January 30th-February 4th Toronto Human Rights Watch Film Festival @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. By using film as a medium, Toronto Human Rights Watch Film Festival aims to bring awareness to human rights issues in a way that is easily understandable and provides the viewer with the knowledge to advocate for change. 

February 1st-2nd Toronto Tea Festival @ Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St. Whether you are a newbie or an aficionado of tea culture, the Toronto Tea Festival will enable you to discover the world of tea from the traditional to the trendy. Sample hundreds of teas and learn from experts in the industry at one of the complimentary presentations. $16 tickets available online.

February 1st-29th Kuumba @ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Toronto’s longest running Black History Month festival, Kuumba marks 25 years of celebrating the heritage, culture, and traditions of Black Canadians with a series of talks, workshops, events, and performances throughout February. 

February 1st-29th Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Photo Exhibit @ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Harbourfront Centre presents an exclusive Canadian debut public art installation, courtesy of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp. Featuring freedom fighters representing the living embodiment of the organization’s beliefs and pillars, from athletes to activists to lawyers, scholars, and actors. Open 10 am to 9 pm daily.

WEDNESDAY

7 pm Music Bingo @ The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. Music Bingo is easy + fun: Host Kaleb plays a song, and if it’s on your bingo card, you get to hit it with the dabber. First one to get a line yells BINGO. It tests your musical knowledge too – you’ve got to know what the song is to be able to cross it off the card!

8 pm Drake Trivia @ The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W. Teams of four or less put their random knowledge to the test as hosts fire off questions ranging from sporting records and celebrity scandals to geographic discoveries and culinary lingo. $2 to participate. Email host@thedrakehotel.ca or show up early to reserve a spot.

8 pm The Surreal Life @ 187 Augusta Ave. The Surreal Life is an art movement to establish comedy as art. The evening will feature POC, LGBTQ+ , womxn, and gender non-conforming comedian artistes showcasing works in stand-up, improv, and storytelling. $5-10 at the door.

8 pm Neon Dreams: Blue Collar @ The Royal Cinema, 608 College St. Neon Dreams kicks off their “Spectacular ’70s” season with Paul Schrader’s powerhouse directorial debut, Blue Collar. Coming hot off the success of Taxi Driver, Schrader set his sights on a tale of Detroit auto-workers (Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, and Yaphet Kotto) who, fed up with toxic management and practices, hatch a plan to rob their union. $13.19 advance tickets available online.

THURSDAY

5 pm Flamingo Market: Sweetheart Pop-Up @ The 519, 519 Church St. Flamingo Market, Toronto’s only independent bi-monthly market for LGBTQ2SIA+ business owners and makers, hosts a special pop-up edition in collaboration with the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce to shop for your sweetheart(s). Until 9 pm. We 

5:30 pm Interior/Exterior Launch Party @ The Drake Sky Yard & Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Join the Drake Hotel for the official launch of Maya Fuhr and Laura Dawe’s Sky Yard exhibition, Interior/Exterior. Their collaborative installation combines painting, photography, and sculpture to communicate their shared fundamental belief that coziness is next to godliness. Grab a drink, meet the artists, discuss the work, have a time, and then head down to the Underground for Pt. 2 of the night’s festivities. Free with RSVP.

9:15 pm Toronto Hides Itself @ TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. Researcher and filmmaker Alexandra Anderson presents her exploration of Toronto’s representation in film, preceded by a short film from the Film Reference Library’s “Ontario Film Institute” collection. A post-screening Q&A will follow. Free tickets available online.

10 pm Fuzzed & Buzzed @ Swan Dive, 1631 Dundas St. W. Get buzzed and enjoy some fuzzed-out rock ‘n’ roll tunes hand-picked by the Fuzzed & Buzzed crew!

FRIDAY

7 pm Wavelength x OCAD @ Ignite Gallery, 165 Augusta Ave. Wavelength is collaborating with OCAD to present an audio-visual evening for the first concert of their 20th anniversary year, and the lead-up event to their #WL2020 Winter Fest in February! Featuring performances by Isla Den, Tyriqueordie, and Carson Teal + visuals created by students from OCAD’s Integrated Media and other programs. $7 advance tickets available online.

9:30 pm Knockout! vs. With It: Night 1 @ Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. Knockout! and With It go back to back! Come make a weekend of it with the best rare soul, vintage reggae, and R&B only on original 45s. This 

10 pm Remember Chicago @ Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas St. W. Remember when the music took you away? Get down and groove to Chicago house sounds as Ali Black, Douglas Carter, and Richard Brooks take you back through time and right into the future. $10 before midnight, more after.

10 pm DJ Teenage Werewolf @ Swan Dive, 1631 Dundas St. W. Friday night freak out with DJ Teenage Werewolf playing rock ‘n’ roll, soul, psych, and punk.

