The top weekend events in Toronto: Jan 2-4 2015

Weekend events in Toronto should help put off the ennui you feel as reality bridges with the dreamworld that was your perfect 2015. Laundry's piled up and masses of strange, unwanted foods are spoiling in the fridge, so why not go out to laugh it off at a comedy festival, have a meal while watching live bands, grab free art, or see one of 2014's best Canadian films.

Here are my picks for the top events happening in Toronto January 2-4, 2014.

Feast in the East (January 3, Jam Factory)

A ticket to the first Feast in the East of the year includes a free Dutch dinner by Justin Go, and performances by stellar and spooky Toronto psych acts Doomsquad, Zones, Matrox, and Barbara. The gang are starting the year off right in the east end. All ages.

PARTY & MUSIC

Class of 2015 (January 3, SIlver Dollar)

No need to mope around after the NYE fuss is over - live music fans will have more fun launching 2015 with the New Year's Indie Music Honour Roll series at Silver Dollar. Running weekends from January 3 - 30 catch seven different line ups. Saturday's includes Only Yours, Wax Atlantic, the Holy Gasp, and Fever City.

FILM

Canada's Top Ten (January 2-11, TIFF)

TIFF excites the city each year, but it's our homegrown talent that fills our hearts with pride the most. The nominees for best Canadian picture are Denis Villeneuve's Enemy, Michael Dowse's The F Word, and Xavier Dolan's Mommy. In addition to these major films, the festival will Canadian docs and feature interviews with Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis, and Agent Johnny Utah (you know, Keenu Reeves). DF

ART

Take Home a Piece of Clare Twomey: Piece by Piece (Jan 4, Gardiner Museum)

If you've been admiring Clare Twomey 2,000 piece installation of dainty figurines at the Gardiner, this is your chance to the artists' work home - for free. For the price of admission ($15) this could stand as your best chance to be a fancy art collector on a shoestring budget this year.

THEATRE

Cinderella (Elgin Theatre, until January 4)

You can say this about the annual Ross Petty pantomime - you certainly won't be bored. Questionable taste level and overt corporate sponsorship aside (be ready for commercials at the theatre), Petty has a way of cramming each production chock full of local commentary, sight gags, and the year's pop hits. Check out our review from seasons past. $27-$93 KB

COMEDY

Festival of New Formats (Jan 1-5, Comedy Bar)

This free multi-day festival at Comedy Bar will have you laughing your way into the new year. The shows start on Thursday night and carry on over the weekend to Monday - check out some of the line ups here.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

Contributions by Keith Bennie

Photos by Kat Rizza

by Aubrey Jax via blogTO

The top 25 restaurants for New Year's Day brunch in Toronto

Whether you think New Year's Day in Toronto is best spent recovering from the night of partying, or clinking mimosas as you keep the festivities going, tons of brunch-friendly spots will be happy to oblige you. It might be a stat holiday, but there are still plenty of dining possibilities, from greasy, hangover-crushing breakfasts to celebratory bottle-popping buffets.

Here, in no particular order, are 25 restaurants serving brunch on New Year's Day in Toronto.

The County General

The good people at The County General will help you recover from NYE revelry from 11am to 4:30pm. Expect the brunch menu to feature things like brisket Benedicts smothered in maple hollandaise.

Me & Mine

From 10am onward on New Year's Day, this College Street restaurant will be dishing out all-day brunch from their regular menu, along with features like carrot loaf Benedicts or poached eggs over pork and wild rice sausages in house-made English muffins. Expect hair of the dog drink specials too.

MoRoCo Chocolat

Reservations for brunch at this Yorkville chocolatier are available between 11am and 6pm. Sweet tooths will of course be sated with goodies like brunch fondue, but savoury options like truffled eggs and lobster bennies should not be overlooked.

Lisa Marie

Skip the lineups with brunch reservations via OpenTable for the sky-high piled peameal bacon sandwiches and double pancake pork burgers at this Queen West restaurant. Brunch is served New Year's Day from noon to 5pm.

416 Snack Bar

Normally an evening destination, this snack bar on Bathurst at Queen is opening early - from noon to 8pm - to serve up hangover snacks from a special one-day-only brunch menu.

