As we move into February, Toronto celebrates Black creatives, artists across disciplines and women-led films at these selected events! 

Photo by Sam Moffatt

Rockabye 

To welcome the year, Factory Theatre presents Rockabye. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Rob Kempson, this play covers “capitalism, race, and pop culture. You know, the small stuff.” The play follows Sidney, a forty-year-old pop star who has to quickly reinvent herself to stay afloat.  More info.

When: January 26 – February 11

Where: Factory Theatre Mainspace

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Winter / Summerlicious (@liciousto)

Winterlicious 

Grab your friends and savour every bite of Toronto’s annual Winterlicious deals. With over 200 local restaurants participating, visitors can delight themselves in delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus around the city. Notable restaurants around the city include Leña, Adega and Mother Tongue! Starting at $20 for lunch menus and ranging up to $55, this affordable deal makes dining out in Toronto a cost-efficient experience for all! More info.

When: January 26 – February 8 

Where: Select restaurants across Toronto

Courtesy of Hot Docs

Smoke Sauna Sisterhood 

Catch this award winning documentary that shares women’s innermost secrets and intimate experiences inside an Estonian smoke sauna. While cleansing their bodies and baring their souls, they embrace the healing powers of sisterhood. This film celebrates the centuries-old smoke sauna tradition, as recognized on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More info.

When: January 29 – February 6 

Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

 

So Fetch: 20th Anniversary Mean Girls Deep-Dive and Cast Party

With the Mean Girls revival taking over social media, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original film as well! For another instalment of Curious Minds Author Talks, this event will follow bestselling author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, writer and comedian Monica Heisey, and local cast members for a behind-the-scenes look at Mean Girls. This will be your chance to meet the minds behind So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We’re Still So Obsessed With It). More info.

When: January 31

Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

KUUMBA

Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival returns on February 1 with one of its biggest lineups yet. The four-day opening weekend of KUUMBA will be filled with special guests such as the New York Times best-selling author Angie Thomas and athletes from Breaking Canada. Throughout the weekend, audiences will also get a chance to see famed Nigerian documentaries and stunning visual exhibitions by acclaimed Black artists! More info.

When: February 1 – 29

Where: Harbourfront Centre

 

Project X

Project X offers immersive experiences for all creatives seeking collaborations, partnerships, and connections. This free all-day event is dedicated to showcasing Toronto’s young creative talents. With work spanning across various disciplines, attendees will have the opportunity to see different gallery pieces and interact with live performances. Those who attend will be able to network with like-minded individuals within the creative community in Toronto. More info.

When: February 3

Where: Stackt Market

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by datenight Toronto (@datenightyyz)

Valentine’s Market

Regardless of whether you have a Valentine, get ready to enjoy 10,000 square feet of bliss at Toronto’s Valentine’s Market. Perfect for couples, friends, or even your closest acquaintances, this area features 35 handpicked vendors, engaging activities and automatic prize entries. Capture the cutest photos with all four exclusive photo booths, games and crafts from 35 local Canadian brands. Tickets start at $10.00 per person with limited spots remaining! More info.

When: February 3 – 4

Where: The Playground

 

Bookworm Lover’s Market

Remember the rush of excitement from elementary school Scholastic Book Fairs? Well, the Bookworm Lover’s Market will bring back all of that nostalgia for adults. Shop books, cozy goods, and stationery at this market designed to bring out your inner child. Vendor giveaway bags, live music, tarot reading and free Valentine’s Day photo booths will be steadily available for all attendees. This month’s theme is focusing on Valentine’s Day and Taylor Swift to get you excited for “Val/Pal/Gal-entines!” More info.

When: February 4

Where: Society Clubhouse