Events in toronto: September 2016

Friday, September 30, 2016

The top 5 renegade exhibits at Nuit Blanche 2016

renegade nuit blanche The top renegade exhibits at Nuit Blanche fall outside of the official all-night program. These installations are in no way affiliated with the city-run event, but they add to the magic of the evening and give it an anything-can-happen feeling. If you tire of the massive exhibitions, Les Rues des Refusés has listed a whole bunch of alternatives for you to check out.

Here are the top renegade exhibits at Nuit Blanche 2016.

WiGGLY Street
Head to Queen Street West, between York and University, and joing Wiggly Events' WiGGLY Street, an all-night street party featuring installations, live music, DJs, performance art, light shows and even a bunch of tricked out ping pong tables.

Rocknroll Jameoke: Nuit Blanche Citizen's Band
Join a so-called "rock 'n roll hootenanny" in Kensington Market, on Augusta just north of Bellevue Square. There will be chords, lyrics and a few instruments available, but you're welcome to bring your own too as you rock out with this makeshift musical group.

Carpe Noctem
Deer Team Six and Secret Society present this mobile dance party that'll be making it way around the city tomorrow night. The theme is party animal and costumes are encouraged. It starts at 10 p.m. - check the Facebook page for its starting location.

Nuit Blanche Ride
If you want to see all of the art installations from the comfort of your bike, join Toronto Cruisers and peddle your way around the city. The group's meeting at Bloor and Spadina at 10:30 p.m. and plans to stay out late.

#Unwanted
Eternal Remedy (or etre) is using Snapchat to present a roving installation on Saturday night. It's all very mysterious, so follow eternalremedy to see what they do tomorrow.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

What kind of house does $1 million get you in Toronto?

one million dollar house toronto The $1 million house in Toronto, perhaps more than any other, underscores just how crucial neighbourhood and location are to real estate values. It's common sense, of course, but when you compare and contrast homes across the city, this obvious observation becomes intriguing. And that's not to mention just how far this benchmark amount goes compared to just three or four years ago.

Here's what a $1 million house looks like in Toronto.

$1.1 million near Queen and Brock
This detached home in Parkdale has a lot going for it. Recent renos have bestowed a lovely kitchen upon the place, there's a finished basement that increases usable floor space, and the possibility of creating a rental unit. There is, however, very little outdoor space and the bedrooms are tiny. Imagine what this house was worth in 1996 (or don't -- it's scary).

one million dollar house toronto $986,000 in the Pocket
The exterior of this house could make it the poster child for a Toronto real estate market that's spun out of control? How could that be worth a million, you can hear some ask with incredulity. Once you get past the facade, however, this house isn't so bad. The interior has been recently updated, and while the design is rather plain, it's also pleasant.

one million dollar house toronto $989,000 in Swansea
Here's an example of how much house you get when you move away from the core and sacrifice on Walk Score. This three bedroom home in Swansea has a modern interior and kitchen, lovely backyard deck, and is near High Park. One notable drawback is the single washroom.

one million dollar house toronto $998,000 in Scarborough's Guildwood neighbourhood
The 1950s urban dream is still alive in Toronto if you head far east into Scarborough. This is about as big a house as you're going to get for a million in Toronto with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There's even a pool! The two-car garage is reminder of how you'll need to get around if you live here, though.

one million dollar house toronto $1,049,000 near Bloor and Ossignton
This Bloorcourt home is a good representation of what the housing market is like in Toronto for properties near to the subway and amenity-rich neighbourhoods. Set-up as two apartments right now, there are actually four total bedrooms to work with, but not a ton of extra space beyond that. It would be a great way to pay off a mortgage by renting one of the units out.

Would you buy any of these houses if you were in the market? Let us know in the comments.

by Derek Flack via blogTO

15 bars serving booze until 4am during Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche Toronto Bars serving until 4 a.m. during Nuit Blanche may be particularly useful this year if the weather forecast is to be trusted. With rain predicted to be a part of our all night art event, what better places to take temporary refuge than a local watering hole? Between Nuit Blanche and the Out of Site Festival, there lots of spots to imbibe until way late on Saturday.

Here are 15 restaurants and bars serving booze until 4 a.m. on October 1st.

This list represents establishments approved to serve until 4 a.m. during Nuit Blanche and the Out of Site Festival by the AGCO. They don't have to exercise that right, so it's always best to call ahead to confirm.

Photo via the Drake Hotel.

by Derek Flack via blogTO

The top 7 warehouse sales in Toronto this October

puma warehouse sale toronto The top warehouse sales in Toronto this month will require some early mornings for you and your shopping crew. The Puma and North Face events are sales you should be lining up for in advance to get the real goods. Fortunately, there's also a host of other sales to peruse in a more relaxed manner this month.

Here are my top picks for warehouse sales in Toronto for October.

Hayley Elsaesser warehouse sale (October 1-2)
It's 50% - 90% off clothing by the woman who can now add dressing Miley Cyrus to her resume. Hosted by gallery and event space Milk Glass Co., this two-day warehouse bonanza marks down designer items to insane prices. There will also be snacks and drinks. 1247 Dundas St. W

North Face sample sale (October 4-10)
Outerwear, sportswear, footwear, backpacks and loads more are on offer at this active wear North Face mega sale. It's cash only and happens at 533 College Street.

Puma warehouse sale (October 5-9)
Puma footwear, clothing, bags, accessories are all discounted at up to 80% off! I'd get there before doors open to score the goods at this sale even though it runs for a few days. I also wouldn't expect Rihanna to show up. It happens at the International Centre, Hall 6, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga.

Nordstrom warehouse sale (October 12-16)
They may have recently opened in the Eaton's Centre, but that's all the more reason to have sale items to give away at 80% off! Lots of designer clothes, shoes, accessories for both guy and gals will be on offer. It happens at the Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road.

