Weekend events in Toronto are eclipsed by Nuit Blanche on Saturday night from 6:58 p.m. until sunrise. The all night contemporary art thing takes over all corners of downtown, including its bars (where you can take refuge if it rains cats and dogs). But don't worry, if walking around looking at installations isn't your thing, there are plenty of parties, food events and concerts to take in as well.

Here are my picks for top events this weekend in Toronto.

BIG NIGHTS

Nuit Blanche (October 1, Citywide)
If the top 20 exhibits to check out at the Scotia Bank-less Nuit Blanche 2016 are any indication, this year is one to brave the bustling city and get out and see. There are 90 installations scattered throughout the city from 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 until 7 a.m. on Oct. 2. Check out the official site for a full program list to this contemporary art takeover.

ROM Friday Night Live: Spark (September 30, ROM)
Kick off the new Friday Night Live season with a final look at the beautiful glass colour explosions of the Chihuly exhibit. Sean Jones, EastSideWest, DJ Sanga Genesis, DJ Misty, University of Toronto Faculty of Music are all on hand to entertain and never forget, there are bars and food throughout the Dinosaur house.

FOOD & (mostly) DRINK

International Sake Day tastings (September 30, Propeller Coffee)
This massive west end coffee shop celebrates the Sake Institute of Ontario's (SIO) International Sake Day and Toronto International Sake Challenge (TISC) with tastings and a competition with eight judges from Toronto, New York, and Vancouver including 2 Sake Samurais analyzing over 100 sakes. Get tickets here.

Oktoberfest
The annual celebration of beer and sausage and general happiness really kicks off this weekend. There are major events at Ontario Place, The Gladstone, and Bandit Brewery on Dundas West. Local beer specials and brews have been created, custom pint glasses will be given away, prost!

7th annual poutine eating championship (October 1, Yonge-Dundas Square)
Smoke Poutinerie presents this 7th annual eating event at Yonge-Dundas Square so poutine giveaways, and performances from Destroyer, Canada's official KISS cover band. This is the world's largest poutine eating contest, gulp, and free boxes of the wonderfully gooey stuff will also be given away.

PARTY

Spin Turns 5 (September 30, Spin)
It seems like only yesterday we got our first ping pong bar, doesn't it? We'll it's now been five years and we've come a long way. We now have another table tennis bar called Smash, but the OG deserves a big birthday bash. DJ Pham will spin alongside art installations, a photo booth and, duh, ping pong.

FASHION

Super Wonder Fashion Wars (September 30, Super Wonder Gallery)
Six designers will battle it out on the catwalk with creative street wear inside this giant Bloor West Gallery. The wilder the better! Tickets are $15 and DJ Stacie Ant spins.

SHOPPING

Uniqlo store opening (September 30, Eaton's Centre)
It's finally here! The Japanese retail store's two-storey mega shop inside the Eaton's Centre (beside H&M) opens its doors for you to buy all your perfectly plain coloured layers for fall and winter. Lots of opening day specials and a chance to win a trip for two to Japan. We've already had a sneak peek, but you can bet the opening will be slick and crazy busy.

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (October 1-2, Heritage Court)
Toronto has a pretty fantastic collection of vintage stores, and many of them will have booths at this humongous vintage sale. Happening October 1-2 down on the Exhibition Grounds, shoppers will find vintage & retro clothing, accessories, jewelry, handbags and designer vintage from 10a.m. and admission is $10.

Really really really free market (October 1, Campbell Park)
In the spirit of community and trading and our recent Bunz obsession, this free market is more relevant than ever. Everything is actually free. If it is a rainy day, the Market will take place inside Campbell Park Community Centre where you can share, take, do both or neither; no barter, no money and a limit of one Ikea size bag per person.

FILM

Outdoor Titanic screening (and after party on a boat) (September 30, Gibraltar Point)
Never let go of this movie and it's romance. The weather is supposed to be nice for this beachside screening of the epic film at Artscape at Gibraltar point. There is an optional Titanic boat party that happens right after the film. Dress up is encouraged. A zero iceberg guarantee is in place. $10 in advance, $12 at the door and the movie starts at 7:15p.m.

