events
Weekend Planner: October 20–21, 2012
This weekend: a reading festival brings tons of authors to town, stretch those legs with WALKfest, take a stand against the Mega-Quarry with Soupstock, expand your inner creativity with a zine festival, and more.
This weekend, celebrate music and art in Regent Park. Photo courtesy of Dianne Weinrib.
BOOKS: Remember back in 2000, when J.K. Rowling did a reading at what was then still known as the SkyDome? Those were the days. Actually, these are the days. This weekend, you’ve got tons of chances to be read to (or have books dissected for you) by your favourite authors, at the International Festival of Authors. This massive literature event brings together award-winning writers from around the world for more than a week of readings, workshops, interviews, round table discussions, and more. Check out our preview here. Runs to October 28. Locations, times, and ticket prices vary.
WALKING: If you spend your work week behind a computer, you’re probably in need of some exercise. That’s where the fourth annual WALKfest comes in. This all-ages festival will feature a variety of walking-related events (what, you didn’t know that there was more than one way to walk?). You could join the dog walk, the culinary walk, the dance walk, the art walk, and more. P.S.: You should have “These Boots are Made for Walkin'” stuck in your head right about now. Starting locations vary, Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., FREE.
THEATRE: You’ve only got a few more weekends to take advantage of outdoor performances, so you might as well check out Space is The Place, a one-time-only celebration in Regent Park. There will be music (a performance by the 15-member Sun Ra Arkestra), dance (choreographer Bill Coleman will be joined by eight performers), puppetry, visual arts, and more. Regent Park (585 Dundas Street East), Saturday, 2 p.m.–5 p.m., FREE.
MUSIC: If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out one of Toronto’s best-known music parties, now’s the time. The 20th edition of Silent Shout invites you to performances by some very special guests: Ark Analog (Woodhands’ Dan Werb’s new band) and Maylee Todd. Following the live show you’ll have a chance to show off your best moves, as the DJs take over the house. 2ninety2 (292 College Street), Saturday, 9 p.m., $7.
COMEDY: Have you been laughing it up at the Big City Improv Festival? If you’ve been missing out, you might consider Illusionoid, an improv, sci-fi comedy podcast that will be recorded live. The show’s cast uses suggestions from the audience to recreate a vintage radio show. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), Saturday, 10 p.m., $10.
SOUPSTOCK: Lots of people think the proposed Highland Mega-Quarry will have devastating effects on a swath of farmland north of Toronto. Soupstock, not dissimilar to last year’s great Foodstock, invites you to an afternoon of tasty soups where you’ll get to meet and converse with anti-quarry activists. The event also features musical performers and speakers. Proceeds go to the anti-quarry cause. Don’t forget to bring your own bowl and spoon. Woodbine Park, Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., $10.
ZINES: Hey you. Yes, you. Think you can’t become a writer or that no one will ever hear what you have to say? Zines, friends. Zines are the answer. Don’t miss the Canzine: Festival of Zine Culture and the Independent Arts, which features zines galore, indie comics, and a chance to pitch your book to a panel of judges, workshops, and readings. 918 Bathurst Centre (918 Bathurst Street), Sunday, 1 p.m.–7 p.m., $5.
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].