From Sarah Wilson and Mike Ross, co-creator of Spoon River, comes an inspiring and joyful musical about acceptance, love, and finding your own path, even when that path isn’t what you thought it would be.

When: Now until February 24
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane
Price: From $36

Toronto Light Fest

What: For the third year in a row, the historic Distillery District will be home to the Toronto Light Fest this winter. Designed to entertain and inspire, the free to attend light festival will feature curated light installations and illuminated sculptures created by a number of local and international artists.

When: Now until March 3
Time: After sunset
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free

Winter at Ontario Place

What: Following last year’s successful inaugural winter program, Ontario Place will once again come alive this winter season. Running from now to March 17, the West Island of Ontario Place will be home to the Winter Light Exhibition, free public skating and community bonfires. This year, visitors can also look forward to a series of DJ nights at the iconic waterfront venue and a range of beloved films at Cinesphere.

When: Now until March 17
Time: 6 pm to 12 am
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Price: Free to attend

The 7

What: Come and check out The 7 this weekend, a new pop-up that features eight unique, picture-perfect rooms. The concept is to help Torontonians beat the winter blues with fun out-of-the-box and Instagrammable rooms full of colour, art and 3D visuals.

When: Open now until the end of winter
Time: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 9:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Seventh floor Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street
Price: Free to the public

Free Butter Chicken Roti

What: There’s a new roti spot opening up on Queen East, and that means free roti for everyone! Well, almost everyone. There will be free Roti for Butter Chicken Roti’s first 100 guests on February 1 and 2, and all guests that come in throughout the weekend will be treated to a free samosa.

When: February 1 and 2
Time: From noon
Where: 1610 Queen Street East
Price: Free

Toronto Tea Festival

What: Are you a sipper or a chugger? Either way, you’re welcome here. Tea lovers will be able to enjoy hundreds of tea tastings, as well as opportunities to chat with industry experts at one of the many complimentary presentations at this three-day event.

When: February 1 to 3
Time: Friday, 12 pm to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday 3, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library – 789 Yonge Street
Price: From $16

Spring National Bridal Show 2019

What: Getting ready to say your “I Do’s?” If your big day is coming up, you need to attend the most inclusive and inspiring wedding planning event in Ontario.

When: February 1 to 3
Time: Friday 5 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Enercare Centre, Princes’ Boulevard, HALL D
Price: $18

2019 Motionball Toronto Gala

What: Motionball 2019 will be taking over the Liberty Grand this February for an epic celebration. Hosted by Devo Brown, you don’t want to miss this incredible night of philanthropy and fun all in support of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.

When: February 1
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road

Saturday, February 2

Farm Boy Grand Opening

What: The city has been waiting patiently for the Leslieville location of Farm Boy to open since the first one opened in Etobicoke in 2018. Celebrate the grand opening of Canada’s Trader Joe’s with an abundant selection of the freshest foods.

When: February 2
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 1015 Lakeshore Boulevard East
Price: No admission cost

February Really Really Free Market

What: You read the event name correctly, everything is free. No money. No swapping.
If you do bring items to share, bring them before 3 pm and make sure they are clean and in working condition. During the market, there is a limit to the number of items you can take, which is one large shopping bag per person (two bags for families of three or more people).

When: February 2
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue
Price: Everything is FREE

Winter Chocolate Show

What: This one-day festival is going to celebrate Canada’s craft chocolate makers. Bean-to-bar creators will be offering samples of their sweet treats and selling their bars and bites. Love cacao? Get here.

When: February 2
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse – 106 Trinity Street
Price: $7.50 in advance and $10.00 at the door

Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair

What: Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and in case you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your special someone, chances are you’ll be able to find it at this craft fair at the Gladstone Hotel. This free, one-of-a-kind sexy fair brings together local artists and crafters just in time for V-Day.

When: February 2
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. West
Price: Admission is free

Ways to Wellness

What: Self-taught cook, food photographer and coffee enthusiast, Ronny Joseph of Primal Gourmet, will be leading cooking demonstrations and sharing small bites at this free event at Yorkdale Mall.

When: February 2
Time: 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Where: Williams Sonoma Yorkdale – 3401 Dufferin Street
Price: No cost to attend

The Deadstock Depot Vintage Streetwear Retail Event Flea Market

What: Toronto’s only vintage streetwear flea market is back. Shop from over 30 local and international vendors who have come together to form Canada’s largest selection of handpicked garments catering to the 80s, 90s, and 2000s street and sportswear aesthetic.

When: February 2
Time: Doors open at 1 pm
Where: Artscape Sandbox, 301 Adelaide Street
Price: $10 entry fee

Après Skate Saturdays

What: If you’re in the mood for ice skating, head to the Bentway where skaters over 19 can enjoy complimentary samples of Kahlúa with coffee or hot chocolate on Saturday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm. Après Skate Saturdays run every Saturday until February 16.

When: February 2, 9 and 16
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: Complimentary samples, but skate rentals are available on-site for $10

DJ Skate Nights

What: You can sharpen your skates and skills at Toronto’s number one outdoor winter party. Each weekend you can expect a different DJ who will be spinning the hottest tracks. The best part? This skating party is totally free.

When: February 2
Time: 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Skating is free

Sunday, February 3

The Official Budweiser Super Bowl Viewing Party

What: Get your jerseys ready! REBEL, Budweiser and the NFL present Toronto’s Official Budweiser Super Bowl Viewing Party. Get ready for live entertainment, the half-time show, games and a chance to WIN a trip to the winning city.

When: February 3
Time: 2 pm to 11 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
Price: Free

Super Bowl at King Taps

What: This downtown hub will be screening the Super Bowl, and their mouthwatering classics will keep you fueled until the last whistle. Did you want a drink with that? Good. Because the Happy Hour specials will be available all day.

When: February 3
Where: 100 King Street West
Price: No cover

Super Bowl at Cactus Club

What: If you’re craving sweet and spicy Szechuan chicken or tofu wrapped in crunchy lettuce and topped with peanuts, this is the spot to watch the game. Snacks here include calamari, yam fries, and chimichurri guacamole. If you’re feeling a little more hungry, you could opt for butternut squash ravioli with prawns, or maybe steak frites? Yeah. This is the spot to hit if more typical greasy game-food isn’t up your alley.

When: February 3
Where: 77 Adelaide Street West; Unit 700 – 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Price: No cover

Snooperbowl

What: Blacklab Brewery is hosting its inaugural party celebrating America’s favourite sport. There will be beer, football, and BBQ. Oh my lord, will there ever be BBQ.

When: February 3
Time: 3 pm to 10 pm
Where: Black Lab Brewing, 818 Eastern Avenue
Price: No cover

Death & Taxes

What: The chance to win beer for a year and $5 Steamwhistle! What else do you need, really? On game day, or any day.

When: February 3
Where: 1154 Queen Street West, Toronto
Price: No cover

Dublin Calling Super Bowl Party

What: Dublin is throwing an epic Super Bowl party complete with drink and food specials, grand prizes and giveaways and more. PLUS, the game will be played live with sound.

When: February 3
Time: 5 pm
Where: Dublin Calling, 250 Adelaide Street West
Price: No cover