Yes, it’s Victoria Day Weekend, which can only mean one of a few things; cottaging, patios and stay-cations. Here is a list of the week’s events that will tickle your fancy, featuring everything from women’s arm wrestling championships, a Will Smith dance party, a bakery bike tour and Victoria Day fireworks with Prince Charles and Camilla. For real.
The Daft Punk Tribute, Saturday, May 19
Technologic! Buy it, use it, break it, fix it, trash it, change it, mail – upgrade it with the Daft Punk Tribute band, playing on Saturday night at Lee’s Palace. This nine-piece ensemble, complete with horns, a rhythm section, vocals and electronics, will play an electrifying show alongside the Tupper Ware Remix Party. I mean, really. Science-fiction flavoureda electronica plus a band that calls themselves the Tupper Ware Remix Party? Why not?
Women’s Arm Wrestling Championships, Saturday, May 19
Raucous and rowdy, this event, which is exactly as much fun as it sounds, is an outrageously fun way to kick-start your long weekend — or, a night of dancing at the Daft Punk Tribute. All proceeds go to, “Because I am a Girl,” so if you’re able to make it out, at least you will feel a little bit better about snubbing their canvassers at every Queen Street West corner. Plus, women arm wrestling championships!
Summer Luvin’ Day at Bier Markt, Sunday, May 20
In “shellibration” of their annual Shellfish Festival, Bier Markt is hosting a Summer Luvin’ Day with complementary oysters, live music and free samplings of their delicious new brews. Delightful.
Girl and Boy Dance Party: Y2K, Sunday, May 20
It’s here and I like it; the new Millennium, oh, excuse me, Willennium. Will Smith might have been on to something, but enjoy the great, and ironically great, music of the 2000s and Will2K on a Sunday night at Clinton’s. As they say in the incomparable 2000 ballet movie Center Stage, “Whatever you feel, just dance it.”
Victoria Day Fireworks with Prince Charles and Camilla (seriously), Monday, May 21
Fireworks, exploding in the distance, temporary towers soar. The Tragically Hip will not be in attendance for the Ashbridges Bay Park Toronto fireworks display, but Prince Charles and Camilla will be! An estimated 80, 000 people are expected to join them, too. Don’t miss out on this 14-minute explosion of lights and sound, guaranteed to take place, rain or shine!
Also, if you are interested in following Prince Charles and Camilla while they are in Toronto, follow this schedule here
Nazanin Afshin-Jam at Indigo, Tuesday, May 22
Nazanin Afshin-Jam, the Iranian-Canadian multi-hyphenate activist, artist, beauty queen, pilot and now author will be at the Indigo Manulife to chat about her new book, The Tale of Two Nazanins.
Read More: Nazanin Afshin-Jam on a Nuclear Iran, and Iranian Identity
Tour De Dufflet, Tuesday, May 22
A bakery bike tour? Sounds wonderful. Starting this Tuesday, register for the Tour de Dufflet to celebrate Toronto Bike Month. For $5, get a little exercise and something sweet by cycling to all three Dufflet cafes around the city in one day, to collect delicious pastries and refreshments. Running daily until June 30, except for Mondays, extend your long weekend with this lovely adventure.
Throne of Games at Comedy Bar, Wednesday, May 23
Game of Thrones is nearing the end of its second season, but Throne of Games, a comedy night spoofing the show, and other things, is just getting warmed up. Sure to be good for a laugh or two (or seven!), be sure to stop by for some mid-week shenanigans and improve parody from Bad Dog Theatre.
The Roaring Twenties: Heels, Hemlines and High Spirits at the Bata Show Museum, Thursday, May 24
Check out the Bata Shoe Museum for a look at flapper fashions of the roaring 20s. Showcasing the shorter hemlines and influences from cinema, jazz clubs and world travel, get a behind the scenes look of the era re-popularized by last year’s sleeper hit, and Best Picture nominee, Midnight in Paris. The exhibit runs until June 30, but see it early to maximize your bragging rights.
White Girl: Rap from 1993 — 2012, Friday, May 25
I’m going, going, back, back, to Cali, Cali — or, in this case, Queen Street West. Celebrating the best of rap from 1993 to 2012, join DJs Patrick McGuire, Josh McIntyre, and Ghetto Gold Matt for all the fun a person can have in a turtleneck and chain.
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Joanna Adams is the online and social media editor for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at†@nowstarringTO.
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