Toronto
Weekend Events & Festivals in Toronto: November 23 to 25, 2018
A weekly digest of What’s on in Toronto this weekend: Activities, Exhibitions, Live Music, Live Theatre & Performances, Sports and Festivals in Toronto. Few GTA events are also listed.
You may like:
Free Things to Do During November
I. Live Music & Concerts
Boléro
One of the great orchestral showpieces, the pulse-quickening crescendo that is Ravel’s Boléro crowns this appealingly varied program led by Finnish conductor John Storgårds. Kirill Gerstein, whom The New York Times has praised as “one of the most respected pianists of his generation,” takes centre stage for Beethoven’s most lyrical piano concerto.
November 21, 23 & 24, 2018
Roy Thomson Hall,
60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
$40.75-$154.00
You may like:
UnCovered: Joni Mitchell & Carole King on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 | 8:00 PM @ George Weston Recital Hall
Soweto Gospel Choir
The spectacular and vibrant two-time Grammy®-award winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR returns to Toronto with Songs of the Free, a very special program celebrating the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela.
November 22 & 23, 2018
George Weston Recital Hall, 5040 Yonge Street Toronto
$39.50- $85.50 + Applicable Charges
Yundi Li – Touch of Chopin
Li is most well known for being the youngest pianist to win the International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, in 2000, at the age of 18, and for judging it in 2015. The internationally acclaimed pianist will showcase his beautifully technical pieces and elegant movements that have made his famous around the globe.
Friday, November 23, 2018 | 7:30 PM
The Sony Centre, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
$65.38-$351.63
Bramwell Tovey
Bramwell Tovey conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra.
“One of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world, Bramwell Tovey is a Grammy and Juno Award-winning conductor and a renowned composer.” (MusicalAmerica) Maestro Tovey has recently been named Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra. Cellist Hannah Craig performs Elgar’s Cello Concerto.
Friday, November 23, 2018 | 8:00 PM
Koerner Hall, Toronto
$25.00 – $60.00
Christmas Concerts
- A Seasonal Celebration on Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM @Flato Markham Theatre
- Peel Choral Society: Christmas With Anne. on Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 7:00 PM @ The Rose Theatre
- The Gift of Christmas on November 25, 2018 | 04:30 pm & 7:00 pm @ Living Arts Centre – 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga
Annual Canadian Beatbox Championship
Canada’s top beatboxers and vocalist are brought together to compete for beat supremacy in Solo, Tag Team & Loopstation categories. Judged by an all-star beatbox lineup and hosted by Canadian Beatbox Icon Scott Jackson.
Saturday November 24th | 5PM – 2AM
Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street West, Toronto
$15-$20
SongBird North
Canadian songwriters, including soul singer Sean Jones of Casa Loma Fame, and others, come together with host Blair Packham to perform their music and tell us the stories behind the songs.
Saturday November 24th | 8PM
Temerty Theatre,273 Bloor St W, Toronto
$35.00
Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan
Be transported straight to the heart of West Java, Indonesia, during this captivating musical performance at the Aga Khan Museum by Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan (ECCG) celebrating the group’s 35th anniversary. Joining the ECCG are special guests, Sundanese composer Ade Suparman and dancer Nurrika.
