It’s mid-October and Halloween is drawing near, but before the spooky celebrations commence, there are some cultural events happening in Toronto that you won’t want to miss out on. From film festivals highlighting diverse storytelling to dance showcases that will make you want to get on your feet and move to the music, there’s a few options to keep in mind. Our Best Bets for the coming days are all about appreciating art and culture in the city, with community gatherings and vibrant performances to check out.
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Spotlight at The Second City
The Second City is back with another round of their Spotlight series, dedicated to sketch comedy’s best troupes. Every month, the performing arts theatre invites the next generation of sketch to step onto the stage and make audiences laugh. Spearheaded by Taylor Hreljac & Gabe Meacher, this series presents a double header sketch show that’s both fresh and inventive. This is the perfect spot to find comedians on the rise and support them before they get noticed. More info.
When: October 14-15
Where: The Second City
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Female Eye Film Festival
23 years in and the Female Eye Film Festival continues to highlight shorts and features made by women. The theme for this edition of the festival is Resilience!, featuring powerful stories that inspire hope and strength. Female Eye’s opening night will screen Blueberry Grunt, a Halifax dramedy written and directed by Sherry White. In addition, the festival will host its first-ever Children’s Film Program, which is free for children and costs about $20 for accompanying adults. All proceeds from tickets sold for this program will be directed to the Enchanted Hope Foundation, supporting children with serious illnesses. More info.
When: October 14-19
Where: Multiple venues
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Mozart’s The Magic Flute
The English translation of Mozart’s comic masterpiece will be brought to you by Opera Atelier starting this week. Embark on a fairy tale journey with Prince Tamino and the charming bird-man Papageno as they go on a mission to save Princess Pamina from the mysterious Queen of the Night. Featuring some of Opera Atelier’s audience favourites, The Magic Flute is a family-friendly show that is bound to enchant those in attendance. Rainelle Krause will once again play the Queen of the Night, making her Opera Atelier debut after gaining international acclaim for this role. More info.
When: October 15-19
Where: Opera Atelier
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Laura Piccinin’s Go
Laura Piccinin, the winner of Just For Laughs’s Outstanding English Comedy Award, brings a new comedy tale of outdoorsy adventure with WOMAN, ALONE. In this hilarious performance, Piccinin dares to walk 336 km along the East Coast of Newfoundland, and shares personal stories about decisions she’s made in the face of danger. Funny and relatable, this show will inspire audiences to get out of their own way and do what they’ve always wanted to, but never had the courage to do so. More info.
When: October 15-19
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille
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Fall For Dance North Festival
Feel the world move with the 11th edition of the Fall For Dance North Festival, featuring 30 Canadian and international artists making the stage their dance floor. The festival will showcase a diverse range of contemporary and classical dance styles, including an intimate performance series with front row only seating. Fall For Dance North’s focus is for audiences to experience Toronto as a global city in motion, with free and ticketed programming spread out across different venues, from OCAD U to the Bluma Appel Theatre. More info.
When: October 15-26
Where: Multiple venues
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aluCine Latin Film + Media Arts Festival
Latin film and media arts are front and centre at this annual festival. Be a part of aluCine’s 25th anniversary, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural storytelling that shapes the Latin community. The festival will screen shorts, animations, and documentaries that blur the lines between fact and fiction. On Opening Night, there will be a screening of La Salsa Vive, an insightful film about how this dance and music style holds a special place in Latin culture. Following the screening, there will be an upbeat party at the Lula Lounge, which will definitely set the tone for all that the festival has to offer. More info.
When: October 16-18
Where: Multiple venues
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SOLAR
SOLAR, The Bentway’s latest large-scale light installation, was made by Italian artist Quayola and takes inspiration from the optical phenomenon of twilight. The installation captures the beauty behind the transition from night to day, and it’s guided by a robotic arm, sweeping slowly across the night sky in a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Presented as a simulated sunset unfolding in real time, SOLAR offers a different way of experiencing the city, showing the impact of light in defining space and time. More info.
When: October 16-19
Where: The Bentway
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Reelworld Film Festival
25 years later and Reelworld continues to amplify films and media led by BIPOC creatives, as well as increase access through leadership opportunities in Canada’s screen industries. Presenting a lineup filled with stories that represent diverse cultures and identities, the festival provides a unique experience for audiences to feel represented by the shorts and features they watch on the big screen. On top of catching films like Foreigner or In the Room at Reelworld, industry folks can also participate in the summit, offering keynote speeches and breakfast/luncheon networking. More info.
When: October 16-19
Where: The Royal Theatre and Paradise Theatre
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What Brings You In
Violinist Leslie Ting invites you to a different kind of concert experience. What Brings You In is an intimate, genre-defying performance exploring her relationship with her instrument, with the audience, and with therapy. Ting will put on the best show she can, and instead of aiming for perfection, she’s ready to play the violin with honesty and vulnerability. For those who can’t watch her in person, this performance will also be available online. More info.
When: October 17-25
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille
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