It’s finally here – the first official weekend of summer and the Toronto scene is heating up with festivals, parties, and food, of course. Here’s my TOP5 things I’ve got planned for you this weekend. So get off the couch and get out there, otherwise you’ll have nothing to post on Instagram!
Gatsby Garden Party – What better way to kick off summer than with a garden party. Can’t repeat the past, you say? This Sunday the Spadina Museum is hosting a “Gatsby Garden Party” reviving the fancy high-society soirees and smuggled whiskey of the Roaring Twenties with music, food and drinks. You have to smuggle the booze yourself. Over the soft, sweet tones of cool jazz, guests participate in a costume contest, learn how to make strawberry ice cream and put their heads together to solve a mystery set within the museum. There’s lemonade, croquet and a best-dress contest.
Christian Louboutin Exhibit – Can great shoes change your life?…well, maybe not, but life’s too short for ugly shoes. Starting today (Friday) until September 15th, like the red soles of his shoes, the Design Exchange is laying out a red carpet for its summer exhibit on Christian Louboutin, the iconic French luxury designer. After breaking records of attendance at the Design Museum, London, the retrospective lets fans and admirers look into the designer’s atelier and learn about his innovations and inspiration.
Redpath Waterfront Festival – The Tall Ships return to the Toronto waterfront to commemorate the War of 1812. Toronto marks the full fleet’s only stop on the Tall Ships 1812 Tour. The ships will be located along Queens Quay, at HTO Park West, HTO Park, John Quay, Harbour Square Park East, and Sugar Beach. the weekend festivities include food, music, theatre and dance performances, and a full slate of other activities including Sunday’s Parade of Sail finale. The public can purchase tickets to board the ships for deck tours happening each day of the festival. Other activities are free.
Toronto Jazz Festival – The 26th annual jazz fest brings over 300 artists to 40 different venues across the city. Everyone from the casual listener to hardcore jazz aficionados will find a show that satisfies at the Toronto Jazz Festival. A ton of Canadian and international acts are expected to perform at this year’s festival, as outdoor stages, hotels and lounges around the city host shows ranging from traditional bebop and blues, to fusion and free jazz. This year’s lineups features world renowned acts such as Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Steve Martin, Mavis Staples, Nikki Yanofsky and more. View all list of artists and schedule here.
Eat Up T.O. – If you love great food (who doesn’t?!) and appreciate local talent, you’ll want to be at 99 Sudbury this Sunday where Now Magazine unites food and drink vendors, product makers, service providers, speakers and technology. You’ll get to meet some of the city’s top culinary talent amongst interactive elements, talks, products, and the like. The purpose of Eat Up is to build community and promote the creation of innovative ideas and provide a platform for all food lovers and industry professionals to connect and share their passion for great food. Participants include Fidel Gastro, Hot Bunzz, Fresh Canteen and more.
