Toronto events in November won't be as spooky as October's, as (for most) our obsession with death begins to give way to whatever emotions the winter holidays conjure up. Dollarama is already selling tiny Santa costumes for cats - kind of cute, right? Film fans can look forward to a whirlwind of festivals - there isn't a single day this month that at least one film fest isn't running, and it will be perfect weather to push up your glasses and snuggle up a warm theatre. (Winter isn't even going to be that bad, FYI, but I get your dread.)
Here are the top ten can't-miss events in Toronto this month.
Canzine: Festival of Zines and Underground Culture
Canzine organizers Broken Pencil (the zine that reviews zines, as the quip goes) have been at this a long time, and they know how it's done - on November 1st at 918 Bathurst, everyone gets a big tote bag on the way in to fill to the brim with goodies like handmade books, indie comics, art prints, buttons, t-shirts, records, cassettes, cards, and of course, old-school photocopied zines. I hope Wholly Shit, the punk church review zine and my favourite zine ever, will be there, but I heard he got bored and quit. So punk.
November film festivals
While TIFF is long over already and Hot Docs is a long way off, Toronto goes bananas for film festivals in the fall. Check these out over the course of the month:
- Hitchcock 9 (Nov 1-16)
- Pomegranate Film Festival (Nov 5-9)
- Ekran Polish Film Fest (Nov 5-9)
- Russian Film Fest (Nov 5-9)
- Reel Asian (Nov 6-16)
- Planet in Focus (Nov 6-9)
- Rendezvous With Madness (Nov 10-15)
- International Shorts Film Fest (Nov 12-14)
- European Union (Nov 15-30)
- Regent Park (Nov 19-22)
- Brazil Film Fest (Nov 27-30)
- Blood in the Snow (Nov 28-30)
Royal Winter Fair
Can't escape the city this fall? Let the country come to you. The largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world takes over Exhibition Place from November 7-16 for 10 days of horse shows, petting zoos, livestock competitions, fudge eating, butter sculpting, sweater-buying fun. The event has become increasingly food-focused over the years, which just makes sense. Get to know your farmer, guys. It makes dinner taste better. LI
Gluten Free Garage
The forth Gluten Free Garage is November 9 at Artscape Wychwood Barns. Since starting in 2012 the event has grown in popularity, and not just among celiacs. Scores of vendors will be on hand to showcase the best gluten free products found in the GTA, plus you can learn all about doing gluten-free the tasty way from presenters like Bunner's Bakery.
Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair
The inaugural Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair will take place November 13-16 at the Metro Convention Centre with over 400 authors on hand, including such heavyweights as Margaret Atwood (but of course), William Gibson, Anne Rice, and Kathy Reichs. Along with the literary highlights, there will be sections and stages devoted to culinary writing (with Elizabeth Baird and Rose Reisman in attendance), children's books, romance novels, and memoirs. The fair will be capped off with Canada's Self-Publishing Awards, which will dole out $50,000 in prizes. DF
Gentlemen's Expo
The Gentlemen's Expo is back for the second year, which is great because some times you just want to pass as a dude. Head to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Nov 14-16 to learn the secrets from real live dudes who identify as gentlemen and macho companies including Canadian Tire and 102.1 The Edge. The Darcys and Born Ruffians will perform, obviously. Hair flip/beard flip. Once you learn how to be a dapper dude, it's time to get shopping - and wall climbing (gentlemen need to scale everything).
Not Dead Yet Music Fest
Stuck in the City's hardcore punk festival Not Dead Yet is back November 20-23 and they're pretty impressed with the line up - and have a right to be. Venues S.H.I.B.G.B's, Sneaky Dee's, Nocturne, Hard Luck, The Garrison, Magpie, Soybomb, and more are in for hosting shows for the likes of Forward, Perfect Pussy, Iron Lung, Career Suicide, Destruction Unit, Pleasure Leftists, S.H.I.T., and way more. Naturally the fest offers tons of all-ages options for the wee ones.
Toronto Maker Faire
Head to the Toronto Reference Library on the weekend of Nov. 22-23 for Maker Faire to find over 100 exhibits plus workshops, yarn bombing, 3D printing, and the rampant overuse of the word "maker" as a substitute for "person who does stuff." Think about what you want to 3D print beforehand to avoid that glazed, overwhelmed look all 3D printing workshop tutors know too well. The early launch party is Nov. 5 at 918 Bathurst.
One Of A Kind Show
Attention craft fans and gift hunters. The One Of A Kind Show at the Direct Energy Centre will bring hordes of shoppers to check out the talent this country's artisans and creators have to offer, from household goods to fashion items. Support independent businesses, and munch on tasty samples of delicious condiments in the food aisle. This year's show runs until Nov 27 - Dec 7.
Bud Light Sensation
A sea of 30,000 people donned in white will hit the Rogers Centre November 29. The $150 a ticket DJ event will pump Toronto's dance fans audio and visual over-stimulation, plus booze and eats providing enough fuel to kept energy high well into the night. Under no circumstances should you call it a rave, especially if you're talking to your parents. Check out our gallery from last year.
BONUS
Suits & Staches Charity Gala
Arguably the best moustache-themed party the month has to offer is the annual Movember gala, held November 21 this year at Steam Whistle Brewery. In addition to an open bar, light catering, live music and a DJ, you'll find an on-site barber doing moustache trims and a caricature artist to immortalize that 'mo forever. Cocktail attire is requested, and moustaches are optional. Lamentably, it looks like tickets have sold out - but if you can snag one, this is the party to be at. NM
Contributions by Liora Ipsum, Natalia Manzocco
Photo by Alejandro Santiago, Derek Flack
by Aubrey Jax via blogTO
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