Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Hart House is turning into Hogwarts for a one-day wizarding bash on April 12. The event, appropriately dubbed Platform 9 3/4, will boast magical entertainment, sorcerous challenges and wizard-themed cocktails, plus a few muggle activities like raffles and a silent auction.

All proceeds from the party will be donated to the George Brown College Foundation and Covenant House, so don't feel bad about ponying up a few knuts and sickles (an early bird pass will run you $21.88). The event already has 1.8k interested in attending and around 400 RSVPs, so you'll want to get your hands on a ticket ASAP.

Remember, if you can't snag a "train ticket" you can always drown your sorrows in a Shacklebolt at The Lockhart.

Will you be apparating to U of T's campus this April? Let us know in the comments.

Uncle Tetsu isn't the only place to get Japanese-style cheesecake in Toronto. This new bakery also offers the creamy treats, and its version might even be better than its more famous counterpart.

Read my review of Love Me Sweet in the bakeries section.

The top neighbourhoods for artists in Toronto are always in flux. You know the story: artists identify an area with cheap rent, set up live/work spaces there, a community forms, and a few years later full-on gentrification is underway and the cycle repeats elsewhere. It's not quite that simple, but there is a limited window that artists tend to take advantage of.

Here are my picks for the top neighbourhoods for artists in Toronto right now.

The Junction Triangle
The Junction Triangle is perhaps the most obvious neighbourhood for artists in Toronto. Rent remains within reach, it's become the central hub for the gallery scene (it's MOCCA's new home), and transit accessibility is decent throughout much of the area.

Brockton Village
Located south-east of the Junction Triangle, Brockton Village has long been a popular neighbourhood for artists looking to capitalize on cheap rent and ample studio space. There's fewer galleries here, but plenty of creative hubs.

Regent Park
Even as only two stages of the three-part redevelopment of Regent Park have been completed, the neighbourhood has completely transformed. It's no wonder that Younger Than Beyonce Gallery launched its first show here last year. The Daniels Spectrum is a valuable neighbourhood resource and rent has yet to jump in the manner it will when the project is complete.

Carleton Village / Pelham Park
This little pocket of Toronto is located between Caledonia and Old Weston Rd. just to the north and south of Davenport. While its ascent as a burgeoning arts hub was hurt when Jessica Bradley closed up shop, the combination of cheap rent, warehouse space on Miller St., and the presence of Katzman Contemporary and recently moved Alison Milne make it a pre-gentrification haven for artists.

Dovercourt Village
While the rate of gentrification is sure to increase in this area as various condo proposals become reality, for now Dovercourt Village is a place with reasonable (if not cheap) rent, lots of studio space along Geary Ave. and at 888 Dupont St., upstart art spaces like Warner Gallery. This is a diverse neighbourhood on the cusp of transformation, but there's a vibrant artist community here for now.

Photo of the future home of MOCCA by Hector Vasquez.

Today in Toronto the House of Vans opens at 950 Dupont. The event series kicks off with the Vans' 50th Anniversary Party featuring performances by Dinosaur Jr., Jazz Cartier and Tommy Genesis. If you can't snag a ticket -- they're sold out, so you'll have to search Craigslist -- celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early by hitting up The Mahones' concert at the Phoenix.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• House of Vans (950 Dupont Street)
• Toronto Fashion Week (David Pecaut Square)
• New Ideas Festival (Alumnae Theatre)
• St. Patrick's Day Eve with The Mahones (Phoenix)
• All Told: True Stories from the True North (The Great Hall)
• Hippie Sabotage (Virgin Mobile Mod Club)
• The MUFF Society TO: Bring It On (Carlton Cinema)
• Rachel Platten (The Opera House)
• Laser Blast presents: Future Cops

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

Photo of Jazz Cartier by @jumper on Instagram.

This new sun-drenched barber shop puts design at the forefront with a minimalist space and a slick-looking pool table. But that's only half the story. This is also a place that takes the art of cutting hair very seriously.

Read my review of Glassbox Barbershop in the fashion section.

