Toronto is sitting on a massive opportunity to create a sprawling park just east of downtown that might radically transform the city. While some of the area in question is already designated as green space, a new proposal would witness the transformation of the Lower Don Valley into parkland with dramatically improved access, infrastructure, amenities, and maintenance.

"City officials and Evergreen, a non-profit group, have been working for months on an ambitious goal to transform a stretch of the valley, from Pottery Road down to Front Street near the river's mouth, into a massive park," writes Alex Bozikovic in the Globe and Mail.

The Don River Valley Park project would arise in two parts, the first involving minor changes to the way in which the Lower Don is accessed, and the second a far bolder vision involving the the reconfiguration of the DVP ramps for Bloor and Bayview, Metrolinx rail corridors, and the repurposing of city owned land in the valley.

While this area is not as underused as the Globe article characterizes it -- the Lower Don Trail is positively bustling on weekends - the potential for improvement here is profound. To the same degree that the revitalized Brick Works has animated its section of the Don, a well-planned park on the other side of Bayview Ave. would be an amazing addition to the city.

In fact, Bayview Ave. is one of the key elements in the project. At present, the access points to the Lower Don are limited and hard to spot if you aren't already familiar with them. Step one in revitalization efforts would be to equip the street with separated bike lanes. The paved shoulders ceased to feel safe to ride long ago, but this would make an excellent cycling corridor.

You can already use the Lower Don Trail to come up and down the valley, but signage is minimal and there's no main link to the Brick Works, which could be rectified by converting an old rail bridge into a pedestrian/bike link. Add to that a series of other stairs and access points to services the numerous neighbourhoods that surround the valley, and you have a start.

Pulling off the rest of the vision will be challenging, but there are already many things going for the idea of park. The people involved with the early stages of the project are well-established and passionate about the possibilities, and the area itself is already slated as a site of investment for the future electrification of the GO rail lines.

Add to that the fact that the city has a serious problem with the Don flooding, and the recipe is there for addressing the Lower Don as an area worthy of holistic redevelopment to improve transit infrastructure, public access, and the city's inventory of green space.

Along with the Port Lands, the Lower Don Valley poses one of the most dazzling opportunities for Toronto to rethink its relationship with a historic waterway that's been sorely neglected since the Don was straightened over a century ago.

For more information of the project, early plans for the park will be unveiled at the Evergreen Brick Works on April 21.

Renderings via Evergreen.

Toronto's newest barbecue joint serves up burgers and steaks along with Eastern European specialties like chevaps. You can have these Balkan-style meat rolls on a bun, in a salad or as part of a mixed-meat platter.

Read my profile of Royal Meats BBQ in the restaurants section.

Summer sports leagues in Toronto let you get active, usually outside, and meet new people all at the same time. From softball and soccer to ultimate frisbee and dodgeball, these organizations let you try out new activities and also give more experienced players the chance to unleash their inner pro athletes.

Here, in no particular order, are the best summer sports leagues in Toronto.

Toronto Sports and Social Club
This club, known as TSSC, organizes leagues for all sorts of sports and activities, including basketball, volleyball, dragon boat and sailing. It holds sessions in both the spring and summer so you can really take advantage of Toronto's warm weather months.

Toronto Recreational Sports League
Geared towards those in their 20s and 30s, Toronto Recreational Sports League is recreational and entirely co-ed organization. It schedules all of its games in the Yonge and Eglinton area, making it easy to accessible to those who rely on the TTC.

Off Limit Sports
Trampoline dodgeball sounds like something a hyper 10-year-old would dream up, but it's a real sport that's actually a lot of fun to play. With Off Limit Sports, you can gather up your friends or co-workers and try it at four GTA-area locations. This company offers co-ed softball, volleyball and regular gym floor dodgeball too.

Toronto Kickball
Harken back to your elementary school days with this Toronto institution that makes kickball relevant for adult. This league, for those 19-plus, is all about having fun and letting loose on the field. Best of all, it's free.

Toronto Ultimate Club
For frisbee fans, the Toronto Ultimate Club runs multiple co-ed adult leagues on most nights of the week. You can choose to play recreationally or competitively if you're looking to up your disc game over the summer.

