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Winter Woofstock Barks Up the Right Tree

Event of all things dog summons an enthusiastic crowd to the Direct Energy Centre.

Like any event devoted to the folly of fanaticism, Winter Woofstock isn’t really about the dogs. Sure, pooches are central to the twice-annual, two-day celebration of canine companionship that took place this weekend at the Direct Energy Centre, but when you get right down to the meat of the thing, no self-respecting dog would choose [...]

The Best, the Cutest, and the Craziest of Woofstock 2011

The annual streets-teaming-with-dogs-in-sunglasses-and-funny-costumes festival Woofstock marked its territory in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood this past weekend. During the festival dogs were given a new leash of life and refuse to be boxer'ed in, showing off the latest in canine fashions, only pawsing to peruse the many stalls dedicated to doggy products, some that are neuter the city.

Weekend Planner: June 11–12, 2011

This weekend in Toronto: a festival for our four-legged friends, an animal-adoption drive, a clothing-optional bike excursion, a DJ set by Caribou, an art market, Knit in Public Day, chef-prepared food for a good cause, and see what the first days of Luminato have to offer.

Weekend Planner: November 27–28, 2010

This weekend in Toronto: a festive forum for dog lovers, a temporary walk-in closet, the official lighting of Toronto's tree, a brainy comedy fundraiser, a hip-hop funeral, and the Paprika Festival turns ten years old.

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animals

On Sunday, and for the second time this year, the King Edward Hotel went to the dogs. As the annual Santa Claus Parade rolled on outside, a different kind of parade was going on inside the hotel. Call it the “Santa Paws Parade.” Or the “Panting Claus Parade.” Or the “Santa Claus Purrrrrrade.” No wait, [...]

Local Dogs Have Their Day at Woofstock 2010

They say every dog has his day (or at least there’s a Toby Keith song that says that). But this past weekend local Toronto pups got two whole days at the annual Woofstock festival for dogs and dog owners. Setting up shop in the vicinity of the St. Lawrence Market on Saturday and Sunday, Woofstock [...]

Dogs Dressed As Celebrities, Because Sure

“No pooping,” a middle-aged women tells her Pomeranian as she parades into the ballroom of the King Edward Hotel to the tune of Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.” Behind her, a succession of dogs dressed up as Elvis, Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe, and more follow. It’s the annual kick-off event for Woofstock, North America’s largest [...]

Weekend Planner: June 5–6, 2010

Urban Planner is Torontoist’s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com. This photo from Jury’s Choice Award winner Jon Muldoon is one example of [...]

A Weekend at Woofstock

The place to be at this year’s Woofstock festival was the fountain in Berczy Park. Despite the moderate temperatures and a layer of suspicious-looking foam covering the water, the fountain was crowded with dogs fighting for rubber balls, chasing each other, and—in the case of one very determined Great Dane—doing vigorous laps. Last year’s biggest [...]

A Nice Day for a Woof Wedding

As a prelude to this coming weekend’s Woofstock festival, organizers arranged the Woofstock Doggie Weddings High Tea at the King Edward Hotel yesterday. The puntastic event—hosted by comedian Laurie Elliott—brought together doggy couples who wanted to prove their “commuttment” by taking their “bow vows.” Each canine couple received a blessing from Reverend Dr. John Joseph [...]

Urban Planner: June 7, 2009

Urban Planner is Torontoist’s daily guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com. Photo courtesy of Woofstock. ANIMALS: Love-struck pooches will have the opportunity to declare their undying canine love today at the [...]

Take Me Home!

With Woofstock having just come to town, why not think about adopting an animal? The Toronto Humane Society just opened a satellite adoption centre in North York (2802 Victoria Park Avenue between Finch and Sheppard) to make adoption easier in addition to its original Toronto location at 11 River Street (at Queen Street East). Another [...]