The top weekend events in Toronto: November 13-15 2015

Weekend events in Toronto will put you in the holiday spirit. Though the forecast isn't calling for snow just yet, there's plenty of festive events to get you in gear with the Santa Claus Parade and Holly Jolly Fun Run on tap. If you want to start your gift shopping early, a few pop ups and markets will also be selling their wares around the city. And Long Winter returns for another year at the Great Hall.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

ART

Long Winter (November 13)
The Great Hall plays host to this ongoing inter-­arts festival. Feed on snacks from Craig's Cookies and Steambox Dumplings while listening to tunes from local talent like Calvin Love and SAHARA. Art by Maylee Todd, a live talk show and a 3 on 3 sport called INVISIBALL are also part of the package. $10 or PWYC.

Michael Snow Book Launch Signing (November 13)
Michael Snow is known as one of Toronto's most talented and famous artists. This Friday he'll be at the AGO for the book launch of his book, Michael Snow Sequences: A History of His Art. Remember to line up early if you want to get your copy signed.

ENTERTAINMENT

Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality (November 14)
Darcy Oake is proving that magic shows aren't just for kids. Like David Blaine and Criss Angel, Oake's brand of sleight of hand caters to adult audiences, which means you won't be seeing any rabbits pulled out of hats here. If you want to get in on the action, the show kicks off at 7:30 at the Sony Centre.

FESTIVALS

The Royal Winter Fair (November 6-15)
The Royal Winter Fair is back for another year, bringing with it a bevy of food and animal-based entertainment. If you're into all things agricultural, head to Exhibition Place to catch horse shows, rabbit competitions, and more.

Taste of Iceland (November 12-15)
Get to know the art, music, food, and culture of Iceland. This event will feature Icelandic menus at Luma, a live show by Reykjavik Calling at Adelaide Hall, and much more. On the final day, you can catch the Icelandic Film Festival, showcasing three shorts and one full-length documentary.

PARADE

Toronto Santa Claus Parade (November 15)
Though it may not feel like winter just yet, the Santa Claus Parade is rolling into town this Sunday for it's 111th year. Featuring all the floats and theatrics you could want, this one is sure to get even the Grinchiest Torontonian into the holiday spirit.

MUSIC

Youssou N'Dour & Le Super toile de Dakar (November 13)
This Friday catch a performance by Senegalese star Youssou NDour and his superband Le Super Etoile at Koerner Hall. He's been called "the most important figure in world music" by the Guardian, so you can look forward to a good show.

Beirut (November 13-14)
Zach Condon's long-standing indie-folk band just released their fourth LP, with a more bare-bones sound that's a notable departure from the sprawling and ambitious orchestration of some of his earlier works.

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and New Politics (November 15)
On Sunday, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and New Politics will take to the stage at the Danforth Music Hall. Tickets are still available.

Great Lake Swimmers (November 15)
If you're a fan of Great Lake Swimmers, you'll want to be at the Leslieville Common Sort this Sunday. The band released their newest album, A Forest Of Arms, earlier this year and will be playing through their new material. Make sure you arrive early, as the shop is smaller than your average venue.

MOVIES

Reel Asian Film Festival (November 5-15)
Canada's largest pan-Asian film festival continues to screen films. This weekend catch Two Thumbs Up, I Am Somebody, and more. Several other movie events are happening this weekend, so check our list of the city's top November film fests.

Drunken Cinema Presents: Friday The 13th Part III In 3D (November 13)
This drinking game/movie night will showcase horror flick Friday the 13th Part III. You'll receive 3D glasses, drinking game cards and a Jason mask for your table upon arrival. The best part? It's only $5, so it won't break the bank.

Arcade Fire: The Reflektor Tapes (November 13-19)
Head to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to catch a flick on Arcade Fire's creative journey. The film follows the band as they work on their newest album, showing everything from recording sessions to impromptu shows.

RUNNING

Holly Jolly Fun Run (November 15)
Join the fun of the Santa Claus parade by running ahead of Santa's sleigh. All funds raised go to the Santa Clause parade, viewers of which will cheer you on has you run the route.

Downsview Airport 8K &5K (November 15)
If you missed out on the Pearson run, take flight over at Downsview with 5K or 8K routes down tarmacs with vintage and commercial aircraft providing the perfect scenery.

SHOPPING

Bellwoods Flea (November 14)
This Saturday, the Bellwoods Flea is back and promises a bevy of art, fashion, food and more from its vendors. If you're not in the mood to window shop, there will be classic film screenings all day long and retro video games. Dogs are welcome, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend.

2015 Indie Literary Market (November 14)
Indie publishers and authors will congregate at the Tranzac Club on Saturday selling chapbooks, magazines and broadsheets that you won't be able to get your hands on in stores. If you don't feel like dropping any cash, it still makes for a much more interesting day of window shopping than heading to the Eaton Centre.

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.

With contributions from Libby Roach and Shazia Khan.

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO