CityGuide.ca/Toronto

NFL in Toronto: Bills vs. Jets December 3rd

Posted by Jim Squires on November 30, 2009

With the CFL playoffs winding to a close and the Argos final game of the season long behind us, you might think that Toronto's football fanatics would have to go back into hiding for another 6 or 7 months. But not so! The Buffalo Bills are returning to Rogers Centre this year as part of their annual Bills in Toronto series.

On Thursday, December 3rd, the Buffalo Bills will be squaring off against the New York Jets in week 13 of their regular season schedule. Ticket prices are lower this year, starting at only $99. For more information, visit BillsInToronto.com.

TAGS: Buffalo Bills, Football, Rogers Centre, Sports
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43rd Annual Cavalcade of Lights kicks off

Posted by Jim Squires on November 23, 2009

Pretty lights and rockin' sounds are back in Nathan Phillips Square absolutely free of charge this fall, courtesy of the 43rd Annual Cavalvade of Lights.

This Saturday in Nathan Phillips Square the Cavalcade will kick off with the lighting of the City of Toronto's official Christmas tree, followed by a few performance from former Barenaked Lady Steven Page and an explosive fireworks display. Steven's set will be only one in a series of performances that evening, including Matt Dusk, Keshia Chante, and Fritz Helder & the Phantoms.

After the fireworks go off at 8pm, a skating party will take place with DJ Tony Sutherland providing some live mixing to accompany your skate. The entire event will be accompanied by a Free Trade market, offering handmade crafts and clothing from 2pm to 10pm.

Cavalcade fireworks and music combos will take place during several Saturdays in September as well. Here's what we have to look forward to;

December 5: Jully Black with a Soul/Funk skating party by DJ Jun

December 12: State of Shock with a skating party by Promise DJs spinning the hottest dance music hits

December 19: Faber Drive with an Alternative music skating party by DJ Misty Rock n' Roll

For more information, contact the City of Toronto.

TAGS: Christmas, Christmas Tree, City Of Toronto, Fireworks, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
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King Tut exhibit comes to the AGO

Posted by Jim Squires on November 16, 2009

Next Tuesday, November 24th, the Art Gallery of Ontario is pleased to welcome the National Geographic exhibit Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs into it's hallowed halls.

His first stop in Canada in 30 years, King Tut will be bringing 130 artifacts from his tomb and surrounding archeological sites along with him. This stop in Toronto is the only Canadian leg of the Tut tour, and he'll only be residing in our fair city until April 18, 2010.

For more information, including ticket purchases, visit AGO.net.

TAGS: Ago, Arts, King Tut, Museums
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November 15th: Santa Claus Parade

Posted by Nadine Bells on November 14, 2009

It's that time of year already. Tomorrow morning, secure your place along Bloor or University and prepare to welcome Santa Claus to this great city of ours.

Since 1905, the Toronto Santa Claus parade has made its way through the streets of downtown Toronto. Today, The Santa Claus Parade is the longest running children's parade in the world and one of the overall largest parades in the world.

The parade begins at 12:30. Arrive early if you want a great view. Check out the parade's route here.

TAGS: Parade, Santa Claus Parade, Toronto
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311, at your service

Posted by Jim Squires on November 9, 2009

In late September, Toronto joined the growing list of major metropolitan areas to adopt a 311 telephone service number.

Intended for city-related non-emergency inquiries, 311 is the perfect number to call for anything related to the city. Concerned about the lack of a stop sign on your street? Want to know how to sign your kids up for swim classes at your nearest community center? Need to know what by-laws might apply if you're adding a deck to your house next summer? 311 is your magic number.

Like 911 for emergencies and 411 for directory information, 311 will provide Toronto residents with 24 hour access to city government information 7 days a week. The intent behind the service is to reduce the difficulty residents face when trying to get answers from City Hall. If you use the service, let us know how easy it was for you to get your answer!

For more information, check out the official Toronto 311 website.

TAGS: 311, City Hall, City Of Toronto, Toronto
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October 24th: Toronto Zombie Walk

Posted by Nadine Bells on October 19, 2009

On October 24th, join the infamous zombie walk across our great city. Or stalk it with your camera. It starts at 3:30 at Trinity Bellwoods Park. It ends at the Bloor Cinema.

On October 24th the DEAD shall RISE!
Roust your fetid corpse from its slumber, brush off those cobwebs and attend The 7th Annual Toronto Zombie Walk!

This year’s walk will commence at 3:30pm at Trinity Bellwoods Park, the meeting point will be the pit which is bordered by Dundas St. and Gore Vale Ave.

