42 events worth checking out in Toronto this November
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November is not the month to start hibernating. The wind may be a little chillier, but Toronto is still filled with great things to do. To make having a good time a little easier, we found a few of the very best events for you to enjoy the month.
Fisher
What: Prolific Australian music producer Fisher is in Toronto tonight. Dishing out award-winning track after another, if you like to move to some of the best dance music in the world, this is the show for you.
When: Friday, November 1
Time: 10 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St
Admission: Start at $110, available online
The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair
What: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place every November in Toronto. Come celebrate the best in agriculture, local food, and equestrian competitions from across the country.
When: November 1 to 10
Time: Sunday and Monday, 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Admission: Tickets start at $27.50, available online
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Don Giovanni
What: Don’t miss this outrageous comedy of an incorrigible young playboy who blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. Firmly grounded in the tradition of the Italian commedia dell’arte, this glittering new production stars Douglas Williams as Don Giovanni at the gorgeous Ed Mirvish Theatre.
When: Now until November 9
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St
Admission: Tickets start at $39, available online
Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA
What: Iconic Alegría is reinterpreted in a renewed version to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes the audience with a joyful spirit for a brighter and more inspiring tomorrow.
When: Now until November 24
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Under the Big Top, Ontario Place
Admission: Starts at $70 and available online
SCREAMERS!
What: Are you ready to be scared? Then head to what is arguably is Toronto’s best-haunted attraction. This year the terrifying Halloween event is celebrating its 26th year of operation. See all seven haunted walkthrough themed horror mazes featuring over 120 live scare actors, unlimited rides on the Midway of Horrors, and the new illusion act THE KILL SHOW.
When: Now until November 2
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 7 to 11 pm; Friday to Saturday 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Better Dead Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $34.95, available online
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince In Concert
What: With this film, based on the sixth installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the movie as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra plays the score along with it. Organizers encourage fans to come dressed in their favourite wizarding attire and be a part of a costume showcase.
When: On until November 2
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre, 1 Front Street East
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online
Saturday Family Clay
What: Every Saturday is a family art day at LucSculpture. Head down and learn some of the basics of sculpting figures, building hand objects, and creating with your kids. They’ll fire all the pieces after you’re done.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: LucSculpture Art School, 663 Greenwood Avenue
Admission: $15 to $35, tickets available online
Sleater-Kinney concert
What: Sleater-Kinney is the ultimate name in groovy female-lead indie rock. See the trio live and in person at the Rebel this fall. Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the bands that helped define the Riot Grrrl music scene of the 90s.
When: Sunday, November 3
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St
Admission: $42 to $52, available online
TTES: Team Toronto Etsy Sellers Holiday Market
What: Meet a curated selection of Toronto’s most noteworthy Etsy sellers and crafters. Find one of a kind goods, must have locally-made essentials, and swoon-worthy gift and lifestyle items. If you love Etsy and you love to shop local, then this is the place for you. The first 50 visitors receive a complimentary swag bag.
When: Sunday, November 3
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W
Admission: Free
Dr. Caroline Van Hemert, scientist and adventurer, shares tales from her book “The Sun Is a Compass”
What: Spend an evening with Dr. Caroline Van Hemert, who will share the incredible story of her 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, captured in her recent memoir, “The Sun is a Compass.”
When: Monday, November 4
Time: 7 pm
Where: Patagonia Toronto, 500 King St. W
Admission: Free, register online
Howie Mandel
What: Howie Mandel has become a mainstay of the North American comedy scene. The man has been a star of television, film and stage while performing as many as 200 standup comedy shows each year. This event is a guaranteed frank, funny, anything goes evening of laughter when this comedic legend.
When: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 8 pm
Where: Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd
Admission: $98, available online
The 9th!
What: Co-choreographed by The Shape of Water‘s Roberto Campanella and Robert Glumbeck, this remarkable new dance work uses life-size holograms and stunning projections to create a modern and innovative take on an iconic piece of classical music that has always been played to celebrate freedom and brotherhood.
When: November 6 to 9
Time: 8 pm
Where: Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W
Admission: $50, available online
Hot Docs Podcast Festival
What: The biggest names in audio storytelling are coming to Hot Docs this fall. Canada’s premier podcast festival returns with six days of live shows, plus a Creators Forum for industry pros and emerging audio makers.
When: November 6 to 11
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Admission: Festival passes start at $164, available online
Bangarra Dance Theatre: Spirit
What: The internationally renowned Australian company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, infuses 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Island culture with exhilarating contemporary movement. Weaving together storytelling, dance, theatre, and music, this theatrical piece attempts to transport the audience to a mysterious and sacred space to witness nature’s poetry.
