The Sound of Music Singalong

So, the world didn’t end last week.  phew!  Looks like we’ll make it to 2013.  Here are just a few ideas to help you celebrate.

“The hills are alive…” at TIFF Bell Lightbox’s Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music, on until December 30th.  It’s a fun way to enjoy the movie by singing along with the audience to the subtitles.  Admission comes with a free bag of props that can be used throughout the show.

• Head to Nathan Philip’s Square to ring in 2013 at the Citytv News Year’s Eve Bash.  It will be hosted by Citytv on-air personalities with musical performers Johnny Reid, Victoria Duffield, Shawn Desman and Kardinal Offishall.  Don’t miss the fireworks at midnight.  Live broadcast December 31st at 10pm ET on Citytv.

• Are you looking to hit the club scene for New Year’s Eve?  Check out this New Year’s Eve Parties site for options to ring in 2013.

Continuing this week:

• The National Ballet celebrates the holiday season with The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (on until Jan 5).  The show is described as a “sumptuous, comical, touching and spellbinding version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Christmas tale.

• Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy at the Rogers Centre (until Dec 30th). Your favorite stars from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3, Cars 2 as well as Tinkerbell and Little Mermaid and friends skate into town for this non-stop, fun-filled fantasy on ice.

• Christmas Flowers Show 2012 is on at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory until January 7th. The conservatories will be filled with boughs of holly, evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and other festive plants. (Free)

• Grab your skates and head out to one of the many outdoor skating rinks available across the city including: Nathan Philips Square, Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), Mel Lastman Square and Kew Gardens among others. Also check out DJ Skate Nights on Saturday nights (8-11pm) at the Natrel Rink.  For a full list of outdoor skating rinks and their status, click here.

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (until Jan 6)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (until Jan 12)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: Monster Truck at Sound Academy (Dec 28); Alexisonfire at Sound Academy (Dec 28 & 29).

Have fun ringing in the new year!

December 21, 2012 – End of the World

According to the Mayans, the world will end today, December 21.  But if we don’t go out with a bang, there’s lots to do this week that will keep you busy.

To celebration “the end of the world”, TIFF presents the Countdown to Armageddon with apocalyptic (and post-apocalyptic) films including: Dr. Strangelove, The Road Warrior, Children of Men and Armageddon.

The National Ballet celebrates the holiday season with The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (on until Jan 5).  The show is described as a “sumptuous, comical, touching and spellbinding version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Christmas tale.

Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy at the Rogers Centre (until Dec 30th). Your favorite stars from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3, Cars 2 as well as Tinkerbell and Little Mermaid and friends skate into town for this non-stop, fun-filled fantasy on ice.

Continuing this week:

• Christmas Flowers Show 2012 is on at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory until January 7th. The conservatories will be filled with boughs of holly, evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and other festive plants. (Free)

• Cross off gifts on your list in the Annex at The Artisans’ Gift Fair (open every weekend until December 23).  You’ll find a selection of affordable one-of-a-kind gifts.  (Free)

• Grab your skates and head out to one of the many outdoor skating rinks available across the city including: Nathan Philips Square, Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), Mel Lastman Square and Kew Gardens among others. For a full list of outdoor skating rinks and their status, click here.

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”. They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250. Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-Dec 24).

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (until Jan 6)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (until Jan 12)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: Zed’s Dead at Koolhaus (Dec 22);  Monster Truck at Sound Academy (Dec 28); Alexisonfire at Sound Academy (Dec 26, 27, 28 & 29).

Photo Credit: Riekhavok

Christmas Flowers Show 2012 is on at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory until January 7th. The conservatories will be filled with boughs of holly, evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and other festive plants. (Free)

Holiday Art Markets in the Foundery Buildings (Dec 15 & 16) will showcase over 30 artists, artisans and vendors for a unique shopping experience.  (Free) LAST CHANCE

• The NFL comes to Toronto as the Buffalo Bills take on the Seattle Seahawks at the Rogers Centre.  PSY, South Korean rapper best-known for “Gangnam Style”, will be featured in the half-time show.  Tickets

• Winter Solstice Festival takes place at Evergreen Brickworks Dec 15th from 4-9pm, celebrating the year’s longest night and the shortest day.  A full schedule of family events will take place, including public skating, crafts and dance.

