The workweek has come to an end and it’s finally time to blow off some steam and have some fun. And it just so happens that there are plenty of fun events worth checking out in the city this weekend.
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The best things to do in Toronto this weekend include catching a new, imaginative light festival at Ontario Place and an outdoor skating party featuring soca music. And don’t forget to celebrate the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Check out more ideas below on our list of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
READ: Immersive Vincent Van Gogh Exhibit Taking Over Historic Toronto Building
Loop 2020
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This is the final weekend to check out ‘Loop’, an interactive, retro-futuristic machine powered by the public. Visitors can hop on two at a time into one of the six illuminated cylinders and pump a lever to activate the lights and glowing images.
When: On now through February 9
Time: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: York Street Park (York and Harbour)
Price: Free to attend
Winterlicious 2020
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Winterlicious continues this weekend, featuring delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 restaurants and 13 culinary events throughout the city. With so many options available, there’s so much for your taste buds to explore.
When: On now through February 13
Time: Varies by restaurant
Where: Locations throughout the city
Price: Lunch, $23, $28, $33 or Dinner, $33, $43, $53
Toronto Light Fest
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The fourth annual Toronto Light Fest will once again light up the city’s historic Distillery District this month, running for 45 days from January 17 until March 1. Make sure to arrive after dusk for the best experience (obviously). Hosted by the team behind the Toronto Christmas Market, the light fest will span 13-acres, with installations set to cover 44 buildings in the historic district.
When: On now through March 1
Time: After dark
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free
90s Video Dance Party
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Put on your best 90s attire and get ready to dance the night away to the sounds of arguably the most epic decade. There’s a costume contest, plus all your favourite 90s music videos playing on the big screen.
When: Friday, February 7
Time: 10 pm to 2:30 am
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
Price: $15
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
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The annual Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is taking place this weekend, transforming the neighbourhood into a magical display of over 70,000 lbs. of crystal-clear ice carved into captivating sculptures. This year’s theme is ‘Awesome 80’s’ and each sculpture will be inspired by the music, art, film and fashion of the decade.
When: February 8 and 9
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland and Bellair streets)
Price: Free to attend
Show the Love
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Scarborough Town Centre is hosting Show the Love, a family-friendly event featuring renowned local artist Durothethird, as he unveils a new mural bursting with community pride. Visitors can also look forward to fun retail activations and the opportunity to purchase merchandise and prints from Durothethird, with a portion of proceeds donated to WIRES Wildlife Rescue’s initiatives for the Australian fires. Scarborough’s deputy mayor Michael Thompson will also be on-site to meet guests.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
Where: Scarborough Town Centre (Upper Level by Scotiabank)
Price: Admission is free
Winter Light Exhibition 2020
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The third-annual Winter Light Exhibition returns to Ontario Place’s west island this weekend, featuring creative light exhibits from local artists under the theme ‘Cocoon.’ Fridays through Sundays, visitors can check out community bonfires, paint classes, and the snack shop serving up a variety of food and beverage options.
When: February 8 to March 29
Time: 4 pm to 11 pm
Where: Ontario Place, West Island
Price: Admission is free
DJ Skate Nights: Soca on Ice with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince
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Toronto, the doctor is in. This Saturday, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince is bringing his Caribbean soca sound to the ice, mixing the hottest vibe of the summer with a favourite winter pastime. Grab your skates and come and learn why Dr. Jay is one of the most popular soca DJs.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: From 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay West
Price: Free
Heart Crafted Valentines Market
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You can spend your Sunday picking handmade and vintage treasures for the ones you love at this cozy pre-Valentines pop-up market. There will also be taro and crystal ball readings, a raffle, and a scrunchie making workshop.
When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: The Workroom, 1267 Queen Street West
Price: Entrance is free
The Oscars LIVE!
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Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is opening its doors and rolling out the red carpet this Sunday for a free broadcast of the Academy Awards. Come and catch all the action on the big screen and join other local movie lovers.
When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Price: Admission is free
