14 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, January 25

Jan 24 2020, 5:59 pm

Celebrate the refreshing of the moon this Lunar New Year by having some serious fun in the city today. From cultural events to outright parties, Toronto is bumping this Saturday, January 25.

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: January 25 to February 9
Where: Dragon City Mall — 280 Spadina Avenue

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: Now until January 26
Where: Venues throughout the city
Admission: Many events are free, register 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: Now until March 1
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free

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

Art, Architecture, Design Film Festival

What: Celebrate the architects, artists and designers who have shaped our world at Toronto’s newest film festival. Featuring special guests and exciting panel discussions.

When: On until January 26
Time: Locations vary
Where: 506 Bloor Street West
Admission: Available online

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: Now 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
Price: Skating is free

Great Lake Swimmers

What: See the indie-rock greats play two sets at the Paradice. Great Lake Swimmers has been a successful five-piece rock act for years. A sleeper show, full of great hits and seriously good jams, it’s not to be missed.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: 1006 Bloor Street West
Admission: Available online

AGO All Hours

What: AGO All Hours is back this weekend, inviting visitors to enjoy a day of warmth, storytelling and comfort. Check it out and experience a cozy campsite in the heart of the museum, pop-up tours and performances by emerging Toronto artists.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 10:30 am to 10 pm
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
Admission: Free with regular admission

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

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 Black Zeus.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Big Rock Brewery — 1589 The Queensway
Admission: $15, available online

LAVA LAMP with DJ Fawn Big Canoe

What: Do you have a need to get down to some serious soul and disco music? Well DJ Fawn Big Canoe is ready to oblige. This Saturday he’s spinning some of the best music in from the genre into the wee hours of the morning.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 10 pm
Where: Swan Dive — 1631 Dundas Street West

Bass Witch

What: On the eve of the first witches moon of 2020, gather to bring big femme energy into a new decade. This time, organizers are deepening the frequencies with sound crafted by 40hz Soundsystem and growing into a bigger space. If you like deep mystical music, this is the event to hit.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 10 pm to 5 am
Where: Location to be revealed later
Admission: $15 to $35, available online

Tommy Youngsteen: The Very Best of The Band

What: Tommy Youngsteen is the premier Bruce Springsteen cover band, and now they’re touring now playing the very best of another group of classic rockers, The Band.

When: Saturday, January 25
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Horseshoe Tavern — 370 Queen Street West
Admission: $20, available online

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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