Continuing this week:

• You still have the chance to enjoy the Distillery District’s Toronto Christmas Market, a must-hit for the holidays (in town until December 16th).  This family-friendly market is filled with the spirit of Christmas.  You’ll find carolers, storytellers, and even Santa’s elves sing-a-long.  There will be beer gardens and mulled wine or hot chocolate if you prefer.   A showcase of hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products will also be displayed.  And of course, we can’t forget Santa, who will be there to update his naughty and nice list (weekdays 2-7:30pm and weekends 10am-7:30pm).  Check out Toronto Christmas Market’s full event schedule.  (Free)  LAST CHANCE

• Cross off gifts on your list in the Annex at The Artisans’ Gift Fair (open every weekend until December 23).  You’ll find a selection of affordable one-of-a-kind gifts.  (Free)

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront (on every weekend until Dec 16th). Santa’s elves are there to help kids with free arts and crafts, creating holiday ornaments and greeting cards or decorating an elf hat. Enjoy a Santa Cruise, ice-skate and get pictures taken with Santa. LAST CHANCE

• Grab your skates and head out to one of the many outdoor skating rinks available across the city including: Nathan Philips Square, Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), Mel Lastman Square and Kew Gardens among others. For a full list of outdoor skating rinks and their status, click here.

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”. They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250. Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-Dec 24).

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• Fiddler on the Roof at Randolph Theatre (until Dec 16)
• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Terminus at the Royal Alexandra (until Dec 16)  LAST CHANCE
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (until Jan 6)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (coming Dec 20)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: Barenaked Ladies at Roy Thomson Hall (Dec 14); Monster Truck at Lee’s Palace (Dec 15);  Tokyo Police Club at Sound Academy (Dec 15).

Photo Credit: torontochristmasmarket.com

You still have the chance to enjoy the Distillery District’s Toronto Christmas Market, a must-hit for the holidays (in town until December 16th).  This family-friendly market is filled with the spirit of Christmas.  You’ll find carolers, storytellers, and even Santa’s elves sing-a-long.  There will be beer gardens and mulled wine or hot chocolate if you prefer.   A showcase of hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products will also be displayed.  And of course, we can’t forget Santa, who will be there to update his naughty and nice list (weekdays 2-7:30pm and weekends 10am-7:30pm).  Toronto Christmas Market and Mill Street Brewery are hosting a  World Carolling Challenge on Saturday, December 8 at 5pm. Mill Street Brewery will donate $1 to the Daily Bread Food Bank for each person that participates.  So, head over to the Distillery District to help them break the world record for most carollers singing in one place.  Check out Toronto Christmas Market’s full event schedule.  (Free)

• The Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents the animated film The Snowman (Dec 9) at Roy Thompson Hall.  Live with the film, the TSO will perform Howard Blake’s beautiful score, which includes the song, Walking in the Air. Free arts and activities will take place during intermission.  The concert is recommended for children aged 5-12.

• Toronto Motorcycle Show pulls into town this weekend (Dec 7-9). It’s your chance to see hundreds of new models for 2013. Click here for a full list of features and events.

• City of Craft will be on this weekend (Dec 8 & 9) at The Theatre Centre on Queen Street West.  There, you’ll find a craft sale featuring craft-based installations, free workshops, and craft-related programming in local businesses and galleries.

Continuing this week:

• Cross off gifts on your list in the Annex at The Artisans’ Gift Fair (open every weekend until December 23).  You’ll find a selection of affordable one-of-a-kind gifts.  (Free)

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront (on every weekend until Dec 16th). Santa’s elves are there to help kids with free arts and crafts, creating holiday ornaments and greeting cards or decorating an elf hat. Enjoy a Santa Cruise, ice-skate and get pictures taken with Santa.

• Grab your skates and head out to one of the many outdoor skating rinks available across the city including: Nathan Philips Square, Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), Mel Lastman Square and Kew Gardens among others. For a full list of outdoor skating rinks and their status, click here.

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”. They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250. Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-Dec 24).

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Lord of the Flies at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Dec 9)  LAST CHANCE
• Terminus at the Royal Alexandra (until Dec 16)
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (coming Dec 13)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (coming Dec 20)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights:  Dave Matthews Band at ACC (Dec 7); The Trews at Enwave Theatre (Dec 7 &8); Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS) at Sound Academy (Dec 8); Carrie Underwood at ACC (Dec 9).

Rob Ford – Credit: West Annex News

This week, the Toronto Argonauts celebrated their Grey Cup win, while the TTC and Metrolinx approved the Presto Card and 4 new LRT lines.  However, all this was overshadowed by the news of our Toronto Mayor Rob Ford getting booted out of office for conflicts of interest, surrounding the way he solicited funds for the highschool football team he coaches.  He has until December 10th to vacate office, unless his stay application is successful which would allow him to remain Mayor for the length of his appeal (which would be heard as early as January). In the next few weeks, we will find out his fate and if an interim mayor or a by-election will be necessary.