One of Toronto's most interesting development projects is currently underway at Bathurst and Lake Shore as the former Loblaw Groceterias warehouse has been almost completely reduced to rubble to pave the way for a new grocery store and condo complex.

To drive by heading south on Bathurst, it looks like many other projects of this type where an old building gives way to something new, but when you take a look at the south facade, you notice restoration work has been done on some sections of the old warehouse brick. It's kind of piecemeal, but it hints at the next stages of this massive project.

It's surely an example of facadism, but the plan here is to tear down the existing building before reassembling the south and west faces of the structure brick by brick. An addition will then be placed on top and condos will rise above the north side of the former warehouse.

Strewn across the site are freshly buffed bricks piled on skids waiting to be re-used once the re-build phase of the development kicks into gear. It's quite remarkable that they do the work in such a manner, but given the extra weight being applied via the rooftop addition to the structure, it also makes sense.

Not everyone will be a fan of this type of restoration process. A legitimate argument could be made for the full preservation of the building given how the condos fit in to the plan, but it's worth noting that the two sides that are being preserved are those that the most people encounter in a given day.

Even as it will only be a facade, we'll still experience the presence of the former building when passing by. And given that it was a private warehouse when it was in use, that's all most of us got in the first place.

Photos (in order) by Vik Pahwa, Patrick Cummins, and the Toronto Archives.

How much does it cost to buy a 135+ year old building on Queen West? Well, it'll run you $5.3 million if you're after the property that currently houses the Hideout. Built in 1879, it's a heritage site that also boasts eight apartment units in addition to the ground level bar and patio.

What the sale of the building says about the future of the Hideout is a bit dubious. The bar's lease would be transferred over to a new owner, which means it's staying at the corner of Queen and Denison regardless of whether or not the building changes hands.

It is, however, noteworthy that the real estate listing cites below market rental rates as an "upside potential." What the next landlord ultimately envisions for the property is anyone's guess, but corporate retail continues to proliferate in the area, and it sounds like the rent is about to get a whole lot more expensive at 484 Queen St. West.

Update:The building at 482-484 Queen St. West is no longer on the market. The Hideout space is, however, up for lease starting January 1st, 2017. We'll update this post as we gain additional information.

Photo by Laurence on Flickr.

The best Turkish restaurants and cafes in Toronto deal in delicacies popularized throughout the Ottoman Empire. These are establishments where you'll find rich coffee served with traditional baked goods like simit, borek and sari burma, as well as crave-worthy street foods like pide and doner.

Here are the best Turkish restaurants and cafes in Toronto.

This new tea bar has a novel way of making its signature beverage. Loose tea is put into an espresso-like machine that strains out the flavour in a manner similar to how a shot is pulled. Being an avid coffee drinker, I can testify to the fact that the result is both energy-boosting and delicious.

Read my review of Plentea in the cafes section.

Macaron Day is fast approaching and this year in Toronto there are over a dozen cafes, patisseries and bake shops participating. Some will be giving away a free macaron in stores as well as donating 20% of the day's macaron proceeds to the Red Door Family Shelter while others are forgoing giveaways in lieu of donations to other charitable causes.

Here's where to celebrate Macaron Day this Sunday, March 20 in Toronto.

OFFICIAL PARTICIPANTS

La Bamboche
The patisserie on Avenue Road has revealed their free flavour for Macaron Day will be passionfruit and milk chocolate ganache. In addition you'll find an abundance of French macarons in traditional and Japanese-inspired flavours.

Patisserie 27
This pastry shop on Jane Street will offer one free macaron per customer from 13 or so flavours in store. They've recently expand their offerings to include newly introduced flavours like earl grey tea, hazelnut, coconut and yuzu lemon.

AG Macarons
This macaron specialist has locations on The Queensway and on Dupont that'll be offering a complimentary macaron from an assortment of flavours. Expect to find over 20 options including Mini Egg, chocolate marshmallow, matcha and sugar cookie.

Patricia's Cake Creations
This bakeshop and cafe on Dundas West in Etobicoke will have 14 different flavours for sale including a special pink lemonade macaron offered for free.