Hard Day's Night (September 30, Hot Docs Cinema)
Featuring a slew of iconic pop anthems, A Hard Day's Night captures the astonishing moment when The Beatles officially became the singular, irreverent idols of their generation. Get there early as DJ Moe Berg (The Trans-Canada Highwaymen) spins a set of classic rock before the screening at 9:30p.m.

MUSIC

Temper Trap (September 30, The Phoenix)
So many concerts this weekend, I hope you have some fresh ear plugs. Australia's Temper Trap at The Phoenix is one highlight, remember "Sweet Disposition"? Imagine that live!? They're currently touring with their new, award winning new album. Doors are at 7p.m.

• Built To Spill (September 30, Danforth Music Hall)
• Elliot Moss (September 30, Drake Underground)
• Idioteque - Radiohead Tribute (October 1, 3030 Dundas Street W)
• Gooch Palms (October 1, Silver Dollar)
• By Divine Right with The Magic and Dave Schoonderbeek (The Monarch)
• Bakermat x Sam Feldt (October 1, Danforth Music Hall)Glass Animals (October 2, Rebel)
• Porches (October 2, Horseshoe Tavern)
• The Faith with Gang of Four (October 2, Danforth Music Hall)

DANCING

Loving in the Name Of (September 30, Great Hall)
When The Great Hall closed for major renovations, so did one of its biggest parties. Loving In The Name of returns wit DJ Scott Cudmore and of course, a crazy good live band. Doors are at 10p.m. and you'll hear the greatest hits of all time from genres all across the board in the big room with new sound and lights.

• More Boy Problems: Carly Rae Jepsen dance party (September 30, Gladstone Hotel)
• Rub (September 30, The Beaver)
• Guts does the internet (September 30, Geary Lane)
• Can You Feel It? 90s Rave/Early House (September 30, Round)
• A Stranger Things Event (October 1, Handlebar)
• Love Saves the Day (October 1, The Beaver)
• Even Stranger Things: Nuit Blanche Party (October 1, The Gladstone)
• Baltra & CL (October 1, Bambi's)
• Rebel Grand Opening Party (October 1, Rebel - formally the Sound Academy)
• With It! 60's Mod Soul Reggae dance party (October 1, The Piston)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Photo from Nuit Blanche 2015 by Jesse Milns.

St. Clair and Avenue Rd. is quickly becoming a condo hub. As developments rise up, this converted office building at 112 St. Clair Avenue West offers an alternative to all the new builds in the area. On the market for $4.2 million, the penthouse unit features a cool 4,000 square feet of living space split over two levels.

The interior, designed by Studio Pyramid, includes an open-concept layout with lots of windows that'll bring plenty of sunlight into this south-facing suite. the design is contemporary but not flashy. A family with kids in their early teens would make good use of this space.

With two wine coolers, a bar fridge and a massive wraparound terrace with a barbecue, this unit pretty much begs you to host a party in it. You'll certainly have room. And with four bedrooms, you can even let your guests crash for the night.

SPECS

• Address: 112 St. Clair Ave. W., PH901
• Price: $4,200,000
• Square Feet: 4,000 square feet
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 2
• Taxes: $17,825 (2016)
• Maintenance Fee: $4,189.32 (monthly)
• Walk Score: 92
• Listing agent:
• Listing ID: C3616412

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Two storeys
• Floating staircase
• South-facing
• Wraparound terrace
• Four bedrooms
• In-building gym

GOOD FOR

A family. This penthouse is bigger than an average house and includes four bedrooms that are just waiting to be filled. Or, you could just be someone who likes lots of space, in which case, this unit would be ideal, especially if you're down to throw a party or two.

MOVE ON IF

The more than $4,000 in maintenance fees just don't seem worth it (there's nary a pool in sight), even if you do get access to a gym and 24-hour concierge.

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.

Late night eats at Nuit Blanche will fuel you through the annual night-long art crawl. If you plan to cover a lot of ground and check out various art installations across the city, your best bet is to load up on some grub along the way. From food truck rest areas to late night poutine purveyors, you've got plenty of options.

Here's your ultimate guide to late night eats available during Nuit Blanche this year.

FOOD TRUCKS

The following food trucks are officially working with Nuit Blanche for the night and will be serving late into the wee hours.

Metro Hall (55 John St.)

