Winterfolk, Toronto's mid-winter folk festival, returns for its thirteenth year from February 13-15. A lineup of returning and new names will be featured at five Danforth venues. This year the festival is highlighted by a special Valentine's show (a chance to propose?), song and story, American Pie, and open stages. Not limited to folk, the festival also has roots, blues, jazz, and country, with both free and paid concerts with wristbands available (check the full schedule).

Here are my picks for the top shows to see at Winterfolk VIII.

Fraser & Girard
When Allan Fraser and Marianne Girard were in the process of coming up with a name for their duo, Marianne, was partial to "Girard and Fraser". After a short time they changed it to Fraser & Girard for the vowel sound of it. Also, Allan Fraser had also been part of the popular 60's-70's duo Fraser & DeBolt (the late Daisy DeBolt) which may have added to the choice of name.

NSAI Presents
Those looking for something a little different at Winterfolk will find it at the Nashville Songwriters Association of Canada presents night. The evening is a two separate hours of four songwriters trading off songs and joining in each others ("in the round"). Hour one: Brad Battle, Krista Earle, Paul Lamarche, Melissa Lynn. Hour two: Carrie DeMaeyer, Andy Griffiths, Glen Marais, Angela Saini.

Love At Winterfolk
Listeners (and Lovers) can enjoy a special "WF Kocktail Kiss" at the Love At Winterfolk on Valentine's show. Beginning with the Latin songs of Laura Fernandez, the night heats up with HOTCHA!, continues with The Trio of Fun (Ken Whiteley, Wendell Ferguson, Tony Quarrington), and finishes with the Cajun music of Swamperella.

Dueling Banjos
Several of Toronto's finest banjo players meet in a showdown of dueling banjos. Joining in the night of bluegrass and whiskey will be Frank Evans (Slocan Ramblers, Kitgut Stringband), John Millard (Polka Dogs), and members of the Andrew Collins Trio.

Seneca College Independent Music Program Showcase
Hosts John Switzer and Linda M present an evening of music by SCIMP artists Vale Abbott, Inna Powell, Braden Phelan, Mark Vaiana, Natasha Fisher, August Lily, Jimmy Pearson, and Ben Cherry. The Seneca program is designed to give students a foundation in the music recording and performance industry to become an independent artist.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the top events at the Winterfolk festival in the comments.

Photo of Angela Saini by Dave Arnold

Ever want to feel like you're eating lunch in a Harry Potter movie? Most people don't realize that the Law Society of Upper Canada runs a fine dining restaurant for weekday lunches that is open to the public. This hidden gem of a restaurant has a well-priced daily three-course prix fixe, an à la carte menu, and a butter tart that's almost a crime not to order.

Read my profile of Osgoode Hall Restaurant in the restaurants section.

Cookie delivery services in Toronto know what's up: every once in a while you'll find yourself craving cookies at the exact same time you don't feel like moving or leaving your apartment. (You could also be looking to send sweet treats to somebody special, but want to offload that job to someone else.)

While we anticipate that desserts of all kinds will be readily available via delivery services somewhere in the future - a prospect that's equally as enticing as the donut vending machine - we'll take the option to satisfy our communal sweet-tooth with some of the best cookies this city has to offer.

Here are my picks for the top cookie delivery services in Toronto.

Andee's Sweet Treats
Andee's Sweet Treats has maximized every opportunity to bring cookies to the people. Between their cookie delivery service, custom catering, and long- or short-term cookie subscription option, the home-run company can ensure you get your hands on those chewy chocolate chip cookies (or whichever kind suits your fancy) the moment your craving strikes.

Zelcovia Cookies
If you're looking for a last minute go-to for Valentine's Day, Zelcovia Cookies can make you a big cookie featuring a snapshot of you and your honey and deliver it right to your door. On top of their custom cookie designs, Zelcovia also offers cookiegrams, gift boxes, and jars of cookies available only by delivery.