Toronto Rush
This soccer league boasts co-ed, men's and women's leagues for recreational players. It hosts its games at various fields throughout the city. You can sign up as an entire team or fly solo and register as an individual.

Ashbridges Bay Beach Volleyball
Head down to the lake to play beach volleyball and take part in this quintessential summer sport. Along with its summer league, Ashbridges Bay offers adult volleyball clinics if you want to improve your skills before joining a team.

BATL Axe
Axe throwing is enormously popular in Toronto and if you've been practicing over brews with your friends, you may just be ready to join a BATL Axe league - yes you can drink at games too, so don't fret.

The Toronto Outdoor Club
You need to be a member to participate in Toronto Outdoor Club activities, but luckily it's free to join. Along with hikes and camping trip, the TOC organizes recreational and pick-up sports games - such as badminton, soccer and ultimate frisbee.

Toronto Dodgeball
Instead of organizing games in high school gyms, Toronto Dodgeball hosts its summertime league on an outdoor beach court. That means you can dodge, dip, dive, duck and dodge in the beautiful warm weather all season long.

High Park Ball Hockey
For ball hockey fans, this west end league organizes games for both women and men. This not-for-profit group is all about having fun and it's recognized by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association, Hockey Canada and is a member of the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation.

Bike Polo Toronto
You don't need to ride a horse to play polo in Toronto. Instead, you can join Bike Polo Toronto for this fast-paced sport. The organization holds rookie and vet nights all throughout the summer so you can try out this game even if you're a beginner.

Thanks to the Ontario Volleyball Association for sponsoring this post

Photo by Jen Tse in the blogTO Flickr pool.

General Motors is planning to open a sprawling new facility south of Riverside in Toronto's Film District. The so-called Toronto GM Mobility Campus, as the Globe and Mail reports, will include Cadillac's Canadian head office, a sales office for a select number of brands as one for electric cars and bikes.

Most interestingly, it'll also be home to Maven , GM's emerging car sharing service.

According to the Globe, GM is looking to work with developers to give condo owners on-demand access to a fleet of cars through their maintenance fees. Think of it as a Car2Go or Zipcar program just for condo dwellers.

GM will eventually replace Cinespace Studios at 30 Booth Avenue near Lake Shore and the DVP. As the Globe notes, the film studio will lease out space from GM for one year before moving to the Port Lands.

Photo by PROtwurdemann in the blogTO Flickr pool.

You can catch a science fiction, double feature tonight at Toronto's Casa Loma. You're probably shivering in anticipation to learn how. Well, the Rocky Horror Picture Show remake's filming at our city's famous castle right now.

In fact, this made-for-TV production, directed by Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus, High School Musical), has been camping out in Toronto since mid-March.

It features Laverne Cox as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Victoria Justice as Janet Weiss and Tim Curry as the Criminologist. And, you can see it on Fox this fall.

Photo by kimberly_and_v via Instagram

Toronto's very own Drake may be dropping his latest album next week. But it looks like he's already having a stellar April because GQ named him one of the 13 most stylish men in the world.

Naturally, Aubrey Graham's on the magazine's cover. And clearly he's pleased about this accolade because he already Instagrammed about it.

The American magazine describes the rapper's style as luxurious, yet incredibly comfortable - in some ways this seems almost quintessentially Canadian.

And Drake wasn't the only Canadian to make the GQ list. He shares this honour with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ryan Reynolds.

Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) ended with a bang on Saturday, bringing to a close the 11th instalment of Toronto's alternative fashion week. This year's theme, DRESS CODES, challenged designers to explore the connection (and disconnection) between fashion and identity. Highly conceptual looks swept and sashayed at the Daniel's Spectrum, many of which left the audience either amazed or alarmed.

Here are my picks for the most outrageous looks from FAT 2016.

Wallace Playford
Katherine Laird and Jennifer Murtagh of Wallace Playford drew inspiration from Japonism to create this season's pieces, putting a Japanese spin on their already kooky fashions. The screen-printed kitten on the models' underwear was a cheeky detail in a collection meant to explore historic ideals of feminine sexuality.