• Mustache Burger
• I Love Churros
• Jerk Brothers
• Prince Edward's Fries

Nathan Phillips Square

• The Ultimate Concession
• Tiny Tom Donuts
• Heirloom
• Eva's Original Chimneys
• BeaverTails

Bay Street (10 Bay St.)

• Smoke's Poutinerie
• Smoke's Burritorie
• Mami's
• Hogtown Smoke
• Annina's Temptations
• La Fiesta

RESTAURANTS

The times indicated below are when the restaurant's kitchens will be open until on Nuit Blanche. Some places standardly open until 2 a.m. to serve booze have extended their food service hours for the big night.

Open until 2 a.m.

• 416 Snack Bar
• Bar Begonia
• Bar Fancy
• Bar Isabel
• Bar Raval
• Dominion Pub & Kitchen
• Get Well
• Hanmoto
• Hawker Bar
• Korean Grill House
• Lou Dawgs
• Oddseoul
• People's Eatery
• Shameful Tiki Room
• Swatow
• The Greater Good
• Three Hands

Open until 3 a.m.

• Barton Snacks
• Belly Buster Submarines
• Fancy Franks (multiple locations)
• Let's Be Frank
• Poutini's House Of Poutine (multiple locations)

Open until 4 a.m.

• Ali Baba's (multiple locations)
• Amato Pizza (multiple locations)
• Burrito Boyz (multiple locations)
• Fat Bastard Burrito (multiple locations)
• Junked Food Co.
• Liberty Shawarma
• Mr. Burrito
• Owl of Minerva
• Rol San
• Smoke's Poutinerie (multiple locations)
• Smoke's Weinerie

Open until 5 a.m.

• Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant
• New Ho King

Open until 6 a.m.

• King Place Restaurant
• Osmow's

Open 24 hours

• 7 West
• Denny's
• Fran's
• Old School
• The Lakeview
• Thompson Diner
• Vesta Lunch

Know of a late night spot to eat during Nuit Blanche? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Natta Summerky and Jesse Milns.

Two sisters are on a mission to introduce Toronto to real chai tea. That's why they're opening Elchi Chai Shop, a new cafe coming soon to 130 Harbord St.

"We love our chai, and there's no chai out there that really tastes like chai," says Sukaina Ebrahim who started Elchi Chai Shop with her sister Sayyeda.

They hope to open some time next month, but might be delayed due to ongoing renovations. Once up and running, they plan to serve chai tea - made with milk, spices and loose leaf tea (never with syrup or powder) - lassi and parothas.

"It's like roti meets croissants," says Sukaina, describing this type of flatbread.

She and her sister are using their mother's parotha recipe and plan to top them with sweet and savoury ingredients, such as pulled beef, butter chicken, bananas and nutella. There will even be a s'mores option on the menu.

I think we all know what we'll be sipping and snacking on this winter.

Photo via Elchi Chai Shop.

The Atlantis Pavilion at Ontario Place is entering its final month. The long-standing lakeside event venue will close on Oct. 31, 2016.

"We have ended our lease early with Ontario Place because they are starting their revitalization project," General Manager Shelly Primeau tells us via email.

Atlantis, one of the iconic structures at Ontario Place, has played host to numerous special events, weddings and dance parties over the years. It remained open even after the rest of the amusement park closed back in 2012.

Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group, which runs Atlantis, will debut another waterfront venue in April 2017 when the Guild Inn Estate finally reopens in Scarborough.

Will you miss Atlantis? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by A Great Capture in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free things to do all year long in Toronto are like knowing about a secret underworld of events in the city. Every week, every night of the week there's something to do that's absolutely free right under your nose. No pay what you can bucket, no "take a walk in a park" options, just some solid suggestions from free fun spots around the GTA.

Here are my top picks for free things to do by day of the week all year long in Toronto.

MONDAY

Dance class at Steps Studio
Every Monday Steps Studio (at the corner of Yonge and Davenport) offers a free introductory Salsa class. Meet the teachers, see the studio and try a Level 1 Salsa lesson before committing to signing up. No partner needed if you don't have one. Just bring your hips.

Shoeless Mondays
No cover on Mondays at the Horseshoe Tavern. Sometimes even Tuesdays are free, and the music is totally decent. Best thing to do before heading out is check their official listings page (which is updated constantly), and if you like what you see/hear, head down and walk on in for a free concert downtown.