Sweet Flour
Sweet Flour Bake Shop is best known for the create-your-own-adventure kind of cookie, but few know that they also provide cookies at your doorstep on the regular. Sweet Flour can send you special occasion items or just a ton of cookies for corporate and work events so work doesn't have to feel so much like work.

Cookiegrams
Special occasion cookies are Cookiegrams' bread and butter. Their signature Belgian chocolate chip cookie and custom art cookiegrams are available in bulk for large groups or smaller quantities to enjoy with your best buds and loved ones. And with their range of custom design options, it appears that a cookie can be dressed to suit any holiday (as it should be).

Pink Lemon Bakeshop
Vaughan's Pink Lemon is your kid-friendly option for cookie delivery services. The company runs a nut-free facility to ensure that those with allergies or school groups can enjoy custom cookies just as much as the next guy. Their cookies for delivery sell in bouquets, boxes, and by the dozen, so make sure you invite some friends along for the occasion.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for cookie delivery services in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via Zelcovia on Facebook.

The St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto's oldest institutions. Food has been offered for sale in the Front and Jarvis area for more than 210 years, starting in 1803 with a small wooden building on the site of present-day St. Lawrence Hall.

Over the centuries, the market shifted south to its current location. The genesis of the current south building is an 1845 structure that once doubled as Toronto city hall. In 1904, a second building that mirrored the look of the south market was built on the north side of the street and the pair were linked by a giant steel and glass canopy (pictured above.)

Unfortunately, the canopy was pulled down in 1954 and the north market razed in 1967 to make way for the squat concrete box presently on the site. Progress has been slow, but the new north market is due to be completed some time in 2016.

Here's a look back at what the St. Lawrence Market looked like 100 years ago.

Looking down from the roof on market day, September 13, 1919. Traders are selling fruit and vegetables from wagons and the backs of cars.

Another view of a car-dominated interior on September 13, 1919.

Fruit and flower show in the south market in 1904. The signs offer McIntosh apples from Morrisburg, grape juice, and refreshments in aid of the humane society.

Another view of the 1904 fruit and flower show. Apples from Lambton, Ontario (now Durham,) Elgin, and Norfolk counties.

A William Davies food stall in 1911. Davies' company ran a large stockyard at the mouth of the Don River that may have been responsible for Toronto getting the nickname Hogtown. Davies also popularized peameal bacon. He died aged 90 several weeks after being butted by a goat while urinating at the side of a road.

Interior of north market in 1917. The building was lit with Humphrey gas arc lamps that gave off an intense white light. Note the brick floor and viewing balcony on right.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: City of Toronto Archives.

The flooded-yard skating rink is a time-honoured Canadian tradition - but how about a curling rink? This past winter, Zack Sandor-Kerr took a look at the long, skinny backyard behind his Junction row house, and saw a golden opportunity.

While the 10-foot by 30-foot space wasn't quite enough to skate on, he says, it had the perfect dimensions for Canada's other favourite ice-related pastime (albeit at 1/5 the size of a regular curling arena).

After a "few months of planning and countless hours of standing outside, flooding and pebbling in sub-zero temperatures," Sandor-Kerr says, the rink is finally rock-ready, complete with house markings.

He built his own stones, strung up Christmas lights overhead for night games, and he's even hosting a miniature charity tournament (which he dubs the "Junction Backyard Bonspiel") this weekend for friends and family. What have you done with your winter, huh?

Photo courtesy Zack Sandor-Kerr.

Toronto neighbourhood merch is, apparently, developing into a major trend - from hats to buttons to dog sweaters - but as long as that merchandise stays cute, I'm not complaining. Toronto company Paper Hearts nails it with this brand-new line of super-simple, just-twee-enough tote bags.

The totes, available now on Etsy for $18 each, feature 12 neighbourhoods spanning from Leslieville to Roncesvalles, all rendered in looping black cursive. Don't see your neck of the woods listed? They'll make you up a custom one with your neighbourhood at no extra charge - good news for people like me who never see their neighbourhood on anything. (More Riverdale merchandise 2015.)

