Category Archives: 365 Things to Do in Toronto

94. Books on Film Club

April 4, 2011

Be part of one of Toronto’s most unique book clubs by attending tonight’s “Books On Film Club” at the TIFF Bell Lightbox! This series focuses on the “art of adaptation” by showing films based on books. Tonight’s screening is Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita, based on Vladimir Nabokov’s publication of the same name.

Lolita

Hosted by CBC’s Eleanor Wachtel, the host of “Writers & Company” and “Wachtel on the Arts,” with special guest David Thomson, author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, tonight’s conversation promises to be a fascinating foray into the world of literature transposed onto the screen!

Single ticket pricing for tonight’s event is available for $35. For more information about the “Books On Film Club,” or to purchase tickets for this and other screenings, go to tiff.net.

93. The War of the Worlds

April 3, 2011

In 1938, Orson Welles’ adaptation of H.G. Well’s The War of the Worlds aired on the American radio drama series “Mercury Theatre on the Air,” inspiring fear and paranoia in listeners. Presented as news bulletins, the realistic adaptation suggested that an alien invasion was in progress. Though the performance was a Halloween prank and public outcry ensued, Welles’ fame was secured by his successful adaptation of the 1898 novel.

The War of the Worlds returns to inspire fear in 2011; performed at the Harbourfront Centre by the Art of Time Ensemble, a live orchestra, foley artist and well-known actors will bring the 1898 novel and 1938 radio show to life. In addition, a commissioned instrumental suite based on Dan Parr’s original film score will set the mood for some 21st century paranoia.

The War of the Worlds

Today’s performance is the last presentation of The War of the Worlds. The show starts at 4pm; ticket prices range from $25 to $59. For more information, go to the Harbourfront Centre’s website.

92. Harry’s Spring Run-Off

April 2, 2011

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 470 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every week; one in every seven men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime. Harry’s Spring Run-Off aims to change those statistics by raising funds for prostate cancer research each year.

Harry's Spring Run-Off

Sponsored by Harry Rosen and hosted by High Park, participants run or walk in an 8k or 5k race, with all proceeds benefiting the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

Though you’re too late to register for this year’s event, you can certainly cheer on participants as they run or walk to raise funds for prostate cancer research! The 8k starts at 10am, and the 5k starts at 11:15am. You can make a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation online, and of course, you can start training now so that you’re ready to participate in the 2012 Harry’s Spring Run-Off! Check out Harry’s Spring Run-Off website for more information.

91. Visit Snakes and Lattes

April 1, 2011

Located at 600 Bloor Street West (just west of Bloor and Bathurst), Snakes & Lattes is Toronto’s first board game cafe, featuring over 1500 games and plenty of specialty treats!

Snakes and Lattes

Whether you’re looking for something a little different from the standard dinner and a movie, or whether you’re celebrating your birthday and seeking an interesting new venue for friends to gather, Snakes & Lattes is a great place to hang out with one or twelve of your nearest and dearest (or it could be a great first date option)!

$5 gets you in the door and gives you unlimited access to Snakes & Lattes‘ games for as long as you like! Snakes & Lattes is open today from 11am until 4am. Check out Snakes‘ and Lattes website for more information about this fantastic Toronto board game cafe!

90. Thibaudet Plays Liszt

March 31, 2011

Enjoy the beautiful music of French piano sensation Jean-Yves Thibaudet tonight at 8pm at Roy Thomson Hall as he takes on Franz Liszt’s Totentanz, and Guillaume Connesson’s The Shining One.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Special guest conductor Stéphane Denève, Music Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, will bookend Thibaudet’s performance with two French dance scores: Dukas’ fairy tale, La Peri, and La tragédie de Salomé.

Tickets for tonight’s performance range from $32 to $141, and are available at http://www.tso.ca.

89. One of a Kind Spring Show

March 30, 2011

Starting today and continuing until April 3rd at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, the One of a Kind Spring Show + Sale is Spring’s main event in the world of crafters, creators, and shoppers alike! 450 artisans gather to share and sell their creations: everything from unique toys, to beautiful clothing, to gorgeous pottery, to delicious hand-crafted delicacies!

One of a Kind Show + Sale

Need to bring the kiddies along? Complimentary services include a Family Centre (child-care for those between the ages of 2 and 8 years), a One of a Kind Art School presented by DeSerres (art-related activities for children over the age of 8, keeping them busy while you shop!), and a “Just for Mom” room for those with babies in tow.

Find that perfect gift, get ready for summer with products created especially for the great outdoors, or simply treat yourself to a beautiful, hand-crafted masterpiece. Tickets to the One of a Kind Spring Show are $10 online for adults, or $12 at the door. For more information, go to www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto.

88. Visit A Taste of Quebec

March 29, 2011

Located in the beautiful Distillery District, A Taste of Quebec is Toronto’s only food boutique specializing in terroir products from Quebec. Featuring the finest artisan cheeses, gourmet delicacies, and other delights, A Taste of Quebec not only offers products to help you create delicious meals at home, but provides Quebec delicacies from the Gallery Café, adjacent to the boutique and located in the Thompson Landry Gallery.

A Taste of Quebec

Interested in purchasing Quebecois cheese, but want to sample it first? Need a deliciously hand-crafted quiche for your dinner party, but don’t have the time to fiddle with phyllo pastry? Craving a unique lunch created from the highest-quality, local ingredients available? A Taste of Quebec is all of this and more. Explore A Taste of Quebec at http://www.atasteofquebec.com, and be sure to take a look at Heikki’s interview with Thom, one of the shop’s expert operators!

87. LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris

March 28, 2011

Fashion is serious business, and LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris is no exception. Now in its twelfth year, Canada’s premiere fashion event begins today, bringing together media, industry, buyers and consumers in a celebration of all that is fashion.

LG Fashion Week Beauty by L'Oreal Paris

This year’s theme is “Work It. The Business of Fashion.” Get down to work at Heritage Court at Exhibition Place from March 28th until April 2nd, the official venue for Fashion Week, but don’t forget to play – there’ll be plenty of designers, models, and industry experts exploring Toronto, and the week is filled with runway shows and exclusive parties to enjoy with beautiful company! For more information on everything going on throughout Fashion Week, go to http://www.lgfashionweek.ca/.

86. JUNOs

March 27, 2011

The big day is here! Even if you didn’t manage to snag JUNO tickets, you can still tune into all the fun by watching the JUNOs on CTV.

JUNOs

Hosted by Toronto native Drake, you’ll catch performances by Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Chromeo, Down With Webster, Hedley, Johnny Reid, and Sarah McLachlan. This year’s JUNOs marks the 40th anniversary of the awards, and Toronto has the honour of hosting the big event and all of the festivities! Canada’s musical talent has been honoured world-wide (most recently at the Grammy’s, where Canadians snapped up Album of the Year, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Best Rock Song, and plenty of nominations), so support your fellow Canadians and celebrate the JUNOs today!

85. Hands-on Cooking Class: Scones, Scones, Scones!

March 26, 2011

Spend the afternoon making scones and sipping tea in St. Lawrence Market’s “Market Kitchen!” Learn the art of scones: you’ll make savory scones (think white cheddar and organic bacon), and sweet scones (lemon poppyseed, vanilla cardamom and pecan, dried cherry and chocolate), and of course, you’ll get to sample the fruits of your labour!

Scones, Scones, Scones

The Scones, Scones, Scones Cooking Class goes from 1 until 3pm, and costs $50 per person. Pre-registration is required: call 416-860-0727, or email kitchen@stlawrencemarket.com.