St. Patrick's Day in Toronto usually arrives with mixed feelings. It's either one of your favourite days of the year because you get to gear up in wacky green attire and drink to excess as virtually every bar in the city does something festive to toast the Emerald Isle, or it's one of the few days you don't hit the pub because your favourite, quiet watering hole is suddenly filled with green-beer sloshing amateurs.

Whatever your personal feelings might be, this list of some of the best spots to partake in St. Paddy's day revelry might serve as either your guide to getting your Irish on, or a list of places to avoid on Tuesday March 17th.

You might also want to check out these other handy resources for all your drinking needs.

• The Best Irish Pubs in Toronto
• The Best Pubs in Toronto
• The Best Beer Selection in Toronto
• The 10 bars with the most beer taps in Toronto
• The top 10 cheap craft beer deals in Toronto
• The top 10 bars with gluten free beer in Toronto

TOP SPOTS AND EVENTS

Steam Whistle Brewery
Steam Whistle's claim that they do one thing really well is of course a reference to their beer, but the same might be said for their parties. Count on traditional Irish entertainment, people dressed up, and copious amounts of beer on Saturday March 14th. $20, doors open at 1pm, they'll provide the leprechaun boot to drink from.

Ceili Cottage
As is previous years, Ceili cottage has a full week of events leading up to St. Patrick's day, including live music performances and a DJ on Saturday the 14th for "St. Practice Day," an early opening on Sunday for those taking in the parade, and a four-course Irish Whiskey Dinner in their Yurt on March 16th. On the big day, they'll open at 11am with live music and Irish dancing throughout the day. More details on their facebook page.

An Sibin
In what seems like a good way to test your stomach's mettle, Friday at Au Sibin is "Black Friday" with $6 Guinness and $3 Jägermeister shots. Presumably, if you don't have too much of a "Hangover Saturday" as a result, you can head back to Au Sibin for live music all weekend, 32oz pitchers of Harp for $9.50 on Sunday, Irish Fry and Wings night Monday, and "Two floors of Madness!" on Tuesday the 17th including a live celtic jam session and $3.45 shots of Jameson.

PJ O'Brien
On Friday and Saturday night, PJ O'Brien's will feature music from Mike O'Grady, then on Sunday the bar opens at 11am and live music kicks off at 3pm with Mike O'Grady. On St Patrick's day, there's live music starting at 2pm with Red Line Band and then from 6pm onwards it's (can you take a guess?) Mike O'Grady. There will also be Irish dancers on Sunday and Monday (no word on whether or not Mike O'Grady will also be dancing).

Stout Irish Pub
Stout is promising "Malarkey & Shenanigans" on both Saturday March 14th for St. Practice Day and on the day itself Tuesday. There will be $5 Jameson shots and $16 3oz rum cocktails--presumably to provide shenanigans--and Lucky Charm Lager, the requisite green beer--i.e. the malarkey. Open 8pm to 1m with live music and no cover, skip the gimmicky drinks and enjoy a thoroughly decent draught lineup of craft beer.

Allen's and Dora Keogh
Popular adjacent sister bars on the Danforth, both Allen's and Dora will be busy on St. Paddy's Day with live music provided by Deb Quigley and Patrick Ourceau at Allen's and Julian Taylor and The Gurriers at Dora. Dora will also have a full lineup of live music every night starting on March 11th with events planned for after the parade and a noon opening on the 17th. More details here.

Mill Street's Brew Pub's St. Patrick's Day Brewmaster's Dinner
Join Joel Manning and the folks at Mill Street Brew pub on Tuesday March 17th for a five-course meal paired with unique beers, live music, and a ceremonial cask-tapper who will be chosen from a contest they're running on social media. It could be you! I see you baby, tappin' that cask. Sorry. Tickets are $59.99

Mill Street Beer Hall
If you can't wait until nightfall to drink Mill Street beers, you might also take in lunch next door at their Beer Hall. They'll be hosting a two-course lunch served with Cobblestone Stout, putting up live music, and running contests all day. Plus the first 100 Guests Will Receive a Cobblestone Stout Gift Pack, so if you love carrying shit around while your day drunk turns to night, show up early! Details here

The Galway Arms
Do you plan on drinking in Etobicoke for St. Patrick's Day? Then you should go to The Galway Arms. Freshest pint o' Guinness this side of Ford-Nation, methinks. Get there early and leave your Escalade at home, please.

The Irish Embassy
There will be a full line-up of Irish musicians, including The Red Line and Andrew Fetterley, Rick Bauer and Friends, and The Wheelhouse Band all weekend long and on Tuesday evening at The Irish Embassy. There will also be Irish Dancers from the Doyle Academy. There's no cover so you can probably expect the place to be rammed most of the weekend and in particular on Sunday before, after and during the St. Patrick's day parade.

The Roy
Currently celebrating their six year anniversary all week, The Roy is already offering up $6 pints of Guinness and $3 shots of Jameson from March 9th - 16th. They'll roll the festivities into St. Patrick's Day when Leslieville's Local will feature live music from The Better Half from 4pm-9pm.

St. Patrick's Day at Amsterdam Brewhouse
On Saturday, Amsterdam Brewhouse will open their doors from 11am-2am for live music, DJs, pancake breakfasts and, naturally, fresh beer. For the ballers among you, there's also the option to reserve $550.00 VIP seating overlooking the dance floor, which includes bypassing the line, two take-home growlers and a "bag of swag."

SPD
The party so cool they acronymized it, SPD's organizers boasted 4,000 attendees at last year's iteration and are hoping to surpass that this year when they dump green dye in their beer Saturday at Sound Academy to prepare for four live bands, six DJs, two outdoor parios, celtic dancers, and, naturally, VIP booths.

I'rish you were here
Going down at The Smiling Buddha on Tuesday, I'rish you were here seems like an awesome remedy to the usual St. Patrick's Day gong show. The event will feature Lucky Bingo, Human Snakes and Ladders, Beer Tasting (obviously), a Trivia Scavenger Hunt, and an Irish Jig Dance off.

St. Patrick's Day Loft Party at 99 Sudbury
If getting drunk with 1,000 people to the beats of electronic music sounds like your ideal St. Patrick's Day party, this is the spot for you. Don't expect quality Guinness to make an appearance.

McVeigh's
A popular choice for an authentic St. Patrick's day experience, expect McVeigh's to be busy all day long with libe music from 1pm to closing.

Brazen Head, The Foggy Dew, Murphy's Law, The Pour House, Pogue Mahone and Watermark
Some people live for Christmas, but I'm willing to bet that the folks that own FAB concepts and the various Irish pubs under their corporate umbrella, St. Patrick's Day is the time of year that really gets their bells jingling. All of the pubs' websites feature countdown clocks year-round so you can assume that all their locations will be a safe bet for raucous, vaguely-Irish overindulging on Tuesday and probably most of the weekend, too.

And just to make sure you're wearing green, all of the FAB Concepts owned Irish pubs are offering a $15 St. Paddy's Day t-shirt that allows you to bypass the line at any of their locations. Bonus: some proceeds from every t-shirt sale goes toward Second Harvest. You're drinking for a cause!

FOR THE ANTI-ST PATRICK'S SET

Buck-a-shuck oysters at Bar Hop
Since St. Patrick's day happens to fall on a Tuesday this year, I'll be hiding from the green-clad unwashed at this King Street craft beer institution where oysters a just a dollar on Tuesdays. And you won't find any green in your damn beer.

Photo of Steam Whistle's 2014 St. Paddy's bash by Zach Slootsky

Photo by Uncle Drew in the blogTO Flickr pool

This design store took over the former home of Black Pug DMK in Parkdale, bringing a truly eclectic mix of vintage and antique curiosities, upcycled furniture, modern design items, and contributions from local artists. It's a little haphazard on the inside - but that just makes you love all those great pieces even more.

Read my profile of Wind Grove Interiors in the design section.

Large wedding venues in Toronto will cater to your event, no matter what your definition of a 'large' wedding is - just cracking 100 or upwards of 1,000. There are so many options in Toronto that you're definitely going to find something that works for your style and budget.

Here are my picks for the top venues for a large wedding in Toronto.