M-Line
Matthew Ngan took concepts from both the Marco Marco and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to send a collection of men's underwear down the runway. The pieces were made with fun, floral appliqués inspired by the designer's Chinese background. Massive angel wings and sprawling embellishments made this look extra showy, though each one was a work of art.

Amplify Apparel
Meant to illustrate passion and infatuation, Amplify Apparel closed FAT's opening night with a collection rightfully titled PLEASURE. Each model waltzed across the room with some sort of suggestive prop; this man was tied to a beer bottle and drooling glitter!

Padina Bondar
An exploration of a woman's reproductive biology, Padina Bondar's XX collection is meant to illuminate the oppression that goes hand in hand with the female condition, presenting rather edgy pieces. This look in particular was hardly subtle, appearing to represent loss of virginity.

Feyanki Law
Having shown her Spring 2016 collection at Toronto Fashion Week, Feyanki Law is one of the more fashion-oriented designers of FAT, presenting looks in collaboration with Jing Zhao that were more or less ready to wear. This flawlessly crafted leather bustier and sheer pant may be the only exception.

Marie Copps
As both a visual artist and fashion designer, it's no surprise Marie Copps' collection teemed with elaborate pieces and the highest attention to detail. An eye-popping yellow dress with gold embellishments was topped off with a shawl of white flowers.

Syrie
Syrie designer Brooke Syrie took Lolita fashion to greyscale, showing ruffles and tutus in desaturated tones. Dubbed "Lazy Lolita," her collection was playful yet apathetic, highlighting pieces like this droopy sleeved jacket.

Starkers Corsetry
Every time Starkers Corsetry hits the FAT runway, I'm awestruck by their expert craftsmanship. This graphic corset was especially charming, featuring sheer panels and a flawless fit.

Lesley Hampton
Reimagining the Native American jingle dress for contemporary city life, Lesley Hampton presented an edgy collection of metallics fit for a warrior. A structured cape paired with black accents was amongst the 14 striking looks.

Evan Biddell
As the first winner of Project Runway Canada, Evan Biddell dedicated his show to the late David Bowie and his wife Iman, the host of the TV show. He casted an array of androgynous models as Bowie, and dressed them in showstoppers like this textured silver suit.

Do you agree with my picks? Let me know your favourite looks from FAT in the comments.

Photos by Jonathan Hooper courtesy of FAT. Wallace Playford photo by Peter Jung in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Finely crafted cocktails featuring barrel aged spirits and a menu of Dutch-Indo snack foods are what's in store at this intimate cocktail lounge hidden away on the second level of a popular midtown restaurant.

Read my profile of Bar Batavia in the bars section.

You don't need to rely on Etsy if you're on the hunt for unique, handmade products in Toronto. Instead you, can visit one of the city's many monthly craft markets, including a new one that's slated to open up in Little Italy this June.

The College Street Local market will make its debut at Revival during the Taste of Little Italy street festival on June 18 and 19.

While College Street Local hasn't released its list of vendors yet, it's aiming to bring together more than 75 local artisans. If all goes according to plan, there will be quite the selection at this newfangled flea.

The best birthday cakes in Toronto can be found at local bakeries who know a thing or two about how to impress on that special day. Blow out the candles and get the party started with these beautiful, frosted creations.

Here is where to find the best birthday cakes in Toronto.

Top photo via Bake Shoppe.

Today in Toronto head to the Gladstone for this year's Grow Op exhibition. Aside from seeing some thought-provoking work, you'll also get to catch the Alternative Food & Drink Show, which will showcase unique dishes made from unexpected ingredients. If eco-friendly art and fare aren't your thing, one of the month's top concerts is going down at the Horseshoe.

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

• Beaux Arts Costume Ball (Steam Whistle Brewing)
• Vintage Crawl Toronto Spring 2016 (Various Locations)
• Toronto New Urbanism Film Fest (Innis Town Hall)
• Gladstone Grow Op (Gladstone Hotel)
• Midnight Massive Party (AGO)
• Images Festival (Various Locations)
• Daddy Long Legs, CATL, Noble Savages (Horseshoe Tavern)

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

Photo via the Gladstone Hotel.

