Awesome April Events in Toronto

As the Polar Vortex finally winds down and we move into spring, we can’t help but count the seconds until we get to April. The promise of warmer weather, longer days, and green popping up everywhere is pretty much the only thing talking us off the ledge after that winter. The best way to carpe diem the new season? By grabbing a couple friends and checking out all these fabulous April events!

Indie Alehouse’s Kitchen Collaboration with Bhima’s Warung Restaurant
April 1
Check out Indie Alehouse in the Junction for the latest edition of their Kitchen Collaboration series, this time featuring a culinary mash-up between Todd Clarmo (Indie Alehouse Chef) and Paul Boehmer of Bhima’s Warung. The pair will be reuniting in the kitchen to prepare a special Indonesian fusion dinner served family style. Since Indie Alehouse is pretty much the center of the craft beer universe, there’ll also be beer pairings with all the dishes. Amazing? Amazing.

Opera Canada Russian Party
April 1
Opera Canada Magazine is hosting their first spring fundraiser, paying tribute to Russian opera at the Pravda Vodka Bar. Be greeted at the door with a specialty vodka cocktail and dance the night away all in the name of opera! Enjoy the impromptu vocal pieces by known opera singers and get a chance to win some raffle prizes.

Glow in the Dark Ping Pong at SPiN!
April 1
Be a kid again and join SPiN! for some glow in the dark ping pong. Listen to some old school hip-hop, sip on black light G & Ts while munching on cosmic popcorn! Sounds like the best belated 8th birthday party ever, right?

Six Course Izakaya Tasting at Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya
April 2 (7pm-9pm)
Indulge in a 6-course tasting of modern and traditional Japanese dishes including a selection of sashimi and rice. It’s the perfect dinner date to fulfill that sushi craving. They’ll also provide a sake tasting to get you your perfect buzz!

Homemade Pasta 101 With The Culinarium Cupboard’s Angelo Bean
April 2 (7pm-9:30pm)
Ever want to host a dinner party with authentic Italian cuisine? Take this class taught by Italian pasta master Angelo Bean who will show you how to make authentic old school pasta from scratch! The best part is that you get to indulge in the fresh homemade pasta afterwards with the satisfaction of knowing you made it all by yourself!

Bar Hop’s Beers and Brewers
April 2
Want to start actually sounding smart when you drink beer instead of just thinking you sound smart? Bar Hop has started an awesome monthly event featuring 5 beers and brewers who will be in-house to discuss their craft. Maybe you’ll learn something!

Cote de Boeuf’s Game of Thrones Dinner
April 3
Game of Thrones fans: You’ll want to come by Cote de Boeuf for an evening dedicated to everybody’s not-so-guilty geek addiction. You and your fellow fan boys will be treated to a dinner featuring 3 starters, 5 feasting courses, and 3 desserts. Eat like a king!

Bay Street Hoops Charity Basketball Tournament
April 3-5
Support Toronto’s biggest sports charity event that helps encourage children and youth organizations in the name of basketball. Rally up some team members and register to shoot some hoops!

Good Food Festival
April 3-6
Eat, drink and explore at the Good Food Festival! Enjoy a foodie fiesta featuring food trucks, presentations by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, along with live on-stage cooking demos by some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs including Vancouver’s Vikram Vij, a judge on Recipe to Riches and the mastermind behind an entire Indian cuisine empire.

Born Ready
April 4
Were you born ready to party? Us too… it says so on our birth certificates. Tattoo will be hosting a new party on Queen West. Dance till you can’t feel your feet anymore to DJs, electro music and much more. This is just the beginning; future editions will include themed nights, performers, giveaways and special surprises!

Fado Music Night at Lisbon by Night
April 4
What could be a better pairing to authentic Portuguese food other than genuine Portuguese Fado music (FYI, the answer is nothing). Enjoy an evening of music and entertainment at Lisbon By Night while you dine on a prix fixe menu featuring their most famous dishes including steak, rodizio fish, and all the best grilled vegetables and seafood… just like in the old country!