Beast Restaurant

Chef Scott Vivan's Tecumseth St. restaurant will be serving brunch New Year's Day from 11am to 3pm. Spend the first day of 2015 indulging on doughnuts, grilled pork belly breakfast sandwiches or crab cake bennies.

Wind Up Bird Cafe

Hearty hot stone pot bibim-brunch topped with choices of veg and tofu, pulled pork, ribeye or garlic shrimp are the stars on the brunch menu at this College Street cafe. They'll be serving New Year's Day brunch from 11am onward.

Harvest Kitchen

The two-storey restaurant in Harbord Village will open for brunch from 10am to 4pm on New Year's Day. Kickstart the year to come with a two-egg power breakfast or give in to hangover-induced hunger pains with the French fry mushroom Benedict.

Sneaky Dee's

Hangover relief can be found at this College Street stalwart from 10am to 4pm. On the menu: greasy Mexican style breakfasts like egg burritos and huevos rancheros.

TOCA

Toast the new year over a brunch buffet at this restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton. Expect breakfast stations, meat carving stations, salad bar and a festive sweets table from 11am to 3pm, priced at $98 per adult and $45 per child.

Frank

The restaurant at the AGO rings in the new year with a brunch buffet from 11am to 3pm. For $75 per person ($20 for children under 10), enjoy an all you can eat feast including pastries, the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, seafoods, fresh carved roasts, sushi, salads, desserts and more.

The Drake Hotel

Let the Queen West hotel nurse holiday hangovers with caesar cocktails spiked with gin and cucumber, and decadent brunch fare like bennies on buttermilk biscuits, or cinnamon french toast with thick-cut bacon and maple cream.

Colette Grand Cafe

Welcome the new year with mimosas and a grand buffet featuring an omelette station, seafood towers, carving station and more at this Parisian restaurant at the base of the Thompson Hotel. Reservations advised.

Ceili Cottage

Open for brunch at 11am, this Irish pub in Leslieville will be serving up full Irish breakfasts complete with fried eggs, sausage, rashers, black and white pudding, potato farl, beans and tomato.

Swan Restaurant

12 days of Christmas brunch commenced Boxing Day at this Queen West eatery and continues into the new year, with options like the huevos rancheros and steak and eggs on offer daily from 10:30am.

Hello Darling

Open New Year's Day from 11am to 4pm, this charming daytime destination in the Junction Triangle will be serving up brunchy fare like fluffy pancakes and egg dishes.

Destingo

Get a head start this new year with brunch for early birds starting at 9am and running until 3pm. Try the panettone French toast, start healthy with grapefruit brûlée, or indulge post-party cravings with porchetta pancakes doused in Jack Daniel's syrup.

Hunters Landing

Condo dwellers at Cityplace need not look any further than this big eatery, where the regular brunch menu will be served 10am to 3pm. The Landing Cure Caesar might be just the answer to your hangover woes - the cocktail is garnished with a lobster tail, slider, bacon strips, smoked cheese and pickles.

Lady Marmalade

This east side brunch destination is open 10am to 3pm on New Year's Day serving up the usual roster of customizable bennies, buckwheat crepes and cheddar spinach waffles.

Prohibition

Big breakfasts including duck confit bennies, steak and eggs, and breakfast poutine will be on offer from 10am to 3pm on New Year's Day at this Riverside gastropub.

Luckee

Start the new year with celebratory dim sum platters laced with black truffles at Susur Lee's restaurant at the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel. Served 11:30am to 2:30pm, the special six-piece assortment os priced at $32 while other features include a Cantonese drunken lobster ($48).

La Societe

Open 11am to 3pm for brunch on New Year's Day, this restaurant in Yorkville will be serving up the classics including options like seafood towers, butter poached lobster Benedicts and blueberry ricotta pancakes.

Cafe Boulud

Two courses for $42 offer selections like viennoiserie baskets or cheese and charcuterie to start, followed by delectable options including lemon ricotta hot cakes or duck confit hash. The tempting dessert course for $8 more offers treats like warm madeleines or apple Napoleon to finish.

Fat Pasha

The Middle Eastern eatery on Dupont is open to help alleviate hangovers from 11am to 3pm should your brunch cravings run to shakshuka or milk and honey pudding.

