FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
Saturday has returned to us yet again. Welcome to it, Toronto. Maximize, revive, and jazzersize the greatest day of the week this February 8.
Kuumba 2020
What: Kuumba, one of Toronto’s longest-running celebrations of Black History Month, marks its 25th anniversary this year. In 2020, Kuumba25 examines the past through cultural expression, ritual and memorabilia, while re-envisioning identities through art, culture and education.
When: On until February 29
Where: 235 Queens Quay West
Admission: Some events are ticketed, others free, check online
Colin Kaepernick – Know Your Rights Camp Photo Exhibit
What: See the exclusive Canadian debut of the public art installation, courtesy of Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp. Featuring images of freedom fighters from athletes to activists to lawyers, scholars and actors.
When: On until February 29
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay West
Admission: Free
Secret Life of a Mother
What: A playwright writes her exposé of modern motherhood in a confessional piece about her own darkly funny and taboo-breaking truths. These mothers are not the butts of jokes, or the villains, or the perfect angels of the house.
When: On until February 23
Time: Times vary
Where: Crow’s Theatre — 345 Carlaw Avenue
Admission: $39.55, available online
Toronto Light Fest
What: For the fourth 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: On until March 1
Time: After sunset
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free
Skating at Harbourfront Centre
What: When the weather starts to drop, it means it’s officially time to go skating. And it just so happens that the city’s most scenic rink has opened its doors for the winter season. The Natrel Rink is complete with heated indoor change rooms and its own rink-side bar and grill for those interested in getting a snack post-skate. The best part? Skating at the Harbourfront rink is totally free.
When: On until spring
Time: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay West
Admission: Skating is free
2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations
To highlight the fifteen-day celebrations and in welcoming the year of the Rat, Toronto Chinatown BIA will spearhead the celebrations with an opening ceremony in Dragon City Mall followed by a magnificent lantern exhibition, and a lineup of interactive games and performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions during the 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations.
When: On until February 9
Where: Dragon City Mall — 280 Spadina Avenue
The Dr. Seuss Experience
What: It’s back. After selling out ridiculously fast, organizers have put together another run. Get ready to take a walk down memory lane, as beloved children’s writer, Dr. Seuss’ incredible creations will be appearing in a large interactive exhibit. The 15,000-sq-ft exhibition is a photogenic playground of interesting rooms that recreate the feeling and wonder of walking through a storybook.
When: On until March 22
Where: Square One — 100 City Centre Drive
Admission: $39.99, available online
Lovers and Other Strangers: Improvised
What: Lovers and Other Strangers aired nightly on CHFI 98.1 in the 90s. It had inspirational readings, soft rock and synthesizers. Come see some of Toronto’s funniest comedians improvise a set based on this classic radio show. Featuring comics like Guled Abdi (CBC’s TallBoyz), Bita Joudaki (Bad Dog Featured Players), Rebecca Payne (Bad Dog Featured Players), Gavin Pounds (Dame Judy Dench), Zohaib Khan (Woke N Broke), Alex Kolanko (The Disaster), and more.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 11 pm
Where: Bad Dog Comedy Theatre — 875 Bloor Street West – upstairs
Admission: $10, available online
Awkward Valentine’s Pet Photos
What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a photoshoot with the love of your life — and by that we obviously mean your dog. For a $25 donation to Fetch & Releash, you and your pet will get a five-minute private photoshoot, a treat bag to take home from Healthybud, 10% off anything at Pet Uno, automatic entry into a $50 Pet Uno gift card raffle, a hi-res photo in an online album
To reserve your spot and e-transfer your donation, email [email protected] with your preferred time
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: Noon to 3 pm
Where: Pet Uno — 675 College Street
Admission: $25 donation
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
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest Presents: Awesome 80’s
What: Celebrate winter with the 15th annual Bloor-Yorkville Icefest throughout the Village of Yorkville Park and surrounding area. A free public event, expect a wide variety of uniquely designed ice sculptures and rad winter activities for the duration of the weekend.
This year, all things 80’s are retro-cool again with the “Awesome 80’s” theme transforming the neighbourhood into a one-of-a-kind display of over 70,000 pounds of ice sculpted into sculptures.
When: Saturday, February 8
Where: 115 Cumberland Street
Admission: Free
Ethical Wardrobe Marketplace
What: Featuring ethical clothes, jewellery, and more, this curated marketplace is bringing together some of the most thoughtful and purpose-driven brands on the scene. From vintage leather to accessories, it’s the cure to fast fashion.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: The Encircled Studio — 300 Campbell Ave
Admission: Free, register online
Icefest 2020
What: Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighbourhood will be transformed into a showcase of delicate, stunning ice sculptures using over 70,000 lbs of crystal clear ice. Check out the DJs, take a selfie or group photo at the Icefest Photo Booth or plug in their mobile phones at one of the charging stations. Also there will be the Icefest Scavenger Hunt on Saturday and Sunday, creating a special opportunity to explore the neighbourhood’s shops and attractions.
Specialty cocktails will also be available on the Icefest Sassafraz Patio.
When: February 8 and 9
Where: Cumberland Street and Bellair Street
Admission: Free to the public
DJ Skate Nights
What: Sharpen your skates and skills at Toronto’s number one outdoor winter party. This year you can expect another stellar lineup of DJs that will bring the heat to your Saturday nights.
When: Now until February 15 (Saturday evenings)
Time: 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Skating is free
Bedroom Antics
What: Bedroom Antics is a fun and lighthearted stand-up show about dating, relationships, the bedroom, and everything in between. A positive night of comedy with some of Toronto’s favourite stand-ups talking and laughing about love.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 11 pm
Where: Comedy Bar — 945 Bloor Street W
Admission: $15
Toronto Scavenger Hunt
What: The hunt is on. You and your team will work together to wander throughout Toronto, racking up points and laughs along the way. It’s the perfect small group activity for anyone looking to spend an enjoyable afternoon in Toronto. Some of the more memorable landmarks you’ll see include city hall, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
When: February 8 and 9
Time: 10 am
Where: 100 Queen Street West
Admission: $39 to $79.99, available online