The top weekend events in Toronto: October 23-25 2015
The top weekend events in Toronto will have your schedule jam-packed from Friday to Sunday. Cask Days, one of the most well-loved beer events in the city, is returning for its 11th year, bringing hoppy beverages from 150 breweries to the Brick Works for three days. If you're not into beer, or have misplaced your ID, head to Dufferin Grove Park for Night of Dread to get pumped for Halloween.
For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.
FESTIVALS
PS Kensington (October 25)
Head to Kensington Market for the final installment of Pedestrian Sundays (until next year, that is). As per usual, you'll find a host of street performers, food on sticks, dancing in the streets and the Kensington Art Fair.
MUSIC
Not Dead Yet (October 22-25)
Toronto's punk festival is back for another year, running from October 22-25. The event will bring hardcore acts, like Boston Strangler and Title Fight, to venues across the city. Check the NDY2015 Facebook page for the schedule and list of participating venues.
Zedd: True Colors Tour (October 24)
Didn't get your EDM fixb at the disastrous Disclosure show? Zedd, Dillon Francis, and Alex Metric will be taking to the stage at the Ricoh Coliseum this Saturday.
ENTERTAINMENT
Friday Night Live (October 23)
The theme for this week's FNL is C'est Fashion (appropriate, since it's Toronto Fashion Week). Aside from DJs and food trucks, you'll find on-site grooming stations, fashion trivia games, and more style-themed events.
Lightsaber Battle Toronto (October 24)
If you can't wait until the new Star Wars movie premieres later this year, you can awaken the force earlier thanks to a showdown that'll pit Jedi versus Sith for an epic-sounding lightsaber battle happening in the nearby galaxy of Toronto. Grab your glowing weapon and head to Nathan Phillips Square, or if you have the funds, you can buy one there.
Night of Dread (October 24)
If you can't wait for Halloween night to indulge in some costume-clad fun, Clay & Paper Theatre is throwing its annual bash a week in advance. The dress code is simple: black, white and dreadful. After partygoers parade around the streets in costume, there will be a bonfire, food, and live music by The Shuffle Demons.
FOOD & DRINK
Pancakes & Booze Art Show (October 23)
Breakfast food and booze are a match made in heaven. Top that with an art show and you've got all the makings of a good time. Want to get in on the action? Head to the Opera House on October 23rd. Remember it's AYCE, so even if you go on an empty stomach you'll be satisfied.
Feast in the East (October 24)
Feast in the East, the monthly east side food, music and installation series, is heading to the Anchored Social Club. The Acorn, Phedre, and Blunt Chunks will be providing the musical soundtrack for the evening and Charlotte Langley will be serving up a free falafel dinner.
Cask Days (October 23-25)
Cask Days is bringing beer lovers to the Evergreen Brick Works from Friday to Sunday. 150 beers from around the world will be available to attendees, including numerous rare offerings. This year you'll be able to snack on eats from a bevy of Toronto restaurants, including WVRST, 416 Snackbar, and Bar Volo.
TECH
Buffer Festival (October 23-25)
The Buffer Festival is like TIFF but for YouTube. The event showcases international video content from YouTube's finest creators through theatrical screenings and gives fans the opportunity to meet some of their favourites. Also look forward to a red carpet gala event and free meetups prior to screenings.
ARTS
Feature Art Fair (October 22-25)
This contemporary art fair is much smaller than the sprawling Art Toronto, which also happens this weekend. With 30 galleries participating, you can expect to see representation from numerous Toronto spots including Clint Roenisch, Erin Stump Projects, Katzman Contemporary and Stephen Bulger Gallery.
International Festival of Authors (October 22-November 1)
The 36th annual International Festival of Authors will take over the Harbourfront Centre for an eleven day stint. The event will feature readings, interviews, lectures, round table discussions, public book signings and a few special events.
Art Toronto (October 23-26)
Art Toronto takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for one weekend each year to present modern and contemporary art from around the world. For the 2015 edition, it's spotlighting Latin America with a curated section of galleries and projects from Mexico as well as South and Central America.
RUNNING
TO Women's Run (October 24)
The third event in this running series ends with a 8K or 5K in Sunnybrook Park. Water stations are 'manned' by TO's finest firefighters, so leave the fanny pack at home and come thirsty.
Mad Dog Scramble (October 25)
This run combines some challenging trail paths as you navigate the creeks around Sunnybrook Park. You will get muddy on this 8K run, so leave the new Nikes at home and show off your trail game.
Monster Dash (October 25)
Sport your best costume for this family-friendly race around Leaside. The spooky race kicks off at night, with 5K, 10K and a one mile kid's races. Naturally, there are prizes for the best costumes.
SHOPPING
Everything to do with Sex Show (October 23-25)
Get in the mood by attending the Everything to do with Sex Show at the Enercare Centre. The event includes burlesque stage shows, seminars, live erotic art performances, a kinky playroom, vendors and more.
Gadsden's Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (October 25)
Spend your Saturday perusing racks of vintage goods at Wychwood Barns. If you're looking to revamp your winter wardrobe, clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories will all be up for sale. Or, if you want to switch up your home decor, a few vendors will be selling textiles, linens, fabrics and quilts.
JOB HUNTING
Toronto Startup Job Fair (October 23)
On the hunt for new job? The Toronto Startup Job Fair is in town this Saturday, connecting job seekers with - you guessed it - startups within the city. If you want to kick start a new career, or are a recent grad, this is a great place to look.
For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.
With contributions from Libby Roach, Maria Vanta, Ben Johnson, and Amy Grief.
Photo of Night of Dread.
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