Official Babes Dig Balls Home Opener After Party!
April 4
Right after the Blue Jays’ home opener against the Yankees you’ll get a chance to meet the Toronto-based Babes Dig Balls ladies at Cove Thirty One, just steps away from the Rogers Centre aka the artist formerly known as the SkyDome. This will be the party to kick off the Major League Baseball season!

The Superstars of Comedy – Pat MacDonald
April 5 (9:30pm-11pm)
Get rid of your winter blues by laughing the night away at The Superstars of Comedy event at Comedy Bar. Let loose and enjoy hilarious jokes from Toronto’s best stand-up comedians including Pat MacDonald, Liam Kelly and Keith Pedro.

Momofuku Noodle Bar and Hudson Kitchen Collaboration 
April 6
Hosted at Momofuku’s fabulous Noodle Bar at the Shangri-La Toronto, there’ll be an epic culinary mash-up of cross-cultural proportions. Expect one-night-only fusion dishes such as Filipino bolognese and kare kare beef cheek tagliatelle. Reservations are still being accepted and there are only a few spots available for walk-ins.

C Magazine Auction 2014
April 6 (6pm)
Enjoy some art and culture at the 10th C Magazine Contemporary Art Benefit presented by TD bank. Taking place at the Division Gallery Toronto, bid on some unique pieces of original art donated by more than 50 Canadian and International artists. Support will go towards C Magazine and its programming for the coming year, along with being shared with the participating artists.

Canadian Cheese Awards
April 7 (6pm-9pm)
Cheese lovers will want to visit the St. Lawrence Market for a tasting of Canada’s best artisan cheese at the Awards Tasting Gala. Sample over 60 different cheeses including the Canadian cheese of the year, as well as 30 other award winners.The event is run as part of the Great Canadian Cheese Festival of which our buddies at Cheesewerks are the presenting partners! Cheese please!

Stella & Dot Central Toronto Opportunity Event
April 7 (6:30pm-7pm)
Want to work in the jewelry and fashion industry? The jewelry mavens at Stella & Dot are giving you the opportunity of a lifetime to learn everything there is to know about running a jewelry and accessories business. Bring you girlfriends for a night out and network with the women of Stella & Dot!

California Wine Dinner at Splendido
April 8
If you don’t think you’ll make it to Napa Valley this year, Splendido will be hosting an evening of Californian delights that you won’t want to miss. With the evening’s libations supplied by Nichols Winery, embark on a journey across an evening of Canadian fine dining paired with fresh Californian wine. Keith Nichols, head of Nichols Winery, will also be in attendance.

Sound of Music Premiere
April 10
Stop taking your kids to those awful 3D movies and show them some real culture at the theatre with the Sound of Music! Or leave them at home and revisit your own childhood while singing along to the classic tunes!

Toronto Art Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
April 10-13
What is art? Is art even… art? Okay, got too deep there for a second. Canada’s foremost art event, the 12th Toronto Art Expo will present 200 established Canadian and international artists and galleries from 12 countries. Appreciate fine painting, sculptures, glass, and design representing leading world trends.

Helpline Gala 2014
April 11
As the spring 2014 gala season begins, this is definitely one you do not want to miss. There will be an auction to raise funds for Assaulted Women’s Helpline, an amazing service that helps women 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

5th Athens Salsa Spring Festival 2014
April 11-13
Not only will you be entertained by some of the best salsa dancing in the country, but professionals will also teach you some of the moves yourself! Get your feet ready for a full day of dancing!

The 2014 Image Festival
April 11-20
Started in 1987, the Image Festival has become North America’s largest festival for experimental and independent moving culture, showcasing technology and innovation of international contemporary media art, both on and off the screen. Culture yourself with film and video, live performances, and media art installations.

