Toronto, it's almost Friday which means it will soon be time to kick back and have some fun.
This weekend, there's a plethora of awesome events happening in the city that are definitely worth braving the cold for.
From a new festival in the historic Distillery District to the Toronto Blue Jays Winter Fest, read on to find out more about the exciting events happening this weekend.
READ: Extreme Cold Weather Alert Issued Ahead of Biggest Snowfall of the Season
Interior Design Show
Returning this weekend is the Interior Design Show, Canada’s premier showcase of new products and furniture, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond.
When: On now through January 19
Time: Friday, 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd, South Building
Price: Prices vary by day
Loop 2020
Leading up to the return of Toronto’s annual Winter Stations, event organizers have teamed up with the city’s Waterfront BIA to bring more public art to the city during the coldest months of the year. This weekend, Torontonians can 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
The Bentway Skate Trail: Winter Season
Underneath The Gardiner, you’ll find a magical 220-metre, figure-eight skate trail with a winter village and skate lessons and rentals available. The winter village will offer hot chocolate and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for skaters and spectators while warming stations will help visitors get toasty before getting back on the ice. So head on down to The Bentway and skate to the sound of music as you explore an area that was once vacant and forgotten.
When: Open now through February 17
Time: 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Price: Free to skate (rentals start at $5)
The Phantom of the Opera
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom Of The Opera will make a triumphant return to Toronto as part of its North American Tour. The story follows The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.
When: Performances are Friday through Sunday this weekend
Time: Friday, 8 pm; Saturday, 2 pm and 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
Price: Tickets from $89
Toronto Light Fest
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: January 17 to March 1
Time: After dark
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free
DesignTO
DesignTo returns to Toronto for its 10th installment this weekend to celebrate Canadian art and design. Over the past decade, DesignTO has grown from a collection of seven exhibitions and events to a ten-day Festival of over 100 free exhibitions and events throughout the city.
When: January 17 through 26
Time: Varies by the exhibition
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Over 100 exhibitions are free to the public (others are ticketed)
Toronto Blue Jays Winter Fest
The Blue Jays' Winter Fest returns to Toronto this weekend, and baseball fans can look forward to two full days of fun. Current and former Jays players will be in attendance, plus there will be activities, live entertainment, memorabilia, ballpark tours, and more for fans to enjoy.
When: Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
Price: $20 for adults per day
DJ Skate Night: Fawn Big Canoe
Get ready to lace up your skates and have some fun at this outdoor winter party that brings you skating and a stellar lineup of DJs. Cure your winter blues with this event.
When: Saturday, January 18
Time: From 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay W
Price: Free
Bedroom Antics
Bedroom Antics is a fun and lighthearted stand-up show about dating, relationships, the bedroom, and everything in between. Guests will enjoy a positive night of comedy with some of Toronto’s favourite stand-ups as they talk and laugh about love.
When: Saturday, January 18
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Second City, 51 Mercer Street
Price: $15
Toronto Pug Grumble
Calling all dog lovers: there's a pug meetup happening in Toronto this Sunday and you're invited. Bring your pug to the Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park for an afternoon filled with plenty of snorting, rolling, and grumbling.
When: Sunday, January 19
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park
Price: Free to attend