Berkeley Church and Berkeley Fieldhouse
Rent either the Church or Fieldhouse, or both together for extra space. The Church space features 17-foot stained glass windows and hardwood floors with a mezzanine and main floor, while the Fieldhouse features French glass doors and high ceilings in the main space, plus a wooden deck and patio area. Renters can bring their own alcohol while Berkeley Catering provides food services. Expect to pay around $135 and up per person. Rentals range from $1,800 to $3,800 for the Berkeley Church and $800 to $3,800 for the Fieldhouse, depending on the day and season.

Steam Whistle Brewery
The popular brewery features beautiful cityscape views and a rustic interior with plenty of exposed brick and wood beams. A variety of spaces can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 250 seated, or up to 500 for a standing reception. Rental costs vary based on the season and day of week - prices range from $1,150 to $5,000. Catering is selected from an approved list of vendors, while Steam Whistle operates the bar - obviously, your beer of choice for the evening is Steam Whistle.

Graydon Manor Hall
The manor's sprawling gardens could play host to your ceremony, while the estate itself is perfect for an evening affair. The home features ornate moldings, bay windows, and wood-burning fireplaces. Rental fees ($1,000 to $6,000 depending on the time, date, and season requested) include use of the dining room, library, conservatory, bridal suite, groom's room, gardens, and courtyard. There is a minimum spend of $20,000 to $25,000 depending on your event date, and a 20% service charge for event staff and labour.

Palais Royale
This beautiful venue, open for 86 years, underwent a restoration in 2005. The current space features a plush interior with contemporary art deco furnishings, an original stone fireplace, hardwood dance floor, and a 30-foot vaulted ceiling. The Palais Royale rests directly by the water with a 2-tiered deck patio reaching out to the waterfront. The ballroom can host 350 people for a seated dinner or up to 800 for cocktails. They have an extensive list of preferred suppliers for every service your event might need. Rental fees range from $1,000 to $4,500, while prices per person are $100+ with packages available.

Edward Day Gallery and MOCCA Courtyard
The combo of indoor and outdoor space makes this gallery an attractive option. Another perk: The option to work with the caterer of your choice. With 125 to 150 capacity for seated meals and 300 for a cocktail reception, consider this venue if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary feel. Rental rates range from $2,500-$4,500 for the indoor gallery space and an additional $300-$500 for the outdoor space. Rental rates include one staff member for up to 100 guests; additional staff is available for $45 per hour.

2nd Floor
This 3,000 square foot space on King West is open-concept with an industrial feel including exposed brick walls, large windows, and a 36-foot bar. The team can accomodate up to 180 people for a seated dinner or 215 for a cocktail party. Rental fees range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the day of week, and include tables, chairs, loungers, and candles. A/V equipment is also included in the rental fee and the space has a coordinator who can help to further organize your event, including providing their list of preferred suppliers.

The Carlu
Elegant and glamorous events are the best fit for this lavish '30s-inspired space. The art deco feeling is carried throughout the historic site, located on the 7th floor of the College Park building. Renovations undergone in the early 2000s restored the space to its former brilliance, but added modern amenities and details. Rentals range from $1,100 to $5,500 depending on the room, or $15,000 for the full floor. There is a list of preferred suppliers that those hosting events must choose from.

Evergreen Brickworks
This dynamic event space can host anywhere from 70 to 2,000 guests. Evergreen strives to mix nature with an urban setting, so it encourages sustainable practices in hosting any events. Their approved suppliers are in keeping with its sustainable goals, and will help couples make eco-friendly choices. A major bonus is the 300 parking spots available for events. Rental fees vary but can reach up to $4,000 and are not inclusive of anything. A permit will need to be purchased if you intend on serving alcohol.

Sunnyside Pavilion
This seasonal space provides an attractive waterside option. Sunnyside has long been a destination for sunbathing and relaxation, and the distinctly Mediterranean feel of the open-aired areas create an exceptional ceremony or reception space. There's room for 250 to 500 individuals for a dinner; catering can be provided by the venue or an outside vendor. The rental fee is $2,500 for the courtyard or terrace, which does not include anything. Expect packages for guests to start around $100 per person.

The Burroughes Building
This newer event space was originally built as a department store in 1907. The venue has been renovated to carefully preserve its character; exposed brick, wood details, and chandeliers help to create a stylish and urban feel. The 3rd floor (350-guest capacity), 6th floor (450 guests), and rooftop (100 guests) include incredible views of the city. Seated capacity depends on the configuration of the space. Rental fees range from $3,800 to $4,900 for the raw space, and guests are welcome to bring in their own vendors, along with purchasing their own alcohol and permit.

Design Exchange
Originally built in 1937 as the home of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Design Exchange now plays host to incredible exhibitions and a variety of events each year. Highlights of the space include wood finishes, marble details, incredibly high ceilings, and eight murals by artist Charles Comfort. The setting is perfect for parties of 150 to 250, and the rental fee of $3,600 includes chairs, tables, linens, lighting, the sound system, signage, cleaning, security, and some staff. There is a preferred list of caterers and a suggested list for other services.

Hart House
Since its opening in 1919 this unique space in the heart of the University of Toronto campus has played host to numerous events. The grey stone walls, ivy-covered outdoor space, vaulted ceilings, and Gothic arches lend an old world feel. The quad and Great Hall hold up to 250 guests with a dance floor and a nondenominational chapel is available to couples. The rental fee is approximately $3,000 and catering is provided in-house with meals beginning at $50 per person.

99 Sudbury
If you enjoy contemporary, minimalist spaces that work as a blank canvas you should consider this venue, as there are a variety of options available. The Glass Factory, The Lounge, and 99 Gallery can accommodate from 25 to 300 guests for seated dinners and 250 to 800 guests for cocktail receptions. Each space has a loft-like vibe with plenty of wood and exposed brick. Rental rates range from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the date selected as well as the space utilized.

Arcadian Court
Since the opening in 1929, this venue has hosted Toronto's first auto show, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's first radio broadcast, and Sotheby's first auction outside of Britain. The Court's most beautiful qualities are the grand arches and beautiful chandeliers. The space can accommodate up to 520 for a seated event or 1,200 for a standing reception. There is a rental fee that ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 and a minimum spend for food and beverage that ranges from $6,000 to $25,000. Rental fees include service staff, standard linens, tables and chairs, standard flatware and glassware, candles, and table numbers.

Andrew Richard Designs
The Atrium and The Loft are available for events in this blank-canvas space that allow couples to feature their own aesthetic. The venue offers services such as catering, bar services, staffing, rentals, décor, florals, lighting, production, A/V elements, and entertainment. Venue staff assists in event coordination and help to select the best fit for your event from their preferred vendors list. Rental fees begin at $3,500 and depend on the spaces selected, all other fees are above and beyond.

Eglinton Grand
Ever wanted to see your name lit up on a marquee? Formerly The Eglinton Theatre, the historic landmark has been restored to its original 1936 form. The venue can host dinner from 50 to 550 and receptions for up to 1000. Venue rental includes catering staff and bartenders, tables, banquet chairs, china, cutlery, glassware, linens, and napkins, with packages provided to potential clients. Fees range from $1,250 to $4,500 depending on the day of the week. If your event exceeds 175 guests the rental fee is waived.

Artscape Wychwood Barns
With a long and narrow event space, Wychwood Barns offers the opportunity for a unique event layout. The venue features concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and 22-foot ceilings and windows that provide plenty of natural light. You can supply your own liquor, but must select from a list of approved caterers. Rental fees range from $3,000-$3,500; furniture is available to be rented.

The Fermenting Cellar
In the heart of the Distillery District lies this rustic space that is often transformed for the most chic and sophisticated events. The raw space lets you work with any theme you like all while hosting up to 300 people for a seated dinner or 600 for a stand-up reception. Rental fees range from $4,000-$8,000 for the space alone. When hosting a full event, minimums range from $8,000 to $22,000. You can avoid the room rental fee, staffing charges and 15% Landmark Commission Fee by selecting in-house catering.

The ROM
The ROM is an exceptional part of Toronto's cultural landscape and hosts everything from small events to gala receptions regularly. The original stonework heritage building lives side-by-side with the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, and events can be held in both. The original museum's high vaulted ceilings, soaring windows, and detailed stonework offer a more traditional space, while the crystal has a more modern feel. Rental fees can range from $500 to $12,000, and fees per person can begin around $100.

