Here are my picks for the top festivals in Toronto this November.
Rendez-vous with Madness Film Festival (AGO, Nov. 4-12)
Canada's original festival devoted to movies about mental health and recovery moves into a new frontier of public awareness toward the mysteries of the human mind. It all happens at the AGO alongside talks, workshops and forums.
Royal Winter Fair (Exhibition Place, Nov. 4-13)
The fresh smell of a barn and multiple baby animal sightings makes this country festival in the city a welcome annual tradition. There are horse shows, cooking demos, competitions and a market. But really just get in and walk around; you'll literally run into something interesting. Tickets starts at $38 and as always it happens at Exhibition Place.
Taste of Iceland (Various locations, Nov. 10-13)
This festival seems to be more relevant than ever thanks to all those cheap flights to Iceland popping up. It celebrates Icelandic culture and features food events, the Reykjavik Calling music series, parties and a film screening.
European Union Film Festival (Royal Cinema, Nov. 10-24)
The official film lineup for this year's festival is out and it's pretty amazing. It's one of the largest free film festivals in the country, and it's a collaborative effort between EU Consulate and cultural institutes in Toronto that bring together award winning films. Everything is screened at the Royal.
Grey Cup Festival (Various locations, Nov. 22-27)
This weekend celebrates 104 years of the Grey Cup. Who knew? The kickoff bash is at Ripley's Aquarium, and there's also a legends luncheon, a warmup party, two days of concerts, a women and community sport forum, a tailgate party, and then duh, the game.
Regent Park Film Festival (Daniels Spectrum, Nov. 23-26)
Toronto's only free community film festival showcases local and international independent work relevant to people from all walks of life, with a focus on inviting those of us from low income and public housing communities. This year's film lineup is impressive and all of the movies will be screened at Daniels Spectrum.
Reel Asian Film Festival (TIFF Bell Lightbox, Nov. 8-19)
Canada's largest festival of contemporary Asian cinema not only showcases great films, but also special projects featuring prominent artists, musicians, up-and-coming filmmakers. Most of the screenings will be at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Toronto International Short Film Festival (TIFF Bell Lightbox, Nov. 9-11)
From film veterans to students, this short film fest has it all. Taking place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, it showcases everything from dramas, documentaries and animation to experimental films and comedies.
Podcast Festival (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, Nov. 18-20)
Whether you're on the streetcar, in an Uber or cleaning the house, for many of us, there's a podcast playing. This festival plucks your favourites from your earbuds and brings them on stage, live and in person. The full lineup of shows is here and there will also be panels.
Indie Music Week (Various locations, Nov. 15-20)
More than 300 acts perform at over 20 venues in Toronto during this extensive music festival. There's also a film festival, an industry conference and special showcases. Head to the official site to see who's coming to town and buy individual tickets or festival passes.
What did I miss? Let us know in the comments so we can all festival together even more.
Photo via Indie Music Week.
by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO
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