TUESDAY

Free yoga at Lululemon
There's a free yoga class every Tuesday at Lululemon on Queen St. at 8 p.m. Bring your own mat and a willingness to walk out onto Queen street a sweaty, albeit relaxed mess.
All levels are welcome to these classes, just make sure to pre-register to make sure you get in.

Canadian Opera Company free concert series
Tuesdays and Thursday at Noon (and some Wednesdays at 5:30p.m.) catch a free concert in one of the most stunning music venues in the country. Artists from around the world perform here in vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber and world music styles.

WEDNESDAY

The AGO
Every Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m you can walk into the Art Gallery of Ontario gratis! Some tips to make sure you get in easily (it's often super busy) is to get there right at 6 p.m. and don't bring a backpack to avoid coat check. There's also the free after three program all week for people 14-25.

Aga Khan
Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. see the entire Aga Khan museum. Unlike some that only allow you to view permanent collections on free nights, Aga Khan generously gives free reign. It gets very during these hours so strollers aren't recommended.

THURSDAY

Improv at Second City
Thursdays at 9 p.m. there is a free improv show at Second City in the John Candy Box Theatre called Longform Preview. It's basically a bunch of students and alumni of the Longform Conservatory performing before your very eyes. Great way to start a night off. The theme show that follows is paid though, so hurry and get out of there afterwards!

FRIDAY

Free brewery tours
What better way to start the weekend than with an Amsterdam Brew House tour at 245 Queens Quay West (just next to the Harbourfront Centre). Tours last about 30 minutes and a free tasting. Tours are limited to 16 people though, so register in advance if you can. Tours happen at Noon, 4 and 6 p.m. (they also happen other days of the week at limited times.)

SATURDAY

Power Tours at the Power Plant
Saturday's at 3 p.m. take a guided tour of the waterfront gallery's exhibits. You'll get to check out the latest goings on at the gallery and have it explained to you by an in house art expert. Exhibits at the Power Plant are typically free year round, except for the odd event and their opening bash is always open to everyone with the option of a cash bar.

EVERYDAY

Toronto Reference Library talks
There are talks happening inside the Reference Library on any given night, and the quality is A+. I'm talking artists, authors, Rome Dallaire and Mike Myers. Check out their lineup for some free fun any night of the week all year long.

Did I miss a free event in Toronto that you like to pop into all year long? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Glen Gannon in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• The 7th Annual Smoke's Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship takes place at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday, Oct. 1.
• October 1 is International Sake Day and the Sake Institute of Ontario kicks off the celebrations today with a tasting experience featuring the newly announced winners of the 3rd annual Toronto International Sake Challenge.
• Fall In Love with Rioja Wines at Skin + Bones on Thursday, Oct. 6. Tickets are $65.

UPCOMING

• Take an Oktoberfest Dinner Cruise with Mariposa on Saturday, Oct. 8. This floating beer garden has Bavarian music, one-litre steins of Steamwhistle and a buffet featuring traditional German dishes, like bratwurst and schnitzel. Tickets are $75.
• Sommelier and fromager Jeremy Lago hosts a Prince Edward County Wine & Cheese Tasting at Lazy Daisy's Cafe on Saturday, Oct. 15. $50 will get you six flights with cheese pairings.
• The 4th annual OktoberFEAST Toronto, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, takes place on Friday, Oct. 14 at Airship 37. Tickets start at $25 for this indulgent evening catered by Toronto's top craft brewers, wineries, restaurants and food trucks.
• The Toronto Catering Showcase is at The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon on Sunday, Oct. 16. All-inclusive tickets ($65) are on sale now.

Know of a Toronto food event coming up? Email editors@blogto.com

A new cafe has opened with a prospector-chic vibe, freshly roasted coffee and a Spirit espresso machine to whip up tasty lattes with flavours like cayenne and halva. Toronto coffee aficionados won't want to miss this one.

Read my profile of Goldstruck in the cafes section.

Toronto has no shortage of great sandwiches, so if you're throwing your hat in the ring when it comes to making them, you'd better step it up. No one knows this better than Kitson Vincent and his family, owners of this new sandwich shop, which serves great cheesesteaks, fried chicken sammies, rotis, BLTs and muffulettas...you name it. If it's between bread, odds are they've got it.

