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Toronto Food Events: Hummus Battle, Lager Day, Pizza in the Park, Chocolate Festival

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Food events in Toronto this week are packed with seasonal treats like apples, potatoes, lager and more Oktoberfest-ivities than you can handle. Open wide for a hummus battle, pizza party and pancakes, while looking forward to a chocolate festival and lots of brews.

Events you might want to check out:

Food Truck'N Friday (September 21 @ Parking lot at Bloor Street West and Resurrection Road)
This weekly mini food truck festival has Gotham Grill, Fully Loaded T.O, Delight Bite and more, serving treats to fill you up for the weekend.
Baked Potato Block Party (September 22 @ The Sweet Potato)
Top your tater off with more than 20 different toppings at this big family fun fair with live music, activities, prizes and more.
Great Lakes Brewery Pig Roast (September 22 @ Great Lakes Brewery)
Don't have a cow, have a pig at this pig roast happening as part of Toronto Beer Week. They'll also have veggie options, a market, games and music.
Billy Bones x Liberty Commons Rib Fest (September 22 @ Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery)
In case you didn't get your fill of ribs over the summer, there's still a chance to get your fingers on some sticky barbecue at this rib roast.
Czechtoberfest (September 22 @ Masaryktown)
Get your fill of beer, live tunes, food, prizes and dancing all day long at this huge Czech-themed Oktoberfest party.
Good Food For All Festival (September 22 @ Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre)
Eat for a good cause with The Stop as they serve up goodies, music and performances to raise awareness for improved access to food.
Porchtoberfest (September 22 @ The Porch)
Let out your inner German at the Porch's all-day Oktoberfest jam. Expect music, steins, food, and even traditional clothing. Oktoberfest wear is encouraged.
Thistletown Chef's Harvest Garden Party (September 22 @ Thistletown Collegiate Institute)
Ontario's chefs come from all over to serve up a huge variety of gourmet food during this fundraiser for Thistletown student excursion fund.
Lager Day (September 22 @ Goose Island Brewhouse)
Regional and local breweries are in for a day of lager festivities, including live music, lager poetry and a malt station.
Harvest Apple Festival (September 22-23 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
The first annual Harvest Apple Festival kicks off just in time for fall with a whole weekend of cider, treats, a farmers' market, music and activities.
Hummus Battle (September 24 @ Constantine)
A hummus throw down is on with four challengers ready to whip up the good stuff and dip into some yummy homemade hummus.
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show (September 26 @ The Opera House)
Art, body painting, music, booze and a whole lotta pancakes are on at this big party featuring signature cocktails and unlimited fluff cakes.
Pizza in the Park (September 27 @ Christie Pits Park)
The last pizza party of the season is on with an evening of fresh pizza courtesy of the ovens in the park, drinks, tunes and Indian food from Banjara.
Toronto Oktoberfest (September 27-29 @ Ontario Place East Parking Lot)
The sights and sounds of Deutschland takes over during this huge celebration with all the lederhosen, bratwurst and steins you can imagine.
Bevy 0040 (September 28 @ Brunswick Bierworks)
The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies is throwing a big patio party with local, national and international brewers, food and an all-women makers' market.
Toronto Chocolate Festival (October 1-30 @ Omni King Edward Hotel)
Chocoholics everywhere can get their fill at this month-long festival with a variety of events, including high tea, a relay and a chocolate-infused dinner.
Fresh Hop Fest (November 15 @ Berkeley Church)
Hops and lots of 'em are on at this big brewfest with locally-produced, specialty beer served up alongside live entertainment and food.

The top 10 street food in Toronto

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Street food in Toronto brings together some of the best foods from around the globe that can be eaten while standing on the curb. Korean churros, Middle Eastern cheese pies and pizzas, dumplings, Belgian fries, burgers and breakfast sandwiches are just the beginning when it comes to on-the-move options in the city.

Here are my picks for the top street food in Toronto.

Market 707

This collection of shipping containers repurposed as food stalls on Dundas West contains options for poutine and African meat pies, as well as Asian and island street foods.

214 Augusta

A mish-mash of great Latin American stalls, including a Pancho’s, are all thrown into the same building in Kensington.

FeasTO

Dumplings are the order of the day when it comes to on-the-go fuel from one of Toronto’s most popular roving food trucks.

Mega Street Food Complex

This North York food hall is a curation of food sensations that have been iconic to Asian culture, with bubble tea, Taiwanese fried chicken, savoury crepes, sushi and wonton noodle soup.

Soufi’s

Reasonably priced manaeesh and k’naffeh from this West Queen West casual spot shine a spotlight on tasty and convenient street food offerings hailing from Syria.

Mr. Chu

Head to this North York vendor if you’re looking for a taste of looped Korean churros with a variety of wild and tasty toppings. They also do oversized cotton candy.

Nobs’

This street food cart may look like your average hot dog stand, but actually serves up sous-vide, grilled-to-order steak sandwiches. 

Galleria Supermarket 

Multiple locations of this Korean grocery store make for convenient places to pick up street food staples like kimchi, dumplings and gimbap.

Moo Frites

Steamy, chunky Belgian fries served in authentic paper cones with the standard corner dipping cups are the specialty of this place in Kensington.

Gold Standard

From the creators of The Federal comes Detroit-style Telway burgers and the same delicious breakfast sammies you can find at their other restaurant, from this blink-and-you'll-miss-it takeout window in Roncesvalles Village.

Danforth shooter arrested two days before deadly rampage

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Newly unsealed police documents are shedding more light this week on the man responsible for killing two people and injuring 13 others in a mass shooting in Toronto's Greektown neighbourhood this summer.

Faisal Hussain, 29, is believed to have died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on July 22 after carrying out what has come to be known as the Danforth Shooting.

Not much was known about Hussain at the time of the incident — at least not publicly — though his parents did write in a statement on July 23 that their son had been struggling with "severe mental health challenges" for most of his life.

As it turns out, there's a lot more to the story of how Hussain came to kill 10-year-old Julianna Kozis and 18-year-old Reese Fallon on the Danforth just under two months ago.

Ontario Superior Court Judge David Corbett unsealed three search warrant applications related to the case on Thursday after months of petitioning from lawyers working for local media outlets.

These court documents show that Hussain had been arrested for shoplifting just two days before the Danforth shooting and released unconditionally. It was not his first brush with the law.

Long before the shooting, back in May and June of 2010, Hussain had three encounters with police in which he was classified as an "emotionally disturbed person."

Police records suggest that, at that time, Hussain was "apprehended because of his level of depression and fascination with death, violence and explosions."

His twin brother later told investigators that Hussain had "robbed a store with a gun, called the police to say he wanted to kill himself, and has been on anti-depressants." Police found cocaine in Hussain's possession when he died.