Photo via Paper Hearts on Etsy.

It's official -- the recently-announced TTC fare hike will be rolled out next month. The TTC board voted unanimously today to raise fare prices by 10 cents, starting March 1. The move only affects paid-in-advance fares; while tokens will go from $2.70 to $2.80, those paying cash will still only pay $3.

Metropass prices will also increase; monthly passes will rise from $133.75 to $141.50 for adults, discounted adult passes will go from $122.50 to $129.95, and weekly passes will rise from $39.25 to $40.75.

Mayor John Tory has said the hike, part of a $95-million improvement plan, will go toward a number of system improvements, including restoring cut bus service, establishing 10-minute or better bus and streetcar service, add two additional rush hour subway trains, and expand the Blue Night Network, and buy 50 new buses. Though the fare hike required only the approval of the TTC board, Tory's entire plan still has to go through council. In the meantime, you might want to stock up on tokens.

Photo by SteveC123! in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Romantic restaurants in Toronto treat dining duos to a memorable night out, but it need not be synonymous with fine dining. Splash out if you must at pricey restaurants like Canoe or Splendido or work your way through this list of spots many of which feature candlelit dining rooms, luscious menus, good wine lists and top notch service.

Here are my picks for the most romantic restaurants in Toronto.

Woodlot
The cozy dining room is perched in a loft space overlooking the wood burning oven in the heart of the kitchen. Seating is extremely limited, so expect impeccable, doting service, and menus boasting rustic fare treat both meat eaters and vegetarians with equal sensitivity.

Campagnolo
Opportunities for romance abound at this Italian restaurant on Dundas West where the swoon-worthy menu features shareable starters like fresh burrata with roasted grapes, and fresh pastas like spaghetti all'amatriciana, should you want to recreate a Lady and the Tramp moment.

Actinolite
The softly lit restaurant on Ossington and Dupont is renowned for nightly tasting menus that promise a singular experience to share with that someone special. Enjoy a progression of dishes featuring decadent seasonal fare like foie gras with rutabaga and chestnut, or sunchokes with cheddar and mushrooms.

Rendez-Vous
Ethiopian food is a romantic affair at this Danforth restaurant where snuggling together, and feeding each other by hand is encouraged. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will find ample selections on the menu, though the combination platters for two are ideal to order on a date.

Midfield Wine Bar
The dimly lit wine bar on Dundas West beckons diners to experiment with a vast selection of wines by the glass. It's the perfect primer for any romantic evening while small plates and charcuterie give dining duos a shared experience to cherish.

Geraldine
Bistro tables for two dominate the dining room at this dimly lit cocktail lounge in Parkdale enticing couples to take over. The room can get a little loud, so plan to lean in real close while you nibble on seafood towers and assorted small plates with cocktails.

The Beech Tree
The tiny dining room on Kingston Road in the Upper Beaches isn't a fussy place, but it makes for an ideal date destination thanks to its cozy atmosphere, warm attentive service, and menu featuring refined takes on British fare that'll warm your heart.

Glas Wine Bar
The understated, and oft underrated wine bar in Leslieville is a true gem. Place settings are capped nightly, and as a result find the service doting but unrushed. The menu changes frequently, offering seasonal options a la carte, as well as four-course tasting menus with optional wine pairings that won't break the bank.

Branca
Carnivorous couples will find a lot to love at this Argentinian grill house in Little Portugal. Bask in this soft pink glowing room, while dining on flame-licked specialties from the al asador-style barbecue and enticing Latin-inspired cocktails like strong pisco sours.

Bricco
This warm, refined restaurant in The Junction offers up a decidedly Mediterranean menu along with an extensive wine list and gracious hospitality to match. Dine on sumptuous seasonal fare like chestnut gnocchi with braised rabbit ragu, or roasted squash risotto with brown butter, sage and hazelnuts.