Farmer's Daughter

Hangover brunch on New Year's Day will be served at this Junction Triangle eatery from 11am to 2pm.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for New Year's Day brunch in Toronto.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

The top 5 dance parties in Toronto January 2015

The holidays might have drained your bank account, and maybe you made a New Year's resolution to cut down on some of your bad habits, but there are still plenty of excuses to go out dancing in January. For one thing, it's a great way to burn off some of the accumulated calories from all those festive meals, not to mention how effective a long night on the dance floor can be at combating the winter blahs.

Even if you don't want to spend your winter in dark clubs, Harbourfront is once again hosting a series of DJ skating parties on their outdoor rink. Also, keep in mind that this is your last chance to dance at the Guvernment before the iconic mega-club closes down forever to make way for yet more condos.

Here are my picks for the top dance parties to hit in January.

Joseph Capriati (January 1, Ryze)

If you discover when the sun comes up on New Year's Day that you still want to keep partying, Ryze is hosting an all-day after-party, starting at 5 am. Headlining the festival of debauchery is Italian heavyweight Joseph Capriati, known for his epic marathon DJ sets. 5 am, $50.

Alton Miller (January 10, Coalition)

Deep house veteran Alton Miller has a sound that bridges the histories of Detroit and Chicago underground dance music. His syncopated percussion, soulful chords, and soaring melodies are always a hit with the old school house crowd, and continue to seduce new listeners all over the world. 10 pm, $10.

Danny Tenaglia (January 10, Guvernment)

We knew the Guvernment would be bringing in some huge names before they close forever at the end of this month, and this special appearance by NYC legend Danny Tenaglia is exactly the kind of special treat we were hoping for. Last time he played Toronto he spun for 20 hours, and few DJs can rock a big room like he can. 10 pm, $30.

Art Department (January 23, Coda)

It's not surprising that Art Department are headlining Coda's first anniversary party, especially considering that the duo's Jonny White is also a partner in the club. The last year has seen some of the best DJs in the world rock the venue's powerful sound system, making it a second home for many Toronto dance music fanatics. 10 pm, $30.

Deadmau5 (Guvernment, January 25)

The Guvernment's final closing party is going to be a big one, and it makes sense that Canadian EDM superstar Deadmau5 is headlining, seeing as he played many pre-stardom gigs at the sprawling mega-club. Having said that, we still hope that Deadmau5 keeps his promise to let longtime mainroom resident Mark Oliver play the final hour.

Deadmau5 photo from the Guvernment

by Benjamin Boles via blogTO

The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for December 2014

Things may have started winding down for the year in December, but for Toronto's every evolving restaurant scene, it was business as usual. December saw the openings of a few new brunch destinations, Italian (both authentic and irreverent), a vegan public house and more cheap eats.

Here are the top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for December 2014.

Borealia

Historic recipes get modernized on the menu of this newly opened Ossington restaurant that pays tribute to the culinary traditions of Canada's native peoples and early settlers. Take a trip through time to discover dishes like pemmican bresaola and pigeon pie.

Scratch Kitchen

Yonge and Lawrence got a new brunch destination in December, and there's a lot to like about this place. The menu is entirely made from scratch (even the bread is baked in house), brunch is served week-round and until late in afternoon, and best of all, it's licensed (Caesar cocktails are among the specialties at the bar).

Queen Street Warehouse

The sophomore outpost in Toronto follows the wildly successful opening of El Furniture Warehouse in The Annex. Say what you will about the rowdy staff and frat party vibe - the entire food menu (like at the first location) is still $4.95.

Uncle Tony's

Taking over the Wellington Ave. address formerly occupied by Swish By Han, this casual Italian trattoria is a throwback to '60s-style eateries where tables are covered in chequered cloths and candles drip wax over chianti bottles. The menu majors in Italian American comfort foods like mozza sticks or spaghetti and meatballs stuffed with smoked mozzarella.

Sully's Sandwich Kitchen

Newly opened on Gerrard in East Chinatown, this lunch counter is devoted to making "consciously crafted food" - specifically, lovingly-made sandwiches featuring thoughtful combinations of ingredients. Standouts include the shrimp po' boy with southern slaw and creole aioli, or the carnita-like porchetta dressed with crackling, roasted poblano peppers, pickled onions, queso fresco and tomatillo sauce.