Salon 21: Improvisation vs. Composition
April 11 (7pm-8:30pm)
When most people think improv, they think quirky acting and Whose Line is It Anyway? Now take that idea and crank up the volume. Peter Knight (Australian Art Orchestra) and some of Toronto’s finest composers and improvisers will be doing a one-night show featuring incredible on-the-spot musical performances.

Closer to the Heart VI
April 12 (8pm-11pm)
Hosted by Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies, Closer to the Heart is an awesome benefit concert that raises money and awareness for the Regent Park School of Music. Not only will you be supporting a great cause, you’ll get to enjoy some great live performances as well!

Rapid Freeze Workshop
April 12
If you’re tired of wondering how they do all that cool (pun intended) gastronomy stuff on Top Chef, the Rapid Freeze Workshop is here to teach you how to make chilled desserts using liquid nitrogen and an anti-griddle.

Songkran Festival
April 12
Celebrate Thai New Year with Khao San Road. This won’t be small bites, little black dresses, and bottle service though. Instead, they’re setting up a huge heated tent, providing people with water guns and allowing the wet war to begin! They’ll also be offering some yummy treats with additional bites from La Carnita, Come and Get It, and Matt Blondin’s Junk Bar.

On The Silk Road
April 12
Are you loving the Middle Eastern trend that’s sweeping the city? Indulge your cravings on Middle Eastern and Indian foods supplied by A La Cart Kitchen. Not only will you get to enjoy some exotic flavours, you’re also supporting underprivileged children through The Waladie Child Education Fund of Toronto.

POGO Gala 2014 Odyssey: Take Off Into the Infinite
April 12
Come out in support of POGO, an organization that helps children diagnosed with cancer as well as their families who are suffering from emotional distraught. Named Gala of the Year by the National Post, this year’s event promises to take guests on an adventure through space.

Toronto’s Famous Singles Pub Crawl
April 12 (9pm-12am)
Tired of being single? Why not meet somebody at a bar, that’s always worked in the past, right? Facetiousness aside, this singles event is actually way more fun than some boring old speed dating class. The pub crawl will take you from Bar 244 to Grace O’Malley’s to Crocodile Rock. Meet new people and dance the night away! Who knows, maybe you’ll find your soul mate… Or a new drinking buddy, which is probably even better.

Yum Cha! Dim Sum Fest 
April 13
Have you been craving dumplings for days, too? We thought we were the only ones! Hosted at the Chinese Freemasons Association, #YumchaTO will feature 10 of Toronto’s top vendors bringing you the best of traditional dim sum recipes as well as dishes utilizing new and innovative global influences! Do dumplings ‘til you drop, boo.

CN Tower Edge Walk
April 14 (opening day)
Need to feel a thrill after day-in day-out in a cubicle? What better way to get your heart pumping than walking along the edge of Toronto’s cultural icon, the CN Tower? You’ll have coolest story at the water-cooler for weeks!

An Evening with Chateau Des Jacques at The Shore Club
April 14
If you’re in search for an elegant and delicious night out, look no further than An Evening with Chateau Des Jacques at The Shore club where guests will be able to indulge in a four-course meal paired with six incredible wines. From Crab Leg Cocktails to mouth-watering Filet Mignons, you know this is one dinner you don’t want to miss. Be sure to contact The Shore Club for tickets and more info.

The Wine Killahs Industry Night in the East at Ascari Enoteca 26
April 14
Every second Monday of the month, Ascari Enoteca 26 sends some serious love to the people who make the restaurant industry tick. The Leslieville hotspot’s Wine Killahs event features 1/2 price bottles of wine, a special late night menu after 10PM and DJs after 9PM. Following a long weekend on the job, who needs to go to work on Tuesday anyways?

Beerology Sensory Evaluation Workshop
April 14, 16, 17 (6:30pm-9pm)
Ever wonder why some beers taste bad? Feel like you already have an education in beer after your undergrad? You can never learn too much! This workshop will teach you all about the off-flavours that you experience and why they happen.

