28 things to do in Toronto this weekend: November 17 to 19

Nov 16 2017, 3:01 am

Good news Toronto, the weekend is finally here!

In case you don’t have any plans, you’re in luck as there’s plenty of exciting events and activities happing in the city all weekend long.

From the opening weekend of the highly anticipated Toronto Christmas Market to the 113th annual Santa Claus Parade, here are the hottest events happening in the city from November 17 to 19.

Bundle up, grab a warm drink and check out one of the many events happening throughout the city this weekend.

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The Winter’s Tale by the National Ballet of Canada

What: Shakespeare’s late work The Winter’s Tale fuses tragedy, comedy and romance in a story of jealousy, love, vindictiveness and redemption, all brought to life by the talented dancers of the National Ballet of Canada.

When: Now until November 19
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo

What: This one is for the foodies. This annual celebration of wining and dining fills the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with food, wine and spirits of all kinds (you probably won’t want to drive).

When: Now until November 19
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 222 Bremner Blvd.

ESPRIT + TOMS Warehouse Sale

What: With the holidays around the corner, there’s no better time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. This weekend, there will be a massive ESPRIT and TOMS Warehouse Sale happening near Toronto that will have a wide range of items at up to 80% off.

When: Now until November 19
Where: The International Centre (Hall 6), 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga

Globus

What: Come and experience Florian Innerkofler’s first Toronto exhibition showcasing a curated collection of his personal photographs captured through his lens while travelling around the world shooting high-profile campaigns and editorials. From iconic skyscrapers in New York City to the Arctic Circle to beautiful tranquil beaches, Innerkofler’s curiosity has led him to explore hidden corners of the earth from an unexpected and evocative point of view.

When: Now until November 20
Where: Art Hub Gallery, 334 Dundas Street West

European Union Film Festival

What: This unique film fest will feature award-winning films from countries who are part of the EU and it happens to be one of the largest free film festivals in the country.

When: Now until November 23
Where: The Royal Cinema, 608 College Street

Cirque du Soleil VOLTA

What: Cirque du Soleil’s latest is for the free spirits. Filled with extreme sport, live music and signature acrobatics, VOLTA is about the freedom that comes with blazing your own trail.

When: Now until November 26
Where: Under the Big Top, The Port Lands, 51 Commissioners Street

Toronto Chocolate Festival

What: The Toronto Chocolate Festival is one not to miss for the chocolate addicts. Featuring chocolate in all its delicious forms, this very sweet festival highlights chocolate tastings, chocolate making exhibitions, and chocolate eating contests.

When: Now until November 30
Where: Various locations

Free Toronto Museum Admission

What: Get a taste of history this month by taking advantage of the month-long free admission to nine of Toronto’s historic museums courtesy of Mackenzie Investments. Participating museums include Colborne Lodge, Gibson House, Fort York National Historic Site and Mackenzie House to name a few.

When: Now until November 30
Where: Various locations throughout the city

Toronto Christmas Market

What: The always crowd-filled and equally as photo-worthy Christmas Market returns to the Distillery District this weekend, offering boozy holiday cocktails, comforting food stations, no shortage of shopping and a few rides.

When: Now until December 23
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street

Bat Out of Hell Musical

What: Bat Out of Hell is a rock musical that tells the epic tale of love, rebellion, and rock n’ roll. This incredible performance will feature an award-winning cast that will definitely bring the audience to their feet.

When: Now until December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street

Music from People City

What: This fall, Toronto’s most iconic musical assets will be on display, as Myseum of Toronto(a nonprofit museum dedicated to all things Toronto) presents Music from People City – a professionally curated event series that invites locals, visitors and travellers to experience the city’s world-class music scenes, sounds and stories firsthand.

When: Now until January 12
Where: Venues throughout the city

Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights

What: Get into the Halloween spirit by catching one the ten most terrifying films of all time at the AGO. This weekend’s film is The Exorcist. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters, and will also have special horror film screenings running until December.

When: November 17
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West

Leaders in Canadian Film

What: Film lovers are invited to attend Leaders in Canadian Film this Friday, a panel discussion focused on how women have built successful careers in the film industry, the road to gender equity, and how women in “the biz” can work together to enable positive change.

When: November 17, 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Where: Knixwear Loft, 70 Claremont Street

Friday Night Live at the ROM

What: Network and clink cocktails among dinosaur bones when the ROM’s weekly Friday night party series returns. This week’s party celebrates the history of hip hop as #FNLROM revives local radio shows that were pivotal in developing the hip hop community in Toronto.

