Depending on where you live, the nice weather might soon be a thing of the past, so get outdoors before the snow falls! Check online for a great hiking trail in your area and GO!
Most couples have NEVER gone hiking together, but it’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise at the same time. The bonus for this activity is that you can also bring your dog or children if you want to, but it’s much more romantic (obviously) to leave them with a sitter for the afternoon!
Things to make sure you are prepared:
1. Comfortable, layered clothing to accommodate any change in your body temperature as you climb.
2. Obviously comfortable hiking-friendly boots or shoes.
3. Backpack with bottles of water, a few band-aids, some tissues (you never know if you’ll have to go to the bathroom and can’t find one!), and some snacks. (insect repellent and sunscreen as well if you live in a nice climate!)
4. Sunglasses and hat as required.
5. Cell phone. (But turn it OFF while you’re together please, it’s for emergencies!)
Hiking-Friendly Snack Ideas
Celery sticks with peanut butter and several raisins on top
Rice cakes with peanut butter (good for getting a protein punch)
Low-fat cheese cubes
Hardboiled eggs
Deviled egg (wrapped in plastic wrap)
Fruit yogurt cup (add in some fresh fruits or nuts for a boost
Trail mix
Nuts or nut mix (stick to just a handful)
Vegetable sticks with a little packet of dip (lowfat salad dressing packets found in salad bars work as easy-to-pack dip)
Broccoli or cauliflower bites
Half of a turkey or tuna sandwich on whole-wheat bread
Cucumber slices (lightly salted or with nonfat Italian dressing)
Yogurt and granola
Leftover chicken or turkey slices (great to eat cold)
Healthy fiber-rich or grain cereal (great to eat dry from a baggie)
Pickles (wrapped in foil or plastic wrap)
Box of raisins or other dried fruit
Half a large whole wheat bagel with light cream cheese
Apples, bananas, strawberries (any fruit works, these are naturally portable)
October is the most beautiful season in Ontario, in my opinion. With Thanksgiving coming this weekend as well, many of us will be travelling to visit family. Take a little detour if possible to take in the beautiful scenery that Mother Nature paints for us each year!
To find out prime times and locations check out few of these sites for a route to follow near you.
More than a dozen overnight “Fall Colour” routes & suggested “Fall Color” fall foliage road trips are within 1-7 hours from the junction of Highway 400 & Highway 11 north of Barrie Ontario. Visitors looking for October or Thanksgiving romance on a special road trip can check our featured Romantic Road Trip Getaway
Before heading out check the designated fall colour progression report for updates on leaf color changes in resort and tourist regions north of Toronto.
Colour Report Haliburton image
* If you don’t live in Ontario, type “fall colours drives” into your search engine to find an amazing tour in your area!
‘The frankest and freest product of the human mind and heart is a love letter,” – Mark Twain in the introduction to his autobiography.
How many times has your partner said, “I love you!” ? If you’ve been together for a long time, the count could be in the thousands! Now how many times have you received a love letter in the mail that said, “I love you!”? My guess is that most people would answer ‘never’. Why is that? Right now, in Ontario the price for a stamp is 61 cents. 61 cents to do something a little corny, yes, but really unique too. 61 cents that will guarantee a smile on your partner’s face… and isn’t that what it’s all about?!
E-cards, e-mail, IM’s, texts, voice mail, skype …. there are many ways that technology allows us to stay in touch. Stay connected. Stay informed. But somehow a handwritten letter seems to give the words more meaning, doesn’t it? Someone took the time to put a pen to paper, seal the envelope, put a stamp on it and actually drop it into a mailbox. For some reason, this old-fashioned communication has gone by the wayside and replaced with the instant messages our impatient, busy lifestyles demand.
To Viscountess Josephine de Beauharnais
December 1795
I awake full of you. Your image and the intoxication of last night give my senses no rest.
Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart. Are you angry? Do I see you sad? Are you worried? My soul breaks with grief, and there is no rest for your lover; but how much the more when I yield to this passion that rules me and drink a burning flame from your lips and your heart? Oh! This night has shown me that your portrait is not you!