AGO
With a variety of spaces available for events, the AGO is an excellent choice for any admirer of the arts and lover of a luxurious event. Couples can celebrate in Walker Court, Galleria Italia, Sculpture Atrium, FRANK Restaurant or Baillie Court while enjoying a meal prepared by their executive chef or special events chef. Capacities for seated dinners range from 70 to 300, with reception capacities ranging from 130 to 450. Rental fees range from $1,500 to $5,500 and include furniture rental, while minimum spends vary from $3,000 to $30,000. The cost per person is usually around $250.

Casa Loma
Searching for an old castle in Ontario? This is likely the closest you'll get. The landmark Gothic Revival house was originally constructed between 1911 and 1914 and features 60-foot oak beamed ceilings, bay windows, wood paneling, and hand-crafted ceilings. In addition to these architectural marvels there are marble details and plenty of greenery on the premises. Rental fees are around $3,500 while the price per person tends to begin around $150 and increase based on personalized details.

Toronto Botanical Gardens
There are two primary event halls at the recently renovated Toronto Botanical Gardens - the Floral Hall or the Garden Hall. Both spaces include stunning views of seasonal flowers and provide an excellent space for wedding photos. Rentals range from $1,200 to $1,300 for the Garden Hall and from $2,100 to $3,100 for the Floral Hall, with free parking available. There are 12 preferred caterers for the venue and there is a corkage fee applied for alcohol brought into the space.

Storys Building
Located on Duncan St., this 170-year-old classic brick-and-beam building is a relatively new entry on the Toronto venue scene, having opened to the public in October 2011. It boasts over 14,000 square feet of event space over several floors, with each allowing for 150 seated guests or 225 for a stand-up reception. The on-site chef works with clients to plan imaginative and innovative dishes and the bar is handled on-site. Rentals for weekends are $5,000 per floor and include set-up, labour, security, cleaning, furniture, and all other operating costs. The average cost per person for food and open bar ranges between $125-$150 plus tax and service fee.

The Great Hall
The Great Hall is an important and vibrant piece of the music and arts community in Toronto. The space was built in 1880 and has been restored to its former Victorian glory. The Main Hall includes a balcony, curved glass, wrought iron railings, and 40-foot ceilings. Capacity is 250 for seated guests and 500 for a cocktail reception. The cost is approximately $1,000 to $3,500 per day.

Malaparte
This modern, chic space, located in the TIFF Bell Lightbox, is an upscale and stylish wedding spot, with breathtaking views of the city and an ornate and sloped ceiling. Accommodation is available for up to 150 seated or 200 for a cocktail reception. The rental fee starts at $2,000 and is based on date and time of year; the fee includes staff, white linens, tables and chairs, flatware and glassware, printed menus, candles, and table numbers. Catering is provided on-site with menus beginning at $60 per person. Beverage charges are based on consumption.

Neubacher Shor Contemporary
Placed in the centre of Parkdale down a quiet alley, this gallery, once a warehouse, has retained its original character and includes exposed brick, wood-beamed ceilings, and concrete floors. Art curated by the owners can be left up for your event, or you are welcome to showcase your own pieces for a fee. The space holds 150 for a seated affair or 250 for a cocktail reception. The preferred caterer is Eatertainment but couples can explore outside catering, and alcohol can be brought in. Rental fees are $2,000 Sunday to Wednesday or $2,500 Thursday through Saturday.

Todmorden Mills
This Toronto heritage site is set in 15 hectares of green space in the Don Valley and the grounds contain several historic homes in which events can be held, including the Brewery Gallery, the Papermill Theatre, and the Papermill Event and Museum Gallery. Each space is simple with minimal décor and an industrial feel. Rates range from $125 to $250 per hour with a three-hour minimum required. The only downside is the lack of a full kitchen.

National Ballet School
There are several spaces owned by the National Ballet School available to the public for renting; however, Currie Hall is the most conducive to a wedding. It can accommodate up to 130 seated guests or 220 for a cocktail reception. The space includes a wood dance floor, high ceilings, large windows, dark wood trim, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Catering services are provided from a list of preferred partners, and a special occasion permit must be obtained. The rental fee is approximately $3,000 with additional time available at $250/hour - a great bonus if you want to party a bit later into the night.

Sunnybrook Estates
The Sunnybrook Hospital property has four spaces available for events, all of which donate their profits to the hospital. Spaces include hardwood floors and well-maintained rooms with simple but elegant décor. Capacity ranges from 40 to 160 for seated events or 60 to 200 for standing receptions. Rental fees ($450 to $3,000) cover room set-up, tables and chairs, linens, tableware and candlesticks, as well as servers and bartenders. All rooms include a minimum revenue requirement for food and beverage; average cost is about $165 per person including the taxes and service charges.

Gardiner Museum
Located at Bloor and University, this minimalist space features floor-to-ceiling windows and a contemporary design. The Terrace Room includes stunning views of Queen's Park and the Royal Ontario Museum, and couples can also rent the lobby designed to include black-glass countertops and limestone floors. Catering is exclusively provided by à la Carte Kitchen Inc. or Jamie Kennedy Event Catering. Both vendors also handle inquiries for availability, rates, planning, and site visits. Rental fees for the space range from $1,500 to $1,800.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for large wedding venues in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via the Berkerley Church.

Warehouse sales in Toronto are a prime time to get your hands on last season's clearouts. If it didn't sell over the holidays, and it didn't sell in the retail doldrums of January and February, you can bet that that hot fall/winter item will be available this spring on major markdown.

If your thirst for bargains extends beyond this list, take note: Elte, Ginger's, Casalife and Stylegarage usually host blowout warehouse sales in the spring but details are still scarce on the 2015 editions - keep your eyes peeled.

Here are my picks for the top warehouse sales in Toronto for spring 2015.

North Face
Grab a parka and put it on ice for next winter at the North Face sample sale. From now until March 16 at 932 St. Clair Ave. West, find outerwear, sportswear, footwear, and backpacks for men, women and kids.

Frank & Oak
The Montreal menswear retailer graced us with its presence with a gorgeous, gleaming Queen St. store last fall, and now they're spreading the love even further with a clearance event. From March 18-22, they'll be offloading stock at up to 70% off at 21 Booth Ave.

Nordstrom
The U.S. upscale department store has been slowly rolling out stores in Canada, throwing the door open for a huge overstock sale. From April 2 to 6, you'll be able to shop some ultra-high-end lines like Alexander Wang, Akris Punto, Missoni and Herve Leger for between 60 and 80% off at Mississauga's International Centre.

Drake General Store
The Drake's quarterly sale is back April 10-12 at their warehouse at 201 Geary Ave. In addition to cute spring/summer clothing from their house line and boutique designers, they'll also have tons of houseware and gifts, plus some furniture and antiques.

William Ashley
Need some kitchen stuff or decorations to spruce up your new apartment? This china purveyor's warehouse sale will be returning to 111 Creditview Rd. in Vaughan from April 23-26 - but, lest you think it's all going to be a sea of Royal Doulton, past sales have also included kitchenware, furniture, and even Christmas decorations.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for the top spring warehouse sales in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via the Drake General Store

It's been said many times and in many places that Toronto has a great music scene. Instrumental to that vitality is people's willingness to open and operate live music venues - with or without bureaucratic approval. When bars and concert halls won't do on account of red tape, a strict 19+ door policy, or high rental fees, creatives respond by starting their own makeshift performance spaces.

These places often serve more than one function, doubling as a home or business in addition to community hub. At their best, these DIY venues are incubators for new talent, sounds, and ideas. They also (sometimes inadvertently) demonstrate a larger tension between creativity and public policy, often operating on the periphery of the law during their short lives, before being stamped out to make way for new businesses or condos.

Toronto's rich history of DIY venues is a long and complicated one, and the spaces featured on this list are only a handful, but they're definitely among the best.

Here are the 15 Toronto DIY venues we miss the most. R.I.P.

Lionheart
As recently recounted by The Music Gallery's David Dacks, the Lionheart was a club started out of necessity - partially to showcase Toronto's great reggae talent, and so that DB Hawkes could broadcast live reggae performances on his CIUT radio show without actually having to fit those bands in the studio. The club was quickly shut down, but the impression Hawkes made across Canada was a lasting one.