His older brother, Farad, who has been suspected of dealing drugs, has been in a coma since June 2017 after overdosing on cocaine and what might have been carfentanil. 

Based on interviews with family members, police wrote in one of the warrant applications that "Faisal Hussain's only companions appear to be his parents."

He reluctantly went to mosque on Fridays with his father, but is said to have showed "little interest in religion."

On the day of the shooting, his twin brother (whose name is not public) is said to have spoken to Hussain "about getting his life together, getting married and getting direction."

"In the past, Faisal has listened to him," reads the document, "but this time he called himself 'mentally retarded' numerous times and went to the balcony for a cigarette."

Police found a number of mobile phones, laptops and tablets upon searching Hussain's residence, where he lived with his parents, but have yet to reveal what was found on them.

The search warrant indicated that police were also looking for weapons, ammunition, explosives, planning documents and "any literature or documents depicting hate, extremism, terrorism or similar belief or following."

It is yet to be revealed what motivated Hussain's deadly attack, but one of the newly-released court documents does say that a witness saw him "smiling as he was shooting."

Toronto students stage mass walkout over sex-ed curriculum

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As many as 40,000 Ontario high school students are cutting class on Friday afternoon to protest the province's reintroduction of sex-ed lessons from 1998.

They may not be old enough to vote, but they want to make it known that they don't consent to the PC government's education policies — which is fair, given that they're the ones most impacted.

"Doug Ford has taken away our sex education, our LGBTQ+ education, and our Indigenous education," reads an event listing for the planned demonstrations.

"He has put hundreds of thousands of students in jeopardy and ignored the advisory of hundreds of experts, teachers, unions, and school boards," it continues.

"Many groups have shown their opposition for these actions, but now it's time for the students of Ontario to show Ford that we do not consent."

More than 100 schools are participating in the protest, according to organizers, in an effort to reinstate both the indigenous curriculum and more modern sex-ed lessons introduced by the Liberal government in 2015.

At present, teachers are mandated to use a version of Ontario's sex-ed curriculum from 20 years ago — written before iPhones, Facebook and legal same-sex marriages even existed in Canada.

Students, parents and teachers alike have spoken out against the move, calling the government's decision irresponsible, discriminatory and reckless.

"The Ford government has thrown the system into uncertainty," said Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario president Sam Hammond at a press conference on the first day of school this year.

"The actions of the government to rescind the 2015 curriculum undermines the very safety and well-being of Ontario students and families."

The EFTO, one of several bodies that have sued Ontario since Ford took the helm in late June, is still seeking an an injunction to keep the 2015 curriculum in place and squash the PC government's anonymous reporting line for teachers who won't return to the older curriculum.

Today's protests, organized by the student-led groups March for Our Education and Decolonize Schools, are taking place between 1 and 3 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #WeTheStudentsDoNotConsent and wear purple.

The students appear to have mobilized through social media and the use of Google Docs, where instructions and information are being shared between protest organizers.

It's not only high school students participating, either. Footage from active protests are coming in from elementary schools as well. The curriculum affects students from Grades 1 to 12.

Same goes for Ontario universities.

Some school administrators have reportedly discouraged students from participating, but on the whole, adults seem very supportive of what these young Ontarians are doing.

The yutes, ladies and gentlemen. They're pretty cool.

The TTC is no longer running announcements from Seth Rogen

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Just one month after commissioning some high-profile voiceover work from Canadian movie star Seth Rogen, the TTC has pulled its quirky new public service announcements.

Toronto transit officials confirmed to the National Post on Thursday that they are no longer broadcasting PSAs voiced by Rogen over the intercom at subway or bus stations, and that reaction to the ads were mixed.

"We ran the risk of perhaps overstaying our welcome and overdoing it a little bit," said TTC spokesperson Brad Ross of the announcements, noting that they had never intended for them to be permanent. "We did what we needed to do."

The PSAs made a big splash when they were first unveiled at the end of July, mainly due to residual interest in the story of how Rogen replaced Morgan Freeman on Vancouver's SkyTrain after the 71-year-old actor was accused of sexual misconduct. 

Rogen recorded 12 different clips for the TTC on July 30, each of them about 20 seconds long, all of them related to public transit etiquette.

"Hello TTC users, Seth Rogen here," said the well-liked comedian in one of the audio PSAs.

"Backpacks are super efficient, I get it, they carry all your stuff, they hang on your back, they're fantastic! But when you wear your backpack instead of taking it off it very much annoys everyone around you on the subway."

"Don't be a backpack hunchback," he continued. "That's not a thing, but it is now. Anyway, don't do it. Thank you so much."

Some TTC riders found the announcements hilarious (and quite important.)

Others, however, complained that they were hard to understand.

Those who griped about how annoying the PSAs were on Twitter, well, they got they wanted. Congratulations to them.

Everyone else can still hear Rogen's delightful etiquette lessons on the TTC's website, hopefully for the rest of time.

Toronto sex doll brothel planning expansion to United States

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A Toronto sex doll brothel is trying to go international by bringing its gaggle of silicone girls down south to Houston, Texas. 

According to an ABC News report yesterday, it looks like KinkySDollS, the first sex doll rental business to openly operate in Toronto, is trying to be the first to do it in Texas as well by expanding its operations to the Bayou City. 

Maintaining its "rent before you buy" business model, with TPE silicone-based dolls that cost $80 per half hour, the North York sex doll brothel intends to offer rental services where clients can fulfill their "fantasies without any limitations" to Americans too.

Right now, KinkySDollS appears to be the most successful sex doll business in Toronto, especially since its main competitor Aura Dolls was forced to close down a week before opening

Tackling opposition from local residents and advocacy groups, however, is a different story. 

A Houston nonprofit dedicated to ending sex trafficking called Elijah Rising has already started an online petition to keep KinkySDollS and 'robot brothels' out of the city completely.

Since it was created three days ago, it's accumulated over 3,500 signatures out of its goal of 5,000. 

"Robot brothels will ultimately harm men, their understanding of healthy sexuality, and increase the demand for the prostitution and sexual exploitation of women and children," says the petition. 

It's unclear where or when KinkySDollS will open in Houston. 

What is clear is that sex doll brothels are uncharted legal, ethical, and technical territory for everyone—hence people calling the dolls 'robots' when they're not—and expanding operations down south just might be jumping the gun. 

50 things to do this fall in Toronto

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Events and activities in Toronto this fall usher in the sweater weather and changing leaves with lots of stuff to do. Events are stacked with old favourites and newcomers while concert season promises to keep the good music coming and Oktoberfest is on tap all over the city.

There's also lots of free events worth checking out and food festivals to keep your tummy full of all kinds of festive goodies. 

Here's a taste of the many ways to enjoy Toronto this fall.

NEW THIS YEAR

Go see the MOCA in its new space

After a number of hold ups, this year marks the long anticipated grand opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art at its huge space inside the newly reclaimed Tower Automotive Building on Sterling Road.

