Tonight and Feb 3 (Friday), the public outdoor rink at the Harbourfront Centre kicks it up a notch with a DJ from 8p-11p. AND they'll have free hot chocolate (if cocoa's not your thing, they've also got a fully licensed restaurant right there for slightly stronger concoctions).

Benjamin Boles (of NOW), Steve Yanko, and LeeLee Mishi will probably not roll out the 'Chicken Dance' (it's worth clicking that link just for the animation - and the flashback to skating lessons from your youth), but are rather more likely to throw down some funk, dub and house respectively.

(Tonight the event is sponsored by some company called Promise, but I can't find a link for it, so I don't know who they are or what they do. I assume there will be some kind of self-promotion at the rink that will enlighten).

February's shindig comes via NocturnalMagazine.net as part of WinterCity, and will feature Phantasm, Simon Jain, and Tommy Gunners (listed as playing House, Progressive and Tribal, and Breaks. I'm not really up on the vocab, so I have no idea what that means, other than being more club than the classic rink tunes).

The rink is tucked away behind the PowerPlant, and the shopping centre at 235 Queens Quay W (right beside the lake - the view is choice) at the bottom of York St. Admission is, gloriously, free. Skate rentals are 7$ for adults, $6 for kids and seniors.

Open through March 12, weather permitting, every day. Sunday to Thursday from 10-10, Friday and Saturday from 10-11. For more info, call 416-973-4000.

Image courtesy of Harbourfrontcentre.com