When: November 8 and 9
Time: Friday, 7 pm; Saturday, 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online
Day of the Dead Celebrations
What: Toronto’s biggest Day of the Dead celebration returns for its 16th year. Head to the Harbourfront Centre to see music by Mexican folk band “Los Pachamama,” along with traditional and contemporary ofrendas, films, food, and activities for the whole family.
When: November 9 and 10
Time: Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Admission: Free
Movember Undie Run
What: Are you brave enough to run in your undies to support men’s health? The annual Movember Undie Run, presented by SAXX, is back for 2019. The two-km fun run event offers men and women the opportunity to take to the streets of Toronto decked out in — you guessed it — just their underwear, all to help raise funds and awareness for Movember and men’s health. Tickets include a swag bag with your very own pair of SAXX underwear.
When: Saturday, November 9
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: The Citizen, 522 King. St. West, Toronto
Admission: $50 donation
Old Book and Paper Show
What: The Old Book and Paper Show sets up in the bright, easy to access and historical facility at Wychwood Barns to offer the cities only old paper and antiquarian book show. Check out numerous dealers in vintage rare and antiquarian books, while combing through the stock offered.
When: Sunday, November 10
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Admission: $10
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
What: See the directors cut of the iconic original science fiction movie on the big, big, big screen at the Cinesphere. The gorgeous special effects pale against the gorgeous face of a young Harrison Ford. Watch as he attempts to deal with a group of rebellious robots in one of the genre’s most important films.
When: November 8, 9, 10
Time: 7:30 pm November 8 and 9; 4:30 November 10
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Admission: $15, available online
Tool concert
What: See the band that made it cool to be a bass player. Tool is an American rock band defined by their incredible live performances and musical talent. For the Toronto stop of their current North American tour, they’ll be playing two nights at the Scotiabank Arena with their guest Killing Joke.
When: November 11 and 12
Time: 7:15 am
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $296, available online
Friends Trivia
What: Do you know Ross was able to keep that Monkey? Do you know the lyrics to Smelly Cat by heart? Flex your Friends knowledge at this ultimate trivia event.
When: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 8 pm
Where: Dublin Calling, 250 Adelaide Street W
Admission: Free, register online
Indie Week 2019
What: It’s a five day festival of the biggest names, newest stars, and the next soon-to-be-everywhere bands of the indie music scene. It’s a smorgasbord of choices at venues throughout the city, celebrating everything great about indie rock. This is the place to hear some of the best live music of the year.
When: November 13 to 17
Time: Times vary
Where: Various venues throughout the city, check online
Admission: Music only $60, conference $100, all-access $140, available online
Eldritch Theatre’s 20th Abominaversary: The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy
What: See The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy, nominated as the Best New Play and Best Performance at the 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. It’s an “eerie tale of unholy larceny and Klondike gold.” Based on the sworn testimony of the miserable souls who survived this terrifying ordeal in the heart of the Canadian Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. The show’s creator incorporates magic and puppets to deliver the performance.
When: November 13 to 24
Time: Monday to Saturday, 8 pm; Sundays, 3 pm
Where: Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen Street East
Admission: $25, available online
Eataly Toronto Grand Opening
What: Take a trip to Italy without leaving Yorkville. Doors will officially open to the public for the first time ever. Arrive early to be one of the first guests to browse the marketplace, learn from producers, and try complimentary tastings. The first 100 guests in line will receive a special gift.
When: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 5 pm
Where: Eataly, 55 Bloor St West
Admission: Free to attend
Logic
What: Love or hate his style, Logic is undeniably one of the most talented and complex rappers spitting bars today. See him live in Toronto this month as he fills Scotiabank Area on his latest tour.
When: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: $29.99 to $89.99, available online
RING
What: RING is the latest production from choreographer Ame Henderson. It continues Henderson’s fascinating work into the relationship between sound and movement. Much will be improvised and no performance the same as the last.
When: November 14 to 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester Street
Admission: $20 to $30
Toronto Christmas Market 2019
What: Fight it as much as you want, Christmas is coming. Get into the spirit of things at the Toronto Christmas Market. The market will feature entertainment, beer gardens, vendors, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. Get cozied up, and head down to the Distillery District to experience its magic.
When: November 14 to December 22
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free on weekdays, ticketed on weekends
Art Attack
What: This annual live auction features work from dozens of the country’s foremost contemporary artists, and offers an astounding collection of artist multiples and limited edition prints. There’s also a silent auction full of products and cultural experiences from a variety of local businesses. See lots of surprise performances, tasty treats from Sassafraz, free beer (and a striptease) from the boys at Steamwhistle, and more, all to support a good cause.
When: Thursday, November 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St.
Admission: $40, available online
Le 7th annual Celine Dion dance party!