Experience an epic light display under the Gardiner

Meant to reflect the ebbs and flow of water and waves, Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde brings his travelling light display, WATERLICHT, to The Bentway for three nights in an effort to call attention to Toronto's rising shoreline.

Be amazed at Ed Burtynsky's stunning photography of our planet

Looking at the planet through multiple geological ages, a new photography exhibit at the AGO starring Toronto's Ed Burtynsky, Jennifer Baichawl and Nicholas de Pencier takes a big picture, global approach to how humans have shaped the planet over time.

Vote in the election

It's been a whirlwind of changes to this year's municipal election and we're ready to roll with 25 wards and a tense campaign between marked by new and old world values. Find out where and how to vote on October 22 and let your voice be heard.

Bust a gut with Hasan Minhaj

Ever since hosting the White House Correspondence Dinner last year, Hasan Minhaj has been gaining notoriety for his politically-charged comedy that he's bringing to Toronto on October 7 as part of his Before the Stor tour.

Check out the zipper structure on King West

Along King West lies a giant structure made out of what looks to be cubes that resembles a zipper. The Serpentine Pavilion is an interactive art installation meant to be explored by the public until it moves elsewhere at the end of November.

Trip out at the Museum of Illusions

A new museum of weird shapes, wild designs and trippy optics is opening a new, permanent, location in Toronto this October just steps from St. Lawrence Market.

Dine at a new restaurant

The city is bustling with a vibrant and ever-changing restaurant scene and this fall's most anticipated openings include a new food hall in the Annex and the latest from the Chase Hospitality Group. You can also catch up on everything you missed from the summer.

Don't shower before the Justin Timberlake show

Now a man of the woods, mega star Justin Timberlake is returning to Toronto this fall with his new, rugged attitude, folksy sound and probably some of the SexyBack classic as well on October 9.

Cheer on Kawhi Leonard and the new-look Raptors

It's a new drawn for both the Raps and the Scotiabank Arena. After a big switch up at the end of last season, the team will have Nick Nurse at the helm and be joined by Kawhi Leonard draped in black and gold OVO uniforms courtesy of mega fan Drake.

See Rob Stewart's final film

While diving in Florida, Toronto filmmaker Rob Stewart passed away. His final film, Sharkwater: Extinction, premiered during TIFF and looks to carry on Rob's vision of ocean conservation throughout the world. It comes to theatres this fall.

legends of horror

Legends of Horror is back again this year at Casa Loma. Photo by Jesse Milns.

FALL FAVOURITES

Get spooked at a haunted house

Something eerie is afoot as Halloween in Toronto approaches. There's a haunted market and a haunted house behind an Italian restaurant. Elsewhere, Casa Loma is getting spooked out once again as Legends of Horror returns to the castle for another year of haunted fun.

Cure your Halloween hangover at a pumpkin parade

Jack-O-Lanterns get a new life, post-Halloween, as pieces of homemade art during many of the pumpkin parades that happening around the city. Check them out in Sorauren Park or one of the many other parks in the city.

Soak up the fall colours

Fall is all about the changing colours and there's lots of great ways to take in Ontario's multicoloured canopy. If moving through them is what you crave, there's lots of hidden spots that will carry you through the foliage, while ravines, parks and bluffs offer an unreal vantage.

pumpkin parade toronto

Pumpkin parades are a great way to admire your neighbours' creativity. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

MARQUEE EVENTS

Startup Open House

If you've ever wanted to see what all those Toronto tech startups are getting up to, the chance will come on September 27 when Startup Open House will allow curious folk to find out which startup have the best nap pod or ping-pong table.

Friday Night at the ROM

#FNL at the ROM returns for a season of parties among the dinosaur bones beginning September 28. Food, music and drinks are all on, and be sure to come early. The lineups get long!

nuit blanche toronto

Toronto's free all-night art party is back for 2018. This year it expands to Scarborough. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Nuit Blanche

It wouldn't be fall in Toronto without an all-night art extravaganza spread throughout the city on September 29. This year's festival continues its expansion into Scarborough and includes a dumpling festival.

Vintage markets

Fall is a time for renewal, but in the case of vintage stuff, old is new and oftentimes just kind of better. Both the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show and the Antique and Vintage Market are on from September 29 to 30 where you can get old items from the New Look.

World Press Photo Exhibit

Some of the most moving, powerful and challenging images captured over the past year by photojournalists from all over the world will be on display for free in the Brookfield Place from October 2 to 23.

First Thursdays at the AGO

Party it up inside the art gallery this fall as First Thursdays returns every first Thursday of the month, giving guests access to the whole gallery with food, drink and music spread throughout. The next one is set for October 4!

Toronto After Dark

Get your fill of new horror, sci-fi and action flicks just in time for Halloween from October 11 to 19 when filmmakers from all over show their weird, gory and futurist works at this annual festival.

World Poutine Eating Championship

Poutine—Canada's most iconic food—takes of legendary status with an eating contest on October 13. Watch competitors gorge on fries, gravy and cheese curds and, after the champion has been crowned, enjoy a big free party and Yonge and Dundas Square.

world press photo

The free World Press Photo exhibit is always a stunner. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Startup Fashion Week

Some of the country's most innovative fashion designers are set to debut their work during Startup Fashion Week from October 15 to 19. Here is where you'll catch new and emerging trends, small brands and designs that may find their impetus in Toronto.

imagineNATIVE

Indigenous film takes the spotlight from October 17 to 21 during this film festival that seeks to tell stories that both inspire and challenge, plus events, talks, and a variety of media arts showcases.

Red Bull Music Festival

Something new to loo forward to this season is, unusually, a music festival outside of festival season by way of the Red Bull Music Festival on from October 17 to 25. See performances from DVSN and Alice Glass, alongside talks and a big ball.

International Festival of Authors

If you've ever wanted to hear from the mind behind the work, this ten-day festival invites writers to discuss their works, their meanings and how they came to be from October 18 to 28 at Harbourfront Centre.

Cask Days

There's just something about drinking beer that been poured from a cask. Cask Days returns from October 19 to 21 for a weekend of unpasteurized and unfiltered brews from local and regional brewers.

Toronto Soup Festival

What makes fall so special is truly its penchant for comfort food. New this year is a festival dedicate to one of the most warm and comforting foods there is: soup. Get your fill of gourmet soups, yummy goodies, drinks and entertainment on October 20 and 21 

cask days toronto

Try some new beer at Cask Days. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Art Toronto

The Canadian art world comes together from October 25 to 29. Contemporary fine art depicting both the rugged Canadian landscape and other aspects of the country will be displayed alongside lectures, discussions and events. 

