11 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
Relive the 90s, dive deep into art studios, and honour pioneering journalist Mary Ann Shadd Cary in our roundup of free events this week.
Artist's Talk
Location: The Market Gallery, 95 Front St E
Date(s): Friday, October 13
Organizer description: “Join us at the Market Gallery on Friday October 13th from 5-7 pm for a free Artist's Talk with Destinie Adelakun, the artist behind The Gallery's current exhibit, Gelede Queens. Destinie will explore the thought process behind her exhibit, and the opportunity will be provided to ask her questions! Light refreshments will be provided.”
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Akin Open Studio
Location: Akin Studio Program - Auto BLDG, 4th Floor, 158 Sterling Rd
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Join at the Open Studio Day for a peek into what the talented artists at the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG have been creating during their residency. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique afternoon, this event is the perfect way to enjoy Culture Days Ontario, an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage taking place each fall across the province. Explore the Studios and wander through the creative spaces where art comes to life. Meet the Artists and engage with talented creators, learn about their process, and discover their inspirations. Connect with fellow art lovers and immerse yourself in our thriving artistic community.”
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Hunger Relief Walk
Location: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Join us for a Fun-Filled Family Event containing a day of joy, laughter, and impact. The Hunger-Relief Walk promises an unforgettable experience for all ages! Your participation in the Hunger-Relief Walk fuels the programs at Sai Dham Food Bank, touching the lives of vulnerable individuals! It also ensures our elders and specially-abled community members have access to nourishing meals, fostering their well-being, and fuels young minds with healthy breakfasts, empowering them to excel in studies and dream big!”
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Halloween Fun at Gibson House Museum
Location: Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St
Date(s): Saturday, October 14 - Sunday, October 29
Organizer description: “Visitors will have an enhanced experience in the museum with hands on crafts and a creepy display. Who or what have the sheep disguised themselves as? Can you spot them all? Enjoy some Halloween Fun.”
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From Grit to Glory: Celebrate Mary Ann Shadd Cary
Location: St Lawrence Hall, 157 King St E
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “October marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the groundbreaking journalist and editor, Mary Ann Shadd Cary! Born in 1823 in Delaware, Shadd Cary was the first Black woman to edit and publish a newspaper in North America. She launched her newspaper The Provincial Freeman in 1853. To celebrate Mary Ann Shadd Cary's birthday, an afternoon of art, poetry and lively discussion will be held in the ballroom of the historic St. Lawrence Hall. Award-winning journalist and associate professor Nana Aba Duncan will host panels and performances celebrating Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s achievements and legacy. Afterwards enjoy poetry slam performances by Poet Laureate of Toronto Lillian Allen and R.I.S.E Edutainment featuring Poet Laureate of Ontario Randell Adjei. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are free. Pre-registration is required.”
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Printing Mary Ann Shadd Cary's newspaper
Location: Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St
Date(s): Sunday, October 15
Organizer description: “October marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the groundbreaking journalist and editor, Mary Ann Shadd Cary! Born in 1823 in Delaware, Shadd Cary was the first Black woman to edit and publish a newspaper in North America. In 1854, she published her newspaper The Provincial Freeman on King Street in Toronto. Visit the museum’s recreated printshop to view printing demonstrations and print a customized copy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s newspaper on the 1845 printing press!”
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The Water Series
Location: Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W
Date(s): Saturday, October 14 - Sunday, October 22
Organizer description: “Join our immersive art installation that looks at the years following the death of artist Naomi Jaye's mother from breast cancer, and at the relationship between water and grief. This evocative work is a nine-screen, twenty-speaker voyage that spans Harbourfront Centre Theatre. Through sound, moving image and architecture, it invites visitors to journey through these concepts. The installation also has an interactive component where viewers can create an origami boat with a message inside about their experiences with grief. While admission is free, donations in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for Breast Cancer Research will be collected on site.”
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Birds of a Feather
Location: High Park Nature Centre - Meet at the High Park Nature Centre's Forest School building, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Join us with special guest Pete Moss on World Migratory Day for this music-filled family friendly birding event in High Park this fall. We’ll begin the afternoon with a Songs and Stories Circle celebrating local birds through interactive songs. We’ll then make bird friendly crafts and join Pete Moss for a walk where we’ll learn about bird habitats, bird languages, mimic bird sounds and more!”
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Storytime and Steel Pans
Location: Blackhurst Cultural Centre (formerly ADBCC), 777 Bathurst St
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Join Yolanda T. Marshall and Suzette Vidale for an afternoon of interactive storytelling through children’s picture books and music! Children and parents are invited to enjoy a literary soca party. Yolanda will read her books about Canada’s Caribbean carnival and Suzette will play the wonderful sounds of the festivity on her steelpans. Come prepared to dance, sing and learn about books, soca and calypso music. Immerse yourself in the joy of Caribbean culture during the 2023 Black and Caribbean Book Affair.”
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Toronto's Biggest 90's Party
Location: Cat's Cradle Spirits and Sports, 1245 St Clair Ave W
Date(s): Saturday, October 14 - Sunday, October 15
Organizer description: “Join us as DJ Sneaky Lynx plays all the best 90's dance tunes all night long!”
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Tree Planting Event
Location: Anewen Greenbelt - Park Entrance
Date(s): Sunday, October 15
Organizer description: “Join Don’t Mess with the Don and Toronto Urban Forestry as we join with volunteers across the city in a public tree planting event in the Don Valley! We will plant 400 native shrubs and trees in the Anewen Greenbelt, Don Valley East. Please bring sturdy foot wear and long pants. We will provide tools, gloves, refreshments and snacks.”
Click here for more info.
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