Weekend events in Toronto, March 23 - 25, 2012
Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Watch for it here on Fridays around midday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this weekend, March 23-25, 2012.
COMEDY
Canadian International Comedy Festival
The Canadian International Comedy Festival is underway in Toronto. The marquee comedy event features the likes of Chris Kattan, Steve-O, Ari Shaffir and Sean Cullen. Tonight you can catch 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan at the Sony Centre. If you can't make it to the show tonight, check out the full schedule. Sony Centre, 1 Front St. E., March 23, 8 p.m.
For more, check out our This Week in Comedy post.
MUSIC
CMW Showcase at MOD Club
Dream Jefferson, The Corner and DJ MRK & Tigerblood are all playing at MOD Club on Saturday night (It should be noted that they are serving until 4 a.m.) If you are into the likes of The Cure, Nirvana, and Bowie then don't miss this event. Saturday, March 24, Doors open at 10 p.m. All passes accepted.
SONIC BOOM In-Store
Record shopping might be impeded a bit this weekend because there's a slew of in-store concerts happening this weekend at Sonic Boom. Check out their website for full line-up details. Sonic Boom, 782 Bathurst Street, March 23 & 24, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., Free (No CMW pass required!)
Arkm Foam / Checkers + Christof Migone + Nick Storring at Oz Studios
It might not be part of CMW, but it's definitely a music event to check out. Using an array of different objects and machines, the artists create a unique musical experience or "sound collages." Oz Studios, 134 Ossington Ave., March 24, 2 p.m., $5.
For more picks and info about Canadian Music Fest, check out our preview post
FILM
The largest film festival of international francophone cinema in Toronto for the past 15 years, Cinéfranco, will kick off on Friday at Tiff Bell Lightbox. La Sacrée (embed above) and DÉCHARGE will be playing on Friday. All films are subtitled in English. Take a look at the festival's full listing. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King West, March 23, 7 p.m., $8-$12, passes $99.
Other film screenings and festivals:
FASHION
WORN Fashion Journal presents Unbinding Binaries
During this panel discussion questions will be posed about fashion choices and how they are dictated by our gender. Panelists will include Alyssa Asomani, Rae Spoon, Erika Neilly and others. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, March 25, 2 p.m., Free.
For more fashion coverage and events, see This Week in Fashion.
LIT
Sixth Street Poetry Slam Competition
The Sixth Street Poetry Slam competition is taking place at St. Margaret New Toronto Church. The event will feature Dwayne Morgan. Youth from all over Etobicoke and Toronto west will compete for a $100 first place prize, the top 5 "fire-spittin'" poets earn points towards Mississauga Slam Team for a chance at Nationals. St. Margaret New Toronto Church, 156 Sixth Street, March 23, 6:30 p.m., PWYC/non-perishable food item.
Red Rock Book Launch
Jonathan Campbell invites you to the launch of Red Rock, a book about the explosive rock music scene in China. Music journalist, Al Di will interview Campbell as well as "The Queen of Beijing Rock" herself, Helen Feng. Two Beijing bands, Shanren and Nova Heart will be performing as part of Canadian Music Week. The Gladstone Hotel, Main Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West, March 24, 1:30 p.m., $5 or free with a purchase of the book.
GALLERIES
Our City
Tonight will mark the opening night of Our City, a photography exhibition presented by the Toronto Liberty Project. The project covers everyday Toronto, viewers are asked to discover the city we "often take for granted". The project will be showcasing four first-timers with no prior exhibiting experience. Click here for a glimpse of the photography that will be on display. 44 Wide, 171 East Liberty St. Unit 122, March 23, 6 p.m., Free.
PARTIES
Happy Endings #013: Machinedrum, Monolithium, Kevin McPhee
A party in a Dim Sum restaurant? I think so. This event brings together the music of up-and-comers and established musicians alike. There's going to be a lot of dancing so don't fill up on too much Chinese food beforehand. Forest View Chinese Restaurant, 421 Dundas Street W., March 24, 9:30 p.m., $10.