Read my profile of Kitson and Co in the restaurants section.

Toronto's first ever Uniqlo opened today. And plenty of eager fashionistas ventured to the CF Toronto Eaton Centre early this morning in order to start shopping. Along with stocking up on multi-coloured basics, those who made into the lineup for 10 a.m. also had the chance to win a trip for two to Tokyo, Japan.

Right now, this is Canada's only Uniqlo. But in October, one will open up at Yorkdale too. It'll join a slew of retailers - including Nordstrom and Muji - in the mall's newest wing.

So, was waiting in today's lineup worth it? Decide for yourself.

Photo by @Aaerox via Twitter.

It's a big weekend for road closures in Toronto thanks to Nuit Blanche, the annual all night art affair that takes over the city starting at sundown on Saturday. Many of the road closures affiliated with the event will be in place by late afternoon, so plan accordingly if you're attending the event or travelling through downtown.

Fortunately, the TTC has suspended its maintenance work for the weekend, and there are no scheduled subway closures. On the contrary, service will run all night during Nuit Blanche on Lines 1 and 2. There's also extra service on GO Transit.

The following road closures are in effect for Nuit Blanche:

John Street: Closed between Stephanie Street and Wellington Avenue starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 1 until 9 a.m. Sunday, October 2.

Queen Street West: Closed between Yonge Street and Spadina Avenue starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 1 until 8 a.m. Sunday, October 2.

Bay Street: Partial and full closures between Dundas Street West and Queens Quay starting at 12 p.m. Saturday, October 1 until 10 a.m. Sunday, October 2.

McCaul Street: Partial closure (southbound lanes only) between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West starting at 6 pm Saturday, October 1 until 8 am Sunday, October 2.

Following Nuit Blanche, there will be road closures in Toronto for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2 from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The area affected is bounded by University Avenue/Queen's Park Circle in the east, Bloor Street West in the north, St. George Street in the west and College Street in the south.

The following TTC routes will detour during these closures: 5 Avenue Road, 94 Wellesley, 506 Carlton and 300 Bloor-Danforth

Lastly, the Ontario Fire Fighters Memorial will close the northbound lanes of Queen's Park/Queen's Park Crescent East from College Street to Wellesley Street on Sunday, October 2 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

For a full list of road restrictions in Toronto, check out the official city website.

Photo of a previous Nuit Blanche by Jesse Milns.

The top events in Toronto this October will remind you why you love the fall and leave summer but a distant, sweaty memory. There are some Halloween themed things happening (we'll have a full separate guide for that later), and yes Nuit Blanche kicks off the month, but between these two bookmarks, there's a lot going on.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this October.

The Moth (October 6, Massey Hall)
The art and craft of storytelling is what New York based group The Moth does. They are masters of curating well told and engaging stories either live on stage or through their podcast. If you saw the season finale of Girls, you'll fully understand what it is... or you can head to Massey Hall to find out. Showtime is 8 p.m.

DX From Nothing (October 7, Design Exchange)
Sometimes The Design Exchange is not very accessible, not in the cultural content they present, but because of ticket pricing. This month however they're presenting From Nothing, a super cool event with a $25 price tag. It's a night in collaboration with Common Good and a celebration of emerging artist collectives.

Avant X (October 13-16, The Music Gallery)
A full festival pass is just $40, and if you want to blow your mind with new music and sounds, it is highly recommended that you invest in this experimental electronic music fest. From celestial club music to ephemeral improvisation, this festival includes concerts, dance parties as well as lectures and talks about the future of music.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival (October 13-21)
Nine nights of horror, sci-fi, action and cult films at the Scotia Bank Theatre. It's the perfect lead up to Halloween with 50 films and shorts being shown to fans who won't get the change to see many of these films on a massive screen ever again. There are also live Q&A's with filmmakers, zombie night, and Pub After Dark (The Office Pub) where fans can meet up after to party.

Cask Days (October 21-23)
From October 21-23 find your way down to the Evergreen Brick Works for the 12th annual Cask Beer festival. Cask ale is unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated beer that is served direct from a barrel. There will be 400 varieties to try over the three days. Tickets starts at $25

Everything To Do With Sex Show (October 21-23)
The 17th Everything About Sex conference of sexy panels, classes, vendors and entertainment happens at the Direct Energy Centre. Fashion shows, seminars on proper spanking techniques, an erotic circus, and oral sex tips will help everyone in the relationship, or those who are single and ready to mingle like a pro. It's a $20 day pass or $25 weekend pass.

