Summer is on the rise and Toronto sure knows how to plan an eventful week. For this week’s roundup, we highlighted a variety of arts and culture related activities from block parties to theatre productions and performances. Take a peek at our list to see what you and a friend can get up to around the city with this week’s Best Bets.

 

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International Ceramic Art Fair 

Explore the endless world of ceramics at the International Ceramic Art Fair over their 10-day celebration of some of the most compelling works. There will be displays from emerging and established artists from a wide range of backgrounds, as well as online and in-person programs. This year’s theme is gathering to examine how art brings individuals together. Amid political, religious, ethnic, class, and cultural divides, this theme invites attendees to share their experiences and needs. More info.

When: May 23 – June 2

Where: Gardiner Museum 

 

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SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival

Canada’s premier a cappella festival returns for its 13th year with 20 free and ticketed events. There will be a variety of genres presented as the human voice holds no limits. The much-anticipated event brings folk, pop, classical, jazz, R&B to spoken word and even beatboxing. Held every year in May, SING! brings together thousands of professional singers, students, and teachers to experience and learn more about the business of music. Events will take place at a number of locations across the city with virtual events available as well. More info.

When: May 25 – June 2

Where: Various locations across Toronto

In Conversation with Emma Seligman

For their second year of programming, the Toronto Teen Film Festival is hosting a live in-conversation with Emma Seligman. Come out and listen in on this Toronto-born filmmaker of Bottoms and Shiva Baby moderated by Norm Wilner. Seligman will cover all things on her creative process and offer advice to those interested in breaking into the industry. Following, there will be screenings of selected short films made by aspiring filmmakers around the city. More info.

When: May 29

Where: Centre for Social Innovation-Annex

Courtesy of Soulpepper

Age is a Feeling

First premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, Age is a Feeling makes its stop in Toronto Inspired by real-life conversations and research, this play follows one person’s life from their 25th birthday until the end. It explores the glorious unknowability of human life, the joys and tragedies of getting older, and the sides of people we never see. At every performance, the audience chooses to hear six of twelve stories dipping in and out of a person’s lifespan. Translated into multiple languages, this play has toured several countries with local artists and creative teams that give it its own twist. More info.

When: May 29 – June 16

Where: Soulpepper Theatre

Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival

Gathering over 100 artists, designers, makers, brands, and pundits from Canada, this festival elevates Indigenous creatives everywhere. Over the course of four days, the IFA Festival will feature runway shows and marketplaces to welcome its biggest audience yet. There will also be runway shows at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre after mall hours under the theme Reverence & Conviction to celebrate the rich cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples from Canada, the USA, Brazil, Greenland, New Zealand, and Indonesia. More info.

When: May 30 – June 2

Where: CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Courtesy of Buddies in Bad Times

VAG HALEN presents the VAG of the BEAST

Turn back to the past for the night to dive bars, parking lots, and suburban basements blaring metal and grunge. This feminist art rock band is bringing the bad with a dash of classics. To kick off Pride Month and to celebrate 45 years of Buddies in Bad Times, you too can join them for two nights of queer music and rock n roll. Following the show there will be a set by DJ Regina Gently included with tickets! More info.

When: May 31 – June 1

Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Harbourfront Centre Block Party

The beloved Harbourfront Centre turns 50 this year! Gather your friends and attend this exciting block party to celebrate this accomplishment. There will be live performances by Canadian artists, family-friendly activities, dance classes, street food, drinks, and so much more! This will be an afternoon of fun to celebrate the Toronto community, you won’t want to miss this one. More info.

When: June 1

Where: Harbourfront Centre

Courtesy of National Ballet School

National Ballet School Block Party

Take a look inside Canada’s National Ballet School for their free summer block party as a part of their 2024 Pride Toronto Affiliate Event. The Block party promises Torontonians an all-access pass inside the school campus and energizes the 400 Jarvis Street block with fun, family-friendly programs for all ages. There will be drop-in introductory classes, dance rehearsals, pop-ups, and more. This year’s party will also celebrate the immeasurable legacy of NBS’ Artistic Director Mavis Staines as she approaches retirement this year. More info.

When: June 1 

Where: Canada’s National Ballet School

 

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Riverdale ArtWalk

Focused on Toronto’s east end, the Riverdale ArtWalk is a great place to connect with artists. There will be over 150 established and emerging artists in Jimmie Simpson Park in the flourishing Queen East arts district over a two-day public exhibition. Now in its 26th year in the Riverdale/Leslieville area of Toronto, the festival has grown to reach a following of art enthusiasts and collectors. More info.

When: June 1-2

Where: Jimmie Simpson Park

Drag Me to the Opera

Much like RuPaul’s Drag Race and its many franchises including Canada’s Drag Race, Drag Me to the Opera pairs high-octane performances from local drag performers and established Canadian Opera artists. These unforeseen collaborations will be both exciting and thrilling for all performers and audiences alike. Host Gregory Finney and Toronto Drag Artist Selena Vyle are teaming up with Opera Revue to bring a bigger and wilder iteration of last year’s festival hit. More info.

When: June 3 

Where: The Drake Hotel