In the meantime, we have lots to look forward to as December is here and there’s so much to keep you busy in the city, other than politics…

• A must-hit for the holidays, Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District is here until December 16th.  This family-friendly market is filled with the spirit of Christmas.  You’ll find carolers, storytellers, and even Santa’s elves sing-a-long.  There will be beer gardens and mulled wine or hot chocolate if you prefer.   A showcase of hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products will also be displayed.  And of course, we can’t forget Santa, who will be there to update his naughty and nice list (weekdays 2-7:30pm and weekends 10am-7:30pm).  Check out the event schedule.  (Free)

• Cross off gifts on your list in the Annex at The Artisans’ Gift Fair (open every weekend until December 23).  You’ll find a selection of affordable one-of-a-kind gifts.  (Free)

• Time to dig out those skates from the back of your closet and get them sharpened, before heading out to one of the many outdoor skating rinks available across the city including: Nathan Philips Square, Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), Mel Lastman Square and Kew Gardens among others. For a full list of outdoor skating rinks and their status, click here.

• Head to the Harbourfront for Ballet Creole’s holiday production of the Soulful Messiah (Nov 30-Dec 2).  It’s described as an infusion of tap, African-Caribbean dance, ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.  (Tickets)

• Much Music presents The Big Jingle (Dec 2) at the ACC.  This holiday concert will feature Carly Rae Jepsen, Simple Plan, The Wanted and Shawn Desman, among various other musicians. (Tickets)

Continuing this week:

• The One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale is taking place at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place and will go on until Dec 2nd. It’s a great chance to check out some unique gift ideas for the holidays.

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront (on every weekend until Dec 16th). Santa’s elves are there to help kids with free arts and crafts, creating holiday ornaments and greeting cards or decorating an elf hat. Enjoy a Santa Cruise, ice-skate and get pictures taken with Santa.

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”. They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250. Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-Dec 24).

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Lord of the Flies at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Dec 9)
• Terminus at the Royal Alexandra (until Dec 9)
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (coming Dec 13)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (coming Dec 20)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen at Rogers Centre (Dec 1); Sarah McLachlan at Massey Hall (Dec 1); MuchMusic’s The Big Jingle at the ACC (Dec 2); Leonard Cohen at ACC (Dec 4 & 5); Rheostatics at The Horseshoe (Dec 5 & 6).

Argos vs Stamps match up at 100th Grey Cup
Courtesy: Toronto Argonauts

Are you ready for some Football?  Toronto is the proud host of the 100th Grey Cup Festival with events taking place across the city (Nov 15-25), including: a Football Film Festival, Adrenaline Zone, a Street Festival (along Front Street), Family Zone, Fan Zone, Cheer Extravaganza, Concert Series, Pre-Game Party. They all lead up to the 100th Grey Cup Game on Sunday, November 25th, as the Toronto Argonauts take on the Calgary Stampeders. See event schedule for full details. Go Argos!

• If you’re more into shopping than football, hit the malls to take advantage of Black Friday deals.  Toronto retailers are giving you a great alternative to heading down to the Buffalo.  Not as many lineups here too, which is a bonus. 

• The One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale has come to the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place and will go on until Dec 2nd .  It’s a great chance to check out some unique gift ideas for the holidays. 

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront (on every weekend until Dec 16th).  Santa’s elves are there to help kids with free arts and crafts, creating holiday ornaments and greeting cards or decorating an elf hat.  Enjoy a Santa Cruise, ice-skate and get pictures taken with Santa. 

Continuing this week:

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”.  They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250.  Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-24). LAST CHANCE

• European Union Film Festival (Nov 14-27) will be featuring 24 national and international award-winning films from 24 countries. The festival is held exclusively at The Royal Cinema. Here’s the schedule. (Free Admission, first come-first serve) LAST CHANCE