After your 3 Kill-O-Meter lurch in quest of human flesh meet your fate at The DEAD END (Bathurst and Bloor).

After the walk, stay for the Cinema of the Dead double feature at the Bloor Cinema (Night of the Comet; Zombi 2). And yes, there's an after-party. The dead do not sleep.

Look the part. Check out these zombie makeup tips.

Head to the official site for the Toronto Zombie Walk for the latest details. It's cool to be undead, folks. Very.

TAGS: October, Toronto, Zombie Walk
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Coming Soon: Chocolate Fest '09

Posted by Nadine Bells on October 7, 2009

From October 19th to the 25th, Toronto chocolate-lovers can indulge to their hearts' content, dismissing their cocoa binge as an appreciation of the city's finest chocolatiers. Chocolate Fest '09 is celebrating its fourth year with plenty of decadent events.

Who needs crappy Halloween candy when you can taste sweet-tooth perfection?

Do not miss the Tour de Chocolat:

Chocolatiers and pastry shops will open their doors and welcome you with chocolate delights with once a year offerings and samplings.
Some of Toronto's top chefs are expected to prepare some of their most delectable signature chocolate dishes, desserts and drinks during the duration of Chocolate Fest '09. Chefs will offer a menu of chocolate infused foods, chocolate dessert specialties and chocolate drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Head to the official site and download coupons for free samples and tastings. And then plot your chocolate-packed schedule.

Yes, there is a chocolate ball. Sounds like my kind of gala.

TAGS: Chocolate, Chocolate Fest, Events, Festival, Gala, Toronto
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This Weekend: Nuit Blanche

Posted by Nadine Bells on October 1, 2009

It's that time of year again, folks. So rest up. Saturday night is gonna be a long one.

Nuit Blanche, the "free all-night contemporary art thing" starts at 6:55 p.m. on October 3rd and goes until sunrise.

For one sleepless night experience the city transformed by close to 500 artists for Toronto's fourth annual sunset to sunrise celebration of contemporary art. Discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From churches and grocery stores to chimney stacks and bus stations, choose from 130 projects and chart your own path.

Check out the official site for more details. There's too much to see in one night, so plot your Nuit Blanche strategy carefully. Wouldn't want to miss the real-money Monopoly. Or the vodka pool. And bring enough cash for a coffee. Or two. You'll need the caffeine. Trust me.

TAGS: Nuit Blanche, Nuit Blanche 2009, Toronto
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Tomorrow: Word on the Street

Posted by Nadine Bells on September 26, 2009

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Tomorrow (September 27th), be sure to check out Word on the Street, the national book and magazine festival, at Queen's Park.

Celebrate 20 festivals with us this year. Families will find fun on KidStreet, foodies will discover great eats at our Cooks 'n' Books Stage and World Food Market, book lovers can meet authors and buy the latest fall books while magazine junkies can get lost in Magazine Mews. And become a part of Word On The Street history by signing our Literacy Mural and supporting our Loonies for Literacy Campaign.

Margaret Atwood is stopping by. As is Stuart McLean. So you should too. And if you're a budding (or seasoned) author, be sure to take part in the workshops. This is your chance to get feedback from some of our national treasures!

The festival runs from 11 am to 6 pm. Celebrate its 20th anniversary by supporting Canadian authors. Literacy is cool, kids. Always.

See you there!

TAGS: Festival, Queens Park, Toronto, Word On The Street
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Coming Soon: Beaches International Jazz Festival

Posted by Nadine Bells on July 15, 2009

July 17th to 26th. Be there. Free admission. (And unstoppable by the garbage strike.) The music will be amazing. And I don't feel like using that word lightly today.

Check out the official site for park details and artist lineups. Celebrate the 21st year of jazz excellence in your city.

Year twenty-one is no different than year one. It’s always a grueling fight for marginal sponsorship dollars needed to keep the summer’s #1 music event rolling. We watch with amazement as millions of dollars are targeted for favored events knowing few will drift this way. It’s a fact of life when mounting community events - especially the most attended and appreciated by our citizens. Rather than labor on the consistent oversight we put our collective brain power together and secure the best talent we can for the dollar. 2009 is no different and we’re ready to rumble!
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If you need a specific recommendation (not that you can go wrong), let's just say that I rearranged this coming Saturday around Dr. Draw's 3:30 performance at Woodbine Park. That man has energy like nobody's business. And makes the violin intimidatingly cool.

See you there!

TAGS: Beaches Jazz Festival, Festival, Jazz, Music
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