Buffer Film Fest (October 22-23, Various locations)
The annual showcase of YouTube talent returns to Toronto. Screenings, galas, a red carpet, panels, shorts, features, and exhibits are all crammed into two action packed days. Check their official website for a fleshed out schedule.

Keith Cole #HastagGallerySlut (October 26-29, AGO)
Legendary Toronto performance artist Keith Cole presents a work that considers legacy and memory, collapsing time, space and identity. There will be two performances that explore the death of Canada's Tom Thompson featuring drag queen extraordinare Maria Delmonte and queer filmmaker Raymond Helkio. There will be water. There will be interpretive dance. There will be cats.

Art Toronto (October 28-31)
Take a stroll and fantasize about filling your walls and shelves with beautiful pieces at Canada's largest international fair for modern and contemporary art. Lots of Toronto galleries are showing at here, and there's also the Art Book Fair happening simultaneously. It runs at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and a regular ticket starts at $20.

Canzine (October 29)
A one-day festival of zine culture and underground art takes over the AGO from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free and you'll see workshops, a vendors marketplace, and a live zine race. Spend the afternoon with some of the city's most creative and daring artists and authors while supporting the art of print.happening this season.

Did I miss an exciting event? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo of Cask Days by Andrew Williamson.

The best Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto will have you slurping up silky noodles and sipping on big bowls of broth. The culinary delights are hardly limited to pho; these eateries dish out everything from fresh and fried spring rolls to grilled delicacies and rice cakes.

Here are the best Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto.

How many times have you thought Casa Loma would make an epic haunted house? Now your nightmares dreams are finally coming true because Liberty Entertainment Group (which runs Casa Loma) has transformed Toronto's only castle into a bona fide Halloween attraction.

Legends of Horror opens tonight and runs until Oct. 31, or Halloween. It's $40 in advance or $45 at the door - those under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by an adult.

The entire experience runs for about one hour and features actors, props, elaborate sets and a slew of famous monsters and horror movie characters. If you visit, Dracula will lead you on a 1.5 kilometre narrative journey through the castle's grounds as well as into the tunnel beneath Spadina - it's spooky enough on a regular day.

Check out the trailer below.

Photo by Somewhere in Toronto in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top warehouse sales in Toronto this month will require some early mornings for you and your shopping crew. The Puma and North Face events are sales you should be lining up for in advance to get the real goods. Fortunately, there's also a host of other sales to peruse in a more relaxed manner this month.

Here are my top picks for warehouse sales in Toronto for October.

Hayley Elsaesser warehouse sale (October 1-2)
It's 50% - 90% off clothing by the woman who can now add dressing Miley Cyrus to her resume. Hosted by gallery and event space Milk Glass Co., this two-day warehouse bonanza marks down designer items to insane prices. There will also be snacks and drinks. 1247 Dundas St. W

North Face sample sale (October 4-10)
Outerwear, sportswear, footwear, backpacks and loads more are on offer at this North Face mega sale. It's cash only and happens at 533 College Street.

Puma warehouse sale (October 5-9)
Puma footwear, clothing, bags, accessories are all discounted at up to 80% off! I'd get there before doors open to score the goods at this sale even though it runs for a few days. I also wouldn't expect Rihanna to show up. It happens at the International Centre, Hall 6, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga.

Nordstrom warehouse sale (October 12-16)
They may have recently opened in the Eaton's Centre, but that's all the more reason to have sale items to give away at 80% off! Lots of designer clothes, shoes, accessories for both guy and gals will be on offer. It happens at the Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road.

Designer Shoe warehouse sale (October 13-16)
Four days of shoes, shoes, shoes! BCBG, Cole Haan, Sam Edleman, Naturalizer all at 10% off. OK, so it's no Puma warehouse sale, but if you're looking for some solid office shoes or formal kicks, this is where you want to be. International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Hall 6, Mississauga.

L'Oreal Warehouse sale (Until October 16)
There's makeup, skincare, fragrances, and hair products at big discounts for this warehouse jaunt. Other big associated makeup brands you know and love will also be for sale (Lancome, Matrix, Redken, etc) and there's a $600 limit on your final check out. 1 Steelcase Road West, Markham.