MBC
Before going on to open the highly influential and successful BamBoo, Richard O'Brien and Patti Habib (both CBC staffers at the time) ran the MBC Boozecan in a third-floor loft space at Liberty and Jefferson. The after-hours club booked local bands and international reggae acts and remained open for two years, until 1982. The profits from this boozecan helped to bankroll O'Brien and Habib's investment over at Queen and Peter later that year.

Skramden Yards
Skramden falls under the "punk house" category of DIY venues (see also: Thigh High Clubhouse, Fun Haus, and House of Dogs), which is as simple a venue as you're likely to find, save for the great outdoors. Throw a show in your living room! Or, in this case, your kitchen. During its two year lifetime, Skramden Yards was host to a number of bands from all over, and showcased a great amount of Southern Ontario's best post-hardcore talents, including Animal Faces, Foxmoulder, Mighty Atom, and Pretty Mouth.

Earthship
Before they started Halo Halo Village, Jeff Garcia (aka Mangopeeler) and Jan Avendano ran Earthship along with Andrew Zuckerman. The venue, which was located in a coach house near Davenport and Dufferin, featured performances from the likes of Pon De Replay, Stan Krzyzanowski, and Eric Cheneaux. Garcia's original Halo Halo studio's proximity meant there was a heavy visual art side to the space: the interior often looked as though Garcia's and other collaborators' works had spilled inside.

Polyhaus
Like the Jam Factory today, or the Dickens Street Theatre before it, Polyhaus was the home to the long-running concert series Feast In the East. Opened in Leslieville in 2011 as the neighbourhood began to really shift, the loft space functioned as a venue, office, recording studio, and photo studio before shutting down in 2013.

961a College
Since new management has taken over, The Smiling Buddha has transformed from one of Toronto's more lovably sketchy venues to a booming home for the city's rising talent. The apartment above was quite active as a venue in its own right, but shut down once the new owners moved in. 961a's memory still lives on in the archives of photographer YOSH.

23 Hop
Established in the early '90s inside an abandoned warehouse near Richmond and John, 23 Hop anticipated what would become the city's club district. It served youth interested in house music when no other space in the city was offering it. Events were originally all-ages, but in time more police awareness meant they had to stay 19+. Even then, it wasn't 100% legit: a well-placed bar inside a freight elevator kept the club running without any liquor licensing.

!059 / 1059 Bathurst
This house turned venue acted as a stage for many great acts including Sean Nicholas Savage, Army Girls, Light Fires, Maylee Todd, Laura Barrett, and Beliefs in addition to a number of comedy sets, lectures and anti CMW/NXNE parties. You name it and it happened in this "dream" house.

New Works Studios
This Chinatown venue was run by avant garde musician and turntablist Mike Hansen, who used it as his recording and practice studio in addition to booking performances. Most of the acts that walked through those doors skewed toward the avant and electroacoustic worlds, styles are not often represented at the majority of music halls in the city.

Crash 'N Burn
The stuff of legend. While the Horseshoe was where "The Last Pogo" took place, Crash 'N Burn, a punk club run by the Diodes in the late 70s, was the alpha to that omega. Located at 15 Duncan, the club doubled as the Diodes' rehearsal space, and site of where they recorded the Raw/War 7'' (the first and also rarest punk record to come out of Toronto) along with members of the Centre For Experimental Art and Communication and The Curse.

Jamie's Area
Before Daniel Vila and Jon McCurley opened Double Double Land, Vila ran Jamie's Area with Bonny Poon in 2009. The short-lived venue, named after the puppeteer who lived in the back, was located at 193 Augusta, and had some rather ambitious aims. In addition to musical performances, the space was host to a Food Series and aspired to become a direct facsimile of a Starbucks in order to push a few buttons in the neighbourhood.

Who's Emma
First located at 66 ½ Nassau (now The Grilled Cheese), before moving to 69 ½ Nassau (now Paul's Boutique) Who's Emma was an anarchist book and music store that hosted shows in its basement. Though Kensington has been home to a number of other punk venues over the years including Adrift and Bunchoffuckinggoofs' Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Who's Emma best epitomizes the strong ties between Toronto punk and the market. It was the subject of a documentary in 2010 called Remember Who's Emma.

Siesta Nouveaux
If you're curious about the state of punk in the city and why it is where it is, look no further than Siesta Nouveaux. Whether its proximity to an alternative high school is what brought kids out in droves, or the music itself, Siesta regularly held all ages shows. Siesta didn't cater solely to the punk crowd, but the punks' patronage and advocacy around fighting the inevitable condo development that would rise in its place is part of why it's remembered as such a vital space today.

Buzz Garage
Before they were releasing Polaris-nominated records, Denholm and Jude of Buzz Records (and members of Odonis Odonis and HSY, respectively), ran a DIY venue in a garage on the outskirts of Kensington Market. Bands like Anagram, Greys, Violent Future, and Dilly Dally all played to packed crowds in the garage, laying the groundwork for an incredible scene and one hell of a label.

Academy of Sciences
Along with the House of Everlasting Superjoy, Somewhere There, and Placebo Space, the Academy of Sciences was a venue that popped up in the late '00s along Sterling Road. Run by none other than Bo from Das Rad, an incredible amount of excellent bands passed through its doors before it closed in 2012, including John Milner Yr So Boss, DD/MM/YYYY, Metz, Spiral Beach, and Hut. While the street has since quieted, it's impossible to deny influence of Sterling Road on the shape of the Toronto DIY scene today.

What did we miss? Eulogize your favourite DIY venues of long ago/last week in the comments.

See also:The top 15 lost music venues in Toronto

Writing by Michael Rancic. Polyhaus photo by Jimmy Lu, Buzz Garage photo by Jenny Bundock.

The best dance classes in Toronto will give you a chance to try styles from hip-hop and house to ballet and ballroom. Some will have you mingling with the stars of Toronto's urban dance scene or National Ballet ballerinas, while others offer you free salsa alongside your Sunday brunch. All have drop-in classes, so you can try new styles without a big commitment.

Here are the best dance classes in Toronto.

The Underground Dance Centre
So You Think You Can Dance alumni and dancers on tour with major artists are frequent guest instructors at this Richmond Street studio. A full schedule of drop-in classes in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop runs every day until 11pm for your dancing convenience.

Rightfoot Studio
Primarily a hip-hop and urban style studio, Rightfoot gets dancers and choreographers from crews in Toronto and beyond to host workshops every week. Learn to break dance, krump, and pop at this downtown studio right next to Ryerson University.

City Dance Corps
Tucked away upstairs at Queen and Spadina, City Dance Corps offers classes in tons of different styles including ballet, hip-hop and lyrical, at all levels. Its 2-week unlimited intro package is an ideal way to try something new, or get back into the dancing groove.

Dovercourt House
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! Dovercourt House plays host to a number of local swing, hula-hoop, and salsa groups. The dance event every Friday held by The Move is one of Toronto's most freeing and fun dance experiences.

OIP
A longtime fixture of Toronto's dance world, OIP offers classes in hip-hop, jazz and contemporary, with incredible local choreographers. Located at Richmond and Jarvis, it runs a full roster of drop-in classes each week and is always open to beginners.

Metro Movement
This Danforth studio is especially well known for its excellent drop-in jazz and contemporary classes. Jazz in heels for your inner Beyonce, theatre jazz if you're a Broadway baby, and jazz funk if Bruno Mars is your inspiration - Metro Movement has them all.

In Studio by The National Ballet of Canada
Housed in their beautiful, professional Lakeshore studios, The National Ballet's In Studio program runs drop-in and registered classes in ballet, jazz, and contemporary, as well as barre fitness. And who knows who you might see in the halls?

Byfield Dance Experience (BDX)
If your goals encompass both Fred Astaire and Flawless**, BDX is the place for you. This studio specializes in the unlikely duo of tap dance and hip-hop. Located just north of Yonge and Bloor, its owner Shawn Byfield is an award-winning choreographer and experienced teacher and dancer.

Joy of Dance
Salsa, lyrical, hip-hop, Bollywood, even line-dancing--this studio located at Broadview and Danforth has classes in almost every imaginable style at both registered and drop-in rates. Monthly ballroom practice parties give you a chance to dance and socialize too.

DanceTeq
After years in the National Ballet's studios, DanceTeq moved to its very own space at Queen and McCaul last year. It offers ballet, pointe and contemporary classes at all levels with live piano accompaniment. Expect to see off-duty professional ballerinas here, both teaching and taking class.

