Let’s welcome spring with the coolest events in Toronto this week! As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, the city has all the best offerings for those seeking an adventure. From the 2024 JUNO Awards which will be honouring Canadian excellency this week to festivals which focus on health and wellness, this list comprises all the best events for your interests. Here are our picks for Toronto’s Best Bets this week!

 

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Canadian Film Fest

This six-day festival will dedicate time to celebrate Canadian filmmakers. The Canadian Film Fest will transport cinephiles across Canada with features from across the provinces. This outstanding lineup of 11 features and 45 shorts is guaranteed to resonate with people across Canada with heartfelt narratives to bold cinematic visions. Celebrate the advancement of Canadian filmmakers in Toronto and watch some of the most innovative works Canada has to offer. More info.

When: March 18 – 23

Where: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

 

 

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TD Music Celebrates the 2024 JUNO Awards

Join TD in celebrating Canadian musicians for the 2024 JUNO Awards at Union Station with a live music performance showcasing talented nominated artists, Haviah Mighty and Shawnee Kish. For all commuters, this free event is happening at the TD stage in the West Wing of Union Station. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of the JUNO Awards celebration. More info.

When: March 19

Where: Union Station 

 

 

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Spring Equinox at Stackt Market

What better way to kick off spring than with an event at STACKT Market? Experience the seasonal changes in Toronto with food and beverage specials, community events, family programs, exclusive pop-ups, and vendor markets to celebrate the season of new beginnings! Think upcycling, thrifting, yoga, and all things fresh to start anew. This free 6-day event will highlight local businesses and vendors from across the city. More info.

When: March 19-24

Where: STACKT Market

Hart House Festival of Dance

Hart House Theatre hosts Canada’s largest university dance festival! The program was created over 29 years ago as an outlet for students to perform for audiences. Past events have included over 60 different dance pieces, over 200 performers and a variety of dance genres. To name a few, jazz, ballet, ballroom, Bollywood, and K-pop will be featured for those interested. With such a vast student community, it is no wonder UofT’s creation of the festival has brought an opportunity for the dance groups to interact and collaborate. More info.

When: March 21

Where: Hart House 

 

Inspiration Studios: Art Auction & Fundraiser 

Ceramics have been all the rave for art enthusiasts, and what better way to learn about this art form than with this program! Inspirations Studio is centred around women who have experienced marginalization and has a mission to facilitate improvements in women’s lives through the making and selling of pottery. This celebration and art auction will be hosted by Carolyn Taylor with a live auction of art donated by contemporary artists! More info.

When: March 21

Where: OCADU

 

Human Rights Watch Canada Film Festival

Four films covering a range of human rights topics will be presented at the annual Human Rights Watch Canada Festival. The films address a variety of topics such as the plight of Yazidi, a small religious and ethnic minority in Northern Iraq, LGBTQ+ youth in Canada, Indigenous forest guardians in the Amazon and refugees attempting to reach Europe. All tickets for both in-person and digital screenings will be free and accessible to everyone. More info.

When: March 21-23

Where: Hot Docs Cinema

 

Blockbuster Week

Doubling as Blockbuster Week and a community gathering for some of Toronto’s most talented artists, this festival is a local favourite for those venturing into comedy. The city’s best improvisers share their takes on television genres, popular hits, and cult classics. All six evenings of the festival will also offer community building events such as karaoke, movie night, and Clown Car – a late-night segment spotlighting the city’s clown talent! This is a local line-up you won’t want to miss! 

When: March 22-29

Where: The Assembly Theatre

 

Cut From the Same Cloth

This narrative-based multi-media art exhibition showcases the lens of artist Destinie Adelakun. Her inaugural HomeCourt artist residency retells a personal legend of a modern woman of Nigerian and Indian heritage. Her pieces explore her identity as a mixed race woman and challenges the status quo upon her lived experiences. More info.

When: March 22

Where: 178 R Ossington Ave