Share your favourite romantic restaurant in the comments section.

Photo of Branca by Morris Lum.

A TTC station map erected at Downsview has been taken down by transit staff, after Torontonians somehow noticed what the transit commission's graphics design team, managerial staff, sign printing service, and sign installation staff apparently all did not.

The image, which stood proudly at the station until about 10:30 a.m. Monday morning, depicts Downsview's bus platform as being long, narrow, slightly tapered, and having a rounded tip that's shaded a different colour, for some uncomfortable reason.

The TTC took a firm stance: "Everybody who had seen the sign, it led some to believe it looked like a very phallic-looking symbol and we don't want any of our maps to be misconstrued, so we're in the midst of replacing it," TTC spokesman Brad Ross told the Toronto Sun.

He added that the posting of the map might have been somewhat premature. "There's an approval process for signage and maps and in an effort to expedite things, to get the job done as quickly as possible, the process was not followed in this case," he said.

At any rate, this is a real boner for the TTC.

Photo via Steve Austin on Instagram

Were yesterday's neighbourhood dog sweaters too basic for your discerning pups? Perhaps they'll be enchanted by Pup & Kit, a Toronto based company crafting "mid-century modern pet furniture" including cat caves and luxury beds for cats and dogs with customizable cushions.

Materials used to make these hardcrafted in Toronto, Ikea-shaming furnishings include solid wood, walnut, oak, and maple, the kind of lux stuff I freak out about when I find it half-broken on the side of High Park Ave and want do drag home to my room and which my dog wants to pee on.

Presh stuff for designer pets is nothing new - see Dogfather's rhinestone studded leather collars, Mjolk's ridiculous designer pet products (okay, I kind of want these cherry wood chew toys because they're hilarious), and the doggie mansions at Woofstock each year.

If you're in the market for a designer pet bed or cushion, they range from $115-539, and you can browse stock here. Pup & Kit will be at NYC's Architectural Digest Home Design Show in March as well.

Will you shop at Pup & Kit, or is your pet comfy sleeping in a Doritos promotional basket? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto may be the best city in the world in which to live, but we still have that hilarious New York City aspiration thing going on, as exemplified most commonly by the city's most cultureless bacteria, the condo co's.

Case in point, East 55's branding: they hail "Toronto's Lower East Side" as "the "newest and next" most exciting neighbourhood" on their website. Where is Toronto's Lower East Side? Yup, you have no idea, because it's a stretch pulled taut to sell of boxes in the sky. East Fifty Five will be located in "the area bound by Jarvis, Queen St E, the Gardiner Expressway and the Don River."

Are you a Corktown or King East resident worried about your eminent, corporately generated re-zoning? Does Toronto need more NYC-inspired locales for the constant influx of urban aspirants? Let us know in the comments.

You can book pretty much everything online nowadays - vacation rentals, barbershop appointments, a date with a delicious lunch burrito. But how about finding and reserving a time with a doctor or lawyer? Kabuk is a new Toronto-based startup that hopes to take the ease of online reservation systems and apply them to the medical and legal worlds.

The site lets users search for practitioners in their area, browse through them by area of expertise, read reviews from patients, and easily find gaps in a doctor or lawyer's schedule that will allow them to book an appointment. The site, however, is still in its early stages, with the team still working to build a base of users and medical professionals (the legal side is in beta testing mode). Check out the site at kabukit.com.

A Wrigley-owned gum factory near Eglinton and Leslie is set to close in March 2016, eliminating 400 jobs. In a statement released today, Mars, Wrigley's parent company, said most of the production will shift to a facility in Gainesville, Georgia.

"Despite recent improvements in the gum category and increased productivity in our supply chain network, it has not been enough to offset declines in the gum category over recent years," they wrote. "With 80 percent of the factory's volume being produced for the U.S. marketplace, our long-term needs will be best met by our two facilities in the U.S."