Rahier Patisserie
The free macaron at this French patisserie on Bayview will be a chocolate-orange flavour. Expect to find another dozen varieties on sale in support of a good cause.

Bobbette & Belle
Locations in midtown and in Leslieville are offering Cream Egg Macarons for the day. The sweet treats will feature a mini chocolate egg surrounded by a decadent cream filing and will be available alongside an assortment of vibrant spring coloured macarons for sale.

MoRoCo Chocolat
The boutique chocolatier in Yorkville is giving away a choice of chocolate, vanilla or salted caramel macarons offering an assortment of additional flavours for purchase including raspberry marshmallow, coffee and cassis.

Petite Thuet
This bakery-cafe in Rosedale is offering a freebie from their usual assortment of flavours including raspberry, blueberry, lavender, lemon, cookies and cream, and pistachio macarons.

Dessert Lady
This Yorkville bakery is letting macaron lovers choose a complimentary macaron from an assortment of best sellers plus speciality flavours inspired by doughnuts offered just for the day.

Aren't We Sweet
The confection shop in St. Lawrence Market will offer a choice from any of their 13 macaron flavours in stock. Expect to find selections like dark chocolate, raspberry, rose, and pistachio.

Windsor Arms Hotel
The historic Yorkville hotel is celebrating Macaron Day in the lobby gift shop. Flavours from the pastry chef are TBD.

European Patisserie
This sweet shop in Etobicoke will be stocked with flavours like lemon, passionfruit, pistachio, chocolate, cappuccino, fig and vanilla on Macaron Day.

Ruelo Patisserie
Locations in Scarborough and in Richmond Hill are both participating in Macaron Day and and will be stocked with almost 20 varieties in flavours like earl grey, balsamic vinegar, yuzu, and green tea sesame.

Patisserie La Cigogne
Get a free macaron with any purchase at either of Patisserie La Cigogne's two locations. The choice is yours from eight or so macarons on offer from the usual selection including lavender, vanilla, lemon and strawberry.

UNOFFICAL MACARON DAY PARTICIPANTS

Nadege
The chain of patisseries will be donating 50% of macaron proceeds to the SickKids Foundation for the third year in a row and will be hosting one of their patients at the Queen Street location for an interactive workshop with Chef Nadège. Get a free blueberry vanilla macaron with purchase while supplies last or shop from a variety of two dozen different macarons.

Butter Avenue
The patisserie with locations on Queen West and at Yonge and Lawrence has chosen to support Kids Cook to Care on Macaron Day and will be donating 30% of macaron sales.

The Rolling Pin
The bakeshop on Yonge at Lawrence will support The Stop Community Food Centre with its proceeds from Macaron Day. Expect to find over 20 different macaron flavours ranging from classics like salted caramel and pistachio, to crazy like Fruit Loops, cookie dough and a torched-to-order s'mores macaron. There will even be a macaron doughnut for sale.

Photo of AG Macarons by Jesse Milns.

The Beaches is known for its stellar view of the Toronto skyline, questionable water quality and cute little shops. While us residents are well aware of these things, we also know they're not the foundation of our small but mighty community.

Here are 10 signs you live in the Beaches.

1. You own a dog, and that dog probably has its own wardrobe.

2. You prefer The Fox to The Beach Cinemas - and not only because it's licensed.

3. You have a strong opinon about all the condo buildings popping up (R.I.P. Lick's).

4. You're used to the smell of the lake, which is sometimes not so great.

5. You judge people that walk along Queen Street in their bathing suits.

6. You dread the potential for a short turn at Kingston on your daily commute.

7. At least one of your family members identifies as a runner.

8. You know you'll probably get a ticket if you aren't parked at home.

9. The sound of construction is pretty much white noise to you.

10. You're still not completely sure why the Beach Mall exists or why it's called a mall to begin with.

What did I miss? Add more signs to the comments.

Photo by Lunatic Desire in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Get ready to meet the 514 streetcar route. A report to be voted on by the TTC board next week recommends the introduction of new a streetcar line that would operate between Cherry St. and Dufferin St. This new route would provide transit accessibility for the Canary District, but also relief for the busiest stretch of the 504 King route.

