30 Toronto events worth checking out in November

Nov 1 2018, 12:55 am

It’s a new month, Toronto.

And with daylight savings almost upon us, it’s time to make the most of our days.

With plenty of events and festivities taking place, there’s no excuse for not experiencing all that the city has to offer this month.

Whether you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping or you want to catch a concert, we’ve rounded up the hottest November events happening in the city.

Cinesphere Fall Film Series

iconic films

Ontario Place, Cinesphere

What: Toronto’s Cinesphere theatre at Ontario Place will be screening several iconic films over the next few months as part of its fall and winter programming. The Cinesphere will screen a number of iconic films including Ghostbusters, Alien, Aliens, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Blade Runner 2049 in IMAX, The Fifth Element and Die Hard. 

When: Screenings running till December 23
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

What: This summer, the ROM welcomed a new exhibit, Spiders: Fear & Fascination and trust us, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The exhibit explores the hunting, burrowing, and weaving world of these eight-legged creatures and will feature more than 400 live and preserved spiders, cutting-edge interactive experiences, and new scientific discoveries.

When: Now until January 2019
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $32 for adults

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

What: Now in its third year, Hot Docs Podcast Festival will host the world’s favourite podcast hosts as they bring the top audio stories to life. This year will feature an expanded four-day lineup of 10 live podcasts, creators forum, and more.

When: November 1 to 5
Time: Varies by day
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Price: From $19

Taste of Iceland

What: We don’t have to tell you that Iceland is having a major moment when it comes to travel. Learn more about the culture at the eighth annual celebration of the best of Icelandic cuisine, music, art and literature.

When: November 1 to 5
Time: Varies by location
Where: Participating venues in Toronto
Price: Varies by location

Happy Place Toronto

What: Happy Place is an interactive, 20,000-sq-ft immersive exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, and it’s on a mission to spread happiness here in Toronto and around the world.

When: November 1 to January 1
Time: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Price: 
From $32

Day of the Dead Tequila Tasting and Fiesta

@elcatrinca/Instagram

What: This Distillery District eatery is celebrating its loved ones in style with a Day of the Dead Fiesta. From 7 pm to 10 pm, Herradura Tequila will be hosting an exclusive VIP tequila tasting while a DJ provides warm lounge sounds. There will also be complimentary salsa dance lessons.

When: November 2
Time: 7 pm to 1 am
Where: El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane
Price: $10

Everything To Do With Sex Show

What: If you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom this fall, make sure to check out the Everything To Do With Sex Show. Now in its 19th year, the weekend show features panels, classes, vendors, fashion shows, and technique seminars. Tickets start at $20 for a day pass or $25 for a weekend pass.

When: November 2 to 4
Time: Friday, 2 pm to 12 am; Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd
Price: From $20

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

What: The ten-day festival will feature 5,000 animals, 120 agricultural competitions, artisan goods and exhibits, food sampling, giant vegetables, local wines and beers, live performances, restaurants, pubs, and North America’s premier indoor equestrian event, The Royal Horse Show.

When: November 2 to 11
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
Price: General admission adult tickets are $27.50, $20 for seniors, $16 for youth and free admission for children three and younger

ROM Friday Night Live

What: Spend your Friday nights this November on the dance floor with top DJs and live artists, or explore our stunning galleries with tasty food and drinks.

When: November 2, 9, 15, 23 and 30
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $19.21

Horror-Rama

What: Toronto’s premier event for fans of all things horror returns to its roots this Halloween season. Intimate and accessible, this year’s HORROR-RAMA will focus on bringing you what you have come to expect: the highest calibre of guests working in horror film and culture, the most amazing and unique exhibitors and artisans, insightful panel discussions and a full line-up of film screenings.

When: November 3 and 4
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 918 Bathurst Street
Price: From $25

Fleetwood Mac in Toronto

fleetwood mac

Fleetwood Mac/Facebook

What: Legendary band Fleetwood Mac have announced a North American tour that stops in Toronto this month. The tour will feature the newly announced line-up of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie along with newcomers Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

When: November 5
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Price: From $95

Toronto Polish Film Festival

What: The 10th annual Toronto Polish Film Festival returns showcasing new media arts and films with both a Polish and multicultural focus. All the screenings will take place at the Revue Cinema.

When: November 5 to 11
Time: Screenings run from 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Avenue
Price: $20 per screening

Indie Week 2018

What: Indie Week is celebrating its 15th year, bringing together Canada’s top artists at over 25 venues in just six days. Along with artist showcases, Indie Week hosts the Indie101 Music + Tech Conference with industry leaders and over 80 speakers and much more.

When: November 6 to 11
Time: Varies by day
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Super passes start at $120

Museum of Illusions

What: The Museum of Illusions will finally open its doors in Toronto this month. The new location will offer visitors multiple visual deceptions and educational exhibits that tease the senses while bringing out a playfulness in guests of all ages. The museum will be made of more than 80 plus exhibits which are all based on science, mathematics and psychology.

When: Officially opens on November 7
Time: Open seven days a week, from 10 am to 8 pm
Where: 132 Front Street East, close to St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District
Price: 
$23.50

ARTATTACK!

What: Artattack is an auction in support of Buddies in Bad Time Theatre. This live auction features work from dozens of Canada’s foremost contemporary artists, while the Rock Hudson Memorial Tuck Shop offers an astounding collection of artist multiples and limited edition prints. There’s also a silent auction full of products and cultural experiences from a variety of local business.