Mars, Wrigley's parent company, says it has no plans to eliminate its Canadian workforce, which currently stands at 1,200 employees.

This newly listed property on Lennox Street, just east of Bathurst and Bloor, is difficult to miss with its weathering western red cedar exterior that evokes the feeling of a Scandinavian chalet. It's a unique property, unlike any other, and perhaps across the city. There are the traditional Victorian semis along Lippincott Street and a handful of renovated modern glass houses a street over, but none that use the combination of wood and and aluminum exterior. You'll either love it or hate it.

Inside is the big reveal. The clever architectural design takes advantage of a small lot size (only 30 x 50 feet), with an integrated carport and small backyard. The carport is particularly distinguished, featuring an intricate laser cut steel design.

The house itself is a modern three bedroom that is anything but square with a pitched roof, soaring ceilings and an impressive staircase nestled into the front living space. Being the designer's own home, there's a high attention to detail with expensive fixtures and a Bulthaup kitchen.

The asking price? 4 Lennox St. is listed for $1,749,000.

SPECS

• Address: 4 Lennox St
• Price: $1,749,000
• Lot Size: 30x50 FT
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 4
• Parking: 1
• Taxes: $4,601.96
• Walk Score: 98

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Detached two-storey with carport
• Some light fixtures included
• Skylights
• Chalkboard wall

GOOD FOR

Neighbourhood amenities. Bloor Street between Bathurst and Spadina has almost everything in walking distance, especially if you like all-you-can-eat sushi and froyo. And while Honest Ed's might not be there too much longer, you can expect significant retail revitalization to the west of Bathurst in the next half decade.

MOVE ON IF

You hate teenagers. Central Tech High School is directly across the street. Expect to see a plethora of fun-loving, pimple-faced adolescents walking past the property. There's always something happening at the school whether it's a big budget movie shoot or a loud student protest.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Worth the asking price? Have your say in the comments.

Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate for sponsoring our House of the Week.

Photo by Michael Mitchener in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto Progress, Toronto's newest theatre festival, is the love-child of SummerWorks Performance Festival and The Theatre Centre, and promises to shake up the city's arts scene by bringing global talents to local audiences. Read our preview here.

The Garrison's free movie nights continue with Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and Beetlejuice. Sexy storytelling slam Tell Me Something Good is celebrating their first anniversary and the launch of their new podcast just in time for Valentine's Day. All you need to do to tell a story at the event is write your name on a slip of paper. Hot. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Performance: Progress (February 4-15)
• Lit: Tell Me Something Good 1 Year Anniversary and Podcast Launch (Gladstone)
• Film: Movie Night at the Garrison (Garrison)
• Art: DEEP .GIF IMMERSION: sidewalkscreening.gif Launch Party (Drake Underground)
• Comics: Pitiful Human-Lizard issue 3 Launch (Silver Snail)
• Food: IBM Watson Cognitive Cooking Poutine Event (Snell Hall, St. James Cathedral)
• Art: Douglas Coupland (MOCCA, ROM)
• Food: La Poutine Week
• Drink: FeBREWary
• Film: The Great Digital Film Festival (Jan 30 - Feb 5, Cineplex Theatres)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Contributions by Sima Sarah Zerehi

Indoor tennis courts in Toronto will help you keep your swing in tip top condition until we're released from the deep freeze. While there are many posh and exclusive members-only clubs to play tennis, those of us with shallow pockets can still enjoy the racquet sport for a much smaller fee - or even for free - at these spaces.

Here are my picks for the top indoor tennis courts in Toronto.

Eglinton Flats Winter Tennis Club
While the Eglinton Flats Winter Tennis Club, on Eglinton West, does cater to its members, for $10 an hour plus court fees, the general public can opt to take a few swings on one of their six courts beneath a light filled bubble.