The Second Seder
April 15
Caplansky’s Deli is leading the way to The Second Seder. Prepare to indulge in a traditional seven course meal with plenty of wine! Even if you’re not Jewish yourself, celebrating Passover with good food and wine is something you probably don’t want to pass up.

Lou Dawg on King’s 5 Year Anniversary Bash
April 17
To celebrate their 5-year anniversary, Lou Dawg’s will be hosting an incredible bash filled free…yes, free…pulled pork poutine from 12pm-12am and then an intense southern-style Slow Smoked Rib Eating Contest all topped off with an incredible live band! Happy 5th Anniversary, Lou Dawg!

Vintage Crawl Toronto
April 17
Holla to my hipsters! Flock to frocks on the West Side for some serious vintage shopping from Kensington Market to Roncesvalles. You’ll be able to score some crazy good deals until midnight, so shop ‘til you drop!

Good Friday Fado Night at Lisbon by Night
April 18th
Celebrate Easter at Lisbon by Night on Dundas Street West with a traditional Portuguese rodizio fish (Note: you SHOULD be eating fish on Good Friday) and authentic Portuguese blues music. Experience the amazing Fado tunes of Claudia Madeira of Portugal and Toronto’s own Paulo Filipe with a guitar trio Manuel Moscatel, Valdemar Mejdoubi and Hernani Raposo.

Mayahuel Nights at El Catrin
April 19
Face paint? Check. Crazy good drinks? Check. A crazy good party in the Distillery District? Check check check! Every third Saturday of the month El Catrin transforms into a Night of the Dead-inspired party called Mayahuel Nights, featuring drink specials, guest DJs, and Mexican face paint every where!

Spa Week
April 21-27
Need a good excuse to go to the spa but find it’s not quite in the budget? Many spas will be offering two to three services for only $50, offering everyone access to the wellness lifestyle.

|FAT| Arts & Fashion Week 2014
April 22-26
Didn’t get your fashion fix at World MasterCard Fashion Week? Can there ever be too much fashion? Clearly not. Enjoy some intensive and contemporary expression at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT). With over 200 national and international fashion designers, visual artists, bands and performers in attendance, celebrate inventive expression through 50+ shows.

Hot Docs International Documentary Festival
April 24-May 4
There’s nothing more informative and powerful than a documentary. Purchase your tickets for a break from those “reality” television shows and enjoy some great filmmaking instead!

Green Living Show
April 25-27
Check out the Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre for all things enviro-fabulous. Like literally, everything. The 2014 show is bigger than ever, featuring 5 stages, the Canadian Green Car Award, Youth Day, Ontario Culinary, a Fashion and Beauty area, along with mountains of exhibitors.

The Charcoal Sketch Cabaret at Habits Gastropub 
April 27
Spend a night out at Habits Gastropub and watch some emerging artists showcase their talents through music and theatre. It’s always good to support local artists – you never know who might be the next Celine Dion, Ryan Gosling or Justin… well… yeah, support artists.

Beer 4 Boobs Toronto
April 27
Beer 4 Boobs not only has the best event name ever but is also raising funds for breast cancer. Enjoy specialty beer and raffle prizes at Bellwoods Brewery with all proceeds from ticket sales and beer purchases being donated to PYNK, a breast cancer program for women under 40 at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Industry Night at Habits Gastropub
April 28th
Why should Sundays have all the fun? Make the last Monday of the month better with the Industry Night at Habits Gastropub on College Street. It’s open mic, $4 tacos and 50% off all drinks for industry peeps!

Give Kids Hope (Gala)
April 30 (6:30pm-10:30pm)
Enjoy great food and company at the Give Kids Hope gala in support of the Herbie Fund. This amazing evening will be for an even more amazing cause with all funds being put towards giving life-saving and life-changing surgeries.

If we missed an event that you’re planning to attend this April, let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.