Ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live — if not THE BEST (IMO) — our city is a landmark defined by its financial stability, its safety, its cleanliness, its diversity, its real estate (#truth), and its neighbourhoods. If you’re wondering what kind of things to do in Toronto there are on say, a Tuesday afternoon, or a Friday night….you’re covered. Why? Because there’s literally something going on EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK.
Case in point – this list — each located in a different Toronto community. But since seven doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the things to do in Toronto there really is, how about we make this the first edition of a potential ongoing series?
The bonus to this ***Karyn pats herself on the back*** is that it gives both you and I the opportunity to go out and experience even more that Toronto has to offer each time around.
In the meantime, have a blast with these and let me know what you think!
MONDAY: Sorauren Farmers’ Market @ Sorauren Park (Roncesvalles)
What better way to beat a case of the Mondays than at this farmers’ market in Sorauren Park, which has run all year round — every Monday from 3PM to 7PM — since 2008? (Yes, even during Toronto’s chilly winter and early spring months, when the market operates inside the Sorauren Park Field House.) Indulge here in a selection of seasonal local produce, in addition to meats, cheeses, eggs, breads and baking, gluten free options, full meals, take home dinners, preserves and veritable smorgasbord of others — or jam out to live music in the community eating area.
It’s also a great excuse to visit Roncesvalles — or as it’s sometimes referred to, Little Poland! Definitely one of Toronto’s great destinations, and a popular place for families.
TUESDAY: $5 Tuesday Tickets @ Imagine Cinemas (St. Lawrence Market)
With modern cinemas in Toronto getting all posh and high-tech — seriously, those new Cineplex VIP theatres are as luxe as they come — sometimes it’s nice to step back into the past and visit one replete with the neon signs, retro carpeting and, most importantly, a mere $5 ticket. On Tuesday’s, at least. The free soda and popcorn refills are pretty sweet, too!
Best part about coming to catch a flick down here in St Lawrence Market is it means you can bundle in a visit to Toronto’s largest indoor market — and its 100+ vendors, bakers, butchers and artisans — which helps anchor the neighbourhood.
WEDNESDAY: Drake Trivia @ The Drake Hotel (West Queen West)
Okay, you may breathe a sigh of relief. They only call it “Drake Trivia” because the weekly challenge — where teams of up to four put their random knowledge of anything from celebrity scandals and sporting records, to culinary lingo and geographic discoveries, to the test — is hosted by the eponymous hotel… NOT because it serves as yet another sacrament to Toronto’s ubiquitous “6ix God”. And hey, it costs only $2 to join in, with the winning table being gifted a $50 Drake Gift Card. (Again, for the hotel… NOT the rapper.) Happy Hump Day!
In case you’ve never been down to the Drake before, you’ll quickly find it’s a vibrant epitome of hip — fitting for an area like West Queen West, which Vogue once called one of the “coolest” streets in the world. No doubt because of the unique restaurants, boutiques and largest concentration of art galleries in Toronto which dot it.
THURSDAY: Salsaholics Anonymous @ Trinity St. Paul’s Centre (TheAnnex)
Free salsa lessons in the heart of Toronto? Sign me up! Bring your dancing shoes down to Salsaholics Anonymous in the Annex every Thursday from 7PM to 9PM, where the classes are drop-in — meaning you can join anytime to either learn and polish your basics of salsa dancing, or take the foundations and incorporate them into more advanced combinations and patterns.
Truth be told, it’s not very surprising to find something like this in what has been called Toronto’s most heterogenous community, home to folks from all walks of life — from prominent artists to energetic students to prosperous business people.
FRIDAY: ROM Friday Night Live @ Royal Ontario Museum (Yorkville)
Is ROM Friday Night Live the most unique social destination in Toronto? The museum itself promotes it as such. And you know what? When you pair a night of drinks, food and live music with dancing amongst fossils and literally rubbing elbows with history — they may just be onto something! Each weekly installment comes with its own unique theme, too. Which means you can dive into the world of the superstitious and celebrate Earth Science Week at “Rock On” (October 13), or explore the myths and stereotypes of the ancient Viking culture at “Valhalla” (November 3), or celebrate the House of Dior’s 70th anniversary at “Chic” (November 24), or engage in any of the other fun-filled evenings they have lined up in-between.
Perhaps only Yorkville could offer up something this dynamic. The neighbourhood itself is every bit as eclectic, combining luxury condos, opulent hotels and high-end shopping with theatres, picturesque Victorian homes and world-class restaurants.
SATURDAY: Parisian Macarons Class @ Le Dolci (Dundas West)
Macarons — JE T’AIME!! Funny to think how Saturday nights in my 20s were about the next drink. Now, in my 30s, it’s all about learning the secret to creating these sweet treats. Well, that’s assuming I even have a Saturday free! You know what the best part of this weekly class, — which runs every Saturday at varying times of the day — is, though? After all your hard work in the kitchen, you get to take home what you make. My kid went to camp here last summer and brought home a sweet treat every day of the week (hence, my favourite summer camp).
While some might find Parisian confectionaries a bit out of place in a destination known for its nightlife, acclaimed dining and drink scene, fashion and vintage clothing — not me. The face of Dundas West changes every day, and always for the better.
SUNDAY: Pedestrian Sundays @ Kensington Market
On the last Sunday of every month from May through October, the streets of Kensington Market go car-free and are open to the people. These events are a chance to celebrate this bohemian neighbourhood, and to showcase its unique independent business community. Which means if you’re into performers, food vendors, makers, dance parties — you name it — you’ve come to the right place. Or if you’re an artist or musician who wants to get involved, just reach out Kensington Market BIA about what you do. I’ll see you there!
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