You leave at midday; in three hours I shall see you.
Meanwhile, my sweet love, a thousand kisses; but do not give me any, for they set my blood on fire.
I came across this book online at Modcloth.com. It’s a compilation of old love letters, perhaps to inspire lovers of this century to put their words on paper! It’s called ‘Other People’s Love Letters‘. Now write one of your own!
Other People’s Love Letters ( – from Modcloth.com)
“In today’s day and age, a love letter can be as simple as a one-word text message, a lengthy instant message, or a blog post confessional. Luckily, editor Bill Shapiro has compiled a charming coffee table book replete with modern love letters, old school handwritten notes of desire, post-it note propositions, and lengthy devotions of unrequited love penned on antiqued stationary. Page through this hardback book and you may find yourself tearing up, as it offers a brutally honest array of conventional and unconventional love letters. Add it to your living room’s decor as an instant conversation starter, or give it as a gift to a friend who appreciates unique anthologies!” – Modcloth.com
Need Help Writing Your Love Letter?
Check out this site that shows you step by step, paragraph by paragraph, how to compose the letter to your sweetie.
Good Idea!! ~ Add on of our love coupons or tickets to an event for your next date-night into your letter!
I hope that you can see how, for the price of a stamp, you can make the day a little brighter for your partner. They will know you took the time to put your pen to the paper and give them a little piece of you that they can keep forever… without having to print it out!
Have you or your partner ever exchanged love letters via the post-man? You know, the guy that usually only delivers bills? (leave a comment to share with us!)
In case you missed my article a few weeks back, I wanted to remind you that it’s time for Fall Fairs and Festivals to start up! No one needs to tell you what a great date idea this is! Some of my greatest memories come from visiting fairs and festivals each year with my family!
fair -source-LuxtonExplorer.com
Bring the kids.
Don’t bring the kids.
It’s fun regardless!
BUDGET TIP – Don’t forget to check out the specific fair’s website to see if they offer any deals or discounts. May times admission later in the day is cheaper or certain days may be 2 for 1 admission, etc.
So go eat your peanuts, corn dogs and cotton candy! Have fun and enjoy the weather before the snow flies!
I’m going to regularly check out free and cheap events and activities that would make great dates in the GTA. They will be posted the day before the “posted” date so you can plan for tomorrow! All of the activities will cost less than $25 per person.
Events For: Sunday, September 23, 2012
Toronto Fall Home Show$12/adult online here(save $3 if buy online at website)
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
195 Princes Boulevard
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place is close to entertainment, shopping and hotels. Ample parking is available and transit is just a short walk away.
COMMFFEST GLOBAL COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL Various times – weekend pass $39.95 for ALL VIEWINGS! (or $11.30 avg/show)
COMMFFEST BEGINS SEPT 21 -25 IN THE ST. LAWRENCE MARKET. (SCREENINGS HELD AT THE RAINBOW CINEMA 80 FRONT ST EAST). See website for movies and showtimes.
Toronto’s cultural showcase of issue-oriented cinema, film shown on outdoor screen.The 7th Annual COMMFFEST (GLOBAL) COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL offers a unique platform in today’s media-explosive world for filmmakers young and old, emerging or seasoned, to engage in a dialogue of social issues and cultural exchange through the powerful language of film.
Canada’s Walk Of Fame Festival- September 20 – September 23, 2012 (many free, see prices below)
100% CANADIAN • 4 DAYS OF PERFORMANCES
The third annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival presented by SHOP.CA, is four days of music featuring some of Canada’s most popular and iconic performers. The Festival is held at a variety of venues in downtown Toronto, most of them free. Audiences will enjoy a broad range of events, from Canada’s most celebrated performers to exciting emerging artists breaking out onto the world stage.
Founded in April 2007, Manifesto Community Projects is a non-profit grassroots organization best known for our annual Festival of Community and Culture: a series of urban arts, music and dance events which culminate in a day-long free event at Yonge-Dundas Square (or Nathan Phillips Square in previous years).