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until Jan 6)
• Snow White at Elgin Theatre (until Jan 5)
• Avenue Q at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Jan 20)
• Lord of the Flies at Lower Ossington Theatre (until Dec 9)
• Terminus at the Royal Alexandra (until Dec 9)
• Without You at Panasonic Theatre (coming Dec 13)
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (coming Dec 20)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: The Who at the ACC (Nov 23); Metric at the ACC (Nov 24); Grey Cup Festival Concert Series at the Metro Convention Centre featuring Sam Roberts Band, Matthew Good and Treble Charger (Nov 23), Big Sugar, Kim Mitchell and April Wine (Nov 24) and Burton Cummings and Kathleen Edwards (Nov 25); Edge Jingle Bell Concert Series featuring The Gaslight Anthem with The Joy Formidable at Sound Academy (Nov 25), Big Wreck with Theory of a Deadman at Massey Hall (Nov 26) and Diamond Rings at Mod Club (Nov 29)

Santa Clause
Credit: christmas craciun

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why…Santa Claus is coming to town.  That’s right, he’s coming to Toronto and you’ll find him at the Santa Claus Parade this Sunday, Nov. 18th.  He’s starting his route at 12:30pm from Christie Pitts, making his way east on Bloor, south on Avenue and east again on Front St. to St. Lawrence Market.  Here’s the parade route.  You can also track Santa by getting the free iPhone SantaParade App. If you’re planning on attending, check out the handy tips Santa’s provided with the best ways to get to the parade, places to park etc.  It will be a cold day so remember to dress warm. And if you’re staying in to watch it, you catch it later that day, Nov 18th at 4:30pm ET on CTV on CP24 . (Free)

• Toronto is the proud host of the 100th Grey Cup Festival with events taking place across the city (Nov 15-25), including: a Football Film Festival, Adrenaline Zone, a Street Festival (along Front Street), Family Zone, Fan Zone, Cheer Extravaganza, Concert Series, Pre-Game Party. They all lead up to the 100th Grey Cup Game on Sunday, November 25th.  This Sunday (Nov 18), we will find out which teams make it to the Grey Cup as the Toronto Argos and Montreal Allouettes, as well as Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions square off against each other. See event schedule for full details.

• Cavalcade of Lights kicks off the holiday season on Saturday at Nathan Phillips Square.  There will be live musical performances by Suzie McNeil, Sean Jones and Alyssa Reid.  You’ll enjoy the fantastic fireworks display at 8pm. Don’t miss your chance to get your picture taken with the Grey Cup at the 100th Grey Cup Festival Tent. (Free)

• Winter Woofstock is on this weekend (Nov 17-18) at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place .  (Tickets 8$ online or 10$ at door) 

• If you’re in hockey withdrawal from the NHL strike, head to the ACC on Saturday, Nov 17th for Canadian Women’s Hockey as Toronto Furies face off against the Team Alberta.  Your chance to see Tessa Bonhomme, Sami Jo Small, Rebecca Johnston and Meaghan Mikkelson of the CWHL. Puck drops at 7:30pm.  Show up early to get autographs of some of your favorite Leaf almuni (Wendel Clark, Gary Leeman and Johnny Bower).  (Free)

Continuing this week:

• Indulge in great wine and food pairings at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (Nov 15-18) at the Metro Convention Centre. You’ll have the chance to sample from over 1500 fine wines, beers and spirits from across the world. Check out this year’s list of exhibitors and features. (Tickets: Thurs VIP preview 40$, Fri-Sun General Admission 20$) LAST CHANCE

• You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Buskertainment, runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”.  They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250.  Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-24). 

• Rendez-Vous With Madness Film Festival is in town (until Nov 17) celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.  The themes of the films are centred around mental health and addictions. Check out the program for films and schedules. (Tickets Regular Program $10) LAST CHANCE

• European Union Film Festival (Nov 14-27) will be featuring 24 national and international award-winning films from 24 countries. The festival is held exclusively at The Royal Cinema. Here’s the schedule. (Free Admission, first come-first serve)

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• La Cage aux Folles at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (until Nov. 18) LAST CHANCE
• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until January 6th)
• The Normal Heart at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (until Nov. 18) LAST CHANCE
• Spank! The Fifty Shades of Parody at the Panasonic Theatre (Nov 14-18) LAST CHANCE
• Jekyll & Hyde at Ed Mirvish Theatre (Nov 14-18) LAST CHANCE
• The Wizard of Oz at Ed Mirvish Theatre (until Dec 20)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings   Highlights: Soundgarden at the Phoenix (Nov 16); Danko Jones at the Mod Club (Nov 16); Of Monsters and Men at the Koolhaus (Nov 16); Kardinal Offishall and K’Naan at the Convention Centre (Nov 22)

Lest We Forget
Credit: Alexandra Guerson

Lest we forget our fallen soldiers, as we mark Remembrance Day on Sunday, November 11th.  You will find various memorial events across the city.

