365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto theatre

55. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

February 24, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 24, 2011

Staged at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts from February 17th until April 15th, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.

Intertwining the worlds of an Athenian court, a troupe of amateur dramatists, and the fairy kingdom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream reminds us that, in the words of character Lysander, “the path of true love never did run smooth.”

Tonight’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream starts at 7:30pm. As an early-bird performance, tickets are $50.86 (including HST) for adults, and $31.65 (including HST) for students. To purchase tickets, go to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts’ website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto galleries, Toronto museums

54. Jane Ash Poitras: New Acquisitions of Contemporary First Nations Art

February 23, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 23, 2011

The Royal Ontario Museum is pleased to display four recently-acquired original works by one of Canada’s preeminent artists, Jane Ash Poitras.

These new pieces explore the impact of colonialism through the combination of personal and historic imagery, and examine the use of traditional non-Western medicines. The featured works include Buffalo Seed (2004), The Extermination (1997), Potato Peeling 101 to Ethnobotany 101 (2004) and It’s Good for Your Heart (2003).

Jane Ash Poitras has received RCA designation from the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts; of Cree/Dene descent, she continues to observe and participate in the practices of various Native cultures, seeking to share knowledge of the First Nations in her art.

Today (and every Wednesday), admission to the ROM is free from 3:30pm until 5:30pm, so take advantage of your opportunity to check out Jane Ash Poitras’ fantastic works for no cost! For more information on this and other exhibits, and to purchase tickets for other dates/times to visit the ROM, go to www.rom.on.ca.

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53. Mary Pickford & the Invention of the Movie Star

February 22, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 22, 2011

Though she was celebrated as “America’s Sweetheart,” silent film star Mary Pickford was actually born in Toronto! TIFF pays tribute to the spunky actress who, together with her second husband, Douglas Fairbanks, launched the notion of celebrity culture as we know it today.

The TIFF Bell Lightbox is featuring several Mary Pickford Films as part of “the Invention of the Movie Star” exhibit, including Daddy-Long-Legs, Poor Little Rich Girl, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and Sparrows. Check the TIFF website for screening times of these films.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events

52. Family Day @ Fort York

February 21, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 21, 2011

Celebrate Family Day at the birthplace of modern Toronto – Fort York National Historic Site! Once the location of the climax of the Battle of York during the War of 1812, now the Fort encloses the largest collection of War of 1812 buildings in Canada.

Today the Fort is open from 10am until 3pm, so bundle up the kids and discover Toronto’s history! You can get a tour of the fort, the kids can participate in various activities, and everyone can grab a cup of old-fashioned cocoa from the historic Fort York Kitchen. Regular admission applies ($8.61 for adults, $4.31 for seniors and youth, and $3.23 for children). For more information on Family Day activities, and to learn more about the Fort, go to the Friends of Fort York website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events

51. National Home Show

February 20, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 20, 2011

Restore, refresh, and renew your home at this year’s National Home Show, Canada’s largest home show running from February 19th to February 27th!

Not only will you have the opportunity to shop for the latest home products as you browse the wares of over 700 retailers, you’ll get advice from some of the industry’s leading experts, catch live appearances by celebrities such as Debbie Travis, and participate in Renovation Workshops led by Built it Yourself Learning Centers (BiY).

This year’s celebrity appearances include Colin and Justin from HGTV’s “Home Heist,” Bryan Baeumler from HGTV’s “Disaster DIY,” Janette Ewen, co-host of “Inside the Box” with Ty Pennington, and Karl Lohnes, Homes Columnist for Metro News (and guest speaker at our January HW Design Talk!) You’ll have the opportunity to check out two model homes by PolygHome and Quality Homes, and don’t forget to visit the Neighbourhood Marketplace, the ultimate experience in shopping up-and-coming fashion and jewelry from Ontario vendors.

National Home Show tickets are $16.00 at the door and $13.00 online. For more information on the show, and to purchase tickets online, be sure to visit the National Home Show website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto galleries

50. Marilyn Monroe Exhibit

February 19, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 19, 2011

Starting today and continuing until May 15th, 2011, the Marilyn Monroe Exhibit at the McMichael Gallery pays respect to the iconic actress baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Renamed and recreated by Twentieth Century Fox as Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane would become a vibrant personality, sex symbol, and cultural phenomenon.

