Who can believe it’s already October? While the cold weather is not far away, we have been lucky to experience some beautiful warm days just leading up to fall, one of the best times of the year for fashion, food, and fun. Events are in abundance this month, and we’ve highlighted the ones that are not to be missed!
The Supper Series: Simply Divas
October 1
The Simply Divas Supper Series is in support of the Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME) and will be held at Böehmer Restaurant on Ossington Avenue. The event will not only offer guests Chef Böehmer’s phenomenal fare, it will also be a night to remember with live performances by Jennifer Walls (NOW’s Artist to Watch) and Leah Canali, as well as an exclusive silent auction and fabulous swag bags.
The Stop’s Food For Thought at Gladstone
October 1
This event will examine poverty, its effects on people getting sick, and how Torontonians can tackle these complex and urgent problems. The conversation will include Gary Block of St. Michael’s Hospital, Kwame McKenzie (CEO of the Wellesley Institute), and many more.
AGO First Thursdays
October 2
Happy second birthday AGO First Thursdays! To celebrate, the AGO has partnered with Scotiabank Nuit Blanche and will give their guests a sneak peek at some of the eye-popping installations that will fill the city two nights later. Headlining the evening is Tim Hecker, whose 2013 album, Virgins, made the 2014 Polaris Prize Long List.
We Day at the ACC
October 2
We Day is a movement that empowers a generation of young global citizens through an inspirational event and a year-long educational initiative. The Toronto concert will be a day-long affair and includes performances by Shawn Desman, Karl Wolf, Joe Jonas, Big Sean, and many more!
Toronto’s Bridal Show
October 3-4
Calling all Bride-To-Be’s. From OCtober 3rd to the 4th, Toronto’s Bridal Show will take place at the Direct Energy Centre where guests can enjoy bridal fashion shows, cake tastings and so much more!
Toronto OktoberFest
October 3-4
Beer me! Oktoberfest (sponsored by Piller’s) hosts its third annual event where guests will enjoy Bavarian fare, German and European biers, and entertainment in a truly authentic Oktoberfest vibe. New this year, it will take place in a 30,000 sq-ft Festhalle “Big Top” tent and includes a massive outdoor Biergarten!
Nuit Blanche
October 4
Opening at 6:53pm and running all night until sunrise, Scotiabank’s annual Nuit Blanche is one artistic adventure after another as hundreds of artists showcase a contemporary art exhibit throughout the city. Don’t know where to start? Visit snbto.ca on your mobile starting September 27th for a streamlined version of the website!
Project Art at 99 Sudbury
October 9
In collaboration with the Sunnybrook Foundation and Project Gallery Toronto, Project Art hosts its annual art gallery fundraiser at 99 Sudbury. All proceeds go to the Sunnybrook Foundation to continue their art therapy programs for therapeutic healing at the Odette Cancer Centre. The evening will showcase the artwork of over 20 emerging local artists while guests enjoy food and drink as well as live art performances.
Toronto Chocolate Festival
October 11-November 2
Everything chocolate for three weeks? Yes, please! From the Chocolate Ball on October 16th, to chocolate tours, to chocolate high tea, if you are a chocoholic October should be your favourite month. Running until November 2nd, there are a tons of chocolate events throughout the month to keep your cravings curbed.
Thanksgiving Feast at Casa Loma
October 12
Ever thought of having Thanksgiving dinner at Casa Loma? Well now you can. Since the Liberty Group acquired our city’s most majestic Gothic castle (with plans to open a restaurant soon), they want this Thanksgiving to be extra special. Offering a $55 festive feast from 11am to 5pm (all seatings are 1.5 hours), they want your Thanksgiving to be truly ostentatious.
2nd Annual Reel Indie Film Festival (RiFF)
October 14-19
The Reel Indie Film Festival (RiFF) is where music and movies live in harmony. The second edition of this festival is a filmmaker’s dream and media launchpad for some of the industry’s brightest young talent. RiFF seeks to cover the gamut of musical inspiration resulting in films that make us think, that move us, and that capture the essence of a band or song. Throughout the week, RiFF showcases films, panels, parties, and a keynote speaker.
Boobyball 2014 Presents: Big Top Booby
October 17
This year, Boobyball presents a spectacular night of flaring cocktails, festival foods and ultimately all things Cirque Du Soleil-inspired! It’s the perfect excuse to get your fancy dress on and bring out your inner (sexy) ringmaster and help raise money for Rethink Breast Cancer!
Whisky Live
October 18
Are you a whisky connoisseur? This evening of whisky love just may be your idea of a perfect night. Taste the finest whiskies at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, along with a buffet dinner from 6pm to 9pm.