When: November 8
Time: 7 pm
Where: Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander Street
Price: $40

Evening at the Market

@stlawrencemarket/Instagram

What: A trip to Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market is an adventure that’s usually only an option during daylight hours. But for one night only this November, all 64 Market merchants will be open after hours and serving up an ambulatory feast,  special drinks, fun and a few special surprises in support of Second Harvest food rescue programs.

When: November 8
Time: 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Market, 93-95 Front Street East
Price: $80

St. Lucia in Toronto

What: If you’re in the mood to get groovy this month, escape the cold and dance the night away with Brooklyn’s St. Lucia. You can expect an evening filled with the band’s chart-topping hits along with new tracks from their latest studio album Hyperion.

When: November 9
Time: 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue
Price: $40

PetSmart National Pet Adoption Weekend

What: This month, more than 200 Canadian animal welfare organizations will bring thousands of adorable, adoptable pets into nearly every one of PetSmart’s 130-plus stores across the country.

When: November 9 to 11
Time: Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: PetSmart locations across Canada (Check website for full list of participating locations)

Whole Life Expo

What: The 32nd annual Whole Life Expo is happening in Toronto this month. As Canada’s largest showcase of natural health and green living, this event plays host to over 200 exhibitors and 80 speakers from across North America.

When: November 9 to 11
Time: Friday, 4 pm to 9 pm; Saturday 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre,  255 Front Street West
Price: From $15

Fresh Hop Fest

What: Now in its sophomore year, Fresh Hop Fest brings together local hop farmers and local breweries for an evening of unique “specialty” beers brewed with locally grown Ontario hops. Look forward sampling unique brews from at least 15 participating breweries paired with local hop farmers to create specialty beers made from this year’s fresh harvests.

When: November 15
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Berkeley Church, 315 Queen Street East, Toronto
Price: Tickets are $17 in advance, $25 at the door

Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter concert series

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

What: Harry Potter fans will be able to enjoy The Goblet of Fire on the big screen for a very special performance this month. On November 15, 16 and 17, one the most thrilling fantasy films ever made will return to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform the magical score from the movie all while the film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

When: November 15 to 17
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Tickets from $55 to $110.50

Toronto Christmas Market

What: Rediscover the magic of Christmas at the Toronto Christmas Market. Here you’ll find an assortment of artisan vendors, an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree, live music, incredible Christmas decorations and so much more.

When: November 15 to December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Distillery District
Price: $6 admission fee on weekends only

Palooza Beer Pong Festival Toronto

What: The world’s largest beer pong tournament is headed to Toronto this month, for eight hours of fierce competition and party-style shenanigans. This 19+ event will be making its Toronto debut with some big DJs, a celebrity MC, celebrity judges, 100 tables, and a whopping 1,000 beer pong teams competing.

When: November 17
Time: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street, Toronto
Price:  Team registration $55-70; general admission (not participating in tournament) $30

The Greasy Spoon Diner Supper Series

What: The Greasy Spoon Diner Supper Series returns to Toronto. The Supper Series pairs the best chefs in the world with a local hangout to create a four-course dining experience. Chefs are trading in their tweezers for tongs, creating each course using inspiration from diner food.

When: November 18 and 19
Time: Seatings at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Propeller Coffee, 50 Wade Avenue, Toronto
Price: Tickets are $95

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo

What: This one is for the foodies. The 24th annual Gourmet Food and Wine Expo returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, filling it with food, wine and spirits of all kinds.

When: November 22 to 25
Time: Thursday, 6 pm to 10 pm; Friday, 2 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Price: From $20

One of a Kind Winter Show

one of a kind

One of a Kind Show

What: This year’s winter show is back and bigger than ever, featuring thoughtfully made items from hundreds of artisans including thousands of festive foodie treats, home décor, artsy offerings and everything else you’ll need to get your festive shopping done. In addition to shopping, attendees can unleash their creative side at the One of a Kind Creative Lounge where you’ll find various art and DIY related workshops.

When: November 22 to December 2
Time: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm; extended hours on November 29, 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Encare Centre Exhibition Place
Tickets: $13 for adults

Aziz Ansari in Toronto

What: After taking a hiatus from the comedy circuit, Aziz Ansari is performing at Roy Thompson Hall this month. Keep in mind that no cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed at Aziz Ansari’s show.

When: November 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Price: From $92

Bill and Hillary Clinton in Toronto

What: Bill and Hillary Clinton are stopping in Toronto this month as part of  “An Evening with President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.” The tour will feature joint on stage conversations with the two leaders, sharing stories and inspiring anecdotes that shaped their historic careers in the public service, while also discussing a variety of issues of today and the future.

When: November 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Price: From $90

A Legendary Christmas Evening With John Legend

What: John Legend released his first Christmas album this fall, which is accompanied by a 25-date holiday tour with a stop in Toronto this November. Look forward to an evening of holiday classics sung by the legend himself.

When: November 27
Time: 8 pm
Where: 
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: From $120

Aurora Winter Festival

What: For the first time ever, Aurora Winter Festival will transform Toronto’s Ontario Place from November 29 to December 30 into a hidden village with enchanting elements inspired by the North Pole including magical characters, captivating light displays, endless fun, games and activities.

When: November 29 to December 30
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, East Island
Price: $19.99 for general admission

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