events
Weekend Planner: May 5–6, 2012
This weekend, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival brings creators and fans together for a weekend of geektacular fun; Jane's Walk invites you to take a stroll; a parade of drummers honours Billy Bryans; don't miss Hot Docs' final weekend; and much more.
This weekend, join a walkabout as Jane's Walk activities take over the city. Photo courtesy of Melissa Wong.
COMIC BOOKS: With Toronto comic conventions becoming increasingly popular and EXPENSIVE, one has to appreciate the shining star that is the (completely free) Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Brought to you by the Toronto Public Library and The Beguiling, this event features workshops, games, giveaways, exhibitors, and tons of special guests (Kate Beaton, Jeff Smith, and Alison Bechdel for starters). Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), Saturday and Sunday, FREE.
HOT DOCS: It’s North America’s biggest documentary film fest, it’s celebrating a new home cinema, and it’s got everything from the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling to a penis museum. And it’s in its final weekend! Everything you need to know about Hot Docs 2012 is at our festival hub.
JANE’S WALK: Bust out those running shoes because Jane’s Walk—the annual event that honours urbanist Jane Jacobs by encouraging walking events around North America—is back. Though there are plenty of walks to choose from all weekend, here are a couple you might want to add to your to-do list:
- In the interest of getting to know your city from a new perspective, why not let these fourth and fifth graders show you around? “These are the People in Your Neighbourhood” (yes, allow that song to consume you now) is an interactive tour in which children will guide you through their neighbourhood. Meet in front of St. Anthony’s Church (1041 Bloor Street West), Saturday, 1 p.m., FREE.
- Have you ever shut your eyes while walking just to see how well you’d get around without them? Cityscape/Soundscape: Exploring Our Sonic Environment will allow you to test just that, by taking you on a blindfolded walk through the city. Using only your ears, you’ll explore Toronto’s environmental sounds. Meet at the Pavilion Stage of the Toronto Music Garden (475 Queens Quay W.), Saturday, 4 p.m., FREE.
- And, of course, we have even more suggestions for you right here.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Figuring out which CONTACT photography festival event you want to attend is no easy task, but here’s one that should definitely be on your list. Stop! and eat the roses features the work of James Brylowski, who aims to look at the natural world through “virgin eyes.” Studio Huddle (97 Niagara Street), Saturday, opening reception, 4 p.m.–12 a.m., FREE.
MUSIC: Though the musical hot ticket this weekend would definitely be floating in space with Jason Pierce and friends, Harbourfront Centre is bringing its HATCH program to a strong close with Kids on TV. This Toronto cult-queer band combines house music, roller-disco, love songs, and more to create Pantheon—a performance project that includes photography and film. It celebrates inspiring historical and fictional figures important to the band. Harbourfront Centre, Studio Theatre (235 Queens Quay W.), Saturday, 8 p.m., $15.
COMEDY: It’s time to get your giggle on as this improv show brings together an all-star lineup of performers for an event called Return of the White Rhino. Featuring Lauren Ash (TV’s The Dating Guy), Rob Baker and Rob Norman (Mantown), Kayla Lorette (TV’s That’s So Weird), and many many more, White Rhino also promises free prizes and a DJ party after the show. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), Saturday, 10:15 p.m., $10.
PARADE: Billy Bryans, the late drummer of the Juno Award–winning band The Parachute Club, is getting a tribute this weekend in the form of Duende—a parade to celebrate his musical legacy. The procession will stop at venues significant to Bryans’ career, and will end with an hour-long service and evening of music (with bands including The Parachute Club, the Downchild Blues Band, Cuban hip-hop artist Telmar, and more). Starts at Grange Park, Sunday, 3:30 p.m., FREE (donations accepted).
The James Brylowski CONTACT exhibit is at the now-named Studio Huddle (previously listed as Huddle Studio & Gallery) and the correct address is 97 Niagara Street, not 997 Niagara Street.
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].