Our round up of the best things to see and do in Toronto this weekend. In this edition: take a class with the Poet Laureate, geek out at ComiCon, head to the ballet or solve a crime. Really, the world’s your oyster.
How to Write a Poem for the Queen
Canadian Parlimentary Poet Laureate, Fred Wah, gives a workshop on writing poetry for big occasions. Budding writers are encouraged to bring in their own poems inspired by love, death, birth, anger or admiration. Expect tricky questions like, Can a poem “in honor of” compare to a poem “for”? We’re going to think about that for a while and get back to you.
Of Swallows, 283 College St., Upper Seminar Room, March 10, 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. $75.
Jann Arden at Massey Hall
Canadian singer Jann Arden brings her cross-Canada tour to Toronto for two nights. Arden’s on the road with her latest album, Uncover Me 2, the brilliantly named follow up to her 2007 effort, Uncover Me. The new album features covers of songs by The Beach, Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths, among others.
178 Victoria St., 416-872-4255. March 9 & 10, 7:30 p.m. $59 – $79.
Toronto ComiCon
This two-day event, presented by Fan Expo, features artists, writers and stars from popular anime and comic books. There will also be workshops on how to create your own comic, celebrity photo ops and a Q&A session with Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, Charisma Carpenter.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner Blvd. March 10, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. & March 11, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Single-day pass, $20, two-day access, $30.
National Ballet of Canada’s Sleeping Beauty
The classic tale of a princess who pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep, only to be awoken by some lip action from a hunky prince, is brought to the stage by Karen Kain. The ballet follows Rudolph Nuryev’s 1972 adaptation of Marius Petipa’s original choreography, set to the score by Tchaikovsky.
The Walter Carsen Centre, 470 Queens Quay W., 416-345-9595, March 10 – 18.
An Evening of Mystery at the Spadina Museum
Over March break, tours of this 1920s museum are being spiced up with a bit of skullduggery. An expensive jewel has been stolen, and it’s up to the museum’s younger visitors to solve it. Expect “And I would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids” jokes.
285 Spadina Rd., 416-392-6910, March 10 – 18. Adult $8, senior $5, child $4.
