As we approach the long awaited end of Toronto’s temporary ban on indoor dining, and the particularly cold, miserable month of January, there is light on the horizon!
Restaurants open for indoor dining on Jan. 31, but before that happens, check out these events to make the most of your weekend.
Enjoy a free outdoor light exhibit on the Harbourfront
Nordic Lights is a free, outdoor light experience featuring six interactive light works from artists from Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Co-produced by Fjord Oslo, Nordic Lights is the kick off to Nordic Bridges, a year-long initiative led by Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre fostering cultural exchange between the Nordic Region and Canada. The event runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 13 daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. along the Harbourfront Centre Campus at 235 Queens Quay West. You can email deanne@dmpublic.com for your free tickets.
Visit Toronto’s Chinatown to ring in the Lunar New Year
At Dragon City Mall, an iconic Toronto Chinatown destination, you can check out “The Flow of the Tiger” display by Justine Wong (@patternsandportraits), assisted by Nam from @makeshiftcollective. “The Flow of the Tiger” is a celebration of the Year of the Water Tiger (2022) which only occurs every 60 years. The tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China and is associated with bravery, confidence and strength. In Toronto it is believed that the tiger offers the Chinatown community the ability to flow through challenges as we move towards greater abundance. The tiger years are 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034.
Watch the Euphoria Season 2 Ep 4 release
This Sunday, you can stream the newest episode of Euphoria’ second season on Crave HBO at 9 p.m. If you’re not one to enjoy spoilers, don’t wait to watch it – everyone will be talking about it at work and school the next day! Watch the teaser trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpS-G6KWGFs
Tune into virtual theatre production Stories of a Dish
Toronto theatre company Nautanki Bazaar Productions is hosting a virtual theatre production as a part of the Next Stage Theatre Festival running Jan. 19-30. Here is the description for the show:
“A global pandemic may have struck, but here is a person who’s just stuck! He wants to win the world over with his cooking, but will he be able to? He’s got to face isolation, earn acceptance and, most importantly, get groceries delivered. Will he find the secret recipe to happiness? A culinary theatrical journey awaits, in this delightful solo show inspired by the popular Stories of a Dish video series on the company’s Instagram and Facebook page.” Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online.
Shop for Valentine’s gifts on Etsy
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, why not take the opportunity to get the tedious act of shopping out of the way and secure that special someone a gift. Etsy has a ton of options for affordable, hand-made and local Valentines gifts, so you’re guaranteed to find something unique.
Get your hair done at Sassoon Academy
Sassoon Academy is an academy salon in Yorkville that offers discounted prices for apprentice services. The best part is all of the apprentices are super talented, so you’re guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck. You can check out their work here: @sassoontorontoassistants. And they’re often looking for hair models, so if you keep an eye on their Instagram you might even be able to book in for a free or discounted hair cut. Sassoon Salon is located at 122 Scollard St. Call 416-920-1333 or book online to secure an appointment. Proof of vaccination and masks are mandatory. Sassoon recommends that if you wish to be booked on a quieter day, choose Sundays or Wednesdays.
Check out the Hot Docs virtual podcast festival
Hot Docs’ annual celebration of audio storytelling returns online from Jan. 25-28. This year’s exhibition features exclusive live conversations and recordings with Samantha Bee, Ira Glass, NPR’s Invisibilia and more alongside the Creators Forum – three days of inspiring daytime panels and master classes exploring the art and craft of audio storytelling. Buy a pass or single streaming ticket here.