What: It’s an annual all-Céline Dion dance party extravaganza. Dion has had quite a year and is about to drop her brand new album. Get ready for five ours of Céline’s hits, misses, rarities, and remixes.
When: Friday, November 15
Time: 10 pm
Where: Gladstone Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street W
Admission: $20
Santa Claus Parade
What: You know it’s the holiday season what Toronto’s Original Santa Claus Parade makes its way through the streets of Toronto. Starting a Christie and Bloor, the massive display of floats, marching bands, costumed well-wishers, and Santa himself, heads down Bloor to College, until it ends at St Lawrence Market.
When: Sunday, November 17
Time: Starts 12:30 pm
Where: Begins at Christie and Bloor St. W
Admission: Free
The One of a Kind Show
What: While this market is much larger than your typical artisan market, the One of a Kind Show is the perfect opportunity to shop for Canadian handmade goods while the weather is still somewhat reasonable.
When: November 21 to December 1
Time: Times vary
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Admission: $15, available online
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
What: Passionate wine and food lovers descend on Toronto’s Metropolitan Convention Centre each November for what organizers call the “region’s largest event of its kind.” The event lures some of the best national chefs, local culinary stars, celebrated winemakers, brewmasters, and mixologists. If you’re serious about wine and food, this is for you.
When: November 21 to 24
Time: Thursday, 6 to 10 pm; Friday, 2 to 10 pm; Saturday, 12 to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
Admission: $55 for the weekend, available online
City and Colour
What: See Dallas Green perform on tour for his fifth studio album A Pill For Loneliness. The singer/songwriter has been in people’s ears since he was the guitarist for Alexisonfire. See the solo project that made him a household name this fall.
When: Friday, November 22
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $80, available online
Aurora Winter Festival
What: For the first time ever, Aurora Winter Festival will transform Toronto’s Ontario Place into a hidden village with enchanting elements inspired by the North Pole including magical characters, captivating light displays, endless fun, games, and activities.
When: November 22 to January 5
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Price: $17.99, available online
Blade Runner 2049
What: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
When: November 22 to 24
Time: November 22 and 23, 7:30 pm; November 24, 4:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Admission: $15, available online
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
What: The longest-running and most prestigious nature photography competition in the world returns to the ROM for the seventh year in a row. Whether you’re a nature lover, aspiring photographer, or simply love a perfectly captured moment, you will appreciate the talent and technical expertise required to photograph such rare and surprising glimpses of the diverse life on this planet.
When: November 23 to March 29
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Admission: $31 for adults, $24 for students, $18 for children, available online
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
What: This much-loved annual event lets Christmas shopper buy directly from the hands of 110 talented local artists and designers. Choose from original art, fashion, jewelry, home decor, vintage items, body care and more. There are free swag bags for the first 25 attendees.
When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Admission: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Miracle on Ossington pop-up bar
What: All this Christmas cheer is probably going to make you want a cocktail. Start a new tradition by heading west to the Miracle on Ossingting pop-up. Sip on holiday-themed drinks while sitting warmly among with a huge amount of fun, kitschy holiday decorations.
When: November 25 to December 26
Time: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 2 pm to 2 am
Where: 146 Ossington Avenue
An Evening of Grief and Mystery
What: Part poetry, part lamentation, part book reading, part ribaldry, part concert, this unique, and conceptual event will weave a story of sound and imagination.
When: Wednesday, November 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Admission: $40, available online
CP Holiday Train
What: The CP Holiday Train travels across the country spreading holiday cheer and raising money and collecting food donations for charity. Come see the train for yourself and bring along something to donate while you’re at it.
When: Thursday, November 28
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: 750 Runnymede Rd
Admission: Free
Chelsea Handler’s Stand-up Comedy Tour
What: She took late night by storm, now she’s touring the country dispensing her own personal wisdom, observation, and straight-up truths to audiences. Check out the show and laugh until it hurts.
When: Friday, November 29
Time: 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd
Admission: Tickets start at $49.99, available online
Cher concert
What: It doesn’t matter if you believe in a life after love, you’ll be able to die happy after seeing the queen herself, Cher, live in Toronto. An icon of multiple generations, the illustrious singer will be stopping by the city as part of her latest worldwide tour.
When: Friday, November 29
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $107, available online
Cavalcade of Lights 2019
What: Each year, the holiday traditions bring thousands of people down to Nathan Phillips Square and besides all the lights, the event will include live musical performances from some of Canada’s top performers and a skating party on the iconic outdoor rink.
The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas Tree, which glitters with more than 525,000 lights and hundreds of individual ornaments and will light up Nathan Phillips Square through to New Year’s Eve.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street W at Bay Street
Price: Free to attend
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