There's been talk of streetcars on Cherry St. for a while, but it's close to reality now. Should the board approve the recommendation, service would get underway on June 19. The new route would be the third to employ the TTC's new low-floor streetcars, which have greater capacity than the vehicles currently servicing King St. right now.

The introduction of the new line would come at no additional cost to the TTC, as it would be offered by redistributing current service on King St. With 65,000 passengers a day, this is the busiest surface route in the city, which will be helped by the addition of larger vehicles and more frequent service throughout its most packed section.

This should be a no brainer.

Correction:An earlier version of this post stated that the 514 line would be the second to employ the TTC's new streetcars, but it is in fact the third (behind the the 510 and 509).

Photo by Steve Chui in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Vancouver-based company Doi Chaang Coffee is bringing cat poop coffee to Toronto. Yes, you read that right.

This unique coffee gets its name because it's collected from the droppings of the wild civet, a cat like creature found in Thailand. The cats eat coffee beans but don't digest them. They remain in the cat for about a day and undergo some sort of fermentation before they're defecated and collected by farmers.

According to Doi Chang it's among the most highly sought after coffee in the world because of the distinct flavours it acquires from the enzymes in the civet's digestive tract. It's also among the most expensive.

If you dare, you'll be able to taste this cat poop brew at this year's Toronto Food & Drink Market that runs form April 8 to 10.

Can't wait until April? You may be able to find unroasted bags at The Green Beanery and Pusateri's.

Would you try cat poop coffee? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via Instagram

Before the resurgence of vinyl, Toronto lost a whole lot of record shops in the 1990s and early 2000s. From massive country-wide chains to truly independent operations, the old stores were places where you might actually snag a deal or rejoice at stumbling upon an import. Nostalgia for record shops is particularly deep because these are the places that provided the soundtrack to our earlier lives.

Here are 10 lost but not forgotten record shops in Toronto.

Sam the Record Man
Before Sam's became the de facto example of iconic Toronto retailers lost to changing trends in media consumption, it was a record shop - and a good one at that. As much as the signs and location were hallmarks of the flagship store, during the good years the selection was too.

A&A
When A&A bit the dust in 1993, it wasn't on account of the digitization of music and video. On the contrary, Sam's won the battle for market share when the two Toronto-based shops expanded all across the country. At one point the company had over 250 stores, many of which were absorbed by Music World.

Ed's Record World
There was a time when the area around Yonge and Eglinton was teeming with record and book shops, though none were as popular with the high school kids as Ed's Record World, which ultimately closed in 2007 after having moved a couple blocks south on Yonge St. Before its demise, it was stacked with hard-to-find imports, and much-loved owners Ed and Jonathan were fixtures.

Tower Records
Tower Records made a brief foray into the Canadian marketplace when it opened a flagship location at Yonge and Queen streets in the Jamieson Building (now home to an Atmosphere sports store) back in the mid 1990s. There was lots of talk that Tower would kill local competition at that time, but by 2001 the experiment was over.

Peter Dunn's Vinyl Museum
The Vinyl Museum had locations all over the city, but the one at 355 Yonge St. right near A&A and Sam's was probably the best-known. Lots of tales still circulate from these stores, including the wild variance in quality of the merchandise on offer and the owner's tendency to inscribe biblical verses on the sleeves of records. The Vinyl Museum shuttered in 1999.

The Record Peddler
The Record Peddler was another one of Toronto's independent music shops that boasted multiple locations. The main one on Queen West closed at some point in the 1990s only to return again in a different spot. The last store closed in 2001, but the business moved online where it still exists in the form of an Ebay store. Owner Ben Hoffman also ran the label Fringe Product.

Records on Wheels
This store is somewhat famous for what it ultimately became, which is eOne Entertainment. Yes, this massive distribution company has its roots as a record shop at 629 Yonge St. Run by Vito and Don Ierullo, the shop eventually moved further south before shuttering when the company became ROW Entertainment, the precursor to eOne.

