We get it: you’re busy. With so many things happening in Toronto every week, let alone every month, things can get a little overwhelming when planning your social calendar. Let’s keep it simple. Each month, Vv Magazine collects the top events in Toronto so that you know what you absolutely must attend. The rest, as they say, is noise.
Leave your end of summer wallowing at home and put on a brave face, because although summer may be winding down, the 6ix is gearing up. Along with pumpkin spice lattes and leather jackets, there are a slew of events to look forward to. Be it you’re a foodie, a sci-fi junkie or cinephile, distract yourself from the decrease in temperature and turn up.
Here are our choice of top events to attend in September:
Fan Expo
September 1-4
Calling all geeks. Get your fix of all things comic, anime, sci-fi horror and gaming at the 2016 Canadian Fan Expo. In addition to the regular spiel of workshops, discussions, and fashion shows, expo-goers do not want to miss a Q&A with John and Joan Cusack, Q&A with Stan Lee and autograph sesh with Adam West and Burt Ward (the original Batman and Robin). Scoop up tickets starting at $25 for a single day pass or $125 for a four-day pass.
Le Burger Week TO
September 1-7
Love burgers? Nurture and grow that love at Le Burger – an entire week dedicated to the patty. For a discounted price, diners can eat at a number of Toronto restaurants and then vote for their favourite burger online. Participating restaurants include Bareburger, Little Fin, Thoroughbred, The Burger’s Priest & more. May the best burger win!
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
September 8-18
It’s that time of year again… TIFF is right around the corner and soon the celebs will come out to play. From September 8th to 18th, Torontonians will have a chance to witness world premieres, cutting-edge film, galas and industry schmoozing. Check out our list of the 10 films we’re most excited to see and purchase your tickets here.
Junk Food Festival
September 9-11
Now that summer is basically over, put your bathing suit away and start working on your winter bod. For one weekend, eat your fill of culinary mashups and junked up classics at the Junk Food Festival. Plus, play some of Toronto’s most popular adult games like Rage Room, BATL (The Backyard Axe Throwing League) and more. You’ll also be happy to know that admission is free – now that’s just junktastic.
Veg Food Festival
September 9-11
On September 9th to 11th, your body is your temple – urban herbivores rejoice because the Veg Food Festival is back at the Harbourfront Centre for the 32nd rendition of the weekend-long event. The green and lean festival will include a variety of vegetarian eats, fitness classes, workshops, lectures, music, and discussions, plus admission is free.
Manifesto Festival
September 9-18
The 10th annual Manifesto Festival will be back from September 9th to 18th to “break bread, break beats and break new ground.” Celebrate Canada’s hip hop culture and see some of the country’s hottest urban influencers. Notable events and performances include The Summit Part II: A conversation with Stacey McKenzie, BJ The Chicago Kid and The Birthday Block Party with a Tribe Called Red, multiple DJs, and top dance crew acts. Check out all the events here.
TURF Music Festival
September 16-18
Hold on a minute! If you started mourning the end of music festival season, stop. Fort York will once again be transformed into a music haven as TURF (Toronto Urban Roots Festival) unfolds over this September weekend. Headliners include James Bay, Barenaked Ladies, Death Cab for Cutie,The Sheepdogs and more. Tickets start at $90 for a day pass and $195 for a weekend pass.
Toronto Beer Week
September 16-24
Summer may slowly be dwindling out of sight but our love for beer isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. Sound like you? Then you won’t want to miss Toronto Beer Week. Taste craft beers from over 60 bars, pubs and restaurants including Bellwoods Brewery, Indie Ale House, Pour Boy and more. Prices for events vary but committed beer lovers can also get a Craft Beer Passport.
JFL42
September 22 – October 1
Get ready to laugh you a** off. From September 22nd to October 1st, Just for Laughs is bringing JFL42 to Toronto: 42 acts across the city including Jim Gaffigan, Jim Jefferies, Roseanne Barr, Trevor Noah, Demetri Martin, Anthony Jeselnik, Tig Notaro, and Chris D’Elia (see the full list of performers here). Passes range from $69 to $299, but one pass gives you access to all events. To see every act follow these instructions.
Booby Ball
October 14
While technically not in September, we’re including the Booby Ball in our roundup so you can get a swipe at tickets sooner rather than later. This year’s theme is “Paradise City” – one night in paradise where Toronto’s most exotic scenesters are set to shake their tropical tails and fan their fancy feathers to support Rethink Breast Cancer. Party for a cause a get your tickets here, starting at $95.
RELATED LINK: Booby Ball 2015: Intergalatic Fun on Planet Booby