Now that city streets are a little easier to navigate after this week’s big dump of snow, it’s time to start planning this weekend’s activities.
As usual, Toronto’s event calendar is jam-packed to cater to everyone from cooped-up families to young singles looking to let loose.
From a handful of concerts of varying genres, to Instagram-worthy public art, here’s what to do in Toronto this weekend….
Catch a Nostalgic Band
Iconic Canadian band Blue Rodeo will take the stage at the recently revamped Massey Hall on Saturday night. The Songs Seldom Heard show will feature -- you guessed it -- some of the band’s seldom performed songs, as well as some of their beloved favourites that will inevitably have the crowd singing along. Find more info here.
Get Your Groove on with a Famed Toronto Duo
If Bedouin Soundclash is more your idea of Canadian talent worth seeing live, the famed Toronto band will take the stage at Danforth Music Hall on Friday night. The group returns to showcase their new album We Will Meet in a Hurricane. Find more info here.
Dance the Night Away at Scotiabank Arena
If you’re looking to go big in the concert department, join nearly 20K others at Scotiabank Area for Saturday night’s SZA concert. The American R&B/soul singer will hit the stage as part of her SOS tour. With a fast-rising star, the artist was just named Billboard’s ‘Woman of the Year.’ Find more info here.
Bundle Up and Check Out Art at the Beach
The annual Winter Stations Design Competition is back to fill the beach with temporary public art installations from international and Canadian winners that celebrate the city’s waterfront landscape through a theme of “radiance.” The interactive pieces incorporate the existing lifeguard towers along Woodbine and Kew Beaches. Find more info here.
Warm Up with a Cold Beer
On Saturday, warm up with a cold beer – or many – at the Winter Warmup Beer and Cask Festival. Hosted by Henderson Brewing, the indoor/outdoor festival invites guests to sample both draught and cask beer from a dozen breweries, while enjoying firepits, food vendors, and music. Find more info here.
Catch One of Toronto’s Most Anticipated Musicals
At long last, the famed and poignant musical Hamilton has arrived in Toronto. Catch the Opening Weekend performance of the moving production, which is the story of America then, told by America now, featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. Find more info here.
Get Up Close and Personal with the Life of Leonard Cohen
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) offers the chance to learn more about famed Canadian novelist, poet, and singer Leonard Cohen. The first museum exhibition to present the holdings of the Leonard Cohen Family Trust, Everybody Knows immerses visitors in the many facets of Cohen’s creative life. Find more info here.
Browse the Latest and Greatest Cars
After a three-year hiatus, the Canadian International Auto Show is back to showcase the latest, greatest, and future of the automobile. For the second weekend the auto show takes over both the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with highlights that include everything from rarely-seen Porches to a life-sized Hot Wheels vehicle. Find more info here.
Get Lost in a Giant Winter Maze
Canada’s largest winter maze pop-up has taken over space at the Evergreen Brick Works. The giant 120’x120’ maze includes unlimited carnival rides, outdoor games, access to a hot chocolate bar, music, marshmallow firepits, photo opportunities, and a scavenger hunt with prizes. Find more info here.