Eulalie's Corner Store

This quirky, eclectic new neighbourhood hangout in Little India is home to a menu loaded with comfort foods. Alongside a daily roast special, there's fixtures like rabbit pie and fried chicken with potato waffles.

Citta

The new Italian eatery has attracted top talent in the kitchen, with former The Grove chef Ben Heaton executing a menu of rustic Southern Italian fare, including wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas. The new restaurant is a welcome addition to CityPlace with brunch, cocktails and, eventually, patio space to the neighborhood.

Mean Bao

The second location of Mean Bao is now operational on Bathurst south of Queen, and the compact kitchen is slinging steamed buns and dumplings at exceptionally reasonable prices.

Porter House

Now open on Dundas West, this vegan public house has taken over the former address of the Brockton General, serving up chips and curry, beer battered potato dumplings, and lentil and ale pie.

CJ's Deli

The Court Jester has relocated down the street to the former home of Zorba's and embarked on renovations that turned the space into a pub and deli. The menu is an amalgamation of pub grub staples (think wings and nachos) and smoked meat sandwiches with Jewish comfort foods peppered throughout.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

New Yorkville shop does upscale, dramatic vintage

In the lobby of the Windsor Arms Hotel, a former hotel bar has been transformed into a tiny trove of plush, glittering vintage items hand-picked in London by the store's nomadic owner. You may not find thrift-store prices here, but every piece - from Disney villainess-like coats to gorgeous beaded dresses - has character to spare.

Read my profile of Treasure Chest in the fashion section.

by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO

New Year's Day Events in Toronto

Happy New Year! Today in Toronto (congratulations for getting out of bed, if you managed it) take a dip with the Polar Bear swim, a mad dash into frigid Lake Ontario at Sunnyside. Show up between 11am-2pm and for heaven's sake don't forget to bring a towel. All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity. After that, Handlebar is inviting you to wear your PJs (but please not last night's filthy clothes) to play video games and geek out in Kensinton Market, plus they'll screen The Wizard (1989) at 8pm. There will be coffee.

Trash Palace is setting up at the Revue with a screening of Joan Crawford in Berserk! , and it's last night of Restored at TIFF. Comedy Bar will host a funny free multi-day festival over the weekend until Monday. If you just want to keep partying, Ryze is hosting an all-day dance party from 5am onward. Joseph Capriati (Italy) headlines. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Pneumonia: 10th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip (Sunnyside Beach)


• Geek: Nintendo Knights Presents: Handlebar's Hangover Helper (Handlebar)


• Film: Berserk! (Revue Cinema)


• Film: La Chienne preceded by Partie de compagne (TIFF)


• Comedy: Festival of New Formats (Comedy Bar)


• Party: Joseph Capriati (Ryze)


• Party: Archi-textures (Round)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo by Scott Snider

by Aubrey Jax via blogTO

Skate it up

Photo Will Guerreo in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Derek Flack via blogTO

Mind-SHIFT Monthly Social Mixer

Begins: 14 April 2015 at 7:00 PM Ends: 14 April 2015 at 9:00 PM Where: 461 King Street West Organized by: mindSHIFT

by via Toronto Networking Events

YIPT's Winter Social

Begins: 14 January 2015 at 5:00 PM Ends: 14 January 2015 at 8:00 PM Where: 66 Wellington Street West Organized by: Young Insurance Professionals of Toronto (YIPT)

by via Toronto Networking Events

Toronto New Year's Eve Party Guide 2015

New Year's Eve parties in Toronto let the city's most talented DJs, musicians, and bartenders cash in while the rest of us suckers bleed money and a year's worth of emotional residue all over our friends and the lost the out-of-towners who can't figure out where Coda is even though it's right across from the subway station that dumped their inebriated neon bodies onto the street.

Toronto gets it all on New Year's Eve - live concert fans will stay with their plaid adorned kind, blissfully unaware of the haunting bottle service tabs descending on good citizens elsewhere in the night. Remember to tip every busker you see, don't kiss strangers without chewing a Tic Tac (don't kiss a friend without chewing three), and just because the TTC is free all night doesn't mean they're supplying those handy paper bags they have on airlines, so plan ahead.