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 3:00 PM
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
$22.50-30
Concert Tours/EDM Concerts This Week
- H.E.R. – I Used to Know HER Tour on Monday, November 19, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ REBEL
- Pusha T – The Daytona Tour Part 2 on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- HANSON STRING THEORY, Live with Orchestra on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 | 08:00 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- TRAVIS SCOTT – ASTROWORLD: WISH YOU WERE HERE TOUR on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 | 07:30 PM @ Scotiabank Arena
- HANSON STRING THEORY, Live with Orchestra on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 | 08:00 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Brian Wilson on Wednesday, Nov 21, 2018, 8:00 PM @ The Sony Centre, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
- Yukon Blonde & The Zolas on Thursday, November 22, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- Rufus Wainwright: All The Poses Anniversary Tour 2018 on Thursday, November 22, 2018 | | 07:00 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- The Glorious Sons on Thursday, November 22, 2018 @ 08:00 PM @ Scotiabank Arena
- Great Lake Swimmers on Friday, November 23, 2018 | 07:00 PM on The Danforth Music Hall
- Snails on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- Aminé on Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
- John Butler Trio on Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 07:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- ARC Ensemble on Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 2:00 PM @ Mazzoleni Concert Hall
- Gabriela Montero: Innocence and Experience on November 25, 2018 | 3:00 PM @ Koerner Hall
For more live music at nightclubs and Food/Spirit Festivals & Events, see under V. Nightlife/Food Festivals & Events
You may like:
II. Arts & Theatre
Performing Arts Events
Theatre events opening this week include
- The Dream & Being and Nothingness — National Ballet @ The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Citadel + Compagnie: Citadel Dance Mix 2018 @ The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance
- Cut The Sky @ Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
- Yellow Rabbit @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts
- The Runner @ Theatre Passe Muraille
Christmas/Holiday Theatre Events
- It’s a Wild, Rowdy, Wonderful Life @ Second City Theatre
- Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory @ Princess of Wales Theatre
- It’s A Wonderful Life @ The Oakville Centre
- The Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular @ FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton
Big City Improv Festival
The Big City Improv Festival, created by artistic director Adrianne Gagnon in 2011, is Canada’s largest gathering of improvisers with marquee headliners, local showcases, public workshops and industry panels. Details
November 16th to 24th, 2018
Various, Toronto
$10 & up
Blood in the Snow Film Festival
The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival is a unique and imaginative showcase of contemporary Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema, that exists to challenge social boundaries, explore artistic taboos, and support and exhibit independent Canadian genre media artists. Details
November 22 to 27, 2018
Royal Cinema, 608 College St, Toronto
$12
III. Sports & Related Events
CN Tower Climb for United Way
CN Tower Climb for United Way go directly toward the work of United Way Toronto & York Region, supporting a network of more than 200 agencies across the region. Climb 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower and help communities rise from poverty to possibility.
Student Climb: Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 6 AM to 10 AM
Public Climb: Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 6 AM to 10 AM
Corporate Climb: Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 6 AM to 10 AM
CN Tower, Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs
vs. Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday November 19 | 7:00 PM
vs. Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Toronto Raptors
vs. Washington Wizards on Friday, November 23 | 7:30 PM
vs. Miami Heat on Sunday, November 25 | 6:00 PM
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Toronto Marlies
vs. Cleveland Monsters
Sunday, November 25 | 4:00 PM
Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto
Mississauga Steelheads
vs. North Bay Battalion
Friday, November 23 | 7:00 PM
Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Mississauga
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Holiday Lights & Santa Claus Parades
There are about 10 Santa Claus Parades taking place this weekend in GTA including Markham Santa Claus Parade, Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade, Santa’s Magical Parade of Lights Ajax, Vaughan Santa Parade,Streetsville Santa Claus Parade + Weston Santa Claus Parade, Hamper Santa Parade within City of Toronto, see Santa Claus Parades in GTA for more details.
- Cavalcade of Lights: Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Great Gulf, will mark the official start of the holiday season in Toronto. The event features the first lighting of Toronto’s 60-foot (18-metre) Christmas tree, along with musical performances, circus arts, a skating party and a spectacular fireworks display.on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM @ Nathan Philips Square (8:35 pm – Fireworks display)
- Markham Annual Festival of Lights (Fireworks) on Friday, November 23, 2018 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM @ Main Street, Markham