Since its inception, Manifesto has organized unique, socially charged initiatives that boast commercial level productions and promote emerging and established Canadian artists. The annual festival showcases over three hundred artists in music, visual arts, and dance to a wide audience – and to youth aged 14-29 specifically.
Art Down by the Bay -Saturday Sept 22nd & Sunday Sept 23rd, 10am-5pm free
You are invited to the Beach Guild of Fine Art’s 18th annual fall show & sale: “Art Down by the Bay”
Location: Beaches Lion’s Club on Ashbridge’s Bay (at the foot of Coxwell Ave, South of Lakeshore)
Paintings from over 40 artists, lucky draw, gift boutique, free admission & parking + refreshments
You can pick up a flyer at shops and cafes along Queen St. E starting in September Contact us at: info@BeachGuildOfFineArt.com with questions or for more information
Toronto’s very own literary festival is back this weekend and taking over Queen’s Park. Expect to see more authors, publishers and participate in plenty of both adult and kid focused programs and events. This festival draws the crowds so be sure to bring your walking shoes and a friendly smile!
A Vintage Harvest2012 – September 21-30 $30/each but it’s for 6 wineries
Niagara Wine Festival Discovery Pass Program
September 23, 2012
The Discovery Pass is your opportunity to explore wine and culinary pairings at over 30 wineries. The Discovery Pass is $30 and is your ticket to six wineries experiences. Purchase online or call 905.688.0212 ex. 112.
Various Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake & Twenty Valley
2012 Walk For the Best Walkathon and Family Day -11am-3pm-whitby free
Heydenshore Kiwanis Park
589 Water St
905-620-0360
On Sept 23, 2012 The Charles H Best Diabetes Centre will be hosting our yearly walkathon event to raise money for children with Type 1 Diabetes. There will be entertainment for the whole family and a bbq too. Jumping castles and guest speakers will also be a feature of the event.
I’m going to regularly check out free and cheap events and activities that would make great dates in the GTA. They will be posted the day before the “posted” date so you can plan for tomorrow! All of the activities will cost less than $25 per person.
Events For: Saturday, September 22, 2012
Toronto Fall Home Show$12/adult online here(save $3 if buy online at website)
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
195 Princes Boulevard
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place is close to entertainment, shopping and hotels. Ample parking is available and transit is just a short walk away.
COMMFFEST GLOBAL COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVALVarious times – weekend pass $39.95 for ALL VIEWINGS! (or $11.30 avg/show)
COMMFFEST BEGINS SEPT 21 -25 IN THE ST. LAWRENCE MARKET. (SCREENINGS HELD AT THE RAINBOW CINEMA 80 FRONT ST EAST). See website for movies and showtimes.
Toronto’s cultural showcase of issue-oriented cinema, film shown on outdoor screen.The 7th Annual COMMFFEST (GLOBAL) COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL offers a unique platform in today’s media-explosive world for filmmakers young and old, emerging or seasoned, to engage in a dialogue of social issues and cultural exchange through the powerful language of film.
Canada’s Walk Of Fame Festival- September 20 – September 23, 2012 (many free, see prices below)
100% CANADIAN • 4 DAYS OF PERFORMANCES
The third annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival presented by SHOP.CA, is four days of music featuring some of Canada’s most popular and iconic performers. The Festival is held at a variety of venues in downtown Toronto, most of them free. Audiences will enjoy a broad range of events, from Canada’s most celebrated performers to exciting emerging artists breaking out onto the world stage.
Founded in April 2007, Manifesto Community Projects is a non-profit grassroots organization best known for our annual Festival of Community and Culture: a series of urban arts, music and dance events which culminate in a day-long free event at Yonge-Dundas Square (or Nathan Phillips Square in previous years).
Since its inception, Manifesto has organized unique, socially charged initiatives that boast commercial level productions and promote emerging and established Canadian artists. The annual festival showcases over three hundred artists in music, visual arts, and dance to a wide audience – and to youth aged 14-29 specifically.