Here are my picks for New Year's Eve parties and events in Toronto.

See also: The top 25 restaurants for New Year's dinner in Toronto

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: EVENT SPACES, HOTELS, CONCERT HALLS + ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Rich Aucoin (Lee's Palace)

What's the appeal of an artist who brings a huge, colourful parachute everywhere he goes? Peter Pans and Wendys know what I'm talking about. Celebrate with Rich Aucoin, secret special guests, and late night karaoke at Lee's.

Ruins (Geary Lane)

Mansion's NYE Party should find a cozy fit away from the hubbub further downtown. At new venue Geary Lane dance in a sprawling warehouse with Bwana, ÈBONY, Eytan Tobin B2B Lum, plus the Bedroomer co. NYE's most beat-savvy partiers can also expect the usual perks like art installs.

159 Manning's 10 Year NYE Anniversary (159 Manning)

It's ten years strong for NYE parties at the little house that could on Manning Ave. Sing with a band thanks to Good Enough's live karaoke, which will definitely involve some CanCon celebs. It's BYOB, so maybe you can afford 2015 after all.

Dude's New Year's: The Big Lebowski (Bloor Cinema)

This marks the Bloor's third annual Dude's New Year's event featuring The Big Lebowski. Host and comedian Freddie Rivas and hundreds of "Little Achievers" will ring in the New Year in style, if you can call plaid and vodka a style. The cinema will have a White Russian express bar and stay open long after the ball drops.

Dwayne Gretzky (Danforth Music Hall)

Give the scary New Year a ring of comforting familiarity with Toronto cover darlings Dwayne Gretzky. The nine piece band will play from songbooks spanning the ages, with Young Offenders Collective providing the decor and Lazy Ray on the decks.

BODYINTERFACE0 (Double Double Land)

If you want to wear pink and have a weird and wonderful New Year's in a place you'll think you dreamt up, Kensington Market's oldest DIY venue is the place. Body Interface will have scroungy artists fancying up the room and a ton of DJs will keep you dancing all night. Support the arts with your sweat, and check the art in the bathrooms.

Interface (99 Sudbury)

Another party called Interface? If someone told me they were spending NYE at 99 Sudbury, whew would I ever have something to say to them. Something very simple - get there before 11. DJs include All Blak, Sam Haze, Mina, Olenonly Sybil, Night Vision, and Simon Jain.

Lemon Bucket Orkestra (Opera House)

Balkan-Klezmer-Gypsy-Party-Punk street band Lemon Bucket Orkestra are throwing an NYE party where the vibes will literally be so good, haters for miles away will wake up singing Ukrainian folk ballads. Not the best thing for a hangover.

Lower West Side NYE (Gladstone)

Wish you could have celebrated 1925 instead of 2015? Sounds like a limited cocktail menu and malnourishment to me - but I doubt either will be a problem at the Gladstone Hotel's roaring 20s party. Whiskey may or may not be served in teacups, which sounds a lot like a roaring highschool Tuesday, but hey.

F*ck NYE (Soybomb Hq)

Soybomb Hq's annual punk fest NYE anti (? or is it) party features live sets from Godstopper, Rubrics (USA), John XII, Eavesdrop, Uncle, and Mad Trapper. All these bands for $8 is a f*ck you to NYE.

Majestic NYE (Fairmont Royal York)

Want to party with a crowd? One of Toronto's most famous hotels will play host to 3,000 revelers dining and dancing to the sounds of live percussionists, an electric violinist and a line-up of DJs spinning house, hip hop, EDM and rnb. There's also a live cabaret show, a three course menu and discounted room rates if you need a place to crash. Tickets start at $50. - Staff

One Night Only (Drake Hotel)

The Drake Hotel always goes all out for its NYE parties and this year is no exception. A tiered ticket system starting ranging from $25 to $125 will get you anything from entry to the party to a four course dinner and bubbly.- Staff

New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza Hosted by Tom Green (Massey Hall)

Remember Tom Green? This comedy show will get you back on the street by 10pm. Canadian comedian Derek Edwards headlines.

