6 of the best events to check out this weekend in Toronto

With Halloween and Thanksgiving out of the way, we are now heading full-tilt into holiday mode and the onset of winter. Depending how you feel about that fact, you may find yourself either very excited or contemplating an extended hibernation. Whichever camp you find yourself in, there are a few fun things to keep you busy this weekend. From a Picasso exhibit to a poutine festival, here are some of the best weekend events in Toronto.

Shop local

Make your way to the Bentway this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market. Bring your holiday shopping list and buy directly from over 70 talented Toronto artists and artisans. Whether looking for yourself or a gift for someone else, your options include art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, home decor, skin care and more one-of-a-kind items. The event also features food vendors and DJ Kid Artik. With global supply shortages affecting Toronto heavily, it might be better for your stress levels and your wallet (and probably for the planet!) if you rely on local markets for your holiday shopping this year.

Take your pooch to the Barket Market

Grab your favourite furry friend and make your way to Parkdale Hall on Saturday, Nov. 6 between noon and 7 p.m. where you can shop over 30 local vendors with your dog. Admission is free and the first 20 dogs will get a free swag bag. There will also be a raffle for Sea Paws Rescue and all raffle proceeds will be donated to the organization.

Feast on some poutine

Get your fill of everyone’s favourite Canadian specialty this weekend in the form of Toronto’s Poutine Festival by Street Eats Market. The food fest dedicated to the crave-worthy combo of fries, gravy and cheese curds will be taking place outdoors at Scarborough Town Centre and admission is free. Stop by for a number of food trucks serving tasty poutine all in one spot. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Catch a comedy show

‘Saturday At Comedy Bar’ returns to celebrate the show’s 13th anniversary. Head over for 11 p.m. for some laughs courtesy of a stacked lineup of comedians, including Jean Paul, Juliana Rodrigues (from Just for Laughs), Keith Pedro and Keesha Brownie. The event will be hosted by Daniel Woodrow of Roast Battle Canada.

Celebrate Diwali with a Bollywood-themed brunch

If you’re an early riser and in search of a fun, unique way to celebrate Diwali this year, Mill Street Brewery might have what you’re looking for. The brewery will be offering Bollywood, Beers and Brunch on Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by local Bollywood star, Loveena Stephen, your ticket gets you an hour-long Bollywood dance class, as well as brunch and a can of Mango Lassi, a new Mill Street brew inspired by the traditional drink.

See some Picasso

This Saturday marks the start of Picasso: Painting the Blue Period at the AGO, the first exhibition in Canada to focus on the early works of the modernist master. Concentrating on the years 1901 to 1904, the comprehensive exhibit (running until Jan. 16) will feature more than 100 objects from 15 countries, including paintings, sculptures and works on paper by Picasso as well as works by artists the artist is known to have studied before and during the Blue Period.

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