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

• Poutini's House of Poutine has opened its second outpost at 617 King St. W.
• Ba-Li Italiano, a new kosher Italian joint is now open at 1045 Steeles Ave. W.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• ChongQing Liuyishou Hot Pot
• Grk Ygrt
• Royal Meats BBQ
• Nanashake

OPENING SOON

• The Captain's Boil is coming to Queen Street West! The Asian-Cajun seafood bar is going in at 226 Queen St. West.
• Caplansky's Delicatessen is expanding to Yorkville, going in at 156 Cumberland St. (formerly Toni Bulloni).
• The Eaton Centre's incoming Nordstrom will be home to Habitant Lounge and Bar Verde when it opens in September. Meanwhile, the Yorkdale location that opens October is getting a full service restaurant called Bazille as well as a Habitant lounge.
• Das Gasthaus at 107 Danforth Ave. will soon be replaced by a new bar called The Edmund Burke.
• Brussels Bistro in The Beach(es) has closed. The address at 1975 Queen St. E. will become a new restaurant called La Sala.
• Burger Fighter is in the works at 1181 Queen St. W, across from The Gladstone, where Hot Shawarma used to be.

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

The new trend of constructing semi-detached condos on a residential street is changing the urban landscape. Take this new build, for example. It's a modern stacked duplex at 85 Bellwoods Avenue, priced competitively at $1,189,000, and redeveloped on the site of a former bungalow (oddly resembling one of T.O.'s unsettling transformer substations).

The monster condo-alternative has become quite popular in recent years. Nearby streets like Markham and Palmerston feature a handful of towering modern duplexes (much to the ire of some neighbours) geared for those who might be scared off by the city's premium listings for a single family dwelling.

This owner-designed property has an open layout, large windows and a classy wood staircase. The home is three-storeys -- ample space at 1,700 square feet -- and a narrow backyard that's still larger than a standard condo balcony.

SPECS

• Address: #A - 85 Bellwoods Avenue
• Price: $1,189,000
• Approx. square feet: 1,700
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 1
• Taxes: Not assessed
• Maintenance fee: $199/monthly
• Walk Score: 87
• Listing agent: Jordan Grossman, PSR
• Listing ID: C3462642

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Three-storeys
• Skylight
• Hard wood floors
• Third floor master
• Detached garage

GOOD FOR

Dog-lovers, runners and people who love parks. Trinity-Bellwoods Park, one of the city's best outdoor green spaces, is walkable and around the corner from a huge number of indie shops and restaurants.

MOVE ON IF

You don't want the hassle of running the condo board...yourself. You're basically sharing the costs of home ownership with the attached neighbour. The low maintenance at $199/month barely covers the administrative fees.

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

Because it's 2016, one incoming Toronto restaurant is raising the stakes for avid Instagrammers and Snapchat enthusiasts alike.

Doomie's, the vegan comfort food hotspot from Los Angeles, will open up in Parkdale some time this spring. And when it does, you'll not only be able to munch on meat-free treats, but you'll also gain access to Toronto's first ever selfie room.

Once inside, you can snap photos of yourself and your #squad (after you finish shooting your double-decker veggie burger, of course).

Doomie's Toronto collaborated with artist Vegan Sidekick for this initiative - the selfie room comes wallpapered with artwork by this animal rights activist and cartoonist. This quintessentially millennial space also features good lighting as well as a floor-to-ceiling mirrors "for ultimate selfie taking," says a Doomie's representative.

Photos via Doomie's Toronto on Facebook.

The top juice bars by neighbourhood will have you drinking your greens. Whether you're committed to full-blown cleanses or just need a pick me up after a devastating hangover, these spots will get you feeling healthier in a flash.

Here are my picks for the top juice bars in Toronto by neighbourhood.

ANNEX
Fresh is one of the most popular healthy eateries in the city and boasts four locations across the city (Annex, Queen West, West Queen West and Yonge & Eg). Aside from a menu stacked with vegan eats, it has an expansive juice menu with 15 cold-pressed varieties to choose from, as well as smoothies and nut milks.

BEACHES
Farmacia Juice Bar specializes in nutrient-dense drinks - ideal for carrying with your on boardwalk strolls or dogwalks. The menu includes a variety of elixirs, power shots, smoothies, probiotics and juices.

