February 14-16 What Are You Doing Up There? This winter arts festival is in its seventh year and has a weekend of entertainment from emerging and established artists with a new show each night. The performers range from magicians and jugglers to poets and installation artists, as well as almost everything in-between… and they’ll be trying out all the artistic ideas they’ve kept on the backburner until now.
February 14-17 Wavelength Music Festival It’s this music festival’s thirteenth anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying performances by various Canadian indie bands at venues across the city? With no show’s admission costing more than $20 and a packed line-up each night, you won’t want to miss this immersion in Canadian music.
February 14-17 Toronto Black Film Festival In honour of Black History Month, the first annual Toronto Black Film Festival presents both Canadian and international Black films. Taking place at cinemas around the city, highlights for festival go-ers include movies from ‘Nollywood’ (Nigeria’s film industry) and the opportunity to sit-in on talk series with select Canadian filmmakers.
February 15-16 AYF Winterfest Presented by the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada, join this Winterfest for music, ice sculpting, fire buskers, an outdoor ice bar, and a new indoor stage for the fest’s third year. Catch Canadian and Armenian recording artists both nights, with Massari headlining Friday night, and a DJ spinning beats for the entire festival to keep the party going. The festival has a little something for everyone (including the kids) so be sure to check it out.
February 15-17 TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Though this festival is aimed at teens, the stellar line-up of films includes old favourites like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club along with new ones like Struck by Lightning starring Glee‘s Chris Colfer, so we have a feeling movie audiences will be comprised of young and old(er) alike. The fest also includes a set design workshop, a John Hughes movie marathon, a 24 hour film challenge, and many more programs geared for teens.
February 15-24 Canadian International Auto Show It’s back and celebrating its 40th anniversary with cars, cars, and more cars (also other motorized things you can ride in/on). The show boasts over 1,000 new models of luxury vehicules, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles — you name it. Attendees can explore the latest in auto-technology, browse exhibitor booths, and learn what’s hip and trendy in the car world.
February 16 Yes in My Backyard Festival Quite the opposite of “Not in my backyard!” — this movement aims to bring communities in the city together and it’s back to unify us again for its sixth year. This festival unites neighbourhoods by discussing issues, exchanging ideas, and working towards strategies to better our city as well as features groups and organizations from around Toronto that strive for positive change.
February 16 TEDxManhattan Toronto Livestream Viewing Party It’s the first ever Toronto-based livestream of a TEDx event and it’s happening at the Academy of the Impossible. Those interested are able to pop in and out throughout the day as they please and there will also be breaks in the livestream in order for non-streamed discussions and presentations. The event will also have a pot-luck style buffet and prizes for attendees.
February 16-17 Southern Ontario Orchid Society Show It’s the most in-depth flower shopping you’ll find this Valentine’s Day with over 30,000 orchid blooms at this annual flower show at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Those done with buying flowers may enjoy the 30+ artistic displays using orchids, join a guided tour to learn about the plants, or partake in a free seminar to become the ultimate orchid rearer.
February 17-18 Sears Great Canadian Chill Find this weather too warm? Need a way to cool off? Come on down to Yonge-Dundas Square and take a swim (or quick dip) in a custom ‘chill pool’ to help fight children’s cancer as part of a series of Polar Bear Dips that are taking place across Canada to raise money for pediatric oncology research. On Sunday enjoy live entertainment and DJs, and on Monday take part in breakfast and catch some musical performances.
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Hallae Khosravi is an intern at Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter @hallaek.
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