Danceology
Ballroom and Latin reign at this Liberty Village studio. Besides lessons for everyone from absolute beginner to ballroom competitor, Danceology's weekly practice parties make things social. What's more, every student's first class is free!

Lula Lounge
In addition to being a bar and club, Lula Lounge offers free salsa lessons on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons. Learn some new moves and show them off on the dance floor after a sangria-fueled dinner or brunch, all followed by live music.

Writing by Abigail Ferstman. Photo via the Bees Knees Dance on Facebook.

More details are starting to emerge about the Liberals plan to open up the sale of wine and beer to supermarkets across Ontario. According to a report in the Toronto Star, the government will auction off around 300 licences to grocers across the province, a move that will represent a step forward for alcohol sales but one that will also generate plenty of revenue.

Sources have told the paper that no one grocer can purchase more than a quarter of the licences on offer, ensuring some diversity in the market. Worthy of note, however, is that it appears that the LCBO and Beer Store will still handle distribution duties when these changes take effect.

Up in the air right now is what the Liberals plan to do with licences held by the Wine Rack and Wine Shop. There's be talk that some of the licences held by these companies will be repurposed as part of these sweeping changes to the province's liquor regulations. With 268 licences between them, there's a lot more potential for change if they change hands.

The likelihood of major changes to alcohol sales in this province just increases. The Beer Store, for instance, told the Star that it's subject to a non-disclosure agreement during negotiations with the government. Something very big is up, and we can expect more and more details to leak leading up to the spring budget.

Photo by Tom Hartrey in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Small wedding venues in Toronto will help you host the perfect intimate event. Fortunately,
Toronto has no shortage of event venues; unfortunately, if you put sorting through them all on top of the usual stress of planning a wedding you're half way down the road to crazy. Though many large spaces can be used for smaller events, these locations are a diverse collection ideal for close-knit gatherings of 100 guests or less.

Here are my picks for the top venues for a small wedding in Toronto.

See also:The top 30 large wedding venues in Toronto

The Gooderham Lounge at Airship 37
Exposed brick, an expansive bar, vintage signage and elaborate chandeliers are all decorative features in this trendy space. This is just one space of two available, but is prime for a smaller gathering of 70 seated individuals or 150 for cocktails. Catering is by Berkeley Catering and you're provided a list of preferred partners for all the services you would require. The rental fee for the space is $1500 and you will need to add security and all suppliers.

The Market Kitchen in St. Lawrence Market
The Market Kitchen is perfect for the most intimate of ceremonies. Located above Paddington's Pump and Churrasco of St. Lawrence, the space is equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen furnished by Miele. The best benefit? Being able to bring in any caterer and your own booze. Capacity is 60 for a sit-down dinner and 100 for a cocktail party. Rental fees range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the date and time. Fees include furniture, use of A/V and some dishes and cooking equipment, but not insurance, which you will have to purchase yourself.

Miller Lash House
This Scarborough venue owned by the University of Toronto is as versatile as it is beautiful. If you're looking for an intimate affair the indoor reception is your best bet. The beautiful building features high arched ceilings, wooden trim, fireplaces and antique furnishings. The space allows for comfortable seating of 50 with a cocktail reception limit of 100 guests. The room rental rate starts at $4,130; if you'd like to host your ceremony outdoors at the same location there is a rental fee of $1,995.

George Brown House
This beautifully maintained historic home is perfect for the classic and traditional couple looking to host an intimate affair - the residence can host parties of 50 guests or less. The space was restored in the late 80s and features a fireplace and marble mantles inside, and a Victorian-inspired garden outdoors. Open to external caterers, it's a great option for foodies. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. Rental fees vary greatly depending on how much of the space is required as well as day of the week. Fees run anywhere from $435 to $1750.

Gallery Grill at Hart House
Located in the heart of the University of Toronto campus, the Gallery Grill at Hart House can accommodate 72 seated guests. The space is long and narrow with high ceilings, large windows and warm hardwood floors. Those looking to rent the space work with Chef Suzanne Baby to create a menu that is unique to their event while selecting wines from a list of Ontario favourites. The space is available Saturdays and Sundays, September to June.

Arts and Letters Club
The Tudor-style Great Hall featuring a fireplace, cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows set the mood for a romantic and intimate gathering. Accommodating 100 guests with a dance floor, the dark hardwood floors and open area are a great space for those looking for a cozy feel. Ceremonies can be performed onsite, and the club Chef provides onsite catering. Rental fees for the space start at $1,000 per time period (noon to 5pm; 5pm to midnight), with extra time being offered at $100 per hour. All service fees and rentals are extra.

The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library
Do you enjoy reading? Is your love the stuff of great novels? Then this is where you want to be. The Salon is located in the Toronto Reference Library on Yonge - home to thousands of novels and collections. The space includes an outdoor terrace, allows outside and kosher catering and has a capacity that seats up to 100 guests comfortably. Fees range from $2,500 to $3,100, depending on the season, for packages including security, washroom and kitchen access, bar service, event coordinators and access to tables and chairs.

Campbell House
Built in 1822, this heritage space is right in the downtown core and has several spaces that can be used for private events including the Ballroom for receptions of 80 or the Dining Room, which can host a sit-down dinner for 40. In addition to the well-maintained interior of the home, you have access to the perfectly groomed gardens. Catering is available on-site through À la Carte Kitchen. The rental fee starts around $800 and increases based on venue requirements and party size.

Toronto Wedding Chapel
Just as the name suggests, this midtown destination specializes in intimate weddings. Featuring a variety of predetermined packages, it can host both your ceremony and reception. The venue is pre-decorated but couples can add a number of things based on preference. The space is best for up to 25 guests and can work with any budget, available packages range from $199 to $7950.

Cool Beer Brewing
A more rustic space than most, this brewery event space allows for seated events of 88 individuals or fewer. Located in Etobicoke, the Cool Event Venue includes an on-site kitchen, free parking and the freedom to run your own bar and use your preferred caterer. A Special Occasions Permit will need to be purchased, but that allows you flexibility when it comes to your bar selections. The rental fee is $1000, but an added bonus is the 2am end time for events, a nice change from the more common 1am end.

The Richmond
This venue takes a number of steps to be as eco-friendly as possible - they're powered by Bullfrog, donate a portion of all rental fees to charities and use only eco-friendly cleaning products for events. The space is clean and modern, with an industrial interior and a loft-style second floor. There is a seating capacity of 90, a cocktail capacity of 150 and the rental fee ($1,000 to $3,000) includes use of some furniture. Available packages can include tables, chairs, bars and votive candles. You can work with any caterer, but bar services are provided by the venue at an additional cost. The cost covers consumption as well we your event license and insurance.

Camera Bar
Located next to the Stephen Bulger Gallery, this space includes a lounge complete with fireplace. Though adorned with beautiful artwork, the remainder of the space is raw and narrow, allowing you creative freedom. Capacity is 110 for a cocktail reception and 30 for a seated dinner. A unique feature of the space is a 50-seat screening room. Outside catering is also a perk, though they do have a list of preferred caterers. The venue also accommodates onsite ceremonies and provides wheelchair access. Rental fees range from $650 to $850 and includes use of the bar, screening room and gallery, as well as three staff. There is also a bar minimum of $300 for afternoon events and $500 for evening events.

Thompson Landry Gallery
Housed in the Stone Distillery Building at the Distillery District, the gallery features 14-foot walls, a rustic feel with wood posts and brick walls, Quebecois art and original distilling equipment as the backdrop for your event. Rental rates range from $1,500 to $3,500 and include use of both the outdoor patio space and the primary space, which can accommodate up to 50 people for a seated dinner or 75 for a reception. Catering, furniture rentals and security costs are all extra.

Gladstone Hotel
Restored Victorian windows, two full-service bars, exposed brick walls and restored pine flooring are the central features of the Gladstone Hotel (est. 1889). The North Ballroom is perfect for 80 seated guests or 120 for a reception. The hotel's chef provides catering on-site. Rental fees for the space range from $2000 to $2500, and that includes furniture and staff for bar service.

