Things to Do in Toronto This Week: January 13–19
It’s mid-January, and the post-holiday blues are real. But who says winter weeks have to be dull? Toronto is packed with activities that’ll keep your social calendar full. Looking for family fun, a solo adventure, or a reason to drag your friends out of hibernation? Whatever you’re into, there are plenty of things to do in Toronto to spark your interest.
Please note that event details and schedules may change. Before making plans, check the official websites or contact event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
New Vistas Art Exhibition (Ongoing, Until January 14)
Curious about fresh takes on art? New Vistas brings together emerging talent and bold ideas. It’s perfect if you’re into discovering creativity from a different angle. Plus, supporting new artists will make you feel good.
- Location: Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, 399 The West Mall, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Those who love uncovering new perspectives in art.
Tell Me, What’s Real? Art Exhibition (Ongoing, Until January 16)
Ever thought about how gender and technology intersect? Eva Francis-Work’s exhibit tackles this through visually stunning AI-generated prints. Moreover, it challenges ideas and sparks deep conversations.
- Location: Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery (Ascent Gallery, Level 1, Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Anyone curious about art that digs deeper into cultural topics.
We’ve Got Games: A Merril Collection Exhibit (Ongoing, Until January 26)
If you’re a gamer or love a good throwback, this exhibit is worth your time. From vintage Lord of the Rings games to rare Magic: The Gathering art, you’ll feel like revisiting childhood. You’ll also learn about the history of gaming.
- Location: Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith Branch (239 College St., Toronto)
- Admission: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- Best for: Gamers and anyone who appreciates unique collectibles.
Cross Cut (Ongoing, Until January 29)
This exhibit gives folk songs a modern twist with linocuts and music. Rob Niezen’s work ties together timeless themes like love, politics, and immigration in a fresh and familiar way.
- Location: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre (225 Confederation Dr, Scarborough)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Fans of storytelling through music and art.
Window Wonderland (Ongoing, Until January 31)
Want to enjoy art outdoors? Walk through the Junction to see 20 creative window displays and murals, each enhanced with augmented reality. It’s interactive, Insta-worthy, and completely free.
- Location: The Junction neighbourhood
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.torontojunction.ca
- Best for: Art lovers who enjoy interactive experiences.
Union Winter 2024 Presented by TD (Ongoing, Until February 2)
Winter skating at Union Station feels different. Free skate rentals, beginner lessons, and live DJs create a fun, laid-back vibe. Learning or a pro? The atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.
- Location: Union Station (55 Front St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.torontounion.ca
- Best for: Skaters at any level.
Winter Skating at The Bentway (Ongoing, Until February 17)
The Bentway’s figure-eight skating trail is a unique way to enjoy the season. Skating under the Gardiner adds a cool, urban twist. And free skate rentals (select days) make it easy to join in.
- Location: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.thebentway.ca
- Best for: Those who want a mix of city vibes and winter fun.
Hangar Skate Returns to YZD! (Ongoing, Until February 17)
Skating here isn’t just about the rink. YZD offers a 4,500-square-foot space surrounded by art, with DJ nights and family programming. Admission is free, and rentals are affordable.
- Location: YZD (34 Hanover Road Toronto)
- Admission: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: www.yzd.ca
- Best for: Families and groups looking for winter activities that stand out.
Window Box Gallery at Gallery 1313 (Ongoing, Until February 26)
Sunshine Tormé Johnson’s artwork blends personal stories with social critique. Her pieces focus on themes of healing and thriving, offering something meaningful and heartfelt.
- Location: Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen Street W, Toronto)
- Website: www.gallery1313.org
- Best for: Art fans seeking deeper, reflective exhibits.
Little Canada (Ongoing, Throughout the Year)
What if you could tour Canada’s cities and landmarks in miniature? This 45,000-square-foot attraction feels interactive yet approachable, with the CN Tower standing surprisingly 12 feet tall.
- Location: 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.little-canada.ca
- Best for: Families or anyone curious about seeing Canada differently.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at ROM (Ongoing, Until May 4)
This exhibit showcases nature at its most awe-inspiring. Award-winning photos capture rare encounters, with each image beautifully backlit for an added effect.
- Location: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park Ave, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.rom.on.ca
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Nature in Brilliant Colour at ROM (Ongoing, Until August 17)
Each room in this exhibit highlights a different colour, creating a sensory experience with over 200 specimens and projections. The experience is like stepping into nature’s art studio.
- Location: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park Ave, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.rom.on.ca
- Best for: People who appreciate interactive, colourful displays.
Beer and Cheese Flight Night (January 13)
Beer and cheese make a great pair, don’t they? Join Good Cheese and Left Field Leslieville for a guided tasting that features gourmet cheeses perfectly matched with fresh beers.
- Location: Left Field Brewery (36 Wagstaff Drive, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.fanshop.leftfieldbrewery.ca
- Best for: Craft beer fans and cheese lovers.
Cultural Narratives: The Storytelling Power of Design (January 14)
This panel discussion highlights how 1980s footwear and design reflected cultural shifts. Hosted by Designlines Magazine, you’ll learn how these trends still influence us today.
- Location: Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.batashoemuseum.ca
- Best for: Design enthusiasts and pop culture buffs.
Winter Solstice (January 14 – February 2)
This comedy is set on Christmas Eve, where family tensions mix with unexpected guests and biting humour. You’ll find it funny, sharp, and surprisingly relevant.
- Location: Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.canadianstage.com
- Best for: Theatre-goers who enjoy comedy with a deeper edge.