Linen Chest warehouse sale (Until October 23)
Just in time for fall cuddles and new apartment decorating, the Linen Chest sale has items up to 75% off, and it only happens once a year. The trick with this one? It's not actually in a warehouse; it's happening in stores and online, so you better hurry and get the good thread counts while they last. Here's a Linen Chest store locator.

Did I miss a warehouse sale you're excited about hitting up? Let us know in the comments and let's shop some more!

Photo from the Puma Facebook page.

Bars serving until 4 a.m. during Nuit Blanche may be particularly useful this year if the weather forecast is to be trusted. With rain predicted to be a part of our all night art event, what better places to take temporary refuge than a local watering hole? Between Nuit Blanche and the Out of Site Festival, there lots of spots to imbibe until way late on Saturday.

Here are 15 restaurants and bars serving booze until 4 a.m. on October 1st.

• Drake 150
• The Drake Hotel
• The Gladstone Hotel
• The Paddock
• Queen Mother Cafe
• Rivoli
• Horseshoe Tavern
• Cameron House
• Bar Chef
• The Hideout
• Nocturne
• Tortilla Flats
• Bovine Sex Club
• Cube
• Wild Wing Toronto

This list represents establishments approved to serve until 4 a.m. during Nuit Blanche and the Out of Site Festival by the AGCO. They don't have to exercise that right, so it's always best to call ahead to confirm.

Photo via the Drake Hotel.

The $1 million house in Toronto, perhaps more than any other, underscores just how crucial neighbourhood and location are to real estate values. It's common sense, of course, but when you compare and contrast homes across the city, this obvious observation becomes intriguing. And that's not to mention just how far this benchmark amount goes compared to just three or four years ago.

Here's what a $1 million house looks like in Toronto.

$1.1 million near Queen and Brock
This detached home in Parkdale has a lot going for it. Recent renos have bestowed a lovely kitchen upon the place, there's a finished basement that increases usable floor space, and the possibility of creating a rental unit. There is, however, very little outdoor space and the bedrooms are tiny. Imagine what this house was worth in 1996 (or don't -- it's scary).

$986,000 in the Pocket
The exterior of this house could make it the poster child for a Toronto real estate market that's spun out of control? How could that be worth a million, you can hear some ask with incredulity. Once you get past the facade, however, this house isn't so bad. The interior has been recently updated, and while the design is rather plain, it's also pleasant.

$989,000 in Swansea
Here's an example of how much house you get when you move away from the core and sacrifice on Walk Score. This three bedroom home in Swansea has a modern interior and kitchen, lovely backyard deck, and is near High Park. One notable drawback is the single washroom.

$998,000 in Scarborough's Guildwood neighbourhood
The 1950s urban dream is still alive in Toronto if you head far east into Scarborough. This is about as big a house as you're going to get for a million in Toronto with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There's even a pool! The two-car garage is reminder of how you'll need to get around if you live here, though.

$1,049,000 near Bloor and Ossignton
This Bloorcourt home is a good representation of what the housing market is like in Toronto for properties near to the subway and amenity-rich neighbourhoods. Set-up as two apartments right now, there are actually four total bedrooms to work with, but not a ton of extra space beyond that. It would be a great way to pay off a mortgage by renting one of the units out.

Would you buy any of these houses if you were in the market? Let us know in the comments.

The top renegade exhibits at Nuit Blanche fall outside of the official all-night program. These installations are in no way affiliated with the city-run event, but they add to the magic of the evening and give it an anything-can-happen feeling. If you tire of the massive exhibitions, Les Rues des Refusés has listed a whole bunch of alternatives for you to check out.

Here are the top renegade exhibits at Nuit Blanche 2016.

WiGGLY Street
Head to Queen Street West, between York and University, and joing Wiggly Events' WiGGLY Street, an all-night street party featuring installations, live music, DJs, performance art, light shows and even a bunch of tricked out ping pong tables.

Rocknroll Jameoke: Nuit Blanche Citizen's Band
Join a so-called "rock 'n roll hootenanny" in Kensington Market, on Augusta just north of Bellevue Square. There will be chords, lyrics and a few instruments available, but you're welcome to bring your own too as you rock out with this makeshift musical group.