There may be a lockout but you can still get your dose of hockey at the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend (Nov 9-12). Catch the action as they induct Pavel Bure, Adam Oates, Joe Sakic, and Matt Sundin.

You’ll find Winter Magic on the downtown streets of Toronto as they are magically transformed into a winter wonderland, marked by various events: Illuminite (Nov 10), a holiday lighting ceremony with fire and pryotechnics; Buskertainment, which runs every weekend afternoon now until Dec 23. Don’t be surprised if you pass street-performing illusionists, mimes, stilt-walkers and jugglers on Yonge Street as you do your holiday shopping. And while you’re out there, check out Window Wonderland, as you shop, and vote for your favorite window display online. (Free)The Canadian Beatbox Championships 2012 is on Saturday, Nov 10 at The Mod Club. It will be a showcase and throw-down of Canada’s Top 16 talented Beatbox contestants selected nationwide. (Tickets 25$)

• The 19th annual Festival of Smalls philosophy is that “everyone should be able to own an affordable piece of art”.  They have a wide selection of original works, including paintings, photographs, drawings and multimedia available in gift sizes from $55-250.  Check out the artists on exhibit (Nov 10-24). 

• Rendez-Vous With Madness Film Festival is in town (until Nov 17) celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.  The themes of the films are centred around mental health and addictions. Check out the program for films and schedules. (Tickets Regular Program $10)

• The BabyTime Show is on (until Nov 11) at The Metro Convention Centre. You can talk to baby experts and shop for all your baby and toddler needs from over 200 manufacturers, retailers and artisans present. (Tickets: Adults $16, Grandparents $10, Children 12 years and under Free)

• European Union Film Festival (Nov 14-27) will be featuring 24 national and international award-winning films from 24 countries. The festival is held exclusively at The Royal Cinema. Here’s the schedule. (Free Admission, first come-first serve)

• Indulge in great wine and food pairings at the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (Nov 15-18) at the Metro Convention Centre. You’ll have the chance to sample from over 1500 fine wines, beers and spirits from across the world. Check out this year’s list of exhibitors and features. (Tickets: Thurs VIP preview 40$, Fri-Sun General Admission 20$)

Continuing this week:

• Celebrating its 90th Anniversary, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is in town, now until November 11th at Exhibition Place. On The Horse Show and Agricultural Show schedules, you’ll find something for everyone, including: National and International Show Jumping, a Petting Farm, Square Dancing, Rabbit Jumping, the Royal Wine Competition, Butter Sculpting, Giant Vegetable Judging and more. (Tickets) LAST CHANCE

• The Dark Comedy Festival features Jim Norton (“Opie & Anthony” radio show) and Maria Bamford (The Maria Bamford Show” web series) and other comedians. The festival is on now and wraps up November 10. LAST CHANCE

•  Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• La Cage aux Folles at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (until Nov. 18)
• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until January 6th)
• The Normal Heart at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (until Nov. 18)
• Spank! The Fifty Shades of Parody at the Panasonic Theatre (Nov 14-18)
• Jekyll & Hyde at Ed Mirvish Theatre (Nov 14-18)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings                           Highlights: Comedian Robin Williams at Sony Centre (Nov 13); Bob Dylan at the ACC (Nov 14)

On Sunday, November 4th at 2am,
we fall back an hour.

Celebrating its 90th Anniversary, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is in town, now until November 11th at Exhibition Place. On The Horse Show  and Agricultural Show schedules, you’ll find something for everyone, including: National and International Show Jumping, a Petting Farm, Square Dancing, Rabbit Jumping, the Royal Wine Competition, Butter Sculpting, Giant Vegetable Judging and more. (Tickets) 

The Everything To Do With Sex Show  is at the MTCC this weekend (Nov 2-4).  In addition to entertainment, products and seminars, this year’s show additions include: an Erotic Art Area, Celebrity Star Area, Food Truck Alley, Social Media Lounge, and Fifty Shades Playroom. (Tickets $22.50 online or 25$ at door) 

• The Dark Comedy Festival features Jim Norton (“Opie & Anthony” radio show) and Maria Bamford (The Maria Bamford Show” web series) and other comedians.  The festival is on now and wraps up November 10. 