The Old Mill Inn and Spa
This classic Etobicoke stalwart has a variety of rooms and event spaces that can fit any need. Dark wood panels and flooring and large curtained windows are featured throughout. Lush gardens surround the property, where only those hosting a reception at the venue are permitted to take photos. With in-house catering and a whole team of experienced staff by your side you're well equipped to host a stress-free event. Room rentals range from $200 to $400 depending on the room selected, catering is provided on-site and there is complimentary parking for all guests.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for small wedding venues in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via Airship 37 on Facebook.

Free events in Toronto this week will let you dance the Carleton, watch volcanic dances at the AGO, and finally allow you to let go of that copy of Dancing Gourmet. You can also see raunchy punk covers in the Junction, attend the official release party for Madonna's new disc, and catch an opening at Gallery TPW.

Here's what to do when you get bored of Comicon costume spotting in Toronto this week.

Fresh Prince Marathon (March 16, Smiling Buddha)
Which Fresh Prince episodes will be screening for free in Toronto this week? Find out on Monday (no, not on Carlton). If they're not your favourites, you can dance away your disappointment at the Carleton dance off afterward. Bring some fresh change, it's PWYC.

Silke Otto-Knapp - Land lies in water (March 18, AGO)
The AGO's free every Wednesday evening, yeah, but this week is special as you can catch the public opening of LA watercolour painter Silke Otto-Knapp's Land lies in water exhibit. At 7pm, see a traditional hula Kahiko dance telling stories of Hawaiian volcano goddesses in Walker Court.

Shelf Life (March 19-29, Ryerson Artspace at the Gladstone)
Carbon Paper is about to pull off a huge undertaking: this super cool pop up library will feature a huge collection of all-Canadian publications and magazines, with a stacked schedule of events. The opening is Thursday, March 19.

Dames Making Games with Merritt Kopas (March 19, Ryerson Transmedia Zone)
Toronto feminist org Dames Making Games are hosting a gaming workshop totally free of charge on Thursday evening - all you need is a laptop or tablet, and they'll get you started, or help you along the way. Don't forget to register first.

Free Cookbook Swap (March 21, The Kitchen Library)
You've learned to live thrifty, so you've at least attempted to learn to cook. On Saturday, bring all those books that never really made you love lentils to this free swap.

Also check out these regular free events

Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.

Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.

Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
The Innis Town Hall is back with free movies every Friday. Follow the Cinema Studies Student Union or check out our event section.

Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."

MOCCA (Tuesday - Sunday)
While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it using this form.

The best restaurants in Brampton reflect the diverse community. There are a wide range of restaurant options on this list from authentic Indian dishes to home cooked Southern BBQ, Portuguese delicacies to high-grade sushi platters and everything in between.

Here are the best restaurants in Brampton.

See also:10 signs you grew up in Brampton.

RD's Southern Barbeque
If you're in search of real soul food, RD's is the perfect place. Featuring smoked selections such as their brisket, ribs and pulled pork sandwich. You can also indulge in New Orleans' classics like deep-fried okra, gumbo and their Catfish Po Boy. Even their poutine is loaded up with classic cheese curds, gravy and tons of meat.

Sur Irmaos Smokehouse
"Sur Irmaos" means "Southern Brothers" in Portuguese - fitting, since the business was launched by two brothers in 2012. They specialize in po' boy sandwiches, smoked dishes and Portuguese comfort food that can be enjoyed during lunch and dinner hours. If you're a Food Network junkie you may recognize this location from Season 3 of You've Gotta Eat Here.

Vishnu's Roti
Known for their Caribbean-style food, Vishnu's Roti Shop combines homemade dishes with authentic Trinidadian flavours. It's well worth trying their doubles, which are made of two rounds of dough that are fried, filled with curried channa and dipped in a spicy sauce. They also offer popular catering services for parties and luncheons.

Toshi Japanese Restaurant
This is the place to dine if you're looking for truly authentic Japanese cuisine. The Japanese-owned restaurant is the only one of its kind in Brampton and is known for their huge portions of sushi and homestyle teriyaki offerings. Most customers take full advantage of their take-out area but the dining room seats up to 50 people.

Kwality Sweets
Kwality Sweets has been providing quality East Indian food and sweets to the Brampton area since 1996. With over 20 years of experience in this space, they've managed to come up with 70 unique Indian and Bengali sweets that the residents of Brampton can't get enough of. Their cozy dine-in space can seat over 100 people.

La Catrina
Only three months old, La Catrina has already left an impression on Bramptonians. The spot offers authentic Mexican eats, live music and a warm atmosphere. Favourites include their tortilla soup, tacos, quesadillas and more.

Indian Sweet Master
Indian Sweet Master offers a wide range of Khoya, Paneer, Mix and Bengali sweets alongside wraps, Chinese and Indian fare. The menu includes an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Hakka Delight
Hakka Delight offers authentic Asian cuisine including fan-favourites like Manchurian "veg balls," an overwhelming selection of soups and long list of seafood dishes. Their party trays are always sought after for birthdays and other celebrations in the city, the shrimp pakoras and fried chicken wings among their best-known offerings.

Sonny's
A true Brampton staple, Sonny's has been around for over 40 years and shows no signs of slowing down. The classic drive-in is known forits famous charcoal-broiled burgers and onion rings. More recently, they've added pulled pork, deep-fried pickles and chill to their menu.

Writing by Sabrina Tricarico. Photo via Sur Irmaos Smokehouse on Facebook.

It's patio time in Toronto - the sun is out and you can probably leave the house without putting on your long johns and balaclava - so, naturally we're itching to take our drinks outside. After all, it's been a long winter and we can't wait to thaw out under a warm afternoon sun.

Here are my picks for the top patios you can drink on right now in Toronto.

The Black Bull
The opening of the Black Bull patio is Toronto's surest sign that winter is over. This iconic Queen West spot is now open for drinks, and will soon be open for food. With a huge 100-seat side-patio, the space is often too full during the peak summer months, so this is your chance to get a table without having to fend off tourists.

Ronnie's
Nothing says summer is near more than lounging on a Kensington Market patio. If you make it out this weekend you just might be able to elbow your way past the usual crowd of bearded hipsters and colourful market locals for a picnic table seat. Ronnie's Nassau St. locations is prime real estate for people watching during what will hopefully be a relaxing, spring-like weekend.

Bellwoods Brewery
The sidewalk patio at Bellwoods Brewery, in the heart of Ossington, is usually jammed with a long line of folks waiting to sip on local brews while cashing in on the neighbourhood vibe. But if you're willing to brave the cold, you can get there before the usuals and score a piece of the sidewalk action and a taste of their early-spring brews.

The Office Pub
This is a classic pub filled with young professionals in skinny ties and dark jeans in need of a place to gripe about their work day. The Office Pub offers a street-level patio facing John St., as well as a two-tier garden patio in the back for those hoping to avoid bumping into their bosses. Come to eavesdrop on disgruntled TIFF and CBC employees while enjoying a cool pint of beer.

Embassy
There's only two tables here, so if you want a seat, start running, 'cause this niche Kensington spot has a cult following of discerning beer lovers. On the upside, unlike some of the other patios in the market, this one has a distinctly cool vibe - think brooding rock-star the day after a gig.

Cafe Diplomatico
Café Diplomatico is a piece of the historic Little Italy community, which has continued to thrive on College. This no-fuss patio offers relatively cheap pints and a classic pizza and pasta menu - perfect for carb-loading while watching soccer games.

Stratengers
Leslieville knows how to take it easy during a sunny weekend day, and Stratengers' sidewalk patio is a local pub grub favourite. Expect an eclectic menu that includes a hodge-podge of typical Italian, Indian and "Canadian" favourites. Follow the locals and head here for brunch.

El Catrin
If there's ever a time to head to a patio with fire pits, this is it. El Catrin's opulent decor of outdoor chandeliers and eye-popping yellow furniture isn't quite setup yet but the fire is raging and there's plenty of bench seating. Before summer hits, you might just be able to score a table without making a reservation in advance.

Joy Bistro
Joy Bistro, with a view of Jimmie Simpson Park, is another favourite Leslieville brunch spot. Pretend summer is already here and enjoy a salad or classic Benny on one of its two patios. This place is revered by locals for its good, locally-oriented food at a reasonable price. You can also drop by for happy hour and have a drink under the twinkle of the string lights.

