Toronto is cooling down as we approach mid-August but these events will always bring the city closer together. Sit in on an outdoor movie, attend a comedy show on the lake, or dance at the parks! The choice is yours with this week’s round of Best Bets.
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YouTopia/Ourtopia
This one-of-a-kind artistic exploration of the spirit of Dentonia Park offers an example of peaceful co-existence for all. In a five-day residency, Shadowland artists will run daily workshops that examine how public green spaces have long shared a sense of belonging. With a focus on history, nature, Indigenous teachings and the coming and going of life, community members are invited to think about what makes Dentonia Park distinct. All ages are welcome to attend this event and enjoy visual, musical, and performing arts activities. More info.
When: August 13-17
Where: Dentonia Park
Ladies First Comedy SHEbang
It’s time to get showcase-y again with the Ladies First Comedy SHEbang! The Stand Up Gals behind your local Ladies First Open Mic is back to bring out a second showcase of femme and queer comics.This time they return with another outstanding line-up with six dynamite Toronto comics, all Ladies First Open Mic favs! The event will be hosted by Ladies First co-producer Madeleine Brown and featuring Cleo Sood, Sarah Bransfield, Curry Bradshaw, Mita Patelm and Sana Iqbal. More info.
When: August 14
Where: Comedy Bar Danforth
Courtesy of TOPS
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show – Kinky Boots, Mary Poppins, Monsters, Inc. and Perfect Days
To kick off yet another week of shows for the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, Kinky Boots will be screening this week at Bell Manor Park! This crowd-pleasing film was adapted to the Tony-award winning smash-hit musical of the same name. This is a heartwarming drama about family and a community of workers at a working-class UK shoe factory. Other films to be featured include Mary Poppins, Monsters Inc, and Perfect Days. Grab your favourite snacks, best friends, and shoot a few photos to enjoy a beautiful night out in Toronto. More info.
When: August 15-18
Where: Bell Manor Park and Christie Pits Park
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Toronto International Tap Dance Festival
Tap into Toronto’s International Tap Dance Festival at the Toronto Harbourfront Centre! The festival returns for its third edition presenting leading global artists and nurturing the development of Canadian excellence in tap, all in collaboration with live music. You can experience some of the best tap performances in the city alongside workshops, shows, free nightly jams and more. Notable performances include Rhythm Lives: Honouring The Legacy of Ethel Bruneau and Genesis from pioneering dancer Brenda Bufalino and commissions from Ryan Foley and Victoria Miller. More info.
When: August 15-18
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Finding Her Beat Screening
If you enjoy stories about finding your own rhythm through life, this show is for you. In the midst of a frozen Minnesota winter, a Japanese drum master and Korean adoptee from North Dakota join forces to assemble the world’s best Taiko drummers. However, this art form has historically been reserved for only men. The rhythm revolution includes rock stars from the world of Taiko: Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kaoly Asano, Chieko Kojima, Megan Chao-Smith, and Jennifer Weir. Through rehearsals, the bonds of friendship quickly form as the women navigate their ways through differences in culture, age, language, and performing styles. As the clock ticks toward their first performance, it becomes clear that their story is much larger than Taiko. More info.
When: August 16
Where: Factory Theatre
Comedy on the River
Paddle in for a comedy show on the water. This is your final chance to take part in this totally unique Toronto experience for the summer. Located on Toronto’s Humber River, this Comedy on the River event starts at the Humber Paddling Centre Upon arrival attendees will be signed in and set up with a boat and equipment before embarking on a scenic paddle of the meandering river, before settling in to listen in on the city’s biggest upcoming comedians. More info.
When: August 16
Where: Humber Paddling Centre
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Silk Road Literary Festival
Global narratives are fundamental when it comes to storytelling. For over a decade, the Silk Road Institute has worked with a singular mission to reshape prevalent narratives of Muslims and to share the richness of Muslim perspective across the globe. This year, a literary festival will be hosted to highlight the diverse stories of Muslims and racialized voices. This will be a space for authors and aspiring authors to connect and expand their ideas! Headlining authors include Ausma Zehanat Khan, Uzma Jalaluddin, and Zarqa Nawaz. More info.
When: August 17
Where: Meridian Arts Centre
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Pop-Up Paper Fair
Attention all stationery lovers! The Toronto First Post Office is back to host another free pop-up market that highlights all things paper! Find your next stack of scrapbooking materials with a variety of unique paper goods. There will be a rotation of local Toronto artists and their brands with products ranging from quirky greeting cards, notebooks, stickers, pins, patches, and much more. So whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or just want to stock up on materials, this fair will have it all. Admission is free so come in and snag some goods to support local businesses! More info.
When: August 17
Where: Toronto’s First Post Office
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Expressive Collage
It is hobby girl summer and what are the girls doing if not making some art? Come create meaningful collages using personal photographs and crafts. This is a wonderfully expressive art form that combines visual storytelling with personal reflection. In this workshop, participants will dive into the process of mixed media collage, assembling images and objects to create a narrative or evoke emotions. This workshop will include various materials to create a single artwork. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own photographs or other materials they wish to include in their work. To make art accessible, the workshop will cost $10-$40 per person on a Pay What You Can basis! More info.
When: August 17
Where: St. Matthew’s Clubhouse
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MadeInTO
Weekends in Toronto are meant for parties, music, and celebrating local businesses. This BACKYARD / MadeInTO event showcases all the local love by shining a spotlight on what makes Toronto unique. This event in particular is one the most talked about events of the summer inside STACKT Market! This showcases a diverse array of vendors along the outdoor community lane where people get to shop, relax, and socialise. You can browse through a market of apparel, local food, jewellery, and one of a kind items from businesses. This is definitely one way to spend a summer afternoon this week! More info.
When: August 17
Where: STACKT Market
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2024 Chinatown Festival
This year’s Toronto Chinatown Festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon with the inspiring theme “Soaring Dragon Dispensing Splendours.” Known as one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, this festival will bring the spirit of the dragon to life through vibrant performances, delicious international cuisine, and great company. Certain highlights of the festival include the dragon and lion dances, multicultural performances, international street food from local vendors and lucky draws! However, one of the most exciting events this time around is the free mural walking tours led by Professor Chef Leo Chan. More info.
When: August 17-18
Where: Spadina Avenue from St. Andrew Street to Sullivan Street
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