Hits & Misses
When Hits & Misses closed in 2012, it was a hit to punk and hardcore record collectors in Toronto, who had been frequenting the shop (in various locations) for 20 years. Vinyl was just starting to make its big comeback, but the niche focus and Queen West rent conspired to force the longstanding shop to close.

Sunrise Records
A recent casualty of the changing music and entertainment landscape, Sunrise still has a few stores kicking around but the end is nigh. Once a go-to place for concert tickets (I remember many trips to the Yonge and Bloor location for this purpose), the remaining downtown stores were mostly just collections of t-shirts and other memorabilia.

Vortex
Vortex started life in Kensington Market before becoming more popular on Dundas near Church. There might have been another location in there that I've missed, but the only one that I ever shopped at Yonge and Eglinton, which lasted until the end of 2015. When owner Bert Myers announced his retirement, thousands of record collectors shared stories about his legendary stock and helpfulness.

Share your memories of Toronto record shops of yore in the comments.

St. Patrick's Day events in Toronto cater to both those who like to douse themselves in emerald glitter and those who want to pretend the holiday never crossed the pond. There's plenty on tap for green-beer loving partygoers but also a fair share of events where shamrocks and fiddle music will be left out of the equation.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• St. Patrick's Day Events (Various Locations)
• RAW:Toronto presents SIGNATURE (Maison Mercer)
• Bjork Party (Beaver Cafe)
• Andra Day (Mod Club)
• Spelling Bae (The Ossington)
• Rue Morgue CineMacabre presents: Tales from the Crypt (The Royal Cinema)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

Photo via the Ceili Cottage's Facebook page.

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

• Pinkerton's Snack Bar at 1026 Gerrard Street East is now in soft opening mode and introducing dishes like pork neck pancakes and spicy salmon otak otak.
• Robert Bragagnolo's Carver at 101 Peter Street is now open and dishing out a menu of porchetta and slow roasted chicken sandwiches and sides like loaded baked potatoes.
• Victor Barry's Piano Piano debuted this week at 88 Harbord Street.
• Easy Sweets Baked Goods, specializing in dairy-free, nut-free, sesame seed-free and gluten-free cakes, cupcakes and desserts, is now open at 300 Supertest Road near Dufferin and Steeles.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• Knuckle Sandwich
• Love Me Sweet
• AAamazing Salad
• Carens Rosedale

OPENING SOON

• The Fat Beet at 7330 Yonge Street opens next week. The Thornhill restaurant is the newest venture from Hemant Bhagwani of the Indian Street Food Co.
• Beavertails opens their first permanent Toronto location on Saturday, March 19 at 145 Queens Quay West.
• Kiva's bagels are soon to be available downtown. The bagelria is opening an outpost at 133 Richmond Street West where Ninki used to be.
• As previously reported, Burgatory is taking over the address of the recently shuttered Hey Meatball at 719 College Street.
• Té, a new Asian fusion snack bar, is expected to open mid-April at 70 Ossington Avenue where Baby Huey used to be.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com.

Photo via Carver's Facebook page.

Jays fans, 5 Mariner Terrace is a penthouse suite with two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fantastic view inside the Rogers Centre (weather permitting). Offered at $1,395,000, the waterfront condo featuring wrap-around windows and a 1,000 square foot terrace offers a scenic glimpse into every micro neighbourhood in the 416.

The formerly desolate land near Spadina Ave. has undergone massive development over the last decade, transforming the area with soaring towers and pricey claustrophobic-sized suites. Luckily, this penthouse is larger than most at almost 2,000 square feet.

Inside, you'll find a handful of unique features like the stone wall in the kitchen (love it or hate it). The amenities are, perhaps, the most impressive trademark of the building -- an indoor swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and an old school bowling alley.

SPECS

• Address: #Ph 01 - 5 Mariner Terrace
• Price: $1,395,000
• Square feet: 1,880
• Bedrooms: 2+1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Taxes: $6,232
• Maintenance fee: $1,370.69/monthly
• Walk Score: 93
• Listing agent: Richard Silver, Sotheby's
• Listing ID: C3381990

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Custom stone wall
• Walk-in closet
• 1,000 square foot terrace
• Hot tub
• Indoor pool and bowling alley

GOOD FOR

A killer view of the city. You can watch the Jays game from inside the hot tub.