BLOORCOURT
Spark Fresh Bar has a menu stacked with immune-boosting juices, smoothies and shots, ranging from the ever-popular green juices to date-sweetened almond milk creations. All drinks can be enhanced with vegan protein, spirulina or blue majik for an extra $2-$3.

CHURCH WELLESLEY VILLAGE
Juice Box, located in the heart of the Village, specializes in fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. Forget complex blends, superfood boosters and cold pressed juicers, simplicity is key here. Bonus: it's a lot cheaper than most juice bars in the city, with 12 oz. beverages ringing in at a mere $3.50.

CORKTOWN
Impact Kitchen is Corktown's go-to for healthful beverages and paleo eats. The menu features bowls, salads, and mains as well as smoothies, nut milks and cold-pressed juices (all made in-house).

DANFORTH
The Big Carrot is a Danforth institution, accommodating east enders who prefer the healthier things in life. Post grocery shopping, stop by the Big Carrot Juice Bar to snag a delicious and nutritious drink or smoothie. All can be enhanced with superfoods, protein boosts, immune elixirs, detoxifiers, energizers and/or greens.

DAVENPORT VILLAGE
Total Cleanse keeps its fridges stocked with a range of immune-boosting, revitalizing beverages. You'll find everything from creamy cashew milks to beet-based drinks here.

EGLINTON WEST
The small but mighty menu at Gud to Go will cater to all your cold-pressed needs. The juice bar currently offers six flavours, including one nut milk, that will have you feeling revitalized in a flash. Everything is Kosher and non-GMO certified.

ETOBICOKE
If you hail from the far west, The Fix and Co. is where to go to get your juice fix. This healthy eatery specializes in salad bowls and cold-pressed juices, equally stacked with fruits and veggies.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
With a name like OJ's, you'd expect to find its menu riddled with citrus flavoured beverages. Luckily, this juice bar serves up way more than just vitamin C infused drinks, you'll find a rainbow of juices, smoothies and immunity shots.

JUNCTION
Raw Chemist Juice Bar serves up all-natural juices and smoothies that can be enhanced with greens, chia, camu camu and other superfoods. The staff is known to be super helpful with recommendations, if you need help navigating the sometimes confusing world of cold-pressed beverages.

KENSINGTON
Perched on the corner of Nassau and Augusta you'll find The Organic Press. As the name implies, all the goods served here are 100% organic and cold-pressed. Aside from a range of brightly coloured juices, there are find a few almond milk concoctions worth trying.

KING EAST
Evolution Food Co. has something for everyone. Its lengthy list of juices and smoothies includes kale-based drinks as well as sweeter options, like "Cookies and Cream" (a smoothie comprised of almond milk, dates, banana and raw pecans).

KING WEST
The menu at Union Juice offers more than just healthful beverages. Aside from the essential list of smoothies and juices, it also serves sandwiches, salads, bowls and a few snack items.

LEASIDE
Forget smoothies and grain bowls, at Drink Juice Co. it's 100% about the juice. It has a roster of expertly-crafted creations with fun names like "Hot In The 6ix" (Lemon, Alkaline Water, Maple Syrup, Jalapeño, Lime and Cucumber) and "A Dill You Can't Refuse" (Cucumber, Spinach, Dill, Parsley and Lemon).

LESLIEVILLE
Belmonte Raw occupies a cozy space just west of Pape and Queen. The drink-dominated menu includes a few raw food items and a medley of detoxifying beverages filled with ingredients like kale, activated charcoal, valerian and cayenne.

LITTLE ITALY
Anti Vice offers a year-round menu plus ever-changing seasonal specials. You'll find aptly-named drinks for every occasion, like "Flu Shot" (ginger, lemon, honey, cayenne pepper, oil of oregano) and "Morning After" (cucumber, coconut water, blueberry, kale, lemon).

OSSINGTON
Just south of where Dundas and Ossington meet you'll find The Grow Op, a juice bar specializing in all things trend-forward and healthy. Its menu features organic kombucha, acai bowls, and (of course) array of juices and smoothies.

QUEEN WEST
Daily Press Juicery's offerings range from fruit-based beverages to extremely earthy juices. If green hues throw you off, go for something like the "Beach Bum" (blueberry, pineapple and coconut water) or "Aquarius" (blue majik, raw honey, lemon and alkaline water).