The Property Show
October 18
Are you a real estate enthusiast? The Property Show is an innovative event for consumers, professionals and investors alike. Aiming to provide guests with valuable knowledge about the latest offerings in property investment, the event offers seminars about reselling homes as well as buying new homes, condos, and even vacation homes. At $20 a pop, this investment may go way further than you expect!
2014 Taste Canada Food Writing Awards Gala
October 20
The Taste Canada Awards are the highest honour for food writing in the country. Presented in Toronto each fall, the gala offers guests a chance to meet the authors, hospitality leaders, and fellow food lovers. Hosted by Gusto TV and top Toronto chefs, this event is open to the public and promises the sampling of delicious dishes, wine, beer, and a whole lot of foodie fun!
Drake One Fifty’s Chef Collaboration with Nora Gray’s Emma Cardererlli
October 21
For one night only, Chef Emma Carderelli will be treating guests to a fantastic Italian feast. With dishes like Farro Salad, Meatballs and Calamari, Tortelloni with Jerusalem artichoke, Rosemary Ribs and many more, you can be sure that your tastebuds will be ever-so-pleased with her dishes! Don’t forget to book your reso ASAP!
19th Annual Eat To The Beat
October 21
60 of Canada’s top female chefs are donating their time and talent to create mouthwatering delicacies at the 19th Annual Eat to the Beat culinary fundraiser at Roy Thomson Hall, which benefits the Willow Breast & Hereditary Cancer Support, a not-for-profit organization that offers free peer support to anyone coping with breast cancer.
imagiNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival
October 22-26
imagineNATIVE is a festival that supports the diverse artistic visions and perspectives of Indigenous artists working in the media arts. The festival is an opportunity for artists to showcase their work and for Torontonians to explore Indigenous artistic expression over the course of five days.
Catwalk 2 Closet
October 23-26
Catwalk 2 Closet will be hosting the largest designer warehouse sale Toronto has ever seen – over 35,000 square feet of menswear and women’s wear, handbags, footwear and accessories will be on display at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. Featured brands include Wayne Clark, Donald J Pliner shoes, Mackage, Vince Camuto, Sam Edelman, Arthur Mendonca, Narces, Nine West and more – all at up to 85% off retail prices.
Free The Girls
October 23
A cause not to be ignored, Free the Girls is an organization that allows women who were slaves – yes, human trafficking still exists – to get jobs selling used clothing and, more specifically, bras. This event is an invitation to all women to donate their bras to help the millions of people affected by human trafficking, while also enjoying a great party.
International Festival For Authors
October 23-November 2
Each fall, the International Festival of Authors brings together the world’s best writers of contemporary literature for 11 days of readings, interviews, lectures, round table discussions, public book signings, and a number of special events, including celebrations of the Governor General’s Literary Award and Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize finalists, as well as the awarding of the Harbourfront Festival Prize.
Barsa Taberna’s Barsa Soul Party
October 24
Just in time for their 6-month anniversary, join Barsa Taberna’s for their Barsa Soul party, which will feature a hybrid of live acoustic music by flamenco guitarist Benjamin Barille, a DJ and the city’s best sangria! You can’t go wrong with a few pitchers of sangria!
The Everything To Do With Sex Show
October 24-26
Sex, sex, and more sex is what you can expect to find at the Direct Energy Centre from October 24th to 26th. It’s like going to fun school… seminars, stage shows, celebrities, erotic art, shopping, and kink, the show invites everyone from singles to couples, gays, straights, and groups looking to spice up their lives.
CreativFestival
October 24-26
For all you arts and crafts do-it-yourselfers, this is the ultimate show for you. Learn to weave, quilt, felt, crochet, stitch, scrapbook – you name it, they do it. The three-day convention is open to newbies and pros alike and is expected to inspire and stimulate creative juices.
Art Toronto 2014
October 24-27
Art Toronto is Canada’s only international fair for modern and contemporary art. This year they celebrate 15 years and are anticipating over 19,000 people over four days. With over 100 international art galleries, thousands of artworks from modern masters to contemporary art, painting to sculpture, photography to video, as well as on-site art installations and diverse programming including a speaker series, panel discussions, and public tours, get your tickets early!
Hush Hush
October 25
The Bloor/Gladstone Library will turn into an after-hours speakeasy for a charity event to support The New Collection, a members-only program offering Torontonians exclusive access to the city’s booming literary scene. The prohibition-inspired party will feature DJs, a secret bar with password-locked access to cocktails and so much more.
Toronto Zombie Walk
October 25
The Toronto Zombie Walk and Halloween Parade is one of the largest events in Toronto and never goes ignored. With thousands of zombies lurking in the streets, floats, and marching bands scaring watching audiences, the organizers ensure a night filled with monster entertainment.
If we missed an event that’s on your radar, let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