TedxToronto

A whole day of inspiring talks from speakers and leaders across a spectrum of industries is happening on October 26. Hear stories from Director X, Masai Ujiri, Mary Walsh and Sarain Fox, to name a few.

Night of Dread

Our collective fears come to haunt us during this outdoor Halloween party in the park on October 27. Performers look to confront the things that scare us head on with pageantry and a parade, music and dance all evening long.

Church St. Halloween

Kanye said that the "Halloween is the only day you’re not in a costume." Existentialism aside, this is the time to dawn your favourite superhero cape, cosplay outfit or couples costume and take to the street during this big all-night block party on October 31.

Movember

Grow it that stash long and proud this year in support of prostate cancer as Movember is on for the month of November.  Tons of spots all over the city will play host to fundraising events while many individuals and teams can get involved, too. 

church st halloween

Church St. Halloween doesn't cost a dime to attend on Halloween night. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

Podcasting has never been more popular and this year's festival is a testament to that. Gear up for talks and panels from many noteworthy names in the podcasting world from November 1 to 5, plus a live read from Reading Rainbow's LeVar Burton.

Everything to do with Sex Show

We all have questions and this show has answers when it comes on November 2 to 4. Catch talks, demos, shopping, seminars and entertainment of the adult-persuasion and see what's new in the world of sex.

Royal Winter Fair

A staple of fall in Toronto is the The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on from November 2 to 11. Horses, cows, chickens and other barnyard cuties will be on hand, plus shopping, entrainment and a horticultural competition.

Indie Week

Innovative, different and nuanced tunes as on as Indie Week takes over venues all over the city with over 300 musicians coming in to play from November 6 to 11. You never know who might become the next big indie thing.

ARTATTACK!

Win double at this big art auction on November 8 by picking yourself up some original works by local artists while supporting the local theatre scene. Not to mention there's a big after party as well. Triple win!

christmas market toronto

This Christmas Market returns to the Distillery this November. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Christmas Market

The sights and sounds of the holiday season hit Toronto during this big market on from November 15 to December 23 in the Distillery District. Hot chocolate, chimney stacks, festive goodies, performances and plenty of Insta moments are all part of the fun.

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

For all the foodies out there, you can take your taste buds on a tour at this big food show on from November 22 to 25 with tons of wine and drinks to try, plus demos, tastings, showcases and local and international brews on hand for the sampling.

One of a Kind Show

Back again is this huge market full of artisans from all over showing off their unique wears. Hanging plants, zines, buttons, clothing, art, food, decor and gifts are all on from November 22 to December 2.

Holiday Fair in the Square

The holiday season kicks off with a month of free festivities in the heart of downtown from December 1 to 23. A huge marketplace, food, drinks, entertainment and of course skating make up this big annual winter carnival.

Winter at Ontario Place

It's sure nice having Ontario Place open again, and for the second year it will be running its winter programming from December 8 to March 18, complete with skating, a light exhibition and bonfires spread out all over. 

Cirque Du Soleil

Inspired by the dream of a clown, Corteo is Cirque Du Soleil's newest show that features high-flying trapeze, mind-bending contortion and more colourful tights than you can handle on from December 12 to 16.

winter at ontario place

Fire pits don't get much better than the one at Winter at Ontario Place. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

OUTSIDE THE CITY

Take the plunge at a cranberry farm

If you've ever wanted to be engulfed in a lake of cranberries, Johnston's Cranberry Farm, located in Bala, Ontario, is set to kick off its annual cranberry plunge where you can do just that from September 22 to th end of October.

Ride the Simcoe train through the fall colours

It's one thing to look out over the changing fall foliage, and it's another to ride through it. But the South Simcoe Steam Train allows for just that, travelling from Tottenham to Beeton on an old 1920's steam locomotive until the end of October.

Ride a giant pumpkin at a pumpkin patch

Nothing says fall like pumpkins. Take a tour through a giant pumpkin at any one of the many just outside of Toronto. Some of them are accompanied by apple orchards, harvest festivals and more, depending on where you go.

Experience a breathtaking fall lookout

Leaf peepers can look forward to an especially gorgeous season of fall colours this year and one of the best places to take it all in might be Dundas Peak, located inside the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area in Dundas, Ontario.

Say hi to Esther the Wonder Pig

Esther the Insta-famous pig has massed quite a following over the years, so much so that an entire animal sanctuary has been built around here, located in Camplebellville where you can hang out with her and her fellow animal buddies.

See the newly re-opened Cheltenham Badlands

After a three-year closure, these surreal dunes are set to reopen to the public to explore. The rare soft rock formations are like something from another planet and make for an interesting day trip when they reopen on September 22.

Climb some cliffs

It's best to get your nature fix in before winter sets in and the Cliff Top Trail inside the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is just the place to have one last adventure, see the changing leaves and breath in that crisp fall air.

10 things to do in Toronto today

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Happy Saturday! Events in Toronto today will see the grand opening of the new Museum of Contemporary Art and a big party on the beach. Zine culture is on full display at Canzine and Bruno Mars is performing the first of two shows.

Events you might want to check out:

Bruno Mars (September 22 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Put your pinky rings up to the moon because Bruno Mars is stopping in Toronto to give us some of that 24k Magic, the first of a two-night stint.
Canzine (September 22 @ Art Gallery of Ontario)
Zine culture is getting a big festival with hundreds of zines and art books to peruse, talks, events and an awards ceremony.
Seth Meyers (September 22 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
SNL alum and late-night host Seth Meyers arrives as part of the Just for Laughs festival with a routine that most likely involves at least some political commentary.
Bi Arts Festival Handmade Market (September 22 @ Trinity-St Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts)
Artists and makers from across the sexuality spectrum are selling their one-of-a-kind goods, including zines, gifts, decor and artwork.
Trans Makers Market (September 22 @ The 519)
Pick up a ton of goodies from this market designed to support trans, non-binary and two spirit artists, entrepreneurs and vendors.
Fancy Footwork (September 22 @ The Piston)
Fancy Footwork celebrates one year of movin' and groovin' with a night of top notch indie dance, nu disco, funk and new wave sounds.
Queen West Art Crawl (September 22-23 @ Trinity Bellwoods Park)
Take a tour through the historic, artsy and eclectic Queen Street West and its many art galleries that feature the work of tons of local artists.
Toronto Beaches Festival (September 22-23 @ Woodbine Beach)
There's still time to hit the beach and this sand bash offers free admission, food and drinks, yoga, a 90s dance party and shopping.
MOCA Grand Opening (September 22-23 @ MOCA)
After many delays, the MOCA is finally ready to reveal its revamped space. Tour through all five floors during this free, two-day grand opening event.
House of Vans (September 21-23 @ The Bentway)
The skateboard festivities continue today with a community market, workshops, a free skate and a performance by D.R.A.M.

