Results tagged “litcity”

For a decade, Doors Open has provided Torontonians with the opportunity to discover and explore some of the unique architectural gems that this city has to offer, at no charge. Since its inception in 2000, it has grown every year, both in attendance and in the number of buildings to visit, and this year's edition—taking place on Saturday (May 23) and Sunday (May 24)—will feature free access to nearly 175 buildings of architectural or historic significance, many of which are usually closed to the public. This year's theme is "Lit City: Toronto Stories, Toronto Settings," the grand finale of a three-month festival that honours literary writers who find inspiration in Toronto and use the city as a setting in their work. Libraries and buildings of literary significance have always been a staple within the official Doors Open program, but this year nearly a quarter of the venues have a prominent literary connection.

PARTY: Toronto celebrates the banner year of one hundred and seventy-five with a plethora of fun both inside and outside City Hall. Highlights include the Lit City activities (see below); "360-extended," a huge interactive project of personal Toronto stories; and Toronto's emergency personnel performing virile demonstrations such as rappelling and "auto extrication" (and if that isn't a euphemism, we don't know what is). Our favourite event by far is the pair of improvisations curated by R.H. Thomson: Eric Peterson (of Billy Bishop Goes to War fame) plays William Lyon McKenzie, first facing off with Toronto's first council as played by students (12:30–2:30 p.m.), then later debating politics with current mayor David Miller (6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.). The day's festivities open and close with traditional First Nation ceremonies. Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West), 12–9 p.m., FREE.