17 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, January 18

Jan 17 2020, 6:16 pm

The time has come, Toronto. Saturday is upon you, and it’s time to find something to do.

Bundle up and head out to any one of these great events going down today, January 18.

Note: Some of these events are outdoors. Check weather reports, and the event to see if it has been affected by the snow. Stay safe out there, Toronto.

Blue Jays Winter Fest

What: Winter Fest is returning for its third straight year, featuring two days of baseball fun and winter festivities. Activities include Blue Jays current player, alumni, and rookie appearances; kids activities; live entertainment; historic memorabilia; ballpark tours; and much more. Plus, the first 12,000 fans attending Winter Fest each day will receive a Blue Jays Toque

When: January 18 and 19
Time: 10 to 5 pm
Where: Rogers Centre — 1 Blue Jays Way
Admission: $20, available online

LOOP

What: This art installation is an interactive retro-futuristic machine powered by you. Visitors can hop on two at a time into one of the six illuminated cylinders and pump a lever to activate the lights and glowing images within the loop.

When: Now until February 9
Where: York Street Park — York and Harbour Streets
Admission: Free

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 light festival will be taking over the historic area, filling it with light, and becoming one of the largest open-air sculpture galleries in North America, according to organizers.

When: On until March 1, 2020
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free

This is Some Louvre Shit

What: For this exhibition, Thrush Holmes steps away from the flat canvas to explore three-dimensional forms. Retaining his energetic use of colour, Holmes sprays 200 15.5” cubes with recharged fire extinguishers full of heavily pigmented paint. The resulting works will be assembled and topped with neon to create a monumental installation that marries function and aesthetics in the form of a pyramid. Visitors are invited to sit, climb on, and explore the structure.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: Opening party, Friday, 8 pm to 1 am; exhibition viewing, Saturday, noon to 6 pm
Where: East Room — 50 Carroll Street

Class of 2020

What: Exclaim’s Class of 2020 is a huge multi-city festival and there are two nights of shows this weekend in Toronto. Friday’s got Emily Steinwall, Myles Castello, and Nutrients, Ferrari Garden all performing, while Saturday will see Luna Li, Basement Revolver, Ducks Unlimited, Spirit Josh, and Roach.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: Friday, 9:15 pm; Saturday, 8 pm
Where: Monarch Tavern — 12 Clinton Street
Admission: $10.50 each night

Forrest Gump: The IMAX Experience

What: It’s the greatest story ever told, about the greatest life ever lived. Forrest Gump is playing on one of the biggest screens in town. Get out and see Forrest, Jenny, Lt. Dan, and of course, Mama.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere — 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Admission: $15, available online

DesignTO

What: DesignTO, formally known as The Toronto Design Offsite Festival, is Canada’s largest cultural celebration of design with over 100 free exhibitions, window installations, and events forming Toronto’s design week. This is the 10th year of the event.

When: On until January 26
Where: Venues throughout the city
Admission: Many events are free, register online

Phantom of the Opera

What: Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom Of The Opera returns to Toronto as part of its North American Tour. The beloved story is backed by an Orchestra of 52, making it one of the largest productions now on tour.

When: On until February 2
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre — 300 King Street West
Admission: Tickets available online starting at $59

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, January 18
Time: 10 pm
Where: Second City Training Centre — 99 Blue Jays Way
Admission: $15

Bushfire Relief Run – High Park Demons

What: High Park’s Aussie Rules footy club has organized a run to raise some funds to help the Australian Red Cross: Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. After a 5k participants will head to The Wicket for some hydration after the run where $1 from each beer sold will be donated.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 2 pm
Where: High Park
Admission: Register online

QS World MBA Tour

What: This event is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to pursue an MBA. You’ll
be able to meet face-to-face with admissions directors from top business schools from local colleges and around the world. You’ll also be able to get advice on your applications from industry experts, network with your peers, get resume and career guidance as well as a free professional headshot for your Linkedin profile. Attendees are also eligible to apply for a pool of scholarships, worth up to $7 million USD, to help finance their MBAs.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 1:30 to 6 pm
Where: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel — 123 Queen Street West
Admission: Free

Dumpster Raccoon Cinema: CATS SING-ALONG

What: The greatest disasterpiece of nine lifetimes, CATS, is at Dumpster Raccoon Cinema this weekend. Celebrate with a Jellicle Ball Singalong Screening. There will be live performers helping you hit all the high notes in the greatest collection of weirdos since the original Broadway production.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Revue Cinema — 400 Roncesvalles Avenue
Admission: $12 to $15, available online

Drag Brunch at Brazen Head

What: Why wait till Sunday for brunch? Shante or sashay over to Brazen Head on Saturday and join legendary Toronto queen Tynomi Banks for one serious extravaganza.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: Noon to 2 pm
Where: Brazen Head — 165 East Liberty Street
Admission: Call 416-535-8787 to reserve a table

Beaches Library Shakespeare Readers Club

What: Have fun reading Shakespeare aloud. Participants can either volunteer to read or simply listen. This is the way the work was meant to be enjoyed. Copies of the play will be available and drop-ins are welcome.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: 2161 Queen Street East
Admission: Free

Black Sheep Comedy

What: Black Sheep Comedy is once again invading Big Rock Brewery with a whole new killer lineup of comedians. Sip a free 12oz beer or pop while laughing your butt off with headliner Jason Allen.

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Big Rock Brewery — 1589 The Queensway
Admission: $15, available online

Toronto fitness fundraiser in support of Australia bushfires

What: To support wildlife shelters and carers in Australia that have been affected by the devastating bushfires and extreme heat events, there will be a special series of fitness classes raising money for Wildlife Victoria. The group provides a vital link for the community between sick, injured and orphaned Australian wildlife and the appropriate response and care needed. There will be great classes as well as drinks, food, and a silent auction

When: Saturday, January 18
Time: Three classes at 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Where: 580 King Street West
Admission: $30, register online

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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