10 pm The Good Life @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Your millennial soul needs The Good Life. A dance party playing the best hip-hop from the 2000s, all night long! $10.

I’m 10 pm Britt Pop @ Stones Place, 1255 Queen St. W. Only British bands and artists all night with DJ Blush. Britpop, British Invasion, new wave, rock ‘n’ roll, beat, psych, pop, and glam from the ’60s to the ’00s. $5.

10 pm Emo Night: Cancer Bats Afterparty @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St. Revisit your teen angst! Spinning your favourite emo anthems all night every Friday at Sneaky Dee’s. This week is the Cancer Bats afterparty with special guest DJ Liam Cormier. $5 early bird tickets available online.

10 pm Wax Candy Disco @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. DJ Efsharp and Cyclist serve up platters of the sweetest soulful, refreshing, and uplifting disco in one of the best sounding rooms in the city. $10.

10:30 pm Rock The Boat @ Miss Thing’s, 1279 Queen St. W. A nautical DJ experience into the smooth sounds of yacht rock, yacht soul, marina rock, AM gold, and smooth disco. Come dance the winter blues away to an extremely smooth vibe, sailing on a boat full of classics, rarities, edits, and remixes with DJs JChameleon and Gold Record Daddy. Tropical/nautical attire suggested.

10:30 pm Beam Me Up Disco @ The Baby G, Dundas St. W. The Patchouli Brothers play a disco mix of gospel, funk, soul, boogie, rare groove, house, and jazz sounds surrounded by smiling faces.

11 pm Get Good @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Diggy The DJ plays all your favourite bangers. $10.

SATURDAY

10 am Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair @ The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is a FREE, one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine’s Day. Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types will be creating erotic objects for this one-day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture. Until 4 pm.

11 am Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest @ Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd. Get your parka, long johns, and all the flannel you can find because it’s Winter Craft Beer Fest time again! Join over 40 Ontario craft brewers outside Steam Whistle Brewing in Roundhouse Park for another year of beer, food, and fun. $28.81 tickets available online.

8 pm DJ Skate Nights: Kuumba25 Launch Party @ The Natrel Rink (Harbourfront Centre), 235 Queens Quay W. Sharpen your skates and skills as Toronto’s number one outdoor winter party returns with another stellar lineup of DJs that will bring the heat to your Saturday nights. This week, celebrate the launch of the 25th Anniversary of the Kuumba Festival featuring DJs Ace Dillinger and Vaughan. Until 11 pm. 

9 pm Deep&Disco @ WAYLA Bar, 996 Queen St. E. A night of disco, funk, and house music played by DJs Carl Allen, EfSharp, James K., The Marrs Barrs, Chico U, Joe Navarro, and Iced Misto. $5 before 11 pm, $15 after.

10 pm With It vs. Knockout!: Night 2 @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. ’60s mod, soul, R&B, R&R, garage, beat, surf, and funk record dance party with DJ Nico + special guests Brian and Boss Chops from Knockout! Sponsored by Kops Records. $10.

10 pm Darkness Forever @ Houndstooth, 818 College St. DJs Vernal Trash and Hate Mior spin goth, industrial, post-punk, coldwave, darkwave, electro, remixes, punk, and more.

10 pm Queer Slowdance: Think Pink Edition @ Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Rd. With a lending library of designated dancers for all the wallflowers, and a dance card-booklet to set up dances in advance (should you choose to), Toronto Queer Slowdance has all slow songs, all night long! (Except for the occasional intermission when they play the fastest songs they can find.) Fabulous and inspired attire, while desired, is not required, but since this is the Think Pink Edition, you’re urged to wear something pinkish or reddish! $10.

10 pm EveryBody Cozy @ ROUND Venue, 152-A Augusta Ave. What better way to overcome winter blahs than by heating up the dance floor with your friends?! ROUND will be transformed into a pillow fort, serving up hot cocoa and leaving plenty of space for an epic dance party. Theme: Cozy Rave (pull out your most extravagant PJs, robes, onesies, and loungewear). $20 advance tickets available online.

10 pm Drippin’ @ Farside, 600 Gerrard St. E. Open format party featuring DJ BLKLOUS playing funk, soul, hip-hop, RnB, house, remixes, mashups, and more.

10 pm Saturday Night Jukebox Dance Party @ Stones Place, 1255 Queen St. W. Sweat it out to the sweet sounds of the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music! DJ Blush plays rock, soul, funk, pop, and disco from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. $10.

10 pm AN-i & Love Block DJs @ Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas St. W. Berlin based producer/DJ Douglas Lee’s brings his project AN-i to Bambi’s for a cosmic-punk techno-car crash. With support from locals Love Block DJs (Andrew Ross and Linus Booth).

