events
Weekend Planner: September 24–25, 2011
In this Weekend Planner: Get up close and personal with a vinyl-doll photo exhibit; bend an elbow and take part in (or watch) a women's arm-wrestling tournament; Hooded Fang releases CD number two with a big bash; get tips on working and travelling abroad; Word on the Street fills Queen's Park with books; take part in a bike ride to help fund a non-profit food store; and see a play inspired by you come to life.
Explore the human condition, via vinyl doll portraits. "Otto" photo by Fausta Facciponte.
ART: For some, these beady eyed dolls are the stuff of nightmares. For photographer Fausta Facciponte, however, they represent the human condition as a material thing. “Sleepy Eyes,” a term for dolls with movable eyes (any Goosebumps fans in the house?) is also a photography exhibition of old vinyl dolls that their owners threw away. Though the exhibit is ongoing until October 29, a special reception for the artist will take place on Saturday. Stephen Bulger Gallery (1026 Queen Street W.), Saturday, 2 p.m.–5 p.m., FREE.
SPORTS: Flex those muscles, adjust those wrist braces, and get ready for a Women’s Arm Wrestling championship. Come out with fake names and costumes or join the fun as a bystander to cheer on your favourite gal. Expect entrance music, championship belts, and a good dose of friendly (and perhaps not-so-friendly) banter. It’s like the WWE! But not fake. Even better, all proceeds from the event will go to Planned Parenthood. 751 (751 Queen Street W.), Saturday, 8 p.m.–12 a.m., $2 to wrestle, $5 to watch.
MUSIC: Indie pop! Surf-gaze! Reggae! Enjoy a triad of musical genres at the CD release party of Hooded Fang’s sophomore LP, Tosta Mista, as well as the launch of the band’s own label, Daps Records. The outdoor party is part of the Wavelength Music Series and promises DJs, films, food, and drinks in addition to the two supporting bands set to precede Hooded Fang. The Academy of Lions Crossfit Gym (1245 Dundas St. W.), Saturday, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $12 at door.
TRAVEL: So you’ve graduated into the middle of the worst economic situation since the Great Depression. Now what? The 2011 Go Global Expo is helping to fill the gap with an expo of study-abroad, work-abroad, and volunteer opportunities. Westin Harbour Castle (1 Harbour Square), Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., FREE.
BOOKS: Word on the Street is back! The annual book and magazine festival returns to Queen’s Park for a 22nd year with vendors, poetry readings, author chats, and, of course, books galore! Come out, support, and get to know your local authors—there’s no bigger outdoor bookstore anywhere in the world! Queen’s Park (671 University Avenue), Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., FREE.
FOOD: Biking and eating good food—two simple ways to stay in shape. Fittingly, West End Food Co-op is holding a “Ride for Real Food” bike-a-thon in hopes of raising enough money to open a permanent location for their non-profit local food store. The ride will take you through a series of Toronto’s parks and end with lunch and live entertainment at Matchbox Farm. Magwood Park. Sunday, 10 a.m., asking for riders to raise a minimum of $500.
THEATRE: Have you ever had an idea for a play but never quite got around to writing it? Here’s the quickest way to rectify your situation. The National Theatre of the World‘s Impromptu Splendor will be improvising a play based on audience suggestions. None of the material has been written beforehand. Everything is brand new. Please somebody suggest Bill Cosby and Hitler living together as roommates. Theatre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson Avenue). Sunday, 9 p.m.–10 p.m., $10 or $12 advance.
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 [email protected].