- Light up the Square on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM @ Mississauga Celebration Square
Christmas Markets & Craft Fairs
Christmas Markets & Holiday Craft Fairs in Toronto & GTA
- Toronto Christmas Market 2018 from November 15 to December 23, 2018 @ Distillery Historic District
- The Sisters Touch of Christmas from October 25 to December 27, 2018 @ The Sisters of St. Kosmas Aitolos Monastery
- One of a Kind Winter Show from November 22 to December 02, 2018 @ Enercare Centre
- King West Holiday Pop-Up on November 24 & 25 @ The Portland Market
- Toronto’s Chanukah Market on Sunday November 25th 2018 | 10am to 4pm @ The Warehouse Event Venue, 35 Carl Hall Road
- Annual King George Craft & Business Sale on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 10am – 3pm @ King George Public School
- Swedish Christmas Fair on November 24 & 25, 2018 @ Harbourfront Centre
- Fall Handmade Art and Fine Craft Sale on Saturday, November 24, 2018, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. @ Neilson Park Creative Centre
- Toronto Christmas Pet Expo on November 24 & 25, 2018 @ The International Centre
- Swansea Craft & Bake Sale on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 10AM-3PM. @ Swansea Public School
- Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 10am-3pm @ St Luke’s Church & Community Centre
- Bloordale Christmas Gift Sale on Saturday, November 24, 2018 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM @ Bloordale United Church
Holiday Events This Weekend
- Christmas in the Village on November 23 & 24 @ Streetsville Village Square
- A Roaring Twenties Christmas: November 20, 2018 – January 6, 2019 @ Spadina Museum
- Scottish Holiday Traditions: November 14, 2018 – December 30, 2018 @ Gibson House Museum
- Christmas at Black Creek from November 17 – December 23 @ Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Gallery of Festive Trees from November 17t to December 29 @ Elman W. Campbell Museum, Newmarket
- Annual Victorian Tea on Saturday, November 24, 2018 @ Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum
Winter at Ontario Place
For the second year in a row, the West Island of Ontario Place will feature the Winter Light Exhibition, free public skating on a synthetic rink and community bonfires. New this year, Ontario Place will launch a series of DJ skate parties at the iconic waterfront venue and bring a range of beloved films to Cinesphere.
November 23, 2018 to March 17, 2019.
The West Island of Ontario Place
Free
NORDEN: The Festival of Cool
Featuring some of the most creative driving forces in contemporary art, music and thought leadership, Norden: The Festival of Cool promises to make you think differently about the dark nights of winter. Discover the meaning of “happiness” through lively conversations, and groove on Toronto’s most scenic skating rink.
November 24 – December 2, 2018
Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Free and ticketed events
Other Events
Notable Awards
This year’s #NotableAwards will be the ultimate throwback house party featuring headliner Dwayne Gretzky! Your ticket includes open bar, Instagram content zones, premium food, as well as a $10 Lyft promo code to get you home safe. Details
November 21, 2018 at 7PM @ Evergreen Brickworks
Mindfulness Challenge 2018
New and seasoned meditators in the GTA and other cities will come together on November 25 th to meditate and raise pledges at the 3rd annual Mindfulness Challenge. More than 300 individuals will join together in support of The Centre for Mindfulness Studies, helping bring mindfulness programs for mental health to those from communities most in need who are living with depression, anxiety and stress. Details
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM @Daniels Spectrum. 585 Dundas St E, Toronto
Happy Place Toronto
HAPPY PLACE, an interactive, immersive exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, is on a mission to spread happiness around the world.
November 1, 2018 to January 1, 2019 @ Harbourfront Centre, 245 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Exhibitions
- Awakening Venus : a Deconstruction of the Goddess — November 9 to December 15, 2018 @ C9 ART Gallery, 7 Sultan Street Toronto
- UNZIPPED TORONTO — Luxury development firm and emerging culture company, Westbank, and Danish architecture firm, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), have reconstructed the iconic 2016 Serpentine Pavilion in downtown Toronto, at King and Brant Streets. In Toronto, the Pavilion — made of 1802 stacked fibreglass ‘bricks’ and which stands 14 metres (46 feet) tall at its apex, 27 metres (88.5 feet) long and 12 metres (39 feet) wide — will play host to Unzipped, Westbank’s newest exhibition. September 15 to November 30, 2018 @ Serpentine Pavilion, 533 King Street West, Toronto.
- Exhibit: Made in Canada: Let the artifacts on display – both from the museum collection and loaned from local residents – share their military stories. June 2 to December 8, 2018 @ Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre. Details
V. Food Events & Festivals This Week
- Foodie Road Trips in Ontario
- Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises in Toronto
- Beer & Wine Festivals in Toronto
- Food Festivals in Toronto
- Relaxation through Food on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 6:30PM – 8:30PM @ Temple Vortex Wellness and Community Center
- NO TIME TO KILL (A Time Travelling Mystery) – Dinner Theatre @ Chelsea Hotel – Rossetti Ballroom
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
Sip and savour your way through international gourmet cuisine, exotic delicacies, incredible wines, cutting-edge cocktails, stunning craft beers and so much more!