RIVERSIDE
Pulp Kitchen doesn't exclusively deal in juices, but it does offer a fair few. Look past the sandwiches, soups and salads and you'll find a robust menu of smoothies, juices and boosters.

RONCESVALLES
Village Juicery offers a variety of cold-pressed juices, freshly squeezed juices, nut milks, alkaline waters and shots that'll do your body some good.

ROSEDALE
On the hunt for organic juices in Rosedale? Try Greenhouse Juice Co.. The juice bar has an extensive menu which includes eleven juices, six nut milks, five waters and seven booster shots.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Bolt Fresh Bar's menu flaunts everything from juices to healthy eats. It has a lengthy list of drink add-ons like coconut whip, probiotic kefir water and vega protein worth spending the extra $1-$2 on.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Refuel Juicery is a take out spot offering cold-pressed juice, smoothies and light, vegan meals. The drink menu boasts several cold-pressed options and blended drinks that can be amped up with add-ons like E3 Live, moringa, maca root and wheatgrass.

YORKVILLE
The menu at The Good Press flaunts basic pure carrot, orange, apple and grapefruit juices plus a few more interesting concoctions. If you're feeling peckish, the shop also serves acai bowls.

What did I miss? Add your picks to the comments.

420 in Toronto always brings hundreds of weed-lovers out to Yonge and Dundas for a debaucherous celebration of bud, but this year was special with news that federal legislation to legalize marijuana is due in 2017. As dispensaries pop up everywhere in Toronto, the degree to which pot is accepted in our municipal fabric has never been greater. And that made for one hell of a party.

Check out the plume of smoke that engulfed Yonge and Dundas in this photo gallery.

Weekend events in Toronto celebrate Earth Day and Toronto's vibrant art scene. The Gladstone has been transformed into an eco-friendly wonderland in the name of Grow Op, George Brown's Waterfront Campus will be taken over by animators for TAAFI, and the Opera House is hosting its Pancakes & Booze Art Show.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Images Festival (April 14-23)
Toronto's annual experimental film and media event has brought a bevy of short screenings, installations, performances, art exhibits and more to local galleries across the city. This weekend you can catch events like the MICE Launch Party, Earwitness by Eve Egoyan, We Only Guarantee the Dinosaurs and the Closing Night Party.

Gladstone Grow Op 2016 (April 21-24)
Head to the Gladstone for an exhibition built to "reframe our understanding of the shifting boundaries between urban and wild, culture and nature." You'll get to check out over 30 installations, including the Toronto Flower Market's daffodil canopy and Michael Rennick's woodland sculptures.

Wildest Dreams: A Taylor Swift Dance Party (April 22)
Once again, Taylor Swift is taking over Toronto this weekend without even setting foot in the GTA. Studio Bar is throwing yet another tribute dance party dedicating to the reigning Queen of Pop, so gather your squad and snap up some tix. Expect to hear Swifty's greatest hits, with bangers from her "Teardrops on My Guitar" era and her current "Bad Blood" phase.

Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) (April 22-24)
For three days George Brown College's Waterfront Campus will be transformed into a hub for animation lovers. The event will host over 30 exhibitors and industry-professional speakers who will be sharing tips and tricks of the trade.

ART

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show (April 22)
Breakfast food and booze are a magical combination. Top that with an art show and you've got all the makings of a good time. After taking advantage of the pancake bar, check out the exhibition (DJs and installations will not be in short supply).

PARANORMAL

Spring Psychic Fair Toronto
Get ready to expand your mind at the Spring Psychic Fair, where you'll encounter palm readers, UFO abductees, and generally people with a sixth sense. Enter with an open mind, and you might find that some of it all more intriguing than merely entertaining.

SHOPPING

Vitaly Pop-Up Shop + Sample Sale (March 8-June 1)
The fifth-annual Vitaly Pop-Up Shop has been open for the latter half of March and will be going strong until the beginning of June. It's taken over The Accessory Bar's old space at 350 Yonge Street and filled it with discounted accessories, clothing and watches.