Fresh Arts 20 x Manifesto Summit – September 22, 2012 The Festival’s second day will be an inspiring array of panel discussions, keynote speakers and mentor classes. Notable speakers that will be presenting during the always uplifting So Much Things to Say discussion, including the internationally recognized poet and educator d’bi young, award winning Canadian hip hop artist Shad and the talented New York based hip hop artist Pharoahe Monch. The day also features Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, andDirector X.
Art Down by the Bay -Saturday Sept 22nd & Sunday Sept 23rd, 10am-5pm free
You are invited to the Beach Guild of Fine Art’s 18th annual fall show & sale: “Art Down by the Bay”
Location: Beaches Lion’s Club on Ashbridge’s Bay (at the foot of Coxwell Ave, South of Lakeshore)
Paintings from over 40 artists, lucky draw, gift boutique, free admission & parking + refreshments
You can pick up a flyer at shops and cafes along Queen St. E starting in September Contact us at: info@BeachGuildOfFineArt.com with questions or for more information
Bob Clegg Jazz Sextet Toronto 1-4pm- free
Shops at Don Mills
Join the Bob Clegg Jazz Sextet in the Town Square to relive the classic “hits” from the 60′s to the 90′s. Sun and swingin Jazz – a perfect afternoon.
The Junction Music Festival – Toronto, various locations- free
A festival of independent music for all ages and will run all day long. On September 22nd, let the Music guide you through the Junction!
More than 20 venues will host local music acts
Music performances by Junction artists, and featured Musical guests in free public concerts on 2 Stages
Enjoy music workshops, music inspired menus and more..
We hope to see you at the Festival!
Come Celebrate Produce at the Ontario Food Terminal!$5 Child $10 Adult Proceeds to help fund FoodShare.
No animals allowed on premises
http://www.fresh-fest.ca
Parking information:
Parking for the event is FREE! The entrance for the Ontario Food Terminal parking lot is located on The Queensway, east of Parklawn Road.
About Fresh Fest for FoodShare:
This inaugural public event held at the Ontario Food Terminal aims to raise funds for FoodShare, raise awareness of the importance of the Ontario Food Terminal in fresh fruit and vegetable distribution and promote the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Guests receive a salad buffet with accompanying beverage, corn on the cob and more!
Produce Sampling • Cooking Demonstrations • Music • Games • Face Painting • Educational Exhibits
Toronto Roller Derby Championships – doors open 6:30pm – Tickets $10-19 (adult is $14-18)
Going out with a bang, Toronto Roller Derby and Roller Bug Skate Co present the ToRD championships, Battle For the Boot 2012 on Saturday Sept 22nd! The Battle for the Boot will see the Gore Gore Rollergirls (3-time championships) face off against the Chicks Ahoy (2-time champions, current holders of the Boot) for ToRD domination.
Get your tickets fast, because this event typically sells out in advance. Tickets are available online and in-stores now! All out bouts are family-friendly events – children under 9 get in free with the purchase of an adult children (max 2 per adult).
Doors open @ 6:30pm
Bout starts @ 7:30pm
Kedron Park Fun Day- Oshawa-11am-3pm free
Kedron Park
Brittania Ave- Oshawa
Activities related to softball, hockey and soccer for the entire family. Mid day BBQ, Jumping castles, water balloons, face painting.
Come and have some fun and see what Kedron Park has to offer.
I’m going to regularly check out free and cheap events and activities that would make great dates in the GTA. They will be posted the day before the “posted” date so you can plan for tomorrow! All of the activities will cost less than $25 per person.
Events For: Friday, September 21, 2012
Toronto Fall Home Show$12/adult online here(save $3 if buy online at website)
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
195 Princes Boulevard
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place is close to entertainment, shopping and hotels. Ample parking is available and transit is just a short walk away.