November 22 to 25, 2018
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. Toronto
$20-$35
LC Brewmasters Series: Big Rock x People’s Pint
Join us for a hopped-up evening of brews and bites! Kick off the night with a welcome beer ‘cocktail’ before diving into a delicious five-course dinner paired with Big Rock and People’s Pint beers.
Thursday, November 22, 2018 | 6:30 PM
Big Rock Brewery, 42 Liberty St., Toronto
$69
Happy Hour at Assembly Chef’s Hall
Enjoy three courses created and introduced by the chef, drinks, an insider’s tour of Assembly and a gourmet gift to take home.
Thursday, November 22, 2018 | 6:30 PM
Assembly Chef’s Hall, 111 Richmond Street West
$50
Wrapped Up in the Valley
Choose one of 3 weekends in November and experience premium wine perfectly paired with a culinary treat crafted by our local chefs. Enjoy unspoiled views from the top of the Niagara Escarpment, through to the scenic winding roads in Lincoln to St. Catharines.
November 10 to 25
Various locations in Niagara’s Twenty Valley
FREE And Ticketed Events
Club Events
- Hatchetmen w/Lava Lava on Thursday, November 22, 2018 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM @The Painted Lady
- Wafia with Kristina Alcordo on Thursday, November 22 | 8:00 PM @ The Garrison
- Smokey Joe & The Kid with With Special Guests on Thursday, November 22 | 8:30 PM at Adelaide Hall
- The Lazys, The Standstills with The House Call on Thursday, November 22 | 8:00 PM at Velvet Underground
- Dreadnoughts with Crash Ton Rock, The Filthy Radicals on Thursday, November 22 | 8:30 PM at The Horseshoe Tavern
- Four Chords and the Truth: the Dakota Confessions on Thursday, November 22 | 7:00 PM at The Dakota Tavern
- ROM Friday Night Live on Friday, November 23, 2018 | 7:00 PM @ ROM
- Ritualz, Attrition with Into the Pale Abyss on Friday, November 23 | 8:00 PM @ Christie Pits Pub
- Fast Romantics with We Are Monroe, For Esmé on Friday, November 23 | 9:00 PM @ The Horseshoe Tavern
- Tengger Cavalry on Friday, November 23 | 9:00 PM @ Hard Luck Bar
- SKINS N PUNKS VOL 1 THE GIG: Oi Polloi, The Press, The Prowlers, Reckless Upstarts on Friday, November 23 | 8:00 PM @ The Velvet Underground
- KSHMR on Friday, November 23 | 10:00 PM @ Uniun Nightclub
- Slave 2 the Square Wave on Friday, November 23 | 9:00 PM @ Cadillac Lounge
- Art Department on Saturday, November 24 | 10:00 PM @ Noir (Rebel Entertainment Complex)
- Diamond Weapon with This Harbour, Old Major on Saturday, November 24 | 7:00 PM @ Sneaky Dee’s Concert Venue
- Raven on Saturday, November 24 · 8:00 PM at Hard Luck Bar
- Valley with WYLAND, Pleasure Craft on Saturday, November 24 | 8:00 PM at The Great Hall
- Single Mothers with D Boy, Burner on Saturday, November 24 | 9:00 PM at The Garrison
- Captain Tractor with The Stephen Stanley Band, Nathan Truax on Saturday, November 24 | 9:00 PM @ The Horseshoe Tavern
- So Loki with BBNO$ on Sunday, November 25 | 7:00 PM @ The Drake Hotel – Underground
You may also like
Things to do with family in Toronto
Free Activities & Cheaper Ways to Explore Toronto
Please verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials before travelling.
Road Closures
Road Closures in Toronto – Here;
In Brampton – Here ; Mississauga – Here
York Region – Here Durham Region – Here
Road Conditions across GTA – Here ; TTC Route diversions – Here
Bookmark this page and check back next week for more activities.
Where are there firework shows tonight 😎 In Scarborough but will travel
Serena – its called google. try it
I’m so happy Grease the Musical is coming back!!! I’ve seen it twice and loved it, can’t wait to go again! The girl who plays Sandy is EVERYTHING
Missed the halal food festival…