La Playa Pop-Up Shop (April 1-30)
La Playa Pop-Up Shop will help you prepare for the impending days of beach bumming and rooftop tanning. Melmira is bringing high-end designer beachwear pieces from its home at Yonge and Lawrence to 12 Ossington Avenue for a month-long pop-up running seven days a week. Expect to find labels like Cool Change and Josa at 40% off.

Gladstone Flea Goes Green (April 23)
In honour of Earth Day the Gladstone Flea will be selling goods from local, ethical and environmentally sustainable makers. Vendors include Toronto Bee Rescue, Citchen Candle Co., Samyoga, Foxglove Apothecary and more.

FILM

Drunk Feminist Films Presents: Spice World (April 22)
Dust off your platform shoes, fill your purse with Chupa Chups and get ready to spice up your life. Drunk Feminist Films is screening Spice World and providing their own boozy commentary on the flick. Bonus points if your come dressed as Posh, Baby, Scary, Sporty or Ginger.

Brew & View: Chicago Sing-a-long (April 23)
Another week, another Brew & View. The Randolph Theatre is back at it again this week, and this time it's playing Chicago. Sip on ice cold brews as you watch Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones belt out musical numbers.

EARTH DAY

Earth Day (April 22)
While you could easily spend Friday throwing back beers in anticipation on a night out, why not get a little eco-friendly for a few hours instead? April 22 marks Earth Day and Torontonians are celebrating by congregating in Nathan Phillips Square. The group will also be marching the streets and picking up trash to keep our city clean and green.

Earth Ball (April 22)
For all you environmentally conscious partygoers, there's the Earth Ball. Get philanthropic at the Mill Street Beer Hall while sampling local eats by chef Michael Stadtlander, networking, and celebrating the year's environmental achievements. On top of that there will be a silent auction, eco gift bags up for grabs and more. Tickets cost $150.

Earth Day film screening: Hadwin's Judgement (April 22)
Head to the Bloor/Gladstone Library on Earth Day for a screening of Hadwin's Judgement. The movie chronicles a logging engineer/survivalist's attempt to stop the destruction of a rainforest.

UNACTO Earth Day Reflections on COP21: A Call to Think Globally and Act Locally (April 23)
Want to learn a thing or two about climate change? Head to Hart House on April 23.The UNACTO Earth Day event spotlights leaders from the government, local community, academic and private sectors. It will feature an exhibit of art and environmental initiatives, a keynote, and panel discussions.

Earth Day Ravine Clean Up (April 24)
While art shows and swap events may be entertaining, sometimes you've got to put in a little elbow grease to see results. Give back to Mother Nature by helping with the Glen Stewart Ravine Clean Up on April 24.

Downsview Park Earth Day Tree Planting (April 24)
Get your hands dirty and join Toronto's amateur arborists at Downsview Park for a day of tree planting. A drop-in campfire with marshmallows and a self-guided park tour brochure will be available while supplies last. If you're feeling even more charitable, bring along a non-perishable food item as a donation in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank.

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 of a previous Pancakes & Booze art show.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is coming to Toronto. The Chicago-based chain already boasts more than 400 locations in the United States, but the incoming eatery at 83 Yonge St. will be the company's first foray into Canada.

Potbelly started as an antique store in Chicago in 1977. It got a new owner in the mid-1990s and has been expanding ever since. It has retained a quirky and eclectic aesthetic and showcases local artifacts at each outpost in a nod to its early days.

Signature offerings include toasted sandwiches like the A Wreck, a sub stacked with a smorgasbord of cold cuts, including hand-sliced salami, roast beef, turkey, ham and swiss cheese.

Aside from sandwiches, expect salads, soups, house-baked cookies, milkshakes and malts on the menu. And, as a recent liquor licence application suggests, there might even be some boozy beverages to look forward to as well.

Opening dates have yet to be announced.

Photo via Potbelly Sandwich Shop on Facebook.

Grow Op is more than a garden show - it's essentially a plant-themed festival taking over the Gladstone Hotel for four days starting today (April 21 - 24). This year's exhibit, titled Cultivating Curiosity encompasses special evening events, workshops, and over 30 installations.

