17 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, November 23

Nov 22 2019, 7:04 pm

Rain, snow, sunshine, it doesn’t matter. Whatever the weather, if you need a fun event to impress your friends, or make some new ones, Toronto is the city for you.

Enjoy yourself this Saturday, November 24, at one of these great events.

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

Leslieville Wanderlust

What: It’s the return of the  Leslieville Wanderlust, so get ready to Christmas. On Friday, check out the Wanderlust Winter Village located at Leslie Grove Park and see the epic Christmas tree lighting, Santa Clause, Christmas market, fireside lounge, and live entertainment. Various shops along Queen Street East will also be open for late night holiday shopping. On Saturday, the winter village will still be lively, with the sound of live musicians on the street.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Along Queen Street East, between Booth Street and Vancouver Street
Admission: Free, register for the Friday and Saturday events online

FAO Schwarz Holiday Pop-Up

What: Explore larger-than-life treasures for the holidays from one of the world’s most iconic toy brands. Plus, check out the FAO Schwarz pop-up and events in-store. There’s drum lessons for kids, a holiday photo booth, and more. Instagram will thank you.

When: Now until December 7
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street
Admission: Free, register online for activities

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest

What: Canada’s Wonderland is transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland for its new immersive, holiday event and it all kicks off this weekend. Winter festival goers will experience enchanting themed areas adorned with more than five million holiday lights, festive décor and three 15-metre-high Christmas trees. There will also be tons of music and Christmasy activities for everyone.

When: Select days until December 31
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Tickets: Start at $21.99, available online

Martin Scorsese: A Retrospective

What: He’s one of the globe’s greatest and most iconic of filmmakers. See 27 of the master’s feature movies, playing into the new year, and see what makes Marty one of the best.

When: Now until January 4
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, 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: Now until November 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 Street West
Admission: $55 for the weekend, 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: Now until January 5
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Price: $17.99, available online

In the Realm of Oshima: The Best of Japanese Master Nagisa Oshima

What: Running 11 films created by Japanese filmmaker Nagisa Oshima, this run of movies hosted by TIFF is a serious piece of reference material for anyone looking to tell stories through moving pictures. See Oshima’s classics, from Boy to the deeply satirical Pleasures of the Flesh.

When: Now until December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, check online

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: On until December 1
Time: Times vary
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $15, 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 23 to 24
Time: November 23, 7:30 pm; November 24, 4:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
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

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: Saturday, November 23
Time: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: LucSculpture Art School, 663 Greenwood Avenue
Admission: $15 to $35, tickets available online

Paint Night

What: Designed for the less-than-natural artist, the goal of this evening is to leave with something you can hang in your house with pride. More than an evening of arts, it’s just a good time. Paint Cabin also serves alcohol, teas, and coffee, so basically everything you need to enjoy the evening.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Paint Cabin, 723 Gerrard Street East
Admission: $45, available online

A Fascinating Tour Of The Universe

What: Join The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Tom Vassos for a tour of the universe highlighting several of the great astronomy discoveries made in the last 25 years. Explore life on the International Space Station and many fun facts about the universe.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 2:30 to 4 pm
Where: Brentwood Library, 36 Brentwood Road North
Admission: Free

Embryon – History of Hardcore: Year XVIII

What: It’s the 18th annual edition of the History of Hardcore. Celebrate the roots of hardcore and its various offshoots in hard dance music. Each year the event brings together the most notable artists and DJs in the city and invite them to take listeners on a journey through their music vaults.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 10 pm
Where: Christie Pits Pub, 814 Bloor Street West

Axe Pancreatic Cancer

What: Join BATL for the fifth annual Axe Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser. It is a social evening centred around an axe-throwing tournament. There are no prerequisite skills required, the staff at BATL will teach you everything you need know about being the best axe thrower you can be. When you are not throwing axes, you will be invited to peruse the silent auction, grab a drink from local breweries, or enjoy a Smoke’s poutine.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Backyard Axe Throwing League – BATL, 33 Villiers Street
Admission: $100, available online

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

What: Holiday Magic is a community celebration that will feature an impressive live performance from Canadian pop-star and Juno winner Ruth B. alongside the annual “Flick the Switch” Lighting Ceremony with the event in support of the Canadian Foundation for Aids Research (CANFAR). It’s an event full of food, music, art, and culture.

When: Saturday, November 23
Time: 5 to 7 pm
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street
Admission: Free

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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