The McMichael Gallery includes approximately 150 works that highlight the innocence of Norma Jeane and the career of Marilyn, highlighting the contrasts between her difficult childhood and vulnerability, and her rise to stardom and status as possibly the most photographed individual of the twentieth century.

Featuring works by Andy Worhol, Allen Jones, Robert Indiana, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, Douglas Kirkland, and many other artists, the Marilyn Monroe Exhibit has enjoyed popularity in Europe and the United States before making its Canadian debut. Entrance to the McMichael Gallery is $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For more information on the Marilyn Monroe Exhibit and other upcoming exhibits, check out the McMichael Gallery’s website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events

49. Canadian International AutoShow

February 18, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 18, 2011

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow offers the opportunity to discover, connect, and experience the latest in the world of automobiles in a unique way.

Starting today and continuing until February 27th, you’ll discover the latest technological innovations, including electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, while learning more about in-vehicle technologies such as navigation/entertainment systems and enhanced voice/web interaction. Connect with some of the most advanced auto motives in the world, whether that means fueling the dream of your fantasy vehicle, or seriously considering your next purchase. Experience the automotive industry as you enjoy special exhibits, on-site test drive opportunities, and take advantage of some of the most extravagant promotions and contests available.

The Canadian International AutoShow takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, starting at 10:30am each day and continuing until 10pm from February 18th to 26th, and closing on February 27th at 6pm. Discover, connect, and experience the AutoShow online at their official website – you can also save 10% on your ticket price by purchasing your tickets online. Tickets are $20 for adults.

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48. Lunch Money Day

February 17, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 17, 2011

Whether or not you were forced to hand over your lunch money to the school bully as a child, today is the day you’ll actually want to give up the equivalent of what you would usually spend on lunch. By donating this money to Second Harvest’s Lunch Money Day program, you can help to feed Toronto’s hungry by raising $330,000 to provide over $660,000 healthy meals. For every $5 donation, Second Harvest can provide fresh food for 10 nutritious meals!

Want to get your whole office involved? You don’t have to wait until next year – “everyday is Lunch Money Dat at Second Harvest,” so organize your own Lunch Money Day and get your coworkers in on this very worthy cause. For more information about Lunch Money Day, or to organize your own event to raise funds for Second Harvest, check out the Lunch Money Day website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto

47. Nature Unleashed

February 16, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 16, 2011

Ontario Science Centre’s latest exhibit, Nature Unleashed; Inside Natural Disasters, promises to take you inside nature’s most breathtaking displays of power: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Experience what it’s like to stand inside a full-blown tornado, check out real lava specimens, simulate a tsunami, and hear the stories of disaster survivors as you learn about the natural phenomena that rock our world.

The Ontario Science Centre is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for youth, students, and seniors, and $13 for children from 4-12 years of age (for the Science Centre only; Science Centre + IMAX Film = $28 for adults, $22 for youth/students/seniors, and $13 for children). You can purchase tickets online at the Ontario Science Centre website.

365 Things to Do in Toronto, Toronto, Toronto events, Toronto theatre

46. South Pacific – Opening Night!

February 15, 2011 Heikki Walden

February 15, 2011

The seven-time 2008 Tony Award-winning musical, South Pacific, is coming to Toronto Centre for the Arts, starting tonight!

Featuring beloved songs such as, “There is Nothing Like a Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening,” this classic musical will warm up your winter! Set on a tropical island in the midst of World War II, South Pacific tells the tales of two couples and their struggles to maintain their happiness despite the difficulties of war and their own prejudices.

Tonight’s show gets started at 7:30pm; tickets range from $45.00 (in the Rear Balcony) to $190.00 (Front Orchestra Premium). Tickets all sold out? The show runs until April 10, 2011, so be sure to catch it while it graces the Toronto Centre for the Arts stage! To buy tickets online, go to http://www.dancaptickets.com.