North York Winter Tennis Club
With three 'bubble' locations in North York at Cassandra Park, Bond Park and on Don Mills Rd, you can get your tennis on as the snow falls. For the public they offer a 'pay as you play' option ranging from $18 to $36 depending how far in advance you book your court and when you wish to play. 

Etobicoke Olympium
While you may not be able to pay as you play here, you can choose to join up for a multi-week program to hone your racquet skills for a decent price. Plus, you can say you've played tennis is the grand Etobicoke Olympium.

Don Montgomery Community Centre
If you're in Scarborough, the Don Montgomery Community Centre, located next to Kennedy Subway station, has plenty of free programs, including tennis for various levels of skills.

L'Amoreaux Tennis Centre
During the winter, Scarborough's L'Amoreaux Tennis is home of the Scarborough Winter Tennis Club, but non-members can still use the courts for $24 an hour during prime time and $18 an hour during non-peak hours.

See also:

The Best Indoor Sports Fields in Toronto
The Best Tennis Clubs in Toronto
The top 10 public tennis courts in toronto

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite (non-members only) places to play tennis in the comments.

Photo by Cameron McLellan in the blogTO Flickr pool.

A Coupe Bizzarre alumna has struck out on her own, settling into a warm Dundas West space festooned with animal-themed accents. Though "fantasy" colours are a specialty, the six stylists (all formerly of Parlour and CB) pride themselves on being able to do anything the customer requests - so you won't feel badgered trying to fit in their strengths and weaknesses. One thing's for sure: These guys know hare.

Read my profile of Jackrabbit Salon in the fashion section.

This supermarket in Scarborough specializes in Middle Eastern delicacies. Of course, every daily essential is in stock, though the most unique offerings range from nuts, olives, and unripened cheeses to pita baked on-site, freshly shaved shawarma, and an impressive assortment of baklava.

Read my profile of Adonis in the grocery section.

Live comedy in Toronto can be found every day of the week. Below is a list of regular weekly events where you can find stand-up, sketch and improv. Safe bets are highlighted for each day. There are the usual spots like Comedy Bar, Yuk Yuk's, and Second City, but there are stages all across the city that make it easy to find some funny no matter where you are.

From the Danforth to the Junction, Mimico to Midtown, north of Bloor, east of Yonge, or either side of the Don River, get yourself some of the best medicine and have a good laugh. The good folks at Comedy Uncovered have an exhaustive list of these and other bi-weekly and monthly events on their website.

These are my picks for the top comedy nights in Toronto by day of the week.

Monday

Dawn Patrol / Comedy Bar (Cabaret) 945b Bloor St. West
Host Dawn Whitwell brings together a great mix of emerging talent and stand-up veterans for her weekly showcase.

Also on Mondays

• Cameron House Comedy at The Cameron House 408 Queen St. West
• Open Mic Comedy at The Central 603 Markham St.
• Imperial Comedy Show at the Imperial Pub 54 Dundas St. East
• Open Mic at Oss at The Ossington 61 Ossington Ave.
• Russel Roy's Cheap Laughs at P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant 39 Colborne St.
• ALTdot COMedy Lounge at The Rivoli 334 Queen St. West
• Pancake Mondays (featuring all you can eat pancakes!) at Smiling Buddha 961 College St.
• The Best of The Second City at Second City 51 Mercer St.
• 200% Vodka at The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth Ave.

Tuesday

Cagematch / Comedy Bar (Mainstage) 945b Bloor St. West
Anybody quick-of-wit and smart-of-whip is welcome to put their name in a lottery where, if drawn-of-name they will be selected to test their skills against veteran improvisers. The winning team gets invited to defend their title the following week.