MOVE ON IF

You're not a baseball fan or you hate downtown traffic. The area is densely populated and you'll likely hear noise from below all summer long.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Would you live here? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

Last summer a massive 1,000-foot water slide was erected in Downsview Park, attracting hundreds of fun-loving and overheated Torontonians. Well, good news for fans of the event, Slide the City will be returning this year on July 16, so you can bask in childhood nostalgia once again.

All other details surrounding the event are TBA, but I'm sure we can expect similar shenanigans to last year's bash: branded tubes, bikinis and hour-long line-ups.

While you wait for more info, I suggest trying to get your hands on some Taylor-swift worthy pool floats to glide down the slide on.

Will you be going to Slide the City 2016? Let us know in the comments.

Weekend events in Toronto will give you a chance to wish winter a fond farewell. Celebrate the last few days of the season by heading to ComiCon for some good old-fashioned cosplay or revamping your home with goods from one of the many markets in town. You may also want to make a stop at the Brunswick House - it's throwing the first in a series of closing parties this Friday.

For more events this weekend click on over to our events section.

MUSIC

Long Winter (March 18-19)
Say goodbye to the most frigid season of the year by heading to The Great Hall for the final installment of Long Winter. Expect an array of music, art, performances, dance, and readings spread out over two days.

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest (March 19)
Looking to nerd-out outside the confines of ComiCon? The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts will be filled with video game fanatics for The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest global tour stop. If you want to hear the hits of Hyrule like never before, be there.

FOOD & DRINK

8th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off (March 20)
For everyone who likes indulging in cruelty-free eats, the 8th Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off is happening this Sunday. More than 50 professional and home bakers will be at the event serving up some drool-worthy cupcakes, donuts, and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Ideas Festival (March 9-27)
Alumnae Theatre's juried festival of new writing, works-in-progress and experimental drama returns on March 9th. Catch one of the matinees for $15 or wait until Saturday to attend a PWYC staged reading.

House of Vans (March 16-April 2)
Regardless of if your a skateboarding fanatic, live music lover or are just really into the Damn, Daniel phenomenon, the House of Vans looks pretty cool. It has taken over the soon-to-be Bellwoods Brewery location at 950 Dupont Street, turning it into a skatepark, art gallery and music venue for a few weeks.

Rihanna vs. Everybody Video Dance Party (March 18)
Couldn't get tickets to the Anti World Tour? Head to the Gladstone this Friday for the next best thing. While you won't get to see Rih Rih perform live, you'll get to enjoy all her hits - from Pon De Replay to Work.

One Last Run at The Brun (March 18)
The time has finally come to kiss The Brunny goodbye. Whether you have fond memories of sneaking in underage or spent your college years doing tequila shots with frat boys at the bar, you won't want to miss one of its last hurrahs - if only for nostalgia's sake. Here's hoping that it won't be reincarnated as a Boston Pizza.

Toronto ComiCon 2016 (March 18-20)
Comicon returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 18. Over the course of three days, you'll get to attend meet and greets with stars like Jason Isaacs and John O'Hurley, hit up workshops and seminars, mingle with your favourite cosplayers, and more.

Basecamp Opening Party: Tights Night (March 19)
Over the last two years, 677 Bloor Street has undergone a massive transformation from a sleazy porn theatre to a rock climbing gym. With the doors finally open, the Basecamp crew is inviting everyone out for one rock-ing party (pun very much intended) featuring aerialist performances, DJs, lasers, food, drinks, and rock climbing.

Yoga Untapped at Steam Whistle Brewing (March 20)
In need of some R&R this weekend? Head to Steam Whistle Brewing this Sunday to get your vinyasa on. You'll get to follow up your practice with a complimentary pilsner from the brewery, and nothing goes together quite like beer and bridge poses.

FILM

Toronto Short Film Festival (March 18)
If your short attention span impairs you from getting through feature films, the Toronto Short Film Festival will be right up your alley. Hit up Carlton Cinema to catch the very best of international short filmmaking. Tickets are only $5 per block of shorts, so it's very budget-friendly.

