12 things to do in Toronto today: Sunday, February 9

Feb 7 2020, 5:23 pm

Let’s get down to business — by which we mean have a ridiculous amount of fun. Make the most of your Sunday, February 9.

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

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

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

The Oscars Live at the Revue Cinema

What: Watch a live broadcast of the Academy Awards on the Revue’s giant screen. The screening will be accompanied by trivia, prizes, champagne, and all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood on Roncesvalles.

When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 7 pm
Where: Revue Cinema — 400 Roncesvalles Avenue
Admission: Free, register online

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon at the Ontario Science Centre

What: While anyone (with an Internet connection, reliable sources, and some time to spare) can edit Wikipedia, the encyclopedia isn’t representative of the diversity we see in the world. In fact, on English Wikipedia, only 18% of pages are about women. To help combat this, the OSC will be updating a variety of pages about marginalized groups and women specifically.

When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 10:45 am to 4 pm
Where: Ontario Science Center — 770 Don Mills Road
Admission: Free, space is limited, register online

92nd Academy Awards at Paradise

What: Watch a free screening of the 92nd Academy Awards, for which Paradise will be collecting donations to support its neighbours, Sistering, a shelter for at-risk women. Reserve a seat in advance, drop off your donation at the door, and settle in for Hollywood’s biggest night.

When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 6 pm
Where: Paradise — 1006 Bloor Street West
Admission: Free, register online

Makers’ Market for Australia

What: Toronto Crafts for Australia is hosting a maker’s market to raise funds. All proceeds will go directly to help Australian relief efforts. Come to buy your Valentine’s gifts, enjoy some company and have a great time supporting an amazing cause. The space is dog-friendly and will have some handmade items for your furry friends too.

When: Sunday, February 9
Time: Noon to 6 pm
Where: Project Spaces King West — 73 Bathurst Street

Be My Vegan Valentine: Toronto Pop-Up Market

What: Find the perfect gift or just enjoy browsing some lovely food and gift vendors. Sip on a vegan rose chai whilst browsing the poetry books for love letter inspiration and sampling a variety of vegan chocolates and truffles.

When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Diptych Studio — 122 John Street
Admission: $5, available online

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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