As we welcome the first official day of fall on September 22, a new season of arts and culture events kicks off across the city. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, dance, shop, or create, this week’s Best Bets have a unique offering ready for you! Enjoy the launch of a province-wide arts festival, discover a vintage gem for your closet, or treat your taste buds at a 3-day event for foodies.
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Common Ground Dance Festival
Delight dance styles from around the world at this free outdoor festival! This vibrant, joyous celebration of movement will feature a range of genres—including hip hop, Indigenous hoop dancing, flamenco, Bharatanatyam and Garba. In addition to these lively performances, attendees can take in free interactive workshops and artist talks. More info.
When: September 18-20
Where: Lee Lifeson Art Park
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Bi+ Arts Festival
Celebrate queer creativity at Toronto’s Bi+ Arts Festival, ahead of Bisexuality Visibility Day on September 23. The festival will include a bi+ author’s showcase hosted at Glad Day Bookshop’s new location, the launch of QT Magazine’s new issue, art workshops including drawing, painting, and postcard-making, and a joyful queer cabaret with drag, music, burlesque, stand up comedy and more. More info.
When: September 18-21
Where: Various locations
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Just For Laughs Toronto
Just For Laughs returns to Toronto for 10 days of nonstop laughs from some of your favourite comics! Venues across the city will light up with a lineup of both international stars and rising comedic talent, for a festival full of unforgettable performances. Sarah Millican, Maria Bamford, Patti Harrison, Sabrina Wu, and many more will have you laughing the night away. More info.
When: September 18-27
Where: Various locations
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Toronto Water Lantern Festival
Enjoy a magical evening surrounded by the ambience of hundreds of water lanterns. At this community event, attendees are invited to create a personalized water lantern with a message and decorations of their choosing. Then, as the sun sets, the lanterns are released onto the water, floating away as they illuminate the night. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, and a scavenger hunt while you design your lantern. More info.
When: September 19-20
Where: Downsview Park
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RELISH: The Foodie Event
Toronto foodies won’t want to miss RELISH—a 3-day culinary extravaganza returning to Cloverdale Mall this weekend. In addition to 22+ food trucks and 30+ local vendors serving up plenty of tasty delights, local foodies are invited to take in live entertainment and interactive culinary workshops—including an Italian cheese masterclass and a mushroom tortellini pasta party. More info.
When: September 19-21
Where: Cloverdale Mall
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Ontario Culture Days
A huge, province-wide arts festival kicks off this week, with 1,000+ free events that will celebrate Ontario’s creativity, culture and heritage. From visual arts workshops to dynamic concerts to community festivals, there is so much to see and do at Culture Days—find an event that speaks to you this week. Toronto is one of 16 festival hubs across the province, with free events in every corner of the city. More info.
When: September 19-October 12
Where: Various locations
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Pin & Patch Show
If you’re always on the lookout for a new pin or patch to brighten up your apparel, this is the event for you! Dozens of talented pin and patch artists from across Canada will be selling their artful creations at this annual exhibition. From cutesy to spooky, and everything in between, there is bound to be the perfect pin or patch waiting for you! More info.
When: September 20
Where: The Parkdale Hall
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Toronto Vintage Show
Canada’s largest vintage fashion event returns! Find everything from statement pieces to timeless basics at the Toronto Vintage Show this weekend, with more than 130 vendors selling carefully curated vintage items. With styles from the 1950s all the way to Y2K, there’s a little something for every fashion sense here—plus vintage accessories and home decor. More info.
When: September 20-21
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place
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Queen West Art Crawl
A free arts festival is taking over Trinity Bellwoods this weekend, transforming the park into a hub for entertainment, culture, and creativity. At the outdoor art exhibition, more than 100 artists will display their one-of-a-kind creations—from paintings to sculptures to ceramics. For some free entertainment while you shop, the main stage will come to life with performances from local artists, dancers, comedians, and drag queens. More info.
When: September 20-21
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place
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BUTCH/FEMME
Set in 1950s rural Ontario, BUTCH/FEMME is a tense and intimate drama about the invisible threads that bind us. When Jenny’s quiet evening is suddenly interrupted by Alice, the woman she thought she’d left behind, the two women reminisce on their past, confronting long-buried truths about their relationship. More info.
When: September 20-27
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace
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