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EXPLORE TORONTO | | | | | | | | | | | | Description: Planned and managed completely by volunteers, Toronto's Pride Week hosts the city's second largest parade, along with great music and a slew of speakers. Over 700,000 people attend annually, and events run the gamut from parades to live music, family activities to street parties, and often include top-notch public speakers who energize the crowd and advocate diversity and acceptance. Make sure you arrive early for Sunday's parade (look for a shady spot at the southern end of the route to enjoy the afternoon). It begins at the corner of Bloor Street East and Church Street, proceeds west to Yonge Street, south on Yonge Street, and east on Gerrard Street, finishing at Church and Gerrard.
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| 2075 Queen St East
Toronto,
ON
M4L 1G8
416-698-2152 | | | | | Description: The Beaches Jazz Festival comprises several events over the course of a week. The first is Parti Gras, held Friday-Sunday in the Historic Distillery District expect a festive, carnival atmosphere and entertainment of all sorts. The Ovation of Jazz at the Balmy Beach Club is a midweek ticketed event (proceeds go to charity) that includes food from the best chefs in town, a silent auction and live music. The next Thursday-Saturday, it's time for StreetFest, centered on Queen Street East. The big draw here is the variety of performers and venues blues to classic jazz to swing, in spaces as varied as restaurants, taverns and even a church all in a street party atmosphere, and all free! On Saturday and Sunday, head over to the MainStage at Kew Gardens where you'll see most of the big-name performers.
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| Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival292 Brunswick Ave
Toronto,
ON
416-966-1062 | | | | | Description: Accessibility, variety and quality are the foundation of the fringe festival. The Toronto Fringe started in 1989 with 4 venues and 40 productions; it now offers 24 venues, 100-plus international theatre companies, and a massive variety of performances. Current venues include neighborhood pubs, outdoor sites and more formal traditional theatre spaces. The festival has something for everyone children's shows, avant-garde productions, and classics with a twist. For updates, fringe gossip and festival news, check out the Fringe Harold, the dedicated daily Toronto Fringe newsletter. All seating is general admission, and tickets at the door are cash only.
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| Summerlicious / Winterlicious | | | | | Description: Twice a year, more than a hundred of Toronto's best restaurants offer special prix fixe meals at outstanding prices. Some of the better known names that have participated in past years are Sintra, Mildred Pierce and Canoe. Now is the time to try that high-end place that's been on your list! Reservations are an absolute must, and individual restaurant hours and offerings vary.
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| Front St E
Toronto,
ON
M5A
| | | | | Description: When August rolls around, Toronto's St. Lawrence Market neighborhood becomes busker central. All along Front Street, a succession of acrobats, clowns, musicians, magicians and jugglers entertains the masses all day long. As night falls, amazing fire performers take over for a spectacle of light that will thrill even those who think they've seen it all. In addition, there's a kid's tent with crafts and entertainment, and a boatload of local crafters and food vendors. Admission (by donation) benefits the Epilepsy Foundation; don't forget to tip the performers!
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| | | | | | Description: Fashioned after the successful Parisian event, Nuit Blanche is a one-night, all-night celebration of public art. There are three zones, each individually curated: Bloor Yorkville, McCaul and University, and Queen Street West. About 30 temporary installations are commissioned for this night, mostly very contemporary and colorful. Venues change each year, but might be anything from a billboard to a car wash to a museum, and lineups are the norm. There are all sorts of additional activities and plenty of food you will be up all night.
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| Toronto International Film Festival55 Bloor St W
Toronto,
ON
M5B 1L7
| | | | | Description: This film festival has undergone numerous changes during its 25 years, growing from a small production in 1976 to its present status as one of the world's largest public international festivals. You're likely to spot well-known celebrities in town for the event, whether they're promoting their films or are around for the experience. The "Los Angeles Times" has ranked the festival as the world's best. The Manulife Center Box Office is open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Various passes are available.
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| Royal Agricultural Winter Fair100 Princes Blvd
Toronto,
ON
M6K 3C3
| | | | | Description: At this annual event, you'll be regaled by ten days of agriculture, horticulture, and canine and equestrian events under one roof in the middle of a bustling city. Families can stroll through magnificent gardens, pet farm animals, watch exquisite equestrian competitions, and shop in antique and specialty markets. Vendors serve up traditional fairground food along with Canadian specialties, or you can choose a restaurant for more formal dining. And don't forget to see the Canadian Disc Dogs now if only you could teach your dog to catch a Frisbee that well!
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| Canadian International AutoShow255 Front St W
Toronto,
ON
M5V
905-940-2800 | | | | | Description: Second only to Detroit's auto show, this international event features all the latest gadgets and wizardry that automobile manufacturers have to offer. With more than 150 exhibitors and over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space, the gleam of shiny metal and glass will dazzle you as you walk the numerous aisles, and enthusiasts and novices alike are certain to enjoy the show. Held over the course of ten days in mid-February, at the Rogers Centre and the Toronto Convention Center.
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