10 pm PPParty @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. Why all the the P? ’Cuz this party is golden! 24 Karat hits from all decades.

10 pm Worst Behavior @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Saturdays are for getting loose and being on your Worst Behavior! Bangs & Blush roll out rap and hip-hop from now and then. $10.

10 pm The Groove @ Swan Dive, 1631 Dundas St. W. DJ Brother Wayne plays Motown, soul, classic hip-hop, and rock. Come get your groove on!

10 pm Tapette: Édition Work It @ Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. DJ Phillippe spins French classics, quintessential Quebec, disco, and house. There will be go-go garçons, cheap drinks, and a dark and smokey dance floor. French kissing encouraged. $5 before midnight, $10 after. 

10 pm ’80s Dance Party @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St. Break out the Aquanet and the leopard-print leotards: Sneaky Dee’s is bringing you all the 1980s you can handle! Bringing you If you want to rock, bop, or anything in between, this is your stop. $5 early bird tickets available online.

10:30 pm Love Saves the Day @ The Beaver, 1192 Queen St. W. Maximal house, maximal disco with DJs Kevin Ritchie and Jaime Sin.

10:30 pm Lavender @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St. A party for lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer women, non-binary folks, and trans people – everyone welcome! DJs spin the best SOCA, dancehall, ’90s R&B, reggaeton, and more. $10 or PWYC (no one will be turned away due to lack of funds).

11 pm Never Forgive Action @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. DJs Numeric and Dalia spin hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall anthems all night long. $10.

SUNDAY

4 pm Super Bowl @ Petty Cash, 487 Adelaide St. Petty Cash is hosting the ultimate game day experience, complete with drink specials, over-the-top food platters, giveaways, and live music! Starting at 4 pm, you can expect $15 pitchers, mix and match beer buckets, and Game Day Platters with favourites including wings, sliders, and parm fries. The game will be played with sound, and $6 shooters will be available at halftime. Get there early to snag a table, or reserve ahead at sdenis@pettycashtoronto.com.

4:30 pm Game Night @ Assembly Chef’s Hall, 111 Richmond St. W. Assembly Chef’s Hall has one of the best setups in the city for Super Bowl LIV with two giant screens, a variety of cuisines by top Toronto chefs, and a space large enough to accommodate big groups. There will be giveaways and a live DJ to keep the space energized before and after the game, going until late. Reservations can be made for groups of six or larger on OpenTable.

5 pm The Big Game Tailgate Party @ The Rec Room, 255 Bremner Blvd. Join The Rec Room for the big game! They’ll be screening Super Bowl LIV on big screens and will have games, trivia, and prizes throughout the game. Reserve your spot by calling (416) 815-0086.

5 pm Marbowl @ MARBL, 455 King St. W. MARBL brings back its epic game day party for the second year! For $35, guests can enjoy an unlimited buffet of game-day favourites, along with drink specials and epic prizes throughout the evening. Multiple screens with sound on will stream the game and halftime show. Seats are by reservation only (email reservations@marbltoronto.com).

5 pm Super Bowl @ The Pint, 277 Front St. W. With a 100-inch projector, The Pint takes the Super Bowl to the next level and features some of the best selection of game day eats and drink specials! This year, they’re offering a robust buffet + one free drink for $25. Guests can enjoy early bird prizes, raffles, and official NFL merch giveaways. First come, first served.

7 pm Brass Facts Trivia @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. Test your knowledge and win prizes! Hosted by Famous Kirk Hero. Until 10 pm.

8 pm Nite Comfort @ Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. The ongoing search for genre-defying, boundary-pushing music, and other hidden gems in the heart of the city. This episode features performances by Annacetaminophen, who survives by building generative patches to dance and cry on her behalf, and New Tendencies, the ongoing solo project of interdisciplinary artist and researcher Matt Nish-Lapidus. PWYC.

10 pm Sunday Night Karaoke @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. Come sing your heart out in front of the most supportive karaoke crowd going. Rotating hosts, cheap beers, good times!

10 pm Sinful Sundays Burlesque @ Cherry Cola’s, 200 Bathurst St. Come be entertained at this weekly “temple of tease,” where you’ll find a fresh lineup of burlesque entertainers, drag, and variety acts. On stage: Ferrera Rosé, Miss Paige, Zyra Lee Vanity, and host St. Stella. Free entry; tipping encouraged.

10 pm Space Rock Sunday @ Swan Dive, 1631 Dundas St. W. Psych rock, stoner rock, prog rock, and $5 drinks all night long with DJ Granny Pantys. 

~ For event submissions, email Caitlyn Holroyd at caitlyn_holroyd@hotmail.com