15 things to do in Toronto this week

Events in Toronto this week are ready for the holidays as the Christmas Market kicks off with all the cinnamon-scented fun of the season. Russell Peters is here to perform and there's a hop festival and taco battle. Lots of free stuff is happening as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Wild Nothing (November 12 @ Opera House)
A changing sound encompasses this indie rock group that's begun experimenting with pop and electro, and they're here alongside Men I Trust.
Iggy Azalea (November 12 @ Rebel)
Australian rapper and one of the biggest names in female hip-hop is here with her unique flows and crafty lyrics as part of her Bad Girls Tour.
Taco Battle (November 13 @ El Loco Local)
It's on like Donkey Kong at this taco throwdown featuring four of Toronto’s top chefs competing to create the ultimate taco.
Decolonizing Art History (November 14 @ The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre)
Artist Kent Monkman has begun to gain mainstream recognition for his intricate paintings, and is here to talk about decolonizing art history.
Chris Hadfield's Generator (November 15 @ Roy Thomson Hall)
Back again is astronaut Chris Hadfield’s comedy, music and ideas extravaganza featuring lots of special guests.
Fresh Hop Fest (November 15 @ Berkeley Church)
Hops and lots of them are on at this beer festival with a spotlight on local and regional hop producers from all over the province.
Russell Peters (November 15 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Funnyman Russell Peters has kept the laughs going all these years, and now his socially-conscious comedy is more relevant than ever.
Musicworks at 40 (November 15 @ The Array Space)
A staple in Toronto and Canada's music scene, Musicworks magazine is celebrating 40 years of musical exploration with a big birthday party.
Toronto Christmas Market (November 15 - December 23 @ The Distillery District)
The sights and smells of Christmas are in the air at this big market, where you'll find lots of yummy goodies spread throughout the festivities.
Long Winter (November 16 @ Tranzac Club)
Toronto's underground music scene comes out for a night of tunes with performances, visuals, zines and more.
CineIran Festival (November 16-18 @ Multiple Venues)
Films that showcase Iranian culture, history and its changing landscape are screening over this two-day festival.
Palooza Beer Pong Festival (November 17 @ Rebel)
The party game we all know and love is getting a massive festival as the world's largest beer pong tournament arrives for a full day of splashy fun.
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm Pop-Up (November 17 @ 761 Queen St W)
The Instafamous field with the yellow door comes to Toronto for a one-day pop-up, with Anthropologie and a ton of fancy lavender-infused products.
Made by Feminists (November 18 @ The Gladstone)
Holiday shopping has never been so socially conscious as local makers who identify as feminists are selling lots of handmade items.
Old Book and Paper Show (November 18 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Wychwood Barns is set to fill up with stacks of old paper, prints, photographs, comics and posters spread across 70 tables.

by Lisa Power via blogTO