See also

• New's Years Eve Celebrations(Nathan Phillips Square)


• Big Sound (Mod Club)


• RIP NYE (Adelaide Hall)


• Carla Collins Comedy Shows (Flying Beaver Pubaret)


• New Year's Eve Skating Party (Harbourfront Centre)


• New Years Eve Gala Dinner Cruise (Northern Spirit)


• Retro Mix (Old Mill Inn & Spa)


• Static NYE (Kool Haus)


• Swing & Blues Double Deck Ball (Dovercourt House)


• Back & White Ball (Trump Hotel)


• Sheila Gostick (Cineforum)


• Strike at Midnight (World Bowl)


• New Year's Eve (Thompson Hotel)

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: BARS + RESTAURANTS

The Sadies (Horseshoe Tavern)

The Legendary Horseshoe is playing it safe and bringing back acclaimed Toronto alt-country outfit the Sadies. As the cowboy said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The band plays at 11:15pm (2014) and 1:15am (2015).

Horsey Craze (Silver Dollar)

Hide out at Silver Dollar at midnight with elusive Horsey Craze, the Neil Young tribute band comprised of Constantines members. As usual, they'll bring a string of special guests - catch Andre Ethier's Sunset Pigs and Tropics/US Girls offshoot Darlene Shrugg as openers. SK

ITZSOWEEZEE (Drake Underground)

If you can't imagine NYE without the Drake Hotel, look back on the past ten years and smile. Or sigh, I don't know your life. There's a party upstairs in the Hotel proper, but the hip hop & electronic dance party in the basement is the place to be with Tom Wrecks, DeMiGGs & V.

Judy Virago (The Beaver)

If big rooms don't do it for you, slide your campy glitter shaker over to the Beaver for DJ sets by Boy Pussy and Peg Zilla, plus the effervescent Allysin Chaynes, Nancy Bocock, Buzz Huneedew, and Quanah Style.

Tranzac NYC (Tranzac)

At the Tranzac in the Annex find three rooms of some of the bands who ruled Toronto's underground music scene, and no bottle service. (Ask Lido Pimienta what she thinks about bottle service.) Pimienta, Tenderness, New Fries, Sexy Merlin, Mas Aya, and more are on the bill.

Essence Brown (Steady)

Don't over think NYE when all you really want to do is keep it casual, down a drink or ten, and dance. Enter Essence Brown, where you'll sweat to hip hop, dancehall, and r&b while your less fortunate friends take sad Instagrams over their sad bottle service.

Much Music VJ Legend Master T hosts New Years (The Smiling Buddha)

Do you like... nostalgia? If not, please exit blogTO, take a right at the millennium, and keep walking, while history's most sentimental generation finds a warm embrace at this 90s party with VJ Master T.

Chronologic (The Garrison)

The Goin' Steady DJs can save you from choice - just like on Halloween, the Garrison offers a sturdy salvation for those who just can't make a decision (but show up early or you'll have to make another decision). The night will have you dancing chronologically through the ages - into 2015.

See also

• Studio 1265 (Mr Flamingo / Bambi's)


• New Year's Bash (Junction City Music Hall)


• Tupper Ware Remix Party & more (Bovine Sex Club)


• Bitch Craft (Parts & Labour)


• Soul in Motion (Round)


• The Superstars of Comedy (Comedy Bar)


• Poo Year's Queefs (Comedy Bar)


• F'Unreal (The Boat)


• NYE 2015: Champagne Showers (Tattoo)


• NYE 2015 (Amsterdam BrewHouse)


• New Years Eve (The Mil St Beer Hall)


• Back to the Electric Circus (Carbon Bar)


• Back to the Future (Central)


• Bangs & Blush (Clinton's)


• Stiletto Flats (Old Nick)


• Chicken & Waffles Band (Joe Mamas)


• Chill NYE (Montauk)


• Countdown in Downtown (Azure)


• A Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Soiree (The Forth)


• Get Happy (Rockpile)


• Lula All Stars NYE (Lula Lounge)


• New Year's Eve (Cameron House)


• New Year's Eve (Buddies in Bad Times)


• New Year's Eve (The Dakota)


• NYE Casino Royale Masquerade Party (Louis Cifer Brew Works)


• Eve Me Up - A Disco New Year (La Perla)


• New Year's Eve (Supermarket)


• New Year's Eve (Studio)


• Midnight Mix (Revival)


