What to do in Toronto this Month: April 2016

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.

It’s finally (or should we say, technically) Spring and though it may feel like we’re eternally caught between rain and snow, there are a slew of April events that’ll make you feel otherwise (and teach you about global warming, too!). Here are 10 events that’ll convince you to make this month the month to break winter hibernation and catch Spring fever: 

The ROM Presents TATTOOS: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art.
April 2 – September 5
The latest exhibit to hit the ROM showcases the 5,000-year-old discipline of tattooing. Tattoo enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore a visual history of tattoos including body reproductions inked by some of the most respected tattoo artists from across the globe. Visitors can also take part in a number of events such as Friday Night Live: #RomInk, which will feature live music, food, drinks and gallery activations. Tickets for the exhibit are $8, while Friday Night Live admission is sold separately. Find details here… And no, unfortunately complimentary tattooings are not included (save those for the next Sailor Jerry Day).

Ginapalooza
April 6 – 20
As Ginapalooza so eloquently puts it, “it’s Spring! Drink Gin!”. Pick up a free Ginapalooza G-Pass at any participating venue and sample 30 distinct Gin-inspired cocktails over two weeks. With this festival, it’s completely acceptable to consume large amounts of alcohol! The more you drink, the more stamps you’ll collect on your G-Pass, meaning the greater your chance is of winning the grand prize: a trip for two to London, England. Stay thirsty my friend and remember to drink responsibly!

Toronto’s Bridal Show
April 8 – 10
To quote one of the greatest musical trios of all time, ‘ladies, leave your man at home’ because the Toronto Bridal Show is back at the Enercare Centre. Plan out your big day, buy your wedding gown (starting at $200!), and dwindle down your to-do list or help a friend do so, all in one convenient spot. With tickets at only 20 bucks each, this seems like a good trade off. Let the battle of the brides (or Bridesmaids) begin! Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Grab Free Beers at the Heineken Pop-Up
April 9 – 10
If there’s one thing that always grabs attention, it’s the use of ‘free’ and ‘beer’ in the same sentence. Heineken is popping up on the corner of King Street West and Blue Jay’s Way Saturday, April 9th to Sunday, April 10th between 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm to promote their new BrewLock system – a 20 litre keg designed to keep beer fresher, longer. The new BrewLock promises to provide perfect carbonation, is 100% recyclable and 25% lighter than the average keg but don’t worry, we’re sure it can still withhold a kegstand or two.

Fashion Art Toronto – Arts and Fashion Week (FAT)
April 12 – 16
This annual event showcases over 200 designers and artists in the realms of fashion, photography, film, performance art and installations. If you’ve been to FAT in the past, you know that anything goes so pull out that avant-garde dress that resembles a frilly bath curtain — this is the place to go all out. Ticket prices vary but start at $40 for a day pass and $120 for the whole week. 

Rihanna’s ANTI World Tour
April 13 & 14
Work, work, work, work, work (as if Rihanna needs any other introduction)… The ANTI world tour is coming to Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on April 13th and 14th. Seats are becoming scarce but luckily due to fan-to-fan resale (and unfortunately for our wallets,) you may be one step closer to seeing the “b*tch better have my money” singer. Who else has their fingers crossed Drake will make an appearance?

CAFA (Canadian Arts Fashion Awards) Sephora After Party
April 15th
Prep yourself for a red-carpet affair as CAFA hosts their third annual Awards gala, followed by the Sephora After Party. The evening will bring together Canadian talent and fashion influencers to honour the best of the best designers, models, image makers, stylists and influencers. Tickets for the Sephora After Party are steep at $125, but if you’re one for the glitz and glam this should not be missed. Hurry though… it’s selling out fast!

Grow Op at the Gladstone Hotel
April 23 – 26
With all the cold rain as of late, global warming may seem passe but we assure you, it is a real thing. Grow Op, an atypical garden show at the Gladstone Hotel, can definitely help educate you on the matter! As an ode to Earth Day, they will be presenting over 30 immersive installations exploring urbanism, environmental sustainability, landscape design and contemporary art. Learn how architecture is not only shaping society, but also becoming a driving force towards a sustainable future. Tickets are $10.

Hot Docs Film Festival
April 28 – May 8
Film buffs and documentary lovers will be happy to know the annual Hot Docs Film Festival is back with screenings of over 200 documentary films by both established filmmakers and the up-and-comers. This year’s highlights include League of Exotic Dancers, De Palma, Ants on a Shrimp (one for the foodies), Hip-Hop Evolution and tons more. Tickets for individual screenings cost $17, while the opening night Cocktail Reception and After Party are sold separately here.

Asia Food Fest
April 29 – May 15
Sharpen your chopsticks – the first annual Asia Food Fest is coming to Toronto! Hosted by Fanta7 and co-organized by Sweven Media and CGICA, the multicultural extravaganza will feature over 60, carefully selected Asian restaurants. Similar to Winterlicious and Summerlicious, all participating restaurants across the Greater Toronto Area (yes, we’re talkin’ to you Richmond Hill, Markham and Scarborough!) will offer prix fixe menus at a discounted price. We don’t know about you, but they had us at the mention of food.

Le Tour De Cafe – Coffee & Pastry Tour
April 30th
Whether you’re a coffee snob with a penchant for the finest or an addict with dependance on the drip (hey, no judgements here), Le Tour De Cafe should not be missed. On April 30th, get your heart palpitating with a coffee tour through Corktown and Riverside. You’ll visit a variety of independent cafes and pastry shops while sipping on some of the best coffees in the city. Oh, did we mention there’ll be tons of pastries to indulge in too? Tickets for Le Tour De Cafe are $50. 

RELATED LINK: Get ready to pig out: Asia Food Fest is coming! 

Want to see your event in our listings? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.