As we officially welcome fall this weekend, a slew of arts and culture events are taking place in every corner of Toronto! Visit a gallery for free, hear from world-renowned authors at TIFA, or witness a massive trail of dominoes fall across the city—the choice is yours.
Le Dîner en Blanc
Dine in style at a secret location this week! Le Dîner en Blanc brings together guests from across the city for a magical evening of conversation, food, drinks and dancing. Put together your most elegant all-white outfit, bring a table or chair, and follow the way to a chic picnic in a beautiful mystery location at this spontaneous and stylish event. More info.
When: September 19
Where: Secret Location
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Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way
Opening this week at the AGO, Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way combines video, collage, music and sculpture for the acclaimed British artist’s Canadian debut. Centering the vocal performances of four Black female musicians: Jacqui Dankworth, Poppy Ajudha, Sofia Jernberg, Tanita Tikaram, this exhibit explores improvisation and imagination. You can also see Boyce in conversation with curator Dominique Fontaine on September 18 to mark the exhibit’s launch. More info.
When: Opens September 19
Where: AGO
Gallery Weekend Toronto
For 4 days, several art galleries across the city will open their doors to the public for tons of free special activities. Meet gallery owners and artists, experience guided tours, discussions, creative workshops, and so much more. Choose from 3 curated routes that will take you across Toronto, and spend the weekend exploring numerous galleries, exhibits and artists. More info.
When: September 19-22
Where: Various locations in Dupont/Junction, Wallace/Dundas and Lower Toronto
Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA)
TIFA is a celebration of storytelling for authors and readers alike. 100+ authors from around the world will gather for 11 days of engaging talks, readings, masterclasses, performances and exhibits. Explore events in fiction, romance, poetry, fantasy, horror, graphic novels, and more, and engage in critical conversations with a book-loving community. More info.
When: September 19-29
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Geary Art Crawl
A vibrant Toronto neighbourhood will come alive this weekend with a car-free zone full of visual art installations, art, music, food and more. The Geary Art Crawl, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of local artists and the unique businesses that give Geary Avenue its character. Join in this free, two-day celebration experience the best art and culture this area has to offer. More info.
When: September 21-22
Where: Geary Ave, from Dufferin to Dovercourt
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Queen West Art Crawl
Trinity Bellwoods Park will be transformed into an artistic hub this weekend! This outdoor art exhibition will feature hundreds of established and emerging artists. Browse through visual art, sculptures, jewellery, and more, plus enjoy free music, dance and DJs on the main stage. Thousands attend this inclusive arts festival every year—don’t miss out! More info.
When: September 21-22
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Toronto Biennial of Art
The Toronto Biennial of Art kicks off this week, launching an accessible city-wide art exhibition with the theme “Precarious Joys”— exploring the emotional climate of our time and the beauty of social change. Until December 1, you can see 90 works of art across 11 exhibition sites, plus performances, workshops, artist talks, and storytelling sessions—all for free. More info.
When: September 21-December 1
Where: Various locations
Dominoes
A massive trail of dominoes will be taking over Toronto this weekend—and you can watch them fall! Join in this day-long communal celebration as a line of 8000 human-sized dominoes is assembled in a 2.5km route across multiple downtown neighbourhoods. Audiences can explore the route, connect with community members, and cheer for the big tumble as the dominoes fall! More info.
When: September 22
Where: The Bentway and surrounding neighbourhoods
Tanya Talaga: The Knowing
Join award-winning Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga for the launch of her new, deeply personal, meticulously researched book, The Knowing. Talaga unravels the centuries-long oppression of Indigenous people in Canada by tracing her own family history, going back generations to learn about her great-great-grandmother Annie. This live interview with Talaga will be followed by an audience Q&A and a performance from award-winning singer-songwriter Aysanabee. More info.
When: September 23
Where: Koerner Hall