The top 10 places to see fall foliage in Toronto

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Fall foliage in Toronto is one of the saving graces of the season before winter. For about two weeks in mid October the city's parks and ravines are set ablaze with saturated yellows, oranges and even a few reds before the starkness of November makes everybody depressed. It's a wonderful time of year to explore this city.

Here are my picks for awesome spots to see fall foliage in Toronto.

The Don Valley

There's no better place to take in fall colours in the city than the Don Valley ravine system, which extends further north than most people realize. Crothers Woods and the Brick Works are top spots, but so too are Taylor Creek, Sunnybrook Park, Edwards Gardens, and the East Don Parkland. Peak colour usually takes place just after Thanksgiving.

Glen Stewart Ravine

One of the best places to take a walk in the entire city, Glen Stewart ravine explodes with colour in mid October. The walking trail that cuts through the heart of the park places you directly under the tree canopy so that that you feel as if you're at the centre of an explosion.

Moore Park Ravine

Starting at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in the north and heading southeast down to the Don Valley Brick Works, Moore Park Ravine follows the almost vanished Mud Creek. It's not one of Toronto deepest ravines, but the hard-packed trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Necropolis Cemetery

Nestled in the Rosedale Ravine, the Necropolis Cemetery is seems like a world away from the rest of the city, even as you can occasionally catch a glimpse of the apartment towers of St. James Town. Harolding isn't for everyone, but there's no better time or place to contemplate one's finitude than a cemetery in fall.

Rouge Park

You can hike the many trails that meander around the ravine walls, but this is also an area that's good to drive around in a car. Head to Old Finch Avenue and drive around the Toronto zoo. The scenery is so rural you won't believe you're still in Toronto.

Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Bluffs are beautiful no matter what time of the year it is, but something extra special happens when the trees turn colour here. The combination of bright leaves and an azure Lake Ontario looks like a Group of Seven painting. Head to the beach or hike the trails that line the top of the bluffs.

Humber Valley

The Humber River has a slew of parks that line its banks from Lake Ontario all the way to Steeles Avenue (and beyond). Favourites include, Lambton Park, Humber Marshes Park, Etienne Brule Park, Raymore, and Summerlea Park. Weekend activity: start at the water and travel the whole valley in the course of a day.

High Park

Little needs to be said in endorsement of High Park as a destination for fall foliage. The best part is that there's so much to do here beyond hiking the trails that you can easily spend the day surrounded by fall's splendour. Hit up the zoo, lose your kids at the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, feed some ducks, or do a crit around the roads.

Toronto Islands

The best part about a fall trip to the Islands is that it's way less busy than in the summer months, which allows for more leisurely exploration of the astonishing number of tree species the area has on offer. If you can manage it, take the ferry over on a weekday. It's wonderfully tranquil and the bustle of the city seems so far away.

Leslie Street Spit

Water, sky, and leaves. The Leslie Street spit might not feature as many trees as the ravines on this list, but it's still a gorgeous spot to witness the onset of fall. It's the perfect place for a mid-October bike ride. Head to the lighthouse at the end, and wonder how something that was once so ugly has transformed into one of the most pretty places in the city.

Riverdale Farm is a bit of country in the heart of Toronto

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Riverdale Farm is the stuff childhood dreams are made of.

Home to as many animals as good Ol' MacDonald's estate, this historic 7.5-acre plot of land resting along the Don River is the perfect destination for families with kids in tow and anyone looking for a rural retreat from urban Toronto. 

riverdale farm toronto

Riverdale Farm is a 7.4-acre piece of land sitting along the southern portion of the Don River. 

Located not far from several junior and senior public schools, the city-operated farm is ideally situated in the heart of residential Cabbagetown. Like other attractions like Evergreen Brickworks and Todmorden Mills, it sits at the very bottom of the scenic Don Valley. 

riverdale farm toronto

The Meeting House is a three-storey building that hosts crafts classes like pottery and weaving.

Accessible from Castle Frank subway station and connected to Riverdale Park West, the farm's main entrance also directly faces the entry to the Toronto Necropolis: an oddly apropos neighbour in a cycle-0f-life kind of way. 

riverdale farm toronto

The goat paddock sits next to the sheep on a hilly part of the farm. 

It's free of charge to enter the farm, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily all year round, even on public holidays. Between September and June, the farm's Meeting House also hosts workshops like pottery and weaving.

riverdale farm toronto

The pig and poultry barn houses domesticated waterfowl, chickens, turkeys, and pigs. 

A solid tour of the entire area can be dragged out to as long as 45 minutes if walking without a ward; if exploring with young ones, maybe longer.

riverdale farm toronto

Touching and feeding the animals at the Riverdale Farm is forbidden.

It's important to keep in mind that this farm isn't a petting zoo, meaning touching or feeding the animals isn't allowed.

riverdale farm toronto

The pig pen gives excellent viewing access to these snouted creatures. 

The whole farm comprises of several areas, including poultry and pig barns, plus stables for horses, cows, goats, and sheep that let you get pretty up close and personal. There are also several historic structures like the Donnybrook Ruin tower, The Residence, and the Francey Barn.

riverdale farm toronto

The horse paddock is located just south of the Francey Barn, where horse equipment is stored.

The land is well maintained by farmers who tend to the animals, flowers, and the butterfly, herb, and veggie gardens. More likely than not, these people will be more than happy to give you the lay of the land and answer your burning farm life questions.

riverdale farm toronto

An old archway entrance leads down toward the duck ponds.

After descending into the main valley of the farm where the goat and sheep pens are, you'll notice several opportunities to head down from the main path to more secluded, ravine areas.

riverdale farm toronto

There are several viewing platforms that allow visitors to look out over the ponds. 

These roads lead down to the duck ponds, with several waterfowl viewing platforms situated along the way before the path looks back up toward the Riverdale Farm Building. 

riverdale farm toronto

Horses are fed and groomed throughout the day in their paddock.

It's hard to imagine, but this part of the ravine was once the site of the Riverdale Zoo before it moved to Scarborough to become the Toronto Zoo as we know it today. 

riverdale farm toronto

The south paddocks are where you'll find cows grazing.

Established in 1888 and operating until 1974, the Riverdale Zoo began with a herd of deer and two wolves, eventually expanding to housing animals like hippos, monkeys, and elephants. Shortly after it moved, Riverdale Farm opened up in its place in 1978. 

riverdale farm toronto

The sheep will disappear into their stable during feeding time. 

Since then, Riverdale Farms has come under threat of closure, when the city proposed closing the property to cut costs in 2011. 

But thanks to multiple large donations from corporations and donors, that threat has been thwarted, and Riverdale Farm is expected to continue operating until 2027, at least. 
riverdale farm toronto

You can pick your own flowers at this farm near Toronto

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Summer's end is just around the bend, but flower season ain't over yet. 