Screen Queens presents: Drop Dead Gorgeous (March 20)
Head to the Royal Cinema on Sunday to catch a screening of the cult '90s hit Drop Dead Gorgeous. Aside from seeing one of the best beauty queen movies of all times, you'll be treated to live and potentially very drunk commentary, special guests, performances, drinking games and plenty of surprises.

SHOPPING

Bellwoods Flea: Spring Break Edition (March 19)
As per usual, you'll be able to find art, fashion, food and more from local vendors filling Dundas Video. If you're not in the mood to shop, there will be classic film screenings all day long and retro video games. Dogs are welcome, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend.

North York Really Really Free Market (March 19)
Everything is up for grabs at the Really Really Free Market; no strings attached. Do some pre-spring cleaning of your own and donate all your excess bits and bobs.

Gladstone Flea (March 20)
The Gladstone is closing out its series of winter flea markets this Sunday. You'll find a ton of one of kind fashion and home pieces plus a healthy share of vintage goods. If you can't stop by this weekend, there's sure to be a fair share coming to the hotel this spring.

Spring Equinox Pop-Up Market by Toronto Urban Collective (March 20)
Celebrate the first day of spring by filling your home and wardrobe with some new goods. 99 Sudbury will be brimming with independent artists, craft-makers, photographers, designers, and artisan chefs.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

The St. Patrick's Day Loft Party (March 19)
Want to throw a jam for St. Paddy's but don't want the hassle of cleaning up crushed beer cans and crumbs? 99 Sudbury is throwing the ultimate house party in honour of the Patron Saint of Ireland complete with games, pilsner and good company.

GUINNESS SPD 2016 (March 19)
Dust off your finest green gear to re-live St. Patrick's Day at Polson Pier. The event goes down in a massive heated tent and features live music by Canadian bands and DJs, a free pancake breakfast and plenty of food and brews. It sells out every year, so you'll want to get your hands on tickets ASAP.

St. Paddy's Day (March 19)
Amsterdam BrewHouse is pulling out all the stops for its post-St. Patrick's Day soiree. There'll be a live band, video DJ battles, a free pancake breakfast, traditional Irish entertainment, a Jameson whisky bar and more. Bonus: the brewery is crafting an authentic Irish stout on site.

For more events this weekend click on over to our events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

Photo via ComiCon.

Last night's sold out opening event for the House of Vans at a warehouse on Dupont was a smash hit with performances from Vancouver trap artist Tommy Genesis, hometown hero Jazz Cartier and Massachusetts indie rock originators Dinosaur Jr.

Inside there's an art gallery packed with historical photography from various decades of Vans history including skateboard competition photos and vintage ads.

Vans designed the warehouse with tons of street styled art across the walls and stage including a massive amount of their classic checkered print covering every space imaginable, including a photo booth near the entrance.

There's a lounge area with beverages and merch where you can take a seat and relax while checking out the performances, skateboard and BMX sessions.

Tommy Genesis was the first to take the stage last night. With a relaxed vibe, the Atlanta trap influenced rapper smoothly flowed between tracks while engaging with the crowd.

House of Vans is supposed to be licensed but for some reason was unable to serve booze last night. Genesis took the opportunity to point that out, telling the crowd they "looked sober as f*ck."

Up next Jazz Cartier, hot off the heels of his recent release Hotel Paranoia, performed a set of mostly new material including the hard hitting "100 Roses" and throwback track "How We Do It".

Closing out the night, indie rockers Dinosaur Jr. had everyone captivated. The band, backed by a long row of stacked Marshall amps, powered through their no nonsense set with style and ease.

At the end of their set Damian Abraham (of Toronto indie punk act F*cked Up) joined the band for a very aggressive moment that got the crowd riled up before they closed the night off with one more song.

The House Of Vans will be hosting shows from the likes of Career Suicide, Fake Palms and Grandmaster Flash among others until their closing date on April 2. There are also dates set aside for shoe personalization workshops, introductory skateboard classes and skateboard and BMX demos.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.