Dinner with the Duchess (January 14 – February 2)
What’s the price of fame? Margaret, a celebrated violinist, sits down for her final interview, supported by her ever-charming husband. As the questions get personal, buried secrets come to light. This psychological thriller highlights passion, legacy, and how we’re remembered.
- Location: Studio Theatre (345 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.crowstheatre.com
- Best for: Theatre fans who enjoy deep, character-driven drama.
Emanuel Ax + Mozart (January 15 – 19)
Feel the thrill of Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra, the iconic theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Pianist Emanuel Ax brings Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 to life with precision. The program begins with Tippett’s lively Concerto for Double String Orchestra.
- Location: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.tso.ca
- Best for: Classical music lovers who enjoy variety and timeless works.
YUNDI (January 16)
After a three-year break, Yundi Li returns to perform Mozart’s sonatas, including Piano Sonata K331. Known for his historic Chopin competition win at 18, Yundi’s performances are rich in emotion and artistry.
- Location: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: roythomsonhall.mhrth.com
- Best for: Fans of piano music and anyone who loves Mozart.
Maxime Zecchini’s Live Performance (January 16)
Maxime Zecchini redefines piano performances by playing exclusively with his left hand. From classical pieces to musical theatre, his technique and emotion combine for a breathtaking concert.
- Location: Alliance Francaise Toronto – Downtown campus (24 Spadina Road, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.maximezecchini.com
- Best for: Music enthusiasts looking for something unique and inspiring.
Lucas Zelnick (January 16)
Lucas Zelnick’s comedy hits home with sharp, relatable material. His viral stand-up clips have made him a rising star, and his live shows are just as punchy.
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.lucaszelnick.com
- Best for: Comedy fans who love clever and personal humour.
Mackie: Pennies from Heaven (January 17)
In this classic musical, Steve Martin stars as a Depression-era salesman navigating love and dreams. Bob Mackie’s Academy Award-nominated costumes make it visually remarkable, while the bittersweet story keeps it grounded.
- Location: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.hotdocs.ca
- Best for: Film lovers drawn to classic Hollywood charm.
Bordeaux’s Dazzling 2022s (January 17)
Want another wine tasting this week? Sample over 80 Bordeaux wines at Liberty Grand, meet winery reps, and find your new favourites. And don’t worry if you’re new to wine; you’ll quickly find the one that suits your palate.
- Location: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex (25 British Columbia Rd., Exhibition Place, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.lcbo.com
- Best for: Wine lovers at any level, from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs.
Googoosh: Final Chapter World Tour (January 17)
Celebrate six decades of music with Googoosh, a legendary voice in Persian pop. This tour reflects her incredible career and lasting legacy.
- Location: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Instagram: @googoosh
- Best for: Fans of Persian music and timeless performers.
Mike Glazer Live @ Backroom Comedy Club (January 17–18)
Mike Glazer brings sharp humour and surprising anecdotes to the stage. Known for his work with HBO and appearances at top festivals, his comedy feels real and relatable.
- Location: Backroom Comedy Club (814 Bloor St W Basement Unit, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.backroomcomedyclub.com
- Best for: Comedy fans who love a laid-back yet hilarious vibe.
Hart House U of T Festival of Music (January 17–18)
The U of T music scene takes over Hart House Theatre for a talent-filled festival. From solo acts to groups, it celebrates creativity and collaboration.
- Location: Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto)
- Admission: Check ticket prices here.
- Website: www.harthouse.ca
- Best for: Anyone who enjoys supporting local and student musicians.
Classic Albums Live: Paul McCartney and Wings (January 18)
Relive Band on the Run the way it was meant to be heard. Classic Albums Live delivers every note and lyric exactly as you remember, bringing this 1973 masterpiece to life.
- Location: Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.masseyhall.mhrth.com
- Best for: Rock fans and anyone who loves classic albums performed live.
Xenia Concerts & TO Live Present: Jazz Is What?! (January 18)
Learn about jazz while enjoying a lively, interactive concert. Jazz Is What?! creates an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, with songs and activities tailored to neurodiverse audiences.
- Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front Street East, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here (11 AM) or here (2 PM).
- Website: www.tolive.com
- Best for: Families and anyone looking for an inclusive, joyful music experience.
CSC Fancon: Where Worlds Collide (January 18–19)
Pop culture fans, you’ll love the weekend with this event. Expect TCG, K-pop, cosplay, gaming, and collectibles. Highlights include rare collectibles, photo booths, cosplay competitions, and even a live MICO concert.
Location: The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.csceventhq.com
- Best for: Fans of pop culture and unique collector’s items.
A Night with JELO, Barroness, TAKiN, and The Jacob Bros (January 18)
Catch Toronto’s own JELO live at Wiggle Room alongside talented locals TAKiN, Barroness, and The Jacob Bros. The night promises a mix of electronic beats and hometown vibes.
- Location: Wiggle Room (772 Dundas St. West, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.wiggleroomtoronto.com
- Best for: Fans of electronic music who want an intimate live experience.
Music in the Morning with Ellie @ Left Field Leslieville (January 19)
Bring the little ones for an hour of music, sing-alongs, and fun at Left Field Leslieville. Ellie blends classic tunes with original songs, creating a warm, interactive space for kids (and parents).
- Location: Left Field Brewery (36 Wagstaff Drive, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.fanshop.leftfieldbrewery.ca
- Best for: Families with young children who enjoy interactive musical mornings.
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