A farm in Milton is going beyond the usual fall photo-op offerings by letting visitors pick their own bouquets from fields of blooming flowers. 

Located under an hour's drive from Toronto, you can head to Andrews' Scenic Acres to make yourself a bundle of sunflowers, dahlias, and gladioli until mid-fall. 

It's a $1 per stem, and admission fees into the farm are $5 weekdays, $10 on weekends, and $12 on holiday weekends. 

That'll grant you a wagon ride out into the farm fields, where they grow pumpkins, raspberries, and rows of beautiful flowers, which will be ready for the pickin' until late October. 

You'll be able to pluck to your heart's content from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, or until 5 p.m. every other day. Access to the picking fields stops an hour before closing time, so it's important to schedule your frolicking time accordingly. 

As per anything picturesque, one can only expect that Andrews' Scenic Acres will be heavily frequented by those looking to capture that perfect summer-meets-fall moment.

That's all well and good, but please, Toronto, don't pull another sunflower fields fiasco this time around.

Moore Park Ravine is a forested oasis in midtown Toronto

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The Moore Park Ravine is a lush, tree-lined stretch of land that offers one of the most beautiful nature walks in the city. 

Making up the last leg of the nine-kilometre Beltline Trail—which extends through the city from west to east—the ravine runs from the Mount Pleasant Cemetery down to Evergreen Brickworks. 

moore park ravine toronto

The eastern entrance to the Heath Street Pedestrian Bridge can be found at Heath Street and Hudson Drive.

Traveling along Mud Creek (otherwise known as Mount Pleasant Brook), a Don River tributary that's rarely seen above ground save for in Moore Park Ravine, this path traverses beneath an impressive tree canopy of oaks, maples, and beech trees. 

moore park ravine toronto

Cross the Heath Street Pedestrian Bridge to descend into the ravine. 

One of the best ways to access the ravine is via the entrance located amidst the highly residential area of Heath Street and Hudson Drive.

Here is where you'll find a subtle entrance leading to the Heath Street Pedestrian Bridge, reconstructed in 1999 to provide safe crossing to the eastern side where you'll be able to safely descend in to the ravine. 

moore park ravine toronto

The path running through Moore Park Ravine travels alongside Mud Creek.

Down below, you'll find flat land that's easy to traverse. Some days you'll see the path bustling with joggers, bikers, and dog walkers taking their canines for a stroll along the creek. Other days you'll find the trail quiet enough to possibly catch a glimpse of some white-tailed deer.

moore park ravine toronto

Governor's Bridge towers over the ravine halfway along the path. 

Within ten minutes you'll pass below Governor's Bridge. Built in 1923 and restored in 2000, it's an impressive structure, where the grunginess of urban landscape and Mother Nature seem to work hand-in-hand. 

Soon after that, you'll come to the end of the Moore Park Ravine, where a fork at the road continues as the Beltline Trail to the right, and to the left, toward the bridge that leads to Evergreen Brickworks. 

moore park ravine toronto

The Kingsway in Toronto is more than just an old theatre

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Just a short walk from the Royal York subway station, the historic Kingsway Theatre still shines in all its old-timey glory. 

From the classic street-facing box office beneath the marquee to the lounge filled with Golden Age Hollywood paraphernalia, the theatre combines nostalgia with 21st century pricing, where weekend movie tickets will set you back $16 (it used to be 20 cents a pop in its heyday). 

the kingsway toronto

The Kingsway Theatre was re-opened and renovated in 2009 after closing in 2006. 

For over 70 years, this 700-seater art deco theatre has served as one of the main attractions of The Kingsway area, which, despite having gained several more attractions over the decades, is perhaps best still embodied by the theatre's air of nostalgia. 

the kingsway toronto

The Kingsway is bordered by the Humber River to the east and Mimico Creek to the west.

The Kingsway neighbourhood has, like its theatre, managed to maintain identity as an affluent destination: a reputation its held since the neighbourhood was first developed by the lawyer Robert Home Smith in the mid 1910s.the kingsway toronto

The neighbourhood has historically always been an area for the wealthy. 

Always intended to be an area for the rich, this highly curated pocket of Etobicoke is home to some of the most beautiful houses in the city.

the kingsway toronto

Average home prices in the neighbourhood averaged at $1.9 million. 

Today, average house prices of the Kingsway South (its technical name) are a whopping $1.9 million.

the kingsway toronto

The Park Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum opened in 1892. 

Stationed between Dundas and Bloor—in the part of the city where the former runs north of the latter—the Kingsway is bound by the Humber River to the east and Mimico Creek to the west. Its name derives from its main artery, Kingsway Crescent, which snakes alongside Humber River.the kingsway toronto

There are a handful of reliable restaurants in the area that cover all types of cuisines.

Those looking to do something other than catch a flick and ogle at beautiful homes, however, will find a limited but dependable handful of neighbourhood haunts to frequent on the strip of Bloor just past Park Lawn Cemetery and ending around Brentwood Road.

the kingsway toronto

The Crooked Cue is one of the most popular hangouts in the area.

There's a solid selection of food options ranging from neighbourhood staple Kingsway Fish and Chips to Italian joints like Vibo, Romis, and Sempre. There's also French by way of Merlot, tapas via Casa Barcelona (with live flamenco) and sushi courtesy of Momiji.

the kingsway toronto

The main strip of Kingsway is home to one of the larger Swiss Chalets in the city.

The vibe on this strip is less elitist than expected, given the neighbouring value of real estate, and more geared toward family-friendly institutions that trend toward a play-it-safe atmosphere and sleepy Sunday go-tos. 

the kingsway toronto

Excalibur Comics has been operating since 1987.

Directly next to the theatre is Excalibur Comics, a tiny but beloved comic shop that's been operating since 1987.

the kingsway toronto

The Old Sod has a dive-like atmosphere but is one of the more frequented pubs in the Kingsway. 

In terms of watering holes, pubs like the Old Sod (which claims itself as Etobicoke's oldest pub) and the Monk's Kettle (a much newer addition) are a couple of casual spots for some brew on tap. 

the kingsway toronto

The Crooked Cue has a large and spacious interior. 

But it's the pool hall and restaurant, The Crooked Cue, that undoubtedly takes the lion's share of business in the area, being the closest thing to a sprawling modern casual dining experience in the Kingsway.

the kingsway toronto

The open patio concept is a big draw at the Crooked Cue.

With two floors, two lounges, and ceilings that open up toward Our Lady of Sorrows Church, the spacious design draws a mixed crowd on evenings and weekends.

the kingsway toronto

There are 14 pool tables and 4 ping pong tables at the Crooked Cue. 

Rounds of pool at one of the the restaurant's 14 tables are $20 an hour, while grabbing one of four ping pong tables goes for $25 an hour. Large and airy, it's a prime destination for large bookings like birthdays and retirements.

the kingsway toronto

The Old Mill was opened by R. Home Smith, the main architect of the Kingsway neighbourhood. 