Carpe Noctem
Deer Team Six and Secret Society present this mobile dance party that'll be making it way around the city tomorrow night. The theme is party animal and costumes are encouraged. It starts at 10 p.m. - check the Facebook page for its starting location.

Nuit Blanche Ride
If you want to see all of the art installations from the comfort of your bike, join Toronto Cruisers and peddle your way around the city. The group's meeting at Bloor and Spadina at 10:30 p.m. and plans to stay out late.

#Unwanted
Eternal Remedy (or etre) is using Snapchat to present a roving installation on Saturday night. It's all very mysterious, so follow eternalremedy to see what they do tomorrow.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

You might know chef and restaurateur Davy Love from his previous projects dishing out well-made classic British grub at places like The Bristol Yard and for a while at The Old Laurel. At his latest spot, he's serving up brunch favourites with a "Brits on holiday" theme.

Read my profile of Janie Jones in the restaurants section.

Free things to do in Toronto this October go beyond Halloween. There's so much more to the city than end-of-month zombie walks and horror screenings. Award winning photo exhibits, markets, laser shows and rage room sessions will make this October an exciting one without draining your wallet. Get some sleep after Nuit Blanche, because there's lots more to do this month.

Here are my top free event picks for October in Toronto.

World Press Photo Exhibit (October 4-25)
This traveling exhibition of prize-winning entries assembled by World Press Photo is on display at Brookfield Place. It's the world's largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest and features everything from the beautiful to the disturbing. The building is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bunz Flea Ep 1 (October 6)
The Bunz community is hosting a real life flea at the Gladstone Hotel! Drink, dance and trade or buy handmade, artisan goods from local vendors at this unique night market from 7 to 10 p.m. You'll be able to grab cupcakes, zines, artwork and a slew of other goods and services. Bring cash and your best trading items.

Monster Rock Orchestra (October 7)
From 7 to 11 p.m. at Yonge-Dundas Square, experience a "face melting roller-coaster of rock 'n roll and all-time favourite hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today." In addition to being a great big concert, there's a laser show. It's a hilariously big, noisy night out.

Progress of Place: Black on Earth Film Series (October 7)
Tickets to this amazing film series are free, but you have to book them in advance at the AGO here. In partnership with the Theaster Gates: How to Build a House Museum exhibit, this series questions the ongoing quest for Black freedom, histories and futures.

Rage Room Grand Opening (October 8)
The North York rage room has been smashing things to bits for a while now, but downtown is finally getting its own space and it's celebrating with free rage sessions all day on Oct. 8 from 1 to 11 p.m. You can smash up to five items for free.

Glow Sword Battle (October 8)
Formerly known as Lightsaber Battle Toronto (RIP), this new massive glowing sword battle is free. Bring your own sword, pick a side (good or evil) and battle it out (there are also swords available for sale). People will gather starting at 8 p.m. before the battle begins at 9 at Nathan Phillips Square.

Free Dancehall Class (October 11)
Not only is the Sony Centre offering free dancehall classes in one of its pro rehearsal studios, but it's also running free hip hop classes on Oct. 18. They're open to dancers of all levels and they begin at 5:30 p.m.

Fall Opening Party at the Power Plant (October 15)
Any excuse to get down to see this giant, waterfront space is a good one and its fall opening party is a goodie. Things are always free at this huge gallery, but this nighttime event is a bit more exciting. Be the first to experience three new exhibitions by artists Yto Barrada, Maria Loboda and Latifa Echakhch.

Talk with Mona Awad (October 19)
This author is the winner of the 2016 Amazon.ca First Novel Award and is long-listed for this year's Scotiabank Giller Prize. Awad's book 13 Ways of Looking At A Fat Girl is hilarious and touching, and she's doing a free Q&A at the Toronto Reference Library from 7-8 p.m.

Why The @#&! Do You Paint? (October 20-November 28)
This is the Gladstone's annual group painting show and you can see it all on the second floor gallery of the hotel. Curated by Spencer J, Harrison and Lukus Toane, this year's show - which is called Go Figure - features 37 figurative paintings with the intention of creating a reflective dialog about perceptions about the body.

Did I miss something free that you're excited about this October? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Derek Flack.