Discover Black History
For you history buffs, Heritage Toronto has partnered with the Ontario Black History Society and BAND (Black Artists Network in Dialogue) to arrange a special bus tour this weekend that celebrates Black History Month. The route will take you around the city to explore where people of African descent made significant contributions to our city. Afterwards, head to the Mackenzie House for an exhibition on Toronto's early African community. Visitors can also make copies of The Provincial Freeman in the restored 19th century print shop for that extra touch of nostalgia.
Pleasurable Art
Don’t let the title fool you into thinking this is something sleazy. The Sex Show — which runs until Feb. 17 at Gallery 1313 — is a look at a variety of interpretations of what is sexual. Displaying various mediums from art, film, sculpture and collage, the exhibition, which is carefully curated by Phil Anderson, approaches a topic that’s usually muttered under the breath. But please, don’t get caught ogling the sculptures for too long. Valentine’s Day is around the corner after all.
Year of the Snake
Chinese New Year is fast approaching. On Feb. 10, come celebrate the Year of the Snake on Spadina, where the new year kicks off with some opening ceremonies at noon, followed by traditional lion dancing until 2 p.m. And since you’re already in Chinatown, take note of the lantern decorations, Chinese luck banners and posters, and maybe stop in for a quick bite among the many restaurants before you call it a day.
We love the smell of pork in the morning
It’s no surprise that Torontonians love their pork (our city is known as Hogtown after all). But who’s to say that pork should only live on our plates alone? Our taps are about to get a fresh infusion of bacon-brewed beer (you read that correctly). Join HogsBack Brewing Company for its Oatmeal Bacon Stout launch party at The Only Cafe on Saturday, from 5-7 p.m. As Hogtown residents should already know, bacon makes everything better, and beer is no exception. We hope.
Little Monsters and Poker Faces
Although Lady Gaga has already started recording her next album, her ongoing world tour, The Born This Way Ball, makes a one-day stop at the Air Canada Centre this weekend. The tour was pegged as the fifth highest-grossing tour of 2012, but if you were sure the show was sold out, don’t worry — there are a few tickets left (we checked).