Williams Landing
Guns, drugs and porn - that's what's lurking beneath the deceptively sanitized condo facades that now outnumber the historic warehouse spaces in Liberty Village. If you want a birds-eye-view of the action, that might include a surprise police raid on yet another meth lab, the patio at Williams Landing is just the ticket.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the best patios you can drink on right now in the comments.

Follow Sima Sahar Zerehi on Twitter @SimaSaharZerehi. Photo of the Office Pub patio by Jesse Milns.

Beyond the world of narrative threads, plot structures, and story beats lies filmmaking in its purest, most abstract form. On the far-side of Hollywood, you'll find filmmakers sculpting with the substance of image and the essence of audio, playing with perceptions of time.

In Toronto, the Pleasure Dome curatorial collective has been nurturing appreciation for time-based media arts since 1989. Even as they celebrate their 25th anniversary season, their focus remains fixed on the present and what lies beyond.

Program coordinator Tom Taylor, and programmer Melanie Wilmink have little time for retrospection. Pleasure Dome is an organization composed of volunteers; a rotating collective of programmers; and Taylor is the lone staff member acting as Director and Programming Coordinator.

He has been with the organization for 23 years, almost since its inception. Despite the lean staff, Pleasure Dome produces Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer programs featuring up to 20 events per year. "With all these new ideas and new projects on the horizon, it kind of propels you forward without ever really letting you think of the past," Taylor says.

That perpetual forward momentum springs from Pleasure Dome's curatorial process. The core programming collective rotates its members quite frequently, and Pleasure Dome regularly seeks out guest curators from local, national and international communities.

Close to half of their programming each year comes from curators outside their core collective. These practices ensure diversity in their programming, and both Taylor and Wilmink are especially proud of the space Pleasure Dome provides for young curators to develop their skills. Wilmink says, "New perspectives are integral to an organization like Pleasure Dome and that constant renewal is what has helped it survive for 25 years."

When Pleasure Dome first began, Taylor says it stood out by presenting exciting work by underrepresented artists. Queer and punk innovators like Bruce LaBruce, G.B. Jones, and Annie Sprinkle, artists from the New York transgressive school like Richard Kearn, structural film pioneers like Stan Brakhage and Michael Snow, and super 8mm works from Peggy Ahwesh and Linda Feesey that may have otherwise fallen through the cracks.

"[Pleasure Dome was] presenting an interesting variety of works. One of the hallmarks of Pleasure Dome is the wide variety of works within the annual programming," Taylor explains.

Pleasure Dome's year-round programming schedule helps to maintain their continued relevancy. This calendar-spanning format allows their programmers to respond to new works as they're produced, rather than waiting for a year to pass until a festival schedule permitted an exhibition.

Pleasure Dome is also a creator of discourse and discussion in the experimental film community. They're an active publisher of critique, theory, and retrospective book titles curated and edited by contemporaries and leaders in the field.

Pleasure Dome has found a home at Cinecycle, but has exhibited works at the AGO, Buddies in Bad Times, and even the former Metro Porn Theatre at Bloor and Christie (Bruce LaBruce, of course).

Part of Wilmink's interest examining how audiences interact with art in different spaces, and Pleasure Dome continues to seek out interesting venues to showcase artists' work. They've recently partnered with Videofag, Double Double Land, and the Whippersnapper Gallery.

The day I visited, I took in The Cloud of Unknowing by Singapore artist, Ho Tzu Nyen at Trinity Square Video Gallery. There is no dialogue or narrative, but rather a series of intricately composed tableaus - mesmerizing images of loneliness, longing, and decay.

The filmmaking is masterful. Each frame overflows with visual and emotional content. It's riveting and surreal - a remarkable piece of time-based artwork showing through March 21st, part of Pleasure Dome's 2015 Winter program.

Although they are constantly changing, evolving, and moving forward, Pleasure Dome will mark their 25th anniversary milestone with a special commission from Halifax artist, Solomon Nagler. Dubbed The Celestial Cinema Project, the cinema-installation will compel viewers enter and lie back to see the film-work projected above their heads against the backdrop of the night sky.

The installation will be portable, and will be accessible in select and unexpected public spaces throughout the city. The film will loop a collage sewn from the Pleasure Dome archives. It's a fitting way to mark the collective's anniversary, and the skyward gaze hints at the imaginative possibilities for the future.

Lead still from Cloud of Unknowing, second image from LOUD!!!, third image is a still from Item Number, the fourth is an installation view of Cloud of Unknowing at Videofag, and the last image is a schematic for Celestial Cinema.

In honour of International Women's Day, last last week I wrote about the rise of first wave feminism in Toronto, with a focus on the work of Anglo-Canadian women and their efforts to both improve society, and, crucially, to secure the right to vote.

Today's article sketches out what Indigenous and African-Canadian women were doing in the mid-twentieth century to improve the lives of women as well as their greater communities. I'll also take a brief look at what women were doing in Toronto as part of the second wave of feminism (chronologically speaking, up until around the 1980s).

African Canadian Women's Activism

African-Canadian women were generally excluded from the women's organizations of the first wave, but by the post-war period, they were forming their own organizations to fight for their own goals. Well-known Canadian author Lawrence Hill's history of the Canadian Negro Women's Association tells the story of how the African-Canadian women's organization was founded in Toronto in 1951 by Kay Livingstone, with an initial focus on providing scholarship for African-Canadian children to encourage them to stay in school.

Two decades later, Livingstone's vision of organizing Black women across Canada began to fall into place, with the first meeting of the National Congress of Black Women, held in Toronto in 1973. Over two hundred women attended the weekend-long event at the Westbury Hotel (475 Yonge Street, now the Courtyard Marriott.

The Toronto Chapter of the CBW was founded that year as well by the Honourable Jean Augustine, a teacher and social activist within the Caribbean community on Toronto (see photo above). This was the first meeting of Black women from across Canada who came together to discuss issues that affected them all. The Congress had several goals, including fostering solidarity amongst Black women, pushing for education programs, and making contact with other organizations who worked for similar purposes.

In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality to proclaim Black History Month, and in 1995, Augustine, then a Toronto MP, introduced a motion in the House of Commons to recognize Black History month across Canada. Today, the Congress of Black Women of Canada continues in its efforts, with multiple chapters in Ontario, including several in Toronto.

Indigenous Women's Activism

Indigenous women were also active through these decades, working to promote the rights of Indigenous women. However, their efforts were less centralized in Toronto. Heather Howard-Bobiwash has written about how Indigenous women who came to Toronto in the post-war era for work and education founded the North American Indian Club, which later became the Native Canadian Centre along with the Native Centre's Ladies' Auxiliary, who did much of the organizing and necessary fundraising.

The organization offered programs and services to help Indigenous men and women in the city, but also served as a hub of Indigenous activism. They started meeting at the YMCA at Yonge and College in the 1950s, and later moved to a rented space at 603 Church Street in 1962 When they outgrew that space, they moved to 210 Beverley Street in 1966, before moving to their present location at 16 Spadina Road.

One of the major concerns for Indigenous women was the discriminatory nature of the Indian Act which said that Indigenous women who "married out," or married a non-Indigenous man, lost their Indian status, and rights to live on her reserve, participate and band politics, or qualify for education or health benefits.

Several activists worked to make changes to the Indian Act throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, including Mary Two-Axe Early, a Mohawk women from Kahnawake, Quebec, and Sandra Lovelace, from Tobique, New Brunswick. Early founded the organization Equal Rights for Indian Women. Activists wrote letters, met with politicians, gave lectures and talks on the subject of Indigenous women's rights, and argued for giving women and their dependents back their status.

After filing complaints with the UN Human Rights Commission, and staging the Native Women's Walk to Ottawa in 1979, they started to make some important political breakthroughs. But it wasn't until 1985 that the Parliament of Canada passed Bill C-31, the bill to eliminate sexual discrimination in the Indian Act.

It restored status to tends of thousands of Indigenous women and their children and grand children. Mary Two-Axe early became the first women in Canada to regain her Indian status at a ceremony in Toronto. She was presented with written confirmation by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, David Crombie, who served as Toronto's mayor throughout the 1970s.

Crombie said to her "I could find no greater tribute to your long years of work than to let history record that you are the first person to have their rights restored under the new legislation." Early responded: "Now I'll have legal rights again. After all these years, I'll be legally entitled to live on the reserve, to own property, die and be buried with my own people."