• New Year's Eagle (Black Eagle)


• New Year's Eve (Yukyuk's)


• Nearly Naked (Cherry Cola's)


• New Year's Eve 2015 (Rosewater)


• DJ Lazarus (Velvet Underground)


• New Year's Eve (Ciao Wine Bar)


• New Year's Eve (George Restaurant)


• New Year's Eve (Milagro)


• New Years Eve (Nota Bene)


• New Year's Eve (Spice Route)


• New Year's Eve (Thoroughbred Food & Drink)


• Tight & Bright (The Office)


• New Year's Eve (Czehoski)


• New Year's Eve (The Sister)


• Studio 54 (Toula Fine Dining)


• Databats (Cavern)


• Atomzero (Nocturne)


• New Years Party Rockabilly Show (Black Dice)


• No Hassle (Emmet Ray)


• Fred Falke (Wrongbar)


• Let there be House (Bassline)


• NYE 2015 with Hot Stepper Productions (Rivoli)


• New Year's Eve (Borealia)


• NYE Countdown to 2015 (Nawab Fusion Grill)


• Punk Motherfucking New Years (The Cage)


• Winter Wonderland (Brassaii)


• New Year's Eve (Barsa Taberna)


• Solid Gold (Cabal)


• Soul Stew (Jazz Bistro)


• Rock N Roll New Year's Eve (Drums N Flats)


• Souled Out (The Ossington)


• Soulful Resolution (Harlem)

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: CLUBS

Magic NYE (Guvernment)

Strange but true: this is your last chance to celebrate the new year at Guvernment - the club is slated to close in early 2014. Make memories one more time with Manzone and Strong and Mark Oliver.

Union (Coda)

Coda at Bathurst and Bloor (you can see it from the subway station, friends) has Carlo Lio, Nathan Barato, and the Junkies playing back to back all night.

FlicFlac (The Hoxton)

Austria's FlicFlac is coming all the way to Toronto to headline the Hoxton's NYE bash. Special guests are also in store, and there are so many people who want you to call them re: bottle service.

Yes Yes Y'all NYYYE (426 College)

One of Toronto's best parties, Yes Yes Y'all is a sure bet for New Year's eve. Toronto's Tasha Rozez, Tamika, Bambii and KJ will play this year's queer hiphop/dancehall jam.

NYE 2015, A Jazzy Event with Aura & Friends (Palais Royale)

Jazz. Said to be Duke Ellington's protégée, Aura Rully (Urziceanu) has performed with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones, and you have to dress to the nines to see her. Jazz. Isn't that a nice way to end things?

See also

• Back in the Day (FORTY2 Supperclub)


• Cirque (Solarium)


• Arcadian NYE (Arcadian Court)


• CIRCA 1926 New Years Eve (The Everleigh)


• Countdown NYE (Liberty Grand)


• CrushTO (Club 120)


• Enchant (Maison Mercer)


• Grindhou5e NYE (Li'Ly Lounge)


• Ebony & Ivory (Epic Lounge)


• My Friends Over You if Fucking Dead (751 Lounge)


• New Year's Eve (Cake)


• New Year's Eve (Vagabondo Italian RIstorante & Lounge)


• New Year's Eve (Cube)


• Black n White (Boxing Loft Social Club)


• New Year's Eve (Uniun)


• OU100 NYE featuring Simon Patterson (Red Nightclub)


• Raw NYE (Remix)


• Pop Machine (Wayla)


• Chus & Ceballos 12 Hour Extended Bash (RYZE)


• A night under the stars - PROM 2015 (F Stop)

For more NYE events click on over to our Events section.

What did I miss? Let us know what hole in the ground you'll be partying in on NYE in the comments.

Contributions by Shazia Khan. Photo be Jesse Milns

by Aubrey Jax via blogTO

The top 10 Toronto news stories of 2014

What a year 2014 has been. Rob Ford started the year in a downward spiral of alcohol and drugs and finished it as a cancer patient. John Tory took over as mayor, Jian Ghomeshi was charged with sexual assault, and wind, rain, and snow pummelled the city. Toronto got new streetcars and saw one of its most famous music venues saved from closure.

As we prepare to ring in 2015, here are the top Toronto news stories from the last 12 months.