• If you want to experience world culture through cinema, consider the Diaspora Film Festival, in Toronto until November 6th. Here’s the festival schedule. (Tickets 10$)

Continuing this week:

• Cirque du Soleil Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon (in Toronto until November 4th). Acts include uneven bars, jugglers, tightwire, Chinese pole, Teeterboard, aerial straps, peacock dance and unicycles. (Tickets) LAST CHANCE

• Toronto Chocolate Festival is back in town until November 4th at Roy Thomson Hall. If you have a weakness for chocolate, that’s where you want to be to sample chocolate in every tasty and delicious form. (Tickets) LAST CHANCE

• Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

• Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Theatre Productions in the City:

• Sister Act at Ed Mirvish Theatre (FKA The Canon) (until Nov. 4) LAST CHANCE
• Art of Time’s War of the Worlds at Enwave Theatre (until Nov. 4) LAST CHANCE
• La Cage aux Folles at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (until Nov. 18)
• War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theatre (until January 6th)
• The Normal Heart at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (until Nov. 18)
• Spank! The Fifty Shades of Parody at the Panasonic Theatre (Nov 14-18)
• Jekyll & Hyde at Ed Mirvish Theatre (Nov 14-18)

Music in the City:

Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings  Highlights: John Legend at Danforth Massey Hall (Nov 3); The Wallflowers (Nov 6) and Sum 41 (Nov 8) at The Phoenix; Annie Lennox at Roy Thomson Hall (Nov 7).

**Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 4th at 2am.

From Russia with Love
at TIFF Bell Lightbox Oct 27, 5pm

Designing 50 Years of Bond, an exhibition devoted to Bond, featuring costumes, props, models, gadgets, concept artwork, storyboards and other fascinating artifacts from the series, has opened at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It runs until Jan 20, 2013. (Tickets)

Boo at the Zoo is on this weekend (October 27 & 28, 10am-4pm) at the Toronto Zoo. Trick-or-treat around the Pumpkin Trail along the Tundra Trek and visit the foxes, Arctic wolves and polar bears. There will also be a Critters and Costumes Parade. Bonus if the kids dress up, as up to 2 costumed kids (12 and under) get in free when accompanied by an adult. Other events taking place at the zoo October 29 include the Morning Howl Pancake Breakfast (Oct 27, 8am-9:30am).  (Tickets)

• Halloweek is on until Oct 31st in Church Wellesley Village. Events include the Devilicious Culinary Tour, Queen of Halloween Competition, Jack O’Lantern Competition and a Block Party. (Free)

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show is on at The Lower Ossington Theatre (The LOT). If you’re planning on going, don’t forget to bring your rice, toast, confetti, water gun and other Picture Show props (just double-check theatre policy). (Tickets)

• Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting, an AGO exhibit (on until Jan 20, 2013), features “more than 80 works on paper and paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and more than 60 photographs of the couple, whose shared passion for each other and Mexico’s revolutionary culture during the 1920s and 1930s have made them Mexico’s most famous artists”. (Tickets)

Continuing this week:

• The 7th Annual Toronto After Dark Film Festival takes place October 18-26th. You can enjoy horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies.  Check out the festival schedule. (Tickets) 

• Screemers haunts Toronto until Halloween. Visitors can “live the fear” as they walk through seven bone-chilling attractions: The Asylum, House of Cards, The Darkness, Haunted House, Maniac Maze, Slasher Wax Museum and Vampire Lounge. It takes places at Queen Elizabeth Complex in Exhibition Place. (Tickets: $23.50) 

• Powerhouse of Terror is another haunting alternative open until Halloween. The Powerhouse warns “you will experience fear at its deepest level” at its various attractions including: CarnEvil Manor, Quarantine, Insidious and Buried Alive. A portion of net proceeds from admission and concessions will benefit the PACT Urban Peace Program (Tickets) 

• Toronto Chocolate Festival is back in town until November 4th at Roy Thomson Hall. If you have a weakness for chocolate, that’s where you want to be to sample chocolate in every tasty and delicious form. (Tickets)

• Take part in a Haunted Walking Tours of Exhibition Place, on any Friday at 7-9pm (until October 28). (Tickets 20$ – Not suitable for children under 10yrs)

• Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland kicks off Friday (Oct 5). Every weekend in October, the theme park brings you creepy attractions, mazes, rides and creatures that may scare you to tears.

• In theatre, Sister Act continues at Ed Mirvish Theatre (FKA The Canon). Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken, “Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent!” (Tickets $35-130)

Music in the City: Click here to find out who’s in town: Jam! ShowBiz Concert Listings  Highlights: Kimbra at Danforth Music Hall (Oct 27); The Grapes of Wrath at the Mod Club (Oct 30).