September is here, which means summer is almost over. It’s a little sad I know, but fall means knits, jackets and big, chunky scarves, and I’m into it. If you’re feeling a bit nauseous from all the back-to-school talk and the “missing my kids already” Facebook status updates, this weekend will get you back on track. Nothing represents the end of summer in the city like the Toronto International Film Festival. There are many TIFF-related events taking place this weekend, as well as other events like food festivals, concerts and fun things to do around the city. Here’s my TOP5!
Toronto International Film Festival – …or what I call the start of Oscars season, kicks off it’s eleven days of movie premieres, industry events and celebrity spotting, at which many big-name flicks are screened before audiences for the first time. This year’s films star the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Bennedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy and more. Movie lovers can explore a variety of programing options like the Midnight Madness screening series, City to City series, TIFF Kids and a selection entirely devoted to documentaries. Visit the TIFF website for tickets and schedule info. If you’re an autograph hunter, get your notebook ready and your voice warmed up to squeal, because although warm weather is on its way out, all the stars are pouring in.
Festival Street - New to TIFF this year is the Festival street, which will take place along King Street West starting at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and between Peter and University Street. The street will be closed for traffic and transformed into a pedestrian promenade with a light tunnel, curated art works across multiple disciplines, pop-up performances, a music mainstage, food trucks, relaxed seating areas, and much more. The Festival Street will be open for the first weekend of the festival (September 4 to 7).
Vegetarian Food Festival – Harbourfront Centre is putting on this annual festival for the 29th time. This perfect weekend-long event for the health-conscious is still regarded as the biggest festival of its kind in all of Canada and the United States and it’s a chance to sample from a wide selection of vegetarian cuisine. Discover how to choose a healthier, greener, and more compassionate lifestyle through cooking demonstrations, free samples, new products, and lots of delicious food. This is only one of many weekend festivals that are taking place at Harbourfront Centre over the summer months, celebrating culture from all around the globe.
Canada’s Bridal Show (Fall Edition) – Listen up bridezillas, the biggest bridal show in Toronto (technically Mississauga) is back for it’s Fall exhibition at the International Centre starting Friday. Over the course of three days, The National Bridal Show will house accessories, wedding favours, flowers, cakes, transportation and disc jockey suggestions for the big day. Major attractions include a bridal gown sale featuring items from 40-70 per cent off brands like Maggie Sottero and La Sposa Bridal Collection, as well as bridal fashion shows, with one on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., two on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 5 p.m., and two on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Riot Fest – This two day event of top rock, punk, and alternative talent is taking over Downsview Park this weekend and includes the likes of The Cure, Billy Talent, City and Colour, AWOLNATION, Death Cab for Cutie, The National, and many, many more. What shows off Toronto as a city truly built on rock and roll better than getting together and party with the sun still high in the sky—something you can definitely expect at RiotFest this weekend.
