Gear up for another fun-filled week in Toronto with our pick of the city’s best arts and culture events. You can find an activity for all including theatrical programs that uplight today’s youth with the Paprika Theatre Festival or even a family outing at the Harbourfront Centre. The city is your oyster with this week’s Best Bets!

 

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Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner

Follow the story of close friends Cleo and Kara grappling with the pervasive influence of social media in their lives. Written by Jasmine Lee-Jones and Jay Northcott, this powerful play explores themes  such as the ownership of Black bodies, cultural appropriation, social media, and female friendships. Through the run of the show, there will be Black Out Night which is dedicated to celebrating Black creatives in Toronto as well! More info.

When: May 12-26

Where: Crow’s Theatre

Courtesy of Paprika Festival

Paprika Theatre Festival

Come out and celebrate this youth-led professional performing arts organization. For their 23rd year, Paprika will celebrate emerging storytellers with shows that capture the magic of exchange, presence, and communion. Some shows include Generation Gentrified which dives into the responsibilities of immigrants on stolen land, and Chitra, inspired by a short story in the Mahabharata, Chitra, sheds light on how human love can progress. There is truly a show for all interests, don’t forget to grab your tickets while available. More info.

When: May 14-19

Where: Aki Studio

Crafts & Chats: A Collage Zine Workshop for Grieving Hearts

If you are navigating any sort of grief, come out and join this collaborative workshop dedicated to healing in Toronto. Create a personal collage zine while connecting with others on a similar journey. Though it may be hard to find joy at the moment, this safe space will encourage you to process your emotions and celebrate memories through conversation and expression. All grievers are welcome to bring photos or tools that remind you of loved ones and supplies will be provided! More info.

When: May 15

Where: Society Clubhouse

Cat Fight: An All Women Roast Battle Show

This roast show highlights women and diverts from lazy and sexist jokes in comedy. Replaced by deeper and creative cuts, this show will uplift those who attend! Though it may be rare for women to be pitted against each other in a roast battle, this show reclaims the discomfort in the audience. Their goal is to create a show where writing need not be wasted on the groans of disapproval. It will be a fun-filled night where it’s safe and even celebrated to roast one another. More info.

When: May 16

Where: Comedy Bar

Courtesy of Arcadia Earth

Night at the Museum: Spring In The City

Get ready for this exclusive 21+ event as you embark on an exploration of Arcadia Earth. This night at the museum is a series of events designed to immerse attendees in the newly designed Toronto space. There will be craft cocktails, delicious bites, live music, and exciting activations for those who are interested. This is the perfect way to kick off the spring season to dance and explore like never before. More info.

When: May 16

Where: Arcadia Earth

Fresh Hot Babes

Check out the best of the best femme, women, and/or queer comedians this town has to offer! Fresh Hot Babes All Stars will feature 5 hilarious up-and-coming comedians that have slayed on previous shows. Their team is on a mission to reinvent live comedy to make it a safe space for everyone and let their identities shine. The host takes this seriously and the comedians agree to community guidelines so that all can enjoy a fun night of comedy. More info.

When: May 16

Where: Tallboys

Courtesy of Harbourfront Centre

JUNIOR Festival

One of the largest children’s festivals in Canada is making its stop at the Harbourfront Centre to bring families together for a fun three-day program in Toronto. The weekend is tailored for those aged 5-12 over the May long weekend and offers an exciting lineup of activities across the world. There will be dance, live performances, music, hands-on workshops, circus’ and so much more! This is all about inspiring the next generation to remain curious, playful, and fun. More info.

When: May 18-20

Where: Harbourfront Centre

 

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New Ho Queen

What better way to celebrate API Heritage Month than with New Ho Queen! This is a collective of Queer Asian Artists with an expertise in varying fields of design, performance, film, fashion, and art. Since 2018, the group has come together to create safe spaces for queer and trans Asians to connect and celebrate their identities. There will be exclusive performances by Sook-Yin Lee, Benjamin Kamino, and Pantayo. More info.

When: May 18

Where: TD Music Hall

The Reset 

Last week, Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed May as Museum Month in Toronto! The program spotlights 10 artists who have worked on site-specific new media installations that encourage visitors to envision a reset for the world. From May 18 onwards, Torontonians can explore these works on Wednesdays through Sundays at various locations across the city. Each exhibition is an immersive experience and will offer new perspectives on notable spots around the city. More info.

When: Ongoing from May 18

Where: Various locations across Toronto