John Tory elected mayor

When Olivia Chow entered the race for mayor in January, it seemed like the job was hers to lose. Fast forward to October and the former Ontario PC leader and head of Toronto CivicAction John Tory, along with Doug Ford, had confined her to a distant third place finish. Right now, Tory is enjoying the obligatory surge in popularity that greets incoming politicians, though it remains to be seen how he will navigate the treacherous waters of Toronto politics long term.

Rob Ford's downward spiral

At the peak of the crack video scandal it seemed like Rob Ford's head would surely roll at any moment. Without a proper removal mechanism available to the city, Ford ploughed doggedly onward in 2014, getting caught ranting in Jamaican patois, drinking in a B.C. pub after hours, and making racist remarks in a bar as more shocking details from the crack video investigation were released via police documents. Ford eventually checked into rehab in April and quit the election race in September.

Just when the story of Rob Ford's mayoralty looked like it couldn't provide any more twists, doctors confirmed that the city's chief magistrate had been diagnosed with a malignant liposarcoma, a rare and difficult cancer of the soft tissue.

Rob Ford appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live

The most utterly surreal moment in a seemingly endless string of bizarre Ford-related episodes came in March with the mayor's hotly anticipated appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Rob, with brothers Randy and Doug, flew to California to take part in the talk show, apparently unaware they were to be publicly mocked. Ford threw Ford Nation t-shirts to the audience, talked about savings and efficiencies, and urged Toronto police chief Bill Blair to release the crack video while his hometown collectively cringed.

Jian Ghomeshi's house of cards collapses

Unbeknownst to his legions of listeners, CBC radio personality Jian Ghomeshi was apparently leading a violent double life. For years, his accusers allege, the host of Q would punch, slap, and hit women in the bedroom suddenly and without consent. There were also reports of explicit conduct at work. When the CBC dismissed Ghomeshi in Oct. it set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the radio host being charged with four counts of sexual assault.

The El Mocambo saved from closure at the 11th hour

Just when it looked like one of Toronto's most famous nightspots was set to close for good, Canadian finance "rock star" Michael Wekerle snatched the El Mocambo from the jaws of possible redevelopment in Nov. It's still not clear what will become of the music hall that has hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones, Blondie, The Ramones, and U2, but it appears the doors will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Wild weather rips through the city

2014 began with Toronto chipping its way out from the ice storm that left thousands without power over Christmas. During the year, heavy rain, wind, and snow caused extensive damage and made for several seriously sloppy commutes. Without a polar vortex, this winter has so far been relatively tame by comparison.

Jilly's closes to make way for new life at Queen & Broadview

The Broadview Hotel at Queen and Broadview had been ripe for a Gladstone-style makeover for years. With the surrounding Riverdale neighbourhood undergoing rapid gentrification the last decade or so, news that developer Streetcar planned to turn the building into an upscale hotel and restaurant was perhaps not entirely surprising. Detailed plans for the hotel haven't been released, but work is already underway inside.

New streetcars hit the road on Spadina

It has been more than 30 years since Toronto unveiled a new design of streetcar, but finally this August two of the long-awaited new low-floor Bombardier vehicles collected their first passengers on Spadina Ave. Toronto will have to wait until the end of the decade before the rollout is complete, though at long last the city, province, and the TTC are making improvements to the city's vital surface rail fleet.

Massive development proposed above the Union Station corridor

We still don't know much about Ivanhoé Cambridge's plan to build a "sky park" over the Union Station rail corridor. The project was officially unveiled in September with designs that showed two 48-storey office towers and a new GO bus terminal for the east side of Bay St. Most remarkable, however, was the developer's plans to build directly above the rail tracks, a first for a Toronto construction project.

Frank Gehry's King St. towers get the green light

When David Mirvish and Frank Gehry unveiled redevelopment plans for the north side of King, east of John, the theatre magnate and renowned architect envisioned three sky-high residential towers. The project was scaled back to include just two buildings during the approval process, but if the latest designs are anything to go by very little has been sacrificed in terms of design.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: Dominic Bugatto, lori whelan/blogTO Flickr pool, Chris Bateman, Jesse Milns, Christian Bobak/blogTO, Ivanhoé Cambridge, Projectcore.

by Chris Bateman via blogTO