14 things to do in Toronto this week while physical distancing: May 11 to 17

May 11 2020, 1:00 pm

We’ve got a well-deserved long weekend coming in hot, and a lot of time to find new things to do while keeping it safe. To help you out before and during this very unusual Victoria Day, we’re rounding up great things to do this week.

Tweet-a-long movie: Center Stage

On May 12, join Anne T. Donahue as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of Center Stage via a watch-along screening brought to you by The Revue. Obviously the best dance movie ever made, Center Stage explores the world of competitive ballet dancing and New York’s (fictional) American Ballet Academy. Watch on Netflix and follow along on Twitter.

When: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Watch online

Brookside 2000s Movies Trivia Night

Test your knowledge on some of the 2000s’ most memorable throwback films, TV shows, and pop-culture moments from the decade. Individual winners with the highest scores will receive a surprise gift pack mailed directly to their homes via contactless delivery, courtesy of Brookside Chocolate.

When: Thursday, May 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Brookside Chocolate’s website

Enter a quarantine film festival

Enter Quarantine Stories, a digital short film festival to support the City of Brampton.

It’s offering exposure, cash prizes, and charitable donations to creatives, it’s also about helping them remain motivated and engaged in their communities, even while apart.

Entering is simple. Participants are invited to create a film that’s five minutes or less, with whatever equipment they have available, and to use their storytelling creativity. One of the main rules is that films need to be shot in one indoor location — it is a quarantine film festival, after all.

Take a virtual tour of Toronto

Missing your city? Us too. But don’t worry, you can still feel connected to it through this aerial, 360° panoramic view of Toronto and explore the city from a whole new perspective.

Cook an incredible meal using recipes collected from Torontonians

Taste the many flavours that make up this city.

Chefs from across Toronto have come together (figuratively) to curate a digital cookbook for the masses, filled with meals designed to be made at home. The dishes in the virtual pages are simple — one recipe is titled Jesse’s No Knead, No Skill Needed Square Pie With Bacon, for instance.

And they look devilishly good.

Take a free boxing class from a Toronto gym

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by United Boxing Club (@unitedboxingclub) on

Walking around the block is fun and all, but if you want to get into Rick Grimes-esque fighting shape for the future, or maybe just do some cardio, why not go a few rounds with United Boxing Club. The gym streams regular classes via its Instagram. Check social media for the times of upcoming classes.

Stream Toronto artists online

ISO Radio, founded by @jayemkayem and @freezachin, has been hosting DJ sets online featuring local DJs that are no longer able to perform at your favourite venues. They also have a live chat so you can stay connected over music while supporting local artists in your community.

Take a virtual cherry blossom tour

Nobody missed the crowds but we all missed the blossoms this year. Take one of a few virtual strolls through the park and enjoy some one-of-a-kind footage and enjoy the blooms without leaving the home.

Watch a comedy show online

It’s important to stay positive during times like these. Toronto’s very own The Corner Comedy Club has brought its shows online to continue to support Toronto’s comedians. Interested in becoming one yourself? The Second City Toronto is also offering classes online.

Take a free online course through UofT

Want to increase your knowledge on a subject? Forget YouTube videos. Get some real education through the MOOC and online learning portal. The page connects you to multiple courses from institutions around the world, many with a scheduled structure and others that go at your own pace. From computer science to social science, there is a lot to choose from.

Tour the AGO online

ago

AGO/Shutterstock

Get your art fix by visiting the AGO through its online collection. If you’re feeling inspired for your own paint night, Above Ground has a wide selection of art supplies and is now offering delivery across Ontario and Quebec.

Get into a podcast or three

If you need some background chatter while you work from home, it’s never too late to discover a favourite podcast. From true crime to just hanging out and joking around, we’ve found 22 podcasts to appeal to anyone with a set of headphones and time to kill.

Listen to free audiobooks

Toronto Public Library’s Overdrive program is a great way to stream or download a massive collection of audiobooks and ebooks. It can be done over a computer or even through the Overdrive app on both android and iOS.

Learn something new about the city, the world, or even the universe. All it takes is a library card. You can also check out the free reading app Libby, by the same company.

Play some online Dungeons and Dragons

Failing being self-isolated with a group of roommates or the family, a lot of people will be looking for ways to pass the time and get some social contact beyond a phone call or a text thread.

Enter online Dungeons and Dragons.

Most people think of D&D and picture a dining room table surrounded by people and covered with miniatures, and while in-person sessions are fun, there is an entire world of online D&D just waiting to be explored.

Here’s how to go about playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons while still physical distancing.

Remember, the times we stay at home are what we make of it. Stay indoors as much as possible, stay safe, and stay up to date with daily news on Daily Hive.

Peter SmithPeter Smith

+ Listed