About a five-minute drive from the main action is the Old Mill, a historic hotel and tea garden restaurant that has served afternoon tea since 1914.

Far more traditional affairs like Sunday family brunches and dinnertime buffets have been a staple ritual for many inhabitants of the houses and apartments lining Old Mill Road. 

the kingsway toronto

A trail next to the Old Mill leads to the Humber River Recreational trail. 

If you're looking for more of a nature reprieve, you're in luck! The Kingsway is bounded by the natural topography that accompanies its bordering rivers, just a quick walk down a tree-lined path from the Old Mill toward the Humber River Recreational Path.

the kingsway toronto

The walls beneath the bridge have murals painted by Phil Cote in the style of Norval Morrisseau. 

Heading under the bridge of the TTC's Line 2, the small clearing also contains the plaque of the Hurricane Hazel Memorial. Explore underneath the bridges to find a beautiful trail lining the Humber River. 

the kingsway toronto

Etienne Brulé Park gives an incredible view of the Humber River and is a popular spot for families.

Just north, on the other side of the river sits Etienne Brulé Park, which, while not located on the right side of of the river to be considered Kingsway proper, is a natural wonder frequented by the many lucky inhabitants of this forested neighbourhood.

the kingsway toronto

The Best Place to Buy a Turkey in Toronto

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The best places to buy a turkey in Toronto can be relied on for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other big family dinner. With many of these places paying close attention to ethical farming practices, a turkey from one of these butchers is an all-round feel-good meal.

Here are the best places to buy a turkey in Toronto.

4 - Sanagan's Meat Locker

A Little India location and one in Kensington of this high-end butcher shop not only sells Weber Family heritage turkeys but also a pre-measured brine mix you add to water and can guide you through the process of roasting a turkey.
10 - Butcher by Nature

This Junction butcher has been around forever and sells cage-, hormone- and antiobiotic-free turkeys raised outdoors in Ontario. Quantities are limited here so place orders early.
11 - Meat on the Beach

This is the place to go in the Beaches to get an antibiotic-free, free range, responsibly and naturally produced turkey.
9 - Butcher's Son

Locally sourced turkeys from this butcher shop near Yonge & Eglinton are available raw, raw and stuffed, or stuffed, cooked and ready to go.
7 - Friendly Butcher

This Avenue and Lawrence butcher shop is entirely focused on local products, most from within 100 miles of Toronto, selling free range Ontario turkey.
3 - Cumbrae's (Queen)

Classic white and heritage bronze-breasted turkeys are raised in humane conditions in an open-air barn at a farm right here in Ontario to produce a superior bird for your Thanksgiving table, available at locations of Cumbrae’s across the city.
5 - Healthy Butcher

This butcher near Avenue and Eglinton sells turkeys raised 100% on pasture in Paisley, Ontario, grain-fed turkeys, and certified organic bronze turkeys in limited quantities.
6 - Vince Gasparros

Bloorcourt has this family-run shop that sells free range, hormone-free, Mennonite-raised turkeys, though it's best to place an order in advance.
8 - Fresh from the Farm

East York has this source for free range pasture-raised Weber turkey and Paul Martin turkey in sizes that range from a jumbo 35 pounds to an extra-small 10. They also sell turkey by the piece and the stuffing and cranberry sauce to go along with it.

Only in Toronto #30: MOCA, chicken wings, raccoons in kitchens, donuts

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After many delays, Toronto huge new contemporary art museum has opened on Sterling Road ushering major changes to the industrial street that's also home to Drake Commissary and Henderson Brewing.

In this episode of the Only in Toronto podcast, we get the details on what to expect from the city's new art space.

Plus, the secret behind Toronto's best chicken wings, a new donut spot and the story of the kitchen raccoon.

Background information on this episode:
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You can also listen to the Only in Toronto podcast on Alexa. Just ask Alexa to play the podcast Only in Toronto.


Shoppers Drug Mart gets approval to sell marijuana

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Shoppers Drug Mart is officially an approved marijuana provider.

The pharmacy retail chain has received the go-ahead from Health Canada to become a licensed medical pot provider, meaning soon it'll be able to dispense medical weed to patients.

Shoppers, which is owned by Loblaw Companies Ltd., applied for the license back in Oct. 2016. 

The approval marks the entry of the pharmaceutical giant into the burgeoning industry of Canadian cannabis. Consuming marijuana recreationally will be legal by Oct. 17.  

While Shoppers has no intention of producing its own medical cannabis, the retail chain has already signed supply deals with other licensed producers like Aurora Cannabis, Aphria Inc. and Tilray Inc. to supply the pharmacy. 

In July, it was also announced that Shoppers and Manulife Financial Corp. had partnered up to start offering enhanced medical marijuana insurance coverage, which will provide customers the opportunity to medical cannabis consultations with Shoppers pharmacists. 

10 things to do in Toronto today

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It's a good day for free events in Toronto today as Word on the Street goes down and you can see art, a movie, go to a block party and ride a vintage streetcar all without spending a dime. There's also a party on the Island and the last day for House of Vans.

Events you might want to check out:

The Word on the Street (September 23 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Lit nerds, rejoice! This all-day book and magazine festival is back with literature-based programming, vendors, author talks and activities.
TTC Vintage Streetcar Ride (September 23 @ Queen Street)
The PCC turns 80 and the TTC is celebrating with free ride on the vintage streetcar along the 501 Queen route between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sterling Road Block Party (September 23 @ Drake Commissary)
A big community street party is happening along Sterling Road with a full day of food, activities, music, entertainment and a market.
Rogue Vibes (September 23 @ Artscape Gibraltar Point)
It's a party on the Island as Artscape hosts a day of art, performances, dancing, games, food, drinks and all-around good vibes.
Art House Theater Day (September 23 @ Revue Cinema)
It's Art House Theater Day in the city and to celebrate, Agnès Varda's Cléo de 5 à 7 is screening free of charge.
Dead Sara (September 23 @ The Horseshoe Tavern)
LA's trio of post-hardcore rockers arrives for some good old-fashioned cathartic primal screaming from some bad ass chicks.
House of Vans (September 21-23 @ The Bentway)
A celebration of skateboarding culture continues today with a community market, workshops, dunk tank and skate competition.
MOCA Grand Opening (September 22-23 @ MOCA)
The celebrations continue as the MOCA opens in its revamped space. Tour through all five floors during and check out the work of multiple artists.
Queen West Art Crawl (September 22-23 @ Trinity Bellwoods Park)
Another day of touring through the historic, artsy and eclectic Queen Street West art galleries is on with many works by tons of local artists.
Toronto Beaches Festival (September 22-23 @ Woodbine Beach)
There's still time to hit the beach and this sand bash offers free admission, food and drinks, yoga, a 90s dance party and shopping.