Through these immersive experiences, Grow Op touches on urbanism, environmental sustainability, landscape design, and contemporary art - with hopes of reframing our understanding of our place in nature. Tickets to the exhibit are $11, although certain events are free to attend.

Here are 5 things to do at Grow Op 2016.

Installations
Grow Op features work from over 30 artists ranging anywhere from reworked furniture to large-scale, interactive pieces. David Perret created sculptures out of weighted tree trunks that viewers can interact with like an inflatable punch bag. Design Build Grow Studio created a hydroponic garden out of everyday materials to inspire people to produce what they normally would just consume.

Alternative Food + Drink Show
From 6 - 10 pm tonight (April 21), the Ballroom at the Gladstone Hotel will be home to Grow Op's Alternative Food + Drink Show, highlighting a slew of vendors aiming to make the future of food sustainable, ethical, and organic. RISE Kombucha, KW Craft Cider and C-fu Foods are some of the event's most explorative foodies and chefs. Tickets are $11 for food only; $16 for food and drink.

Gladstone Flea Goes Green
This Sunday (April 24) from 10 am - 4 pm, peruse goods from local, ethical, and environmentally sustainable makers at the Grow Op edition of the Gladstone Flea. Free to attend, the market will offer guilt-free fashion finds, vintage scores, and other gems from over a dozen labels.

Workshops
Grow Op will host both on and off-site workshops throughout the weekend to help you become one with nature again. Stay inside the Gladstone Hotel and make seed paper with Christina Bowen tomorrow (April 22) from 1 - 3 pm or take a walk with Bird Studies Canada on Sunday (April 24) from 1 - 3 pm!

Parties
Celebrate Earth Day with likeminded individuals tomorrow (April 22) at Grow Op's opening reception from 7 - 10 pm; absorb the exhibit as well as the booze! Then, head to the after party in the Melody Bar.

Photos by Jesse Milns.

Prince was a big fan of Toronto and our city reacted to the late superstar in kind. The musical legend spent a lot of time here and even lived in the Bridle Path neighbourhood for a short while in the early 2000s.

He recorded part of his Musicology album in GTA-area studios - including at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga - and just a few weeks ago, took to the stage at the Sony Centre for two sold-out shows.

He once told the Canadian Press, "I love Toronto," reports CBC News. And we loved him right back. And as you remember Prince tonight, look outside at the CN Tower. It'll be purple tonight in honour of the Queen's 90th birthday - now it'll have a double meaning.

Dig if you will the picture...RIP The Purple One 💜💜💜

A photo posted by Nomad Toronto (@nomadtoronto) on Apr 21, 2016 at 1:29pm PDT

💜💜💜

A photo posted by @itsthewarehouse on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT

It's such a shame our friendship had to end 💜 Spending the afternoon in our Film Reference Library looking at film stills of the beautiful and iconic Artist fka #Prince. RIP

A photo posted by TIFF (@tiff_net) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:23pm PDT

Bleeding purple 💜😢 #ripprince

A photo posted by The Drake (@thedrakehotel) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:11pm PDT

Prince.

A photo posted by George Stroumboulopoulos (@strombo) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:55am PDT

Tremendous loss to the music world. RIP, Prince.

A photo posted by Norm Kelly (@normkelly) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:43am PDT

R.i.P Prince #prince #cotedeboeufossington #toronto #beef #butchershop

A photo posted by Côte de Bœuf (@cotedeboeufossington) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:37am PDT

We lost a legend today rip #Prince

A photo posted by The Everleigh (@everleighto) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:35am PDT

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life" We lost a true artist today. RIP Prince Rogers Nelson

A photo posted by Sonic Boom Records (@sonicboommusic) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:26am PDT

RIP Prince... Dinette dedicates a special night to you tonight...

A photo posted by Saturday Dinette (@saturdaydinette) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:11am PDT

Safe Travels

A photo posted by the witches brew (@witchesbrewkombucha) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:03am PDT

Thank you for all of your integrity, artistry and magic. #RIPPrince

A photo posted by Toronto Art Crawl (@torontoartcrawl) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:03am PDT

The rain feels appropriate. #purplerain #ripprince

A photo posted by fitzroyboutique (@fitzroyboutique) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:30pm PDT

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