Also on Tuesdays

• King of the Hill Comedy Contest (8p to 10p) and A Laugh A Minute (10p to 12a) at 120 Diner 120 Church St.
• Flat Tire Comedy at Amsterdam Bicycle Club 54 The Esplanade
• Open Mic at Absolute Comedy 2335 Yonge St.
• Academy Tuesday at Bad Dog Theatre Company 875 Bloor St. West
• PrOpen Mic at Comedy Bar (Cabaret) 945b Bloor St. West
• Student Bodies at The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth Ave.
• The Skin of My Nuts at Sonic Espresso Bar 60 Cecil St.
• New Talent Tuesdays at Yuk Yuk's 224 Richmond St. West

Wednesday

Dope N' Mic Comedy with Jeff Paul / Underground Comedy Club 668 Queen St. East
Laughter is literally in the air as Jeff Paul hosts some of the city's very best stand-ups every Wednesday. The atmosphere at this east-end hang-out is very friendly.

Also on Wednesdays

• Pro-Am Night at Absolute Comedy 2335 Yonge St.
• Midweek Micetro at Bad Dog Theatre Company 875 Bloor St. West
• Corktown Comedy at Betty's 240 King St. East
• Siren's Comedy at Celt's Pub 2872 Dundas St. West
• The Comedy Cavern (until April 29, 2015) at The Cavern Bar 76 Church St.
• The Comedy Coalition at Coalition: T.O 349A College St.
• Troubadour at Comedy Bar (Mainstage) 945b Bloor St. West
• Chuckle Co. at Comedy Bar (cabaret) 945b Bloor St. West
• I Heart Jokes Uptown at Fox and the Fiddle 1285 Finch Ave.
• Open Mic Comedy at Spirits Bar and Grill 642 Church St.
• Weedy Wednesdays at Vapor Central 667 Yonge St.

Thursday

Stoned Up Comedy / Hot Box Puff Lounge 204 Augusta Ave.
Laughter is literally in the air as Amanda Day presents a weekly stand-up showcase. The atmosphere in this Kensington hang-out is very friendly. Someone's catching the drift out there, right?

Also on Thursdays

• The Danny Show at 120 Diner 120 Church St.
• Saffron & Gold Comedy at Christie Pits Pub 814 Bloor St. West
• Laugh Sabbath at Comedy Bar (cabaret) 945b Bloor St. West
• Giggles at the Groove at The Groove Bar and Grill 1952 Danforth Ave.
• Kitch Komedy at Kitch 229 Geary Ave.

Friday

Catch 23 / Comedy Bar (MainStage) 945b Bloor St. West
Known as a no-holds-barred, free-for-all, take-no-prisoners, action-movie-cliché improv-battle-royale, Catch 23 features a rotating cast of Toronto's best sketch and improv comics at their best (and worst).

Also on Fridays

• Comedy Kapow! at 120 Diner 120 Church St.
• TGIF Comedy at Lola 40 Kensington Ave.
• Improv Game Show at The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth Ave.

Saturday

Comedy at The Red Rocket / Red Rocket Coffee 1364 Danforth Ave.
Hosted by Joel West, Comedy at The Red Rocket features a new line-up each week and there's no cover.

Also on Saturdays

• Midnight Breakout at Comedy Bar 945b Bloor St. West
• Pizzaiolol at 289 Dundas St. West

Sunday

Sunday Night Live with The Sketchersons / Comedy Bar (Mainstage) 945b Bloor St. West
Veteran sketch troupe, The Sketchersons produce Sunday Night Live at Comedy Bar. Modeled closely after its network TV inspiration, S(unday)NL features live music, a news-desk segment, and fresh sketches every week.

Also on Sundays

• Crimson Wave Comedy at Comedy Bar (Cabaret) 945b Bloor St. West
• Mad Laughs and a Song at The Madison Avenue Pub 16 Madison Avenue
• Real Jokes at Placebo Space 2877 Lake Shore Blvd. West
• The Playground at The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth Ave.
• Stoner Sundays at Vapor Central 667 Yonge St.
• Comedy at The Well 121 Ossington Ave.

What did I miss? Add your picks for Toronto comedy nights in the comments.

Photo by Jesse Milns at Bad Dog Comedy