The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

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Free events in Toronto this week boast one of the biggest events the year with Nuit Blanche. And if you're looking to keep your money in the bank, the second-last Pedestrian Sundays is on and the Wu are performing for free.

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Arthouse Film Festival (September 26-28 @ Fox Theatre)
Bold, different and inspiring: some of the best indie flicks from 2018 are screening for free, including Eighth Grade and McQueen.
Startup Open House (September 27 @ Multiple Venues)
More and more tech startups are popping up everyday and this is your chance to see inside of them during this big, city-wide open house.
Nuit Blanche (September 29-30 @ Multiple Venues)
Soak up the arts and culture of the city during this all-night art festival happening all over, inside and outside, with local and international artists.
Pedestrian Sundays (September 30 @ Kensington Market)
With the weather getting cooler, PS has just two dates left in the fall for you to get your fill of food, music, performances and games in the street.
Wu-Tang Clan (September 30 @ Rebel)
One of the most legendary rap groups brings the pain to Toronto as part of the Never Jaded arts series and a totally free concert.

The Best Musical Instrument Stores in Toronto

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The best musical instrument stores in Toronto are more than retail shops. They can be community hubs, hangout spaces, informal social clubs, learning institutions and occasionally even lifesavers when it comes to a last-minute rental or repair.

Here are the best musical instrument stores in Toronto.

8 - Paul's Boutique

Guitars, keyboards, basses, amps, and recording equipment along with so-called vintage and used “odds & sods” like pedals, violins and cymbals can be sorted through at this Kensington store that also houses a rehearsal space.
11 - Capsule Music

Looking for that specific pickup cover or bass model, or just want to go down an electric guitar rabbit hole? This labyrinthine shop in Dovercourt Village is the place for you.
10 - Just Drums

Percussionists in the know head to this North York store dedicated exclusively to drums and drum gear. Lessons and hourly practice spaces are also available here.
4 - Steve's Music

This store near Queen and Spadina (and some of Toronto’s foremost music venues like the Shoe and Cameron House) has amps stacked high, ukuleles in the window, lots of cases and strings, and mostly focuses on supplying rock musicians. There are several other locations in Quebec and one in Ottawa.
5 - Remenyi House of Music

Right across from U of T and the Conservatory of Music, this is where pianists go for sheet music and pianos from uprights to baby grands. They even keep an old piano outside for passers by to play. There are actually lots of string instruments for sale here as well.
7 - The Twelfth Fret

This guitar haven on Danforth East is home to not only a wide variety of vintage instruments that date back to the 60s and even the 40s, but also antique lutes that date back to the 1800s. The largest banjo dealer in Canada, big name touring acts have relied on this place when rolling through town.
9 - Sound Post

The strings sections of Toronto depend on this charming Yonge & College store located in an old house that caters to everyone from beginners to professional players and teachers. To pass by, you’d never know they have the largest selection of sheet music in North America in the basement.
6 - Cosmo Music

Richmond Hill has this music mecca that’s a store, concert hall and school all in one. At 56,000 square feet with hundreds of staff, whether you’re looking for repairs, rentals, DJ equipment, you name it, you’ll probably find it here.
3 - Long & McQuade

Locations around the city of this national chain music store are a resource for every kind of musician from sixth-grade clarinet players to professional musicians, selling and renting everything from bows and strings to DJ equipment and smoke machines. They also have regular blowout sales.

Everything to do and see in High Park

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High Park is famous for many things: the cherry blossom trees which draw thousands of visitors to its grounds in the spring, for example, or its amphitheatre, home to the annual event Shakepeare In The Park

But as one of the oldest and largest parks located in the city, you can imagine that this 4oo-acre  property has plenty more attractions scattered across its hilly terrain and along its tree-lined paths than just trees and theatre. 

Stretching from Bloor Street down south to the Queensway, with Grenadier Pond on the west and Parkside Drive to the east, this park is a place where visitors can pass whole hours, full days, even, amusing themselves with all the features this city-operated park has to offer.

Whether you're looking for facilities, family past-times or scenic getways, High Park has something for everyone from kids to experience explorers. 

Here are all the things to see and do in High Park. 

high park torontoGrenadier Pond

Covering over 35 acres, this massive pond sits at the western edge of the park. It's been revitalized multiple times over, making it a functional and improved area for water quality. 

It's the largest at High Park, making it a popular destination for fishers, who usually set up their gear on the viewing dock.

high park torontoThere are many paths leading from the pond upwards toward ground level, making it a good spot to start or end your visit. 

Skating usually isn't allowed on the pond during winter, though many people do it anyway each year. Just beware the $125 ticket you might get from a bylaw officer if you get caught. 

high park toronto

Hillside Gardens

A popular spot for impromptu IG sessions and professional photoshoots alike, these gardens feature hedges, bridges, and an abundance of flowers, with scenic little paths to take you through the grounds. 

high park torontoThe labryinth

Located just west of the off-leash dog park, this gathering space is marked by a circular meditation piece where people hold get-togethers and ceremonious events, like the celebration of the fall equinox.

Not so much of a maze as it is a spiritual structure, the labyrinth is used by school teachers and camp leaders alike to offer a sort of therapeutic presence to the park, along with a sense of spiritual wonder.

high park toronto

Soccer Fields

There are two soccer fields at High Park, which are often occupied by local little leaguers during the summer. Permits for the soccer pitches can be obtained via the High Park website. 

high park torontoTennis Courts

The park features six public tennis courts, with the opportunity for a private membership via the Howard Park Tennis Court Club. Non-members are able to play as well, but expect a 30-minute wait at least on busy days. 

high park toronto

Sculptures

There are several sculptures dispersed around the park, most notably around the park's north end, in area near the tennis courts where the Toronto International Sculpture Symposium was once held. 

Today, five of the ten original pieces installed in 1967 remain, including The Hippie by William Koochin, a mysterious but intriguing structure located by the High Park Nature Centre. 

high park torontoAllotment Gardens

It's hard to believe, but High Park is home to 109 allotment gardens. Opened in 1974, these little plots allow local gardeners to grow fruits, veggies and flowers. 

high park toronto

High Park Zoo

Not far from the main parking lot is this small zoo, which sits at the bottom of Deer Pen Road. Animals like yak, llamas, and bison make up this limited zoo, but its  collection exotic yet friendly animals are well worth the visit. 

high park torontoSwimming pool

Open during the summer until Labour Day, this pool area includes a water slide, splash pad, and wading areas. It's free to use and open all week, plus it's supervised by lifeguards at all times during open hours. 

high park torontoOff-leash dog park

A massive park for dogs to run off-leash is located in the centre of the park, operated just northeast of the main intersection where the concession stand and Grenadier Cafe are. 

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