A festive week lies ahead for Torontonians! Lunar New Year events around the city will help you manifest prosperity, luck, and all good things in between. Head out around Toronto for book launches, cinematic premieres, and conversations to uncover all things creative. Nonetheless, here are seven activities to enrich your week!
View this post on Instagram
Secret Sex Book Launch
This fun event at the Lula Lounge will launch the Secret Sex anthology! Hosted by Another Story Bookshop and Dundurn Press, authors will come together to read their favourite steamy stories from the book to the audience. Secret Sex editor Russell Smith persuaded some of Canada’s best writers to write something “frothy – but anonymously”— the book features some of our favourite authors like Jowita Bydlowska, Heather O’Neill, and Zoe Whittall, however, no one other than Russell knows who wrote what! More info.
When: February 6
Where: Lula Lounge
View this post on Instagram
Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen – By The Lake Book Club
Join Mai Nguyen for a conversation on her new book Sunshine Nails at By The Lake Book Club! This tale follows a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto who must fight to protect their nail salon against gentrification in the form of a luxurious chain salon, exploring the fight against generation gaps and finding a community in a new country. This in-person event will include a reading discussion, audience Q&A, book signing and ASL interpretation! More info.
When: February 6
Where: Assembly Hall
View this post on Instagram
Blood Book Launch with Dr. Jen Gunter
Bestselling author, OB/GYN, and physician Dr. Jen Gunter will be in conversation with Sarah Kaplan on her new book Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation. This event will cover Dr. Gunter’s guide to menstruation through knowledge, historical and social myths and the in-betweens! Written with her no-nonsense expertise and fearless wit, Dr. Gunter continues to be today’s most trusted voice in women’s health. More info.
When: February 7
Where: Rotman School of Commerce
View this post on Instagram
Rhubarb Festival
Back for its 45th year, the Rhubarb Festival is a celebration of experimentation and queer audacity. As Canada’s longest-running new works festival, this is the place to encounter one-of-a-kind performances and ever-changing ideas. This year, they are placing an emphasis on supporting the development of young-in-craft artists to recognize challenges they may have in the industry today. More info.
When: February 8 – 18
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
View this post on Instagram
Your Fat Friend at Hot Docs Cinema
Follow activist Aubrey Gordon over six years as she goes from an anonymous blogger to an author and podcaster as she redefines the term “fat.” Gordon’s story follows her journey as “Yrfatfriend” to the beloved co-host of the podcast Maintenance Phase and author of the novel You Just Need to Lose Weight: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People. As the world around her listens, this film dives into fatness, family, the complexities of change, and the feelings we hold toward our bodies! More info.
When: February 9 – 21
Where: Hot Docs Theatre
View this post on Instagram
Chao, Tet TO 2024
Get ready to immerse yourselves in the rich traditions, stories, and captivating performances of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Tet! This festive celebration offers an opportunity to connect with the local Vietnamese community and embrace the new year. Over the weekend, local musicians such as Huy Nguyen and Sienna Huyn will be performing, alongside other traditional celebrations. More info.
When: February 9 – 11
Where: Small World Centre
View this post on Instagram
Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration
Prepare yourself for a year of luck and prosperity at the annual Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration. This weekend-long celebration will feature traditional lion dances, calligraphy workshops, performances, and various dance performances by cultural groups. This fun-filled event will have attendees immersed in the vast celebrations across East Asia for Lunar New Year! More info.
When: February 10 – 11
Where: Chinatown Centre