Tight 'n' Bright and Ready to Fight
The GTA Roller Girls are hosting a tight and bright party to raise money for Serving Charity, an organization that provides services for the homeless. There's going to be dancing, raffles and, best of all, roller girls. March 24, El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave., $10/$8 with canned food.
haute
As quickly as it arrived, it was gone. Fashion Week, you're over, but you can't leave without one last party! Rebel Junction is hosting a send-off party with DJs, drinks and fashion (appropriate, no?) There will be an interactive fashion show and designers will be on hand selling one-of-a-kind items. March 24, Rebel Junction, 183 Queen St. E., 2:30 p.m., $6 adv./$10 door.
More parties on our radar:
SPORTS
Fight! 4
Wrestling and live music come together at this Fight! Many wrestlers including "Pyscho" Mike Rollins and "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin will take part and featured band is Rise for Order. Did we mention that halftime is a burlesque show? There's something for everyone! Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave., March 25, 3 p.m., $15 adv/$20 door.
WORKSHOPS
Bookmaking: Hardcover Workshop
Who doesn't want to create a hand-bound book on a Saturday? At the one day Bookmaking: Hardcover Workshop at the Harbourfront Centre, participants will learn the nitty-gritty of creating hand-bound books using various binding and cutting techniques. Materials are included. At the end of the day you'll walk away with your very own costume-made book. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, March 24, 10 a.m.- 4p.m., $180.
freelancecampTO2
Calling all writers, it's time for the second freelancecamp this weekend. Come out and meet fellow freelancers, partake in workshops and learn the tricks of the trade. Registration is required to participate. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, March 25, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., $22.44.
freelancecampTO2 has been postponed, new date is still unknown.
FOOD
Iron Cupcake Toronto
It's a good ol' fashioned cupcake baking contest! The competition is open to the public and cupcakes from bakers from all corners of the city will be available to try. BlogTO is not responsible for frosting overdoses. For the Love of Cake, 171 East Liberty Street unit 117, March 25, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., $5.
For other food events check out This Week in Food.
DRINK
Barley's Angels Beer Tasting
It's a ladies night out, and it's fun and educational! I refuse to say 'edutainment.' Barley's Angels is a beer tasting club specially designed for women. Hosted by Guy McClelland, president of McClelland Imports, the evening will consist of a sampling of eight beers and paired with mini food courses. Town Crier Pub, 115 John Street, March 25, 6 p.m., $45 members/$50 non-members
THEATRE
The Nun's Vacation
This play by Tom Walmsley follows the lives of an ex-priest turned psychologist, his favourite patient, and, you guessed it, a nun. It asks hard-hitting questions about life, love and sex, like, "how do you believe in God and still get laid?" Just throwing it out there: this probably isn't a kid-friendly production. The Toronto Free Gallery, 1277 Bloor Street West, March 23-April 8, 7:30 p.m.
For other theatre events take a look at This Week in Theatre.
CHARITY
Volunteer to Build Shelters for Cats
The Toronto Humane Society is calling for volunteers on Saturday to help build
shelters for street cats. No training or registration is required, and all ages are welcome. Wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Canada Tire donation money is being accepted. Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, March 24, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Free.
Swap - Don't Shop! Clothing Swap Party
Do your wardrobe a favour this weekend and swap some of those clothes that have been sitting in the back of your closet. Gather all the clothing, shoes and accessories, with the exception of socks & under garments, that are in good condition and bring them to Beaver Hall Gallery on Saturday for a wardrobe overall. All leftover clothing will be donated to local charities. Beaver Hall Gallery, 29 McCaul Street, March 24, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
For Toronto movie showtimes, view our Movie Listings section.
Writing by Erin Jones, Mariam Matti and Roxanne Hathway-Baxter
Photos via CMW and Ronnie Yip
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