When: November 17, 7 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park

Polar Express

What: This holiday season, you’re invited to embark on a magical holiday journey as you take a ride on the Polar Express.  Operated by the Waterloo Central Railway, passengers will be whisked away to the sounds of the beloved film’s motion soundtrack, enjoy freshly prepared hot cocoa and holiday treats and they will also receive a very special visit from Santa, and each child will be given their first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

When: November 17 to December 23. Select times available, check the website for details.
Where: 
Waterloo Central Railway Train Museum Platform, 50 Isabella Street

12 Trees: Let There Be Light

What: Now in its 27th year, 12 Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in Toronto that features unique installations from Canada’s leading designers and artists where they will have the chance to re-imagine the traditional Christmas tree.

When: November 17 to January 7
Where: Gardiner Museum, 11 Queen’s Park

Holiday Magic

What: Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BYBIA) will kick off the holiday season with Holiday Magic, the colourful annual community concert event in support of the Canadian Foundation For Aids Research (CANFAR). The event will include Yorkville Park’s official “Flick the Switch” lighting ceremony and a special performance by Keshia Chante.

When: November 18
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Avenue

Guys’ Night In

What: It’s time for the guys to enjoy a little pampering. Guys’ Night In is a fun evening of relaxing massages, brow treatments, beer, pizza, games, freebies, and prizes, hosted by Merchant Sons and Peregrine Supply Co. All donations will go towards supporting the Movember Foundation.

When: November 18, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Sleepover pop-up shop, 950 Queen Street West

Mo’Hacks Toronto: Innovating for Men’s Health

What: ProtoHack has partnered with the Movember Foundation to host Mo’Hacks, an event dedicated to innovating men’s health at Toronto’s Red Academy.

When: November 18, 9 am to 10 pm
Where: RED Academy, 462 Wellington Street West

Fête Chinoise

What: Showcasing the luxe world of modern Chinese art and design, fashion, food and photography, this event will transform the entire third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel into an interactive exhibition and gala event complete with cocktails, curated food stations, and swag bags filled with party favours from Holt Renfrew, AGO, and more.

When: November 18
Where: Shangri-la Hotel, 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Lady Beer Fest

What: Canada’s all ladies craft beer festival is back! While the line-up of food and drink vendors is TBA, tickets are on sale now and include a commemorative sample glass, four drink tokens
‘Morning After’ gift bag.

When: November 18
Where: Peace & Cotton Warehouse, 500 Keele Street, Unit 101, Toronto

Illuminite

What: Head to the heart of downtown Toronto and check out the festive music, dancing, and the Christmas tree lighting to celebrate the holidays. Toronto-based pop-rock quartet Jane’s Party will be performing, in addition to an incredible tree-lighting show to remember from TDC Entertainment featuring renowned acapella group Countermeasure, and an LED drumline from 416 Beats, plus you’ll witness breathtaking aerialists, incredible music, and dazzling dancers.

When: November 18, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East

Halo-Halo Holiday Pop-Up

What: The Halo-Halo Holiday Pop-Up market hosted by Cambio Market and Merienda is on in Toronto this weekend and promises two full days of shopping, eating and showcasing all things Filipino.

When: November 18, noon to 9 pm; November 19, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: 
105 Portland Street, Second Floor, Toronto

Jhené Aiko- Trip (The Tour)

What: Songstress Jhené Aiko will be bringing her sultry tunes to Toronto’s Pheonix Concert Theatre this November as she embarks on her Trip tour. The 29-year-old R&B star is known for her airy vocals and poetic lyrics.

When: November 19, 7 pm
Where: The Pheonix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street

Santa Claus Parade

What: Get into the holiday spirit by attending the 113th annual Santa Claus Parade. Just make sure to fill a thermos with your favourite warm beverage and a dash of Baileys. 

When: November 19, 12:30 pm
Where: Throughout downtown. Visit the website for the official parade route

Trinity Bellwoods Pre-Flea Holiday Market

What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping by attending an afternoon of shopping, drinks, local food and music at this free, market filled with a great curated lineup of local makers.

When: November 19, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Action Bronson

What: American rapper (and former chef) Action Bronson will take the stage at Rebel as part of his “Blue Chips 7000” tour.

When: November 19, 8 pm
Where: Rebel

Free Photography Panel

What: Photography enthusiasts are invited to attend Shedoesthecity x Fujifilm’s Photography Panel, featuring some of Toronto’s top female photographers sharing tips and tricks and technical advice on how to turn one’s passion into a business.

When: November 19, 1:30 pm to 3 pm
Where: Knixwear Loft, 70 Claremont Street

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