Designer Shoe warehouse sale (October 13-16)
Four days of shoes, shoes, shoes! BCBG, Cole Haan, Sam Edleman, Naturalizer all at 10% off. OK, so it's no Puma warehouse sale, but if you're looking for some solid office shoes or formal kicks, this is where you want to be. International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Hall 6, Mississauga.

L'Oreal Warehouse sale (Until October 16)
There's makeup, skincare, fragrances, and hair products at big discounts for this warehouse jaunt. Other big associated makeup brands you know and love will also be for sale (Lancome, Matrix, Redken, etc) and there's a $600 limit on your final check out. 1 Steelcase Road West, Markham.

Linen Chest warehouse sale (Until October 23)
Just in time for fall cuddles and new apartment decorating, the Linen Chest sale has items up to 75% off, and it only happens once a year. The trick with this one? It's not actually in a warehouse; it's happening in stores and online, so you better hurry and get the good thread counts while they last. Here's a Linen Chest store locator.

Did I miss a warehouse sale you're excited about hitting up? Let us know in the comments and let's shop some more!

Photo from the Puma Facebook page.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO

Casa Loma transformed into a huge haunted house

How many times have you thought Casa Loma would make an epic haunted house? Now your ~~nightmares~~ dreams are finally coming true because Liberty Entertainment Group (which owns Casa Loma) has transformed Toronto's only castle into a bona fide Halloween attraction.

Legends of Horror opens tonight and runs until Oct. 31, or Halloween. It's $40 in advance or $45 at the door - those under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by an adult.

The entire experience runs for about one hour and features actors, props, elaborate sets and a slew of famous monsters and horror movie characters. If you visit, Dracula will lead you on a 1.5 kilometre narrative journey through the castle's grounds as well as into the tunnel beneath Spadina - it's spooky enough on a regular day.

Check out the trailer below.

Photo by Somewhere in Toronto in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Toronto

Vietnamese toronto The best Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto will have you slurping up silky noodles and sipping on big bowls of broth. The culinary delights are hardly limited to pho; these eateries dish out everything from fresh and fried spring rolls to grilled delicacies and rice cakes.

Here are the best Vietnamese restaurants in Toronto.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

The top 10 events in Toronto for October 2016

october events toronto The top events in Toronto this October will remind you why you love the fall and leave summer but a distant, sweaty memory. There are some Halloween themed things happening (we'll have a full separate guide for that later), and yes Nuit Blanche kicks off the month, but between these two bookmarks, there's a lot going on.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this October.

The Moth (October 6, Massey Hall)
The art and craft of storytelling is what New York based group The Moth does. They are masters of curating well told and engaging stories either live on stage or through their podcast. If you saw the season finale of Girls, you'll fully understand what it is... or you can head to Massey Hall to find out. Showtime is 8 p.m.

DX From Nothing (October 7, Design Exchange)
Sometimes The Design Exchange is not very accessible, not in the cultural content they present, but because of ticket pricing. This month however they're presenting From Nothing, a super cool event with a $25 price tag. It's a night in collaboration with Common Good and a celebration of emerging artist collectives.

Avant X (October 13-16, The Music Gallery)
A full festival pass is just $40, and if you want to blow your mind with new music and sounds, it is highly recommended that you invest in this experimental electronic music fest. From celestial club music to ephemeral improvisation, this festival includes concerts, dance parties as well as lectures and talks about the future of music.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival (October 13-21)
Nine nights of horror, sci-fi, action and cult films at the Scotia Bank Theatre. It's the perfect lead up to Halloween with 50 films and shorts being shown to fans who won't get the change to see many of these films on a massive screen ever again. There are also live Q&A's with filmmakers, zombie night, and Pub After Dark (The Office Pub) where fans can meet up after to party.

Cask Days (October 21-23)
From October 21-23 find your way down to the Evergreen Brick Works for the 12th annual Cask Beer festival. Cask ale is unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated beer that is served direct from a barrel. There will be 400 varieties to try over the three days. Tickets starts at $25

Everything To Do With Sex Show (October 21-23)
The 17th Everything About Sex conference of sexy panels, classes, vendors and entertainment happens at the Direct Energy Centre. Fashion shows, seminars on proper spanking techniques, an erotic circus, and oral sex tips will help everyone in the relationship, or those who are single and ready to mingle like a pro. It's a $20 day pass or $25 weekend pass.

Buffer Film Fest (October 22-23, Various locations)
The annual showcase of YouTube talent returns to Toronto. Screenings, galas, a red carpet, panels, shorts, features, and exhibits are all crammed into two action packed days. Check their official website for a fleshed out schedule.

Keith Cole #HastagGallerySlut (October 26-29, AGO)
Legendary Toronto performance artist Keith Cole presents a work that considers legacy and memory, collapsing time, space and identity. There will be two performances that explore the death of Canada's Tom Thompson featuring drag queen extraordinare Maria Delmonte and queer filmmaker Raymond Helkio. There will be water. There will be interpretive dance. There will be cats.

Art Toronto (October 28-31)
Take a stroll and fantasize about filling your walls and shelves with beautiful pieces at Canada's largest international fair for modern and contemporary art. Lots of Toronto galleries are showing at here, and there's also the Art Book Fair happening simultaneously. It runs at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and a regular ticket starts at $20.

Canzine (October 29)
A one-day festival of zine culture and underground art takes over the AGO from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free and you'll see workshops, a vendors marketplace, and a live zine race. Spend the afternoon with some of the city's most creative and daring artists and authors while supporting the art of print.happening this season.

Did I miss an exciting event? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo of Cask Days by Andrew Williamson.