The Native Women's Association of Canada was founded in 1973, the same year as the National Congress of Black Women. They organized as an umbrella organization, united thirteen groups from across Canada who had similar goals of achieving equal rights of Indigenous women, reshaping legislation on Indigenous women, and preserving and promoting Indigenous culture.

The group is very active today, and is using several strategies to prevent and address violence against Indigenous women and girls. They are lobbying for an inquiry into the 1,200 + missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, holding vigils, and conducting research into the inequality that Indigenous women face.

The Second Wave of Feminism in Toronto

The second wave, which began in the decades after World War II, and continued until the late 1980s, was generally focused on four areas: women's reproductive rights, women's role in the workforce, equal pay for equal work, and violence against women.

As with the first wave, Toronto was the location of many protests, headquarters for numerous important organizations, and meetings. But of course, many protests took place in Ottawa, and women' organizations were located across the country.

Abortion has been (and still is) a major issue for feminists who have fought for the right to abortion, and access to it. In Canada, the struggle began in the late 1960s, and in part, centred around Dr. Henry Morgentaler's clinic in Montreal. In 1983, Morgentaler opened clinics in Winnipeg and Toronto, even though abortion was still illegal under the Criminal Code. The Toronto Clinic was located at 85 Harbord St. above the Toronto Women's Bookstore.

Police raided both clinics, and the following year, he was charged with "conspiring to procure a miscarriage" at the Toronto clinic. He was acquitted, but the Ontario government appealed and a new trial was ordered. Finally, in 1988, the Supreme Court struck down the abortion law as unconstitutional. Despite it's legality, activists continued to have to fight for access . The original clinic, was firebombed in 1992.

The Toronto Women's Bookstore, an important home of feminist and women's publications, was destroyed as a result of the fire, and moved to 73 Harbord in June 1984, a space which they occupied until it closed in 2012. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, pro-choice women continued to protest threats to access to abortion services in this city. [add in pdf of article (or just photo from) Globe pro-choice article)

Today, the Morgentaler Cinic still exists on Hillsdale Ave near Bayview and Eglinton. Morgentaler himself passed away in 2013 after receiving the Order of Canada in 2008.

The third wave of feminism in Canada began in the 1990s, and has focused much more on anti-racism, anti-colonialism and anti-capitalism. While women in the second-wave often talked about "sisterhood," they were generally focused on women's issues in general, and weren't so thoughtful about how race affected their "sisters" in the city, or in Canada.

Third wave feminists have argued that feminists can discriminate against each other, and do so when they focus on the universalism of women's experiences, rather than on the diversity of women's experiences. The third wave involves many more grassroots organizations, rather than the nationalist centralized organizations that characterized both the first and second waves. And Toronto has been, and continues to be an important location for such organizing.

Photos from The Toronto Telegram (lead photo depicts an abortion rights protest in 1970), Toronto Archives (Women in front of YWCA's Ontario House, 698 Ontario Street), the York University Archives, and an article from the Toronto Star

Alison Norman is a historian who lives in Toronto. She teaches in Canadian and Indigenous Studies at Trent University. Follow her on Twitter at @alisonenorman

Good things don't always come for cheap, and with a slew of new budget gyms setting up shop in Toronto, the right corners don't always get cut. But this new spot at Yonge and Isabella, recently overhauled from a bog-standard gym into a no-frills workout option, aims to strike a balance with a healthy assortment of workout gear and optional extras like a juice bar and extra training equipment.

Find out more in my profile of Hone Fitness.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto the Roommate Mixer is back, so you can live with randos you meet at the bar instead of randos from Craigslist. Step up? At the Gladstone, Early Monthy Segments is celebrating its 6th anniversary with Takashi Ito Rose Lowder Paul Sharits, while at TIFF, Books on Film has Kazuo Ishiguro in to discuss The Remains of the Day.

Which Fresh Prince episodes will be screening for free in Toronto this week? Find out on Monday (no, not on Carlton). If they're not your favourites, you can dance away your disappointment at the Carleton dance off afterward. Or, uh, Maroon 5 is in town. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Nostalgia: Fresh Prince Marathon (Smiling Buddha)
• Music: Audiopollination (Array)
• Film: Early Monthy Segments (Gladstone)
• Film: Books on Film (TIFF)
• Food: Discovered Chefs Competition (Nella Cucina)
• Comedy: Laughable (Unlovable)
• Homies: Toronto Roommate Mixer (Madison Avenue Pub)

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

Photo of Madison Avenue Pub by Jesse Milns

Shopping for raincoats and rain boots in Toronto is the key to getting through our drizzly springtime weather in style. Much as we'd like to ditch the winter boots for strappy sandals and suede sneakers the second the mercury inches past 5 C or so, a little practical transitional dressing may be in order.

Here are my picks for the top stores to buy rain boots and gear in Toronto.

Raindrops
Toronto only has one store devoted entirely to wet-weather fashion statements. This concourse-level boutique under the Holt Renfrew Centre doesn't have a terribly hip vibe, but they make up for it with mod bubble umbrellas, cute rain trenches in stripes and wallpaper florals, and on-trend Aigle rain boots in a variety of hues, all at reasonable prices.

Get Outside
The strong lineup of brands at this Queen West fave means nobody in town balances current trends with functional designs quite like they do. Where rain gear's concerned, they've got rubber boots from Tretorn, Bogs, Hunter, Palladium, and even those awesome new waterproofed rubber Converse.

Camp Connection
True to the name, this shop on Lawrence is packed with all kinds of outdoorsy gear - not terribly high-fashion, but you could easily work one of their rainbow-hued K-Way packable jackets into a weekend look.

Holt Renfrew
It might be outside the average Torontonian's budget, but if you love to splash out on locally-designed fashion, head to Holt's to check out the slick slickers from Toronto line Trout Rainwear - their trenches and capes ($535 and up) have an undeniable retro charm.

Patagonia
If you get up to some serious stuff on the weekends (hiking, camping, bear wrestling), you're going to want to check out what the King West location of this rugged sportswear retailer has in stock. Their outerwear pieces may be on the pricier side - but you'll be still be wearing that jacket to the cottage in 10 years.

Gravitypope
This should be your first stop for shoes in Toronto, at any rate, and their wet-weather gear is no less stylish: They carry Hunter, Aigle, Native, and occasional rain-ready boots from higher-end lines like Ilse Jacobsen. (Another recent find: Rubber Doc Martens, the ultimate in chic rain boots.)

Mountain Equipment Co-op
Another sure stop for outdoorsy folks, MEC would make this list just for having a raincoat called "the Aquanator". Though their footwear tends toward the lug-treaded side of things, they also stock some minimal (and rather cute) waterproof Tretorns.

Lole Activewear
If yoga-chic is your thing, you'll dig the rainwear at Lole's Yorkville boutique, which features rain slickers in athletic colours and styles - perfect for a rainy-day run, the trip to and from the yoga studio, or throwing on on the way to brunch.

Sporting Life
At this north-end repository for all things athletic, you'll find rain gear from North Face, Hunter, Patagonia, Canada Goose. Their overall style is sporty-neon, but you'll also find some nicely streamlined pieces from Fjallraven and Helly Hansen.

Heel Boy
This Toronto-bred duo of stores focuses more on boutique-y, mid-priced shoe lines; where rain gear's concerned, they've got boots from Aigle, Cougar, Tretorn, and a good selection of the ever-present Hunters, along with Sorels and some waterproofed leather Ugg riding boots.

See also:

The top 10 stores to buy winter boots in Toronto
The top 25 stores for warm winter clothing in Toronto

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite place to shop for rain gear in the comments.

Photo by Scott Snider via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Andy Poolhall closed its doors back in September 2014 after over a decade-long run on College St., but now there's a chance to preserve the quirky club for posterity. The retro-styled contents of the pool hall are set to be auctioned off later this week. And in case you think it's all old junk, an early billing for the sale advertises "Pierre Poulin's Concorde lounge chairs, Artemide lighting and Herman Miller seating."

Yes, a few items might appeal to collectors who never set foot in the place, but one suspects that many of those interested in picking up a piece of Andy Poolhall will do so for nostalgic reasons. There had been talk of new owners resuscitating the bar after its fall closure, but with the contents on the way out, so too is any hope that any of the old vibe will remain even if the space is repurposed as a bar/nightclub.

The auction runs March 18-25.