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 planning your social calendar. Let’s keep it simple. Each month, Vv Magazine collects the top 10 events in Toronto so that you know what you absolutely must attend. The rest, as they say, is noise.

November always feels like a bit of a weird month. Most of us spend the first half recovering from Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Before October’s hangover has worn off, we’re blasted with the bright lights of December’s holiday season. So what’s a social Torontonian to do in this awkward middle child of a month? We suggest checking out some Christmas and gift markets to get your shopping done early. Too much of a procrastinator? Avoid the cold – and your holiday gift list – by hiding out at some festivals, markets, or food shows. As we always say, when in doubt: wine.

To help you get your month in order, here are our top 10 Toronto events for November.

DX Intersection 2014: Rise Up
November 7
To quote the great philosophers TLC, “You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make”… or you can celebrate founder the Canadian co-founder of the cosmetics brand, Frank Toskan. Also, DX Intersection 2014: Rise Up will be the most epic party of the month – and we hate the word epic, so you know how serious we are. Besides honouring a super-creative Canuck, Design Exchange will also be opening their historic Trading Floor for a Vogue-Off. As in, the top voguers from Toronto and New York will be having a showdown of epic, Madonna-esque proportions. Even better? Get the chance to take home vintage and rare items by Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Comme Des Garçons, and more at the silent auction. Epic. There, we said it again.

Glutenfreedom Week
November 8 – 15
Just because you can’t eat gluten doesn’t mean you have to be a social pariah. Glutenfreedom Week turns your favourite restaurants in Toronto into GF meccas. The best part? You don’t have to ask that awkward, “Is there gluten in this?” question to your waiter. Also, win a gluten-free dinner to either Tilde or Milagro Cantina through our Vv Magazine X GlutenFreedom Week contest: enter here.

Gentlemen’s Expo
November 14 – 16
Back for their second year, the Gentlemen’s Expo will be descending upon the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for a weekend of male-centered mania. If last year was any indication of what to expect, there’ll be man-sized portions of gadgets, toys, cars, clothes, and booze. As masculine icon Ron Burgundy once said, “Scotch, scotch, scotch!” To win a pair of tickets, enter our Vv Magazine X Gentlemen’s Expo contest here.

Frocktail
November 20
Want to feel good about getting dressed up and drunk on a Thursday? Does anybody need an excuse to do that, really? Well, if you do, supporting the fight to cure diabetes is about as good as they come. Now in its sixth year, Frocktail brings out Toronto’s most stylish for an evening of high fashion and heart. Held at the Arcadian Court, this this is the best way to get that killer outfit you’ve been dying to show off into the society pages. Just sayin.’

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo
November 20 – 23
Now in its twentieth year, the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo is a great way to get started on your holiday diet cheating. With over 1,500 wines, beers, spirits, and gourmet foods for you to gorge on, nobody would judge you for hibernating at the show for all three days. Just make sure to wake yourself from your savoury slumber to check out Food Network star, Toronto’s own Chef Lynn Crawford, along with a variety of pavilions, tasting stages, and a special guest appearance by Mexico. Yes, as in the country.

Midnight MRKT
November 21
Normally, we don’t recommend drunk shopping. We have the credit card statements to prove that we should know better. Sometimes, however, we make exceptions. Hosted by 2nd Floor Events, Midnight MRKT is your one-stop shop for funky local products, street-style food, and your Friday night pre-drink. Bring cash to pay for your goodies — and protect that credit rating, yo.

COC’s Search For Canada’s Next Opera Star
November 25
If you’re an avid watcher of American Idol or The Voice, then you’ll definitely want to join the Canadian Opera Company and their search for the country’s hottest opera singer — an Opera Idol of sorts! Hosted by Canadian tenor, Ben Heppner, the competition will award cash prizes ranging from $1500 – $5000 and will conclude in an exclusive gala dinner. Opera, fabulous drinks and some great company, the perfect way to spend any night!

One of a Kind Show
November 27 – December 7
Christmas came early… all over the Direct Energy Centre! The One of a Kind Show is Toronto’s premiere destination to shop handmade for the holidays. The huge space is filled with designers, artisans, and makers from across Canada that you can interact with, catch presentations by, and peruse. Chances are you’ll find something for your picky mother-in-law — guaranteed.

#LocalTOmrkt
November 29 – December 24
You know that empty lot beside HMV on Yonge, close to Dundas? Imagine it cleared out of garbage and “colourful characters,” only to be filled with my pop-up shops, crafts, and creatively colour characters. It’s a fine line. The #LocalTOmrkt will be taking over the lot for a month so you can get your Christmas shopping on with a curated selection of Toronto’s best designers, artists, and small businesses. Or just shop for yourself ’cause that’s legit too.

Budlight Sensation
November 29
Whoever said you can’t wear white after Labour Day clearly didn’t send the memo to Budlight. The beer barons will be turning the Rogers Centre (or, the artist formerly known as the SkyDome) into a party 30,000 strong and decked out in blanc. Budlight Sensation will be themed around ‘Into The Wild,’ as people unleash their animalistic sides to an international list of top DJs.