Whether you are film buff, a dance enthusiast, or a cultural event-goer, our Toronto Best Bets for this week will pique your interest. From Lunar New Year celebrations to the Toronto Black Film Festival showcasing a diversified selection of films, there are several activities happening in the city worth checking out. If you don’t have any Valentine’s Day plans or are looking for your next tasteful outing, our guide below has got you covered.
Galentine’s Day Events
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, getting out with the girls is a nice alternative for those who aren’t coupled up or who want to celebrate with their friends on top of planning a romantic outing with their boo. From enjoying a hilarious comedy show at Second City to sipping drinks while painting at Long Branch Social House, our Galentine’s Day guide is filled with event ideas fitting for a girls night out. More info.
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Toronto Black Film Festival
Catch diversified and impactful films at the Toronto Black Film Festival, one of Canada’s largest Black History Month events and a must-attend gathering for film lovers. There will be a few screenings happening at the Carlton Cinema this week, as well as a film industry Q&A with Canadian director and screenwriter Jennifer Holness. Make sure to also check out live music performances from artists like Mel Dubé, and spoken word showcases by Toronto’s Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack. More info.
When: February 11-16
Where: Multiple Venues
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Ripe Fruit Dance Fest
Ripe Fruit Dance Fest is a four-day celebration of contemporary dance with bold, 25-30 minute performances by Toronto-based artists and companies. Featuring works from Neena Jayarajan, Emily Duckett, Angela Blumberg, and more, each of these dance numbers display choreographic innovation and was crafted through in-depth research. For instance, pieces like This Skin Is Not My Own explore gender stereotypes through sensorial escapism. Ticket revenue goes to the artists themselves, making each attendance count. More info.
When: February 12-15
Where: VideoCabaret
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Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival
Listen to the best of folk, blues, and roots at one of Toronto’s long-running music festivals. Winterfolk presents seasoned artists and up-and-coming performers, as they take the stage in an intimate setting and lead workshops. Each festival day follows a particular theme, with emerging talent sharing original songs on opening night and artists from different ethnic backgrounds mixing some of their cultural music influences with blues and roots. From Ariana Gillis to Taylor Abrahamse, there are several notable women worth seeing in this year’s edition. More info.
When: February 12-15
Where: Tranzac Club
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Illuminite 2026
Downtown Yonge returns with its annual winter celebration of light, art, and public space. Illuminite invites visitors to explore the theme of “PLAY” through immersive light-based installations located in five spots from Toronto’s downtown core. From 3,000 LEDs and interactive controls illuminating College Park to playful figures coming out of glowing monoliths at Sankofa Square, these installations will surely keep passersby engaged. Join in for the community meet up on Saturday to get a chance to explore each installation and hear insights from photographer and visual storyteller, Justin Wong. More info.
When: Starting February 13
Where: Multiple locations
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Sweet City Fest
STACKT Market is days away from hosting the sweetest takeover of the season. Sweet City Fest combines opportunities to savour delicious treats with live music and entertaining workshops. Make sure to grab a bite from Tiny Tom’s Donuts, watch the Dueling Pianos perform, and craft sweet skincare products on opening day. Since the fest conveniently takes place in between Valentine’s Day and Family Day, there is special programming on site that will appease couples and families, including dance parties, DIY workshops, and a vendor market. More info.
When: February 13-February 16
Where: STACKT Market
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Toronto Lunar New Year Fireworks Celebration
Nathan Phillips Square will become a vibrant sanctuary this weekend, with the Toronto Lunar New Year Fireworks Celebration. Watch variety shows and venture through the ECHO market before the fireworks countdown begins, igniting hope for the future. In Chinese culture, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new cycle where families come together to express their wishes for prosperity and good fortune. Although most events are open to the public, VIP ticket holders get access to an exclusive, 40-minute performance involving cultural arts and robot choreography. More info.
When: February 14 and 15
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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Underground Comedy Railroad: Black Valentine’s Day
Couples and uncoupled are welcome to enjoy Black Valentine’s Day with their loved ones at this stand-up comedy show put on by the Underground Comedy Railroad. Canada’s first tour featuring an all-Black Canadian lineup will make audiences laugh at humorous stories and bring thought-provoking entertainment to the stage. With hilarious comedians like Tamara Shevon and Keesha Brownie, there won’t be a dull moment. More info.
When: February 15
Where: Comedy Bar on Danforth
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Lumière: The Art of Light
A free outdoor exhibition will lighten up Trillium Park and enchant Ontario Place visitors. Featuring imaginative works by Ontario-based artists across diverse disciplines, Lumière: The Art of Light embraces the theme “Rhythms of Light: Motion, Sound, and Time”. This exhibition sparks curiosity and invites you to take in the magic that comes when art and light collide. More info.
When: Starting February 16
Where: Trillium Park
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Chào, Tết TO 2026
Another Lunar New Year celebration will take place next Monday with Chào, Tết TO, a lively mini festival where tradition meets creativity. With a full day of music and cultural performances, this cultural gathering will welcome the Year of the Horse in high spirits. Taste Vietnamese food and enjoy the interactive, playful zone, where visitors of all ages can create, play, and make memories. There will also be an indoor market, featuring traditional handmade crafts and artisan products. More info.
When: February 16
Where: Youngplace
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