weekend events toronto

The top weekend events in Toronto: September 11-13 2015

The top weekend events in Toronto will keep you entertained, even if you can't get into an exclusive TIFF bash. If you're not busy stalking James Franco or Sienna Miller outside one of the TIFF hot spots, try out one of these slightly less glamourous events.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

MOVIES

TIFF (September 10-20)
The Toronto International Film Festival is back again this year and with it comes a long list of parties and movie screenings. As per usual, the fest will feature everything from hard-hitting documentaries to hotly anticipated films. Check out our picks for what to see each day of the festival.

Jason Reitman's Live Read of The Princess Bride (September 12)
For some time now, director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) has been regularly putting together live reads of famous movies, but recast with entirely different actors. Over the years he's done everything from The Breakfast Club to Ghostbusters to Boogie Nights. This year he's doing The Princess Bride with a cast he will be announcing via his Twitter account. Get in the Rush line now.

Free Cineplex Screening of Rear Window (September 13)
If the special TIFF screening of Vertigo , with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing the score, isn't enough Alfred Hitchcock for you, be sure to check out Cineplex's special free showing of Rear Window to celebrate the film's anniversary. The film remains one of Hitch's best, and is indisputably far more fun on the big screen.

Bloor-Yorkville Film by the Rock Outdoor Cinema: The Imitation Game (September 12)
If you don't want to drop any dollars on a movie ticket, the Village of Yorkville Park will be offering a free screening of The Imitation Game to celebrate TIFF. There will be complimentary popcorn and drinks, so you won't have to spend any cash on snacks either. Unfortunately, you won't have the same luck star spotting here as you would at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

FESTIVALS

TIFF Festival Street (September 10-13)
TIFF is bringing the festival to the street by closing down King from Peter to University. They've pulled out all the stops for this 4-day event, bringing live music, food trucks and much more out onto the road. The best part? It's completely free.

Cabbagetown Festival (September 12-13)
The Cabbagetown Festival returns for its 39th year this Saturday and Sunday. Expect to find Parliament Street buzzing with buskers, a car show, a dog photo booth, over 30 live bands, and much more. A huge bonus, there will be a free morning of pancakes, so dining won't cost you a dime (providing you get there early).

Veg Food Fest (September 11-13)
If your plant-based diet held you back from attending the many barbecue events this summer, now is your time to shine. 130 meat-free and dairy-free vendors will be serving up bites to eat at the Harbourfront Centre.

Taste of the Kingsway (September 11-13)
Each year, on the weekend after Labour Day, the Kingsway comes alive with midway rides, beer and wine gardens, live performance and samples upon samples of local food. The street festival will run from Prince Edward Dr. to Montgomery Rd.

Kothu Fest (September 13)
Head to the Scarborough Civic Centre to grab some Sri Lankan street food. The fest will feature entertainment provided by Toronto performers and local Kothu roti vendors.

Toronto Bicycle Music Festival (September 13)
Happening in three of our city's green spaces, cyclists will move from location to location to catch some top notch musical acts. Allan Gardens, Grange Park and Christie Pits Park are the destinations, but check the schedule to make sure you'll be at the right place at the right time.

SHOPPING

Midnight MRKT (September 11)
Midnight MRKT is returning to 2nd Floor Events for its first event of the season. After you drop $5 to enter, you'll be met with a world of local retailers, street food, craft cocktails and DJs. The event runs from 9pm to 1am, so you'll have most of the night to sip and spend.

Bellwoods Flea (September 12)
On September 12th Bellwoods Flea returns to Dundas Video for a day of film screenings, drinks, and - of course - shopping. Hunt for treasures or opt to watch The Breakfast Club while kicking back with a $5 caesar.

The Queen West Art Crawl (September 12-13)
The Queen West Art Crawl is a weekend long festival at Trinity Bellwoods. The fair includes a juried selection from more than 250 artists and artisans. If you're planning to picnic at the park during the art crawl, you need to show up early because the event is a huge neighbourhood draw and choice spots go fast.There's also an opening night party.

Bloorcourt Arts & Crafts Fair (September 13)
If you haven't had enough of fairs and festivals this summer, head to Bloorcourt for the Arts & Crafts Fair. Don't worry, vendors are only a part of the event. There will also be plenty of free live music.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday Night Jazz (September 11)
Friday Night Jazz brings music to Ripley's Aquarium on the second Friday of every month. Making for the perfect weekend event, you'll be able to take in all that Ripley's has to offer while Parkside Drive plays.

BEY BEY ALL NIGHT (September 11)
Get your freakum dress on and head to Studio Bar for an all Beyonce all night dance party. Playing all her greatest hits from Dangerously In Love to Partition, you'll be celebrating Yonce all night with fellow members of the Toronto BeyHive.

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 by Shazia Khan, Sima Sahar Zerehi, and Alexander Huls. Photo from last year's TIFF street festival.


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