COMMFFEST GLOBAL COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL 7-9pm- free
COMMFFEST BEGINS SEPT 21 -25 IN THE ST. lAWRENCE MARKET. (future SCREENINGS HELD AT THE RAINBOW CINEMA 80 FRONT ST EAST).Toronto’s cultural showcase of issue-oriented cinema, film shown on outdoor screen.The 7th Annual COMMFFEST (GLOBAL) COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL offers a unique platform in today’s media-explosive world for filmmakers young and old, emerging or seasoned, to engage in a dialogue of social issues and cultural exchange through the powerful language of film.
Dream under the Sea - Masquerade Pirate/Mermaid Fundraiser – 8:30pm to 11:30pm -$15adv & $20 door
Brass Vixens – Pole Dancing & Fitness Studio
721 Queen Street West (Upstairs)
Phone:416 901 2848
- Costumes ENCOURAGED!
Performances by Staff & Students!
Silent Auction!, Roof Top Patio with Sea Shepherd Movie
Sea Shepherd Merchandiser Limited Space so get your ADVANCED TICKETS!
(Call 416-901-2828 or Toronto@brassvixens.com)
6th Annual Durham OEYC Family Fun Day/10th OEYC Annivesary Celebration at Lakeview Park-Oshawa – 10am-2pm Free tickets req’d (see details below)
Lakeview Park
55 Lakeview Park Avenue, Oshawa
905-723-9922 ext. 136
Parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-6 years are invited to join the OEYC Centres from across Durham in celebrating 10 years of “making a difference” for families and children. Come out and take part in an exciting day of games, activities and fun. Tickets will be available free of charge at the end of August from your local Early Years Centre. Each individual (infant, child and adult) will be required to have a ticket to attend. Please contact your local OEYC for more information.
Salsa Fridays with DJ Geronimo 9:30 pm Free
Maxx Seafood & Grill
160 York Boulvard
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3J6
Learn to dance … meet new friends … be more active … rekindle your romance!
Canada’s Walk Of Fame Festival- September 20 – September 23, 2012 (many free, see prices below)
100% CANADIAN • 4 DAYS OF PERFORMANCES
The third annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival presented by SHOP.CA, is four days of music featuring some of Canada’s most popular and iconic performers. The Festival is held at a variety of venues in downtown Toronto, most of them free. Audiences will enjoy a broad range of events, from Canada’s most celebrated performers to exciting emerging artists breaking out onto the world stage.
Okay this is probably not a date-night idea that you’ll want to do if you have kids of your own!
On the other hand, if you don’t normally get to hang out with tiny people, they can make for a fun date-night!
feeding the birds
Date-Night with Kids Ideas
Home
Crafts – check Pinterest for some really cool ideas! You’ll find craft ideas for all ages, boys or girls and using virtually any materials.
Movies – always an easy one to entertain them! Consider free movies on Netflix if you already have a subscription, borrow from friends or family with kids, etc to make it budget-friendly.
Board Games – if you don’t already have board games for kids of the right age group, call some friends that have kids. I found that kids rarely play board games these days when everything is electronic. You can also buy used games at second-hand stores.
Forts – Kids of all ages love forts and they are free! Take whatever you have in your home (couch cushions, blankets, furniture) to make cool forts complete with tunnels, etc.
Baking – I think all kids love baking too! Not only is it cheap, but fun to do…..and eat!
Out
Parks/Zoos – Of course kids love playing outdoors and seeing animals! Some zoos are even free if you’re lucky enough to live by one! (we are – Peterborough, ON has a free zoo)
Go on a treasure hunt – You can make a list of things you know you’ll be able to find (for example if you are in a park area have the children find items you know will be in the area), or refer to my article on Geocaching to find cool unknown treasures! Celebrate with an ice cream after!
Swimming / Ice Skating / Roller skating – Depending on the weather of course, you can do these activities indoors or outdoors. If you need skates, search online in your area and you’ll probably find a couple places that rent skates as well. These are fun, active and usually cheap activities to do with children!
Festivals / Fairs – These are great for all ages and there’s usually something going on in every season! Check online for events in your area or my article on fairs and festivals for more information!
Feed the birds – Head to the grocery store or bakery for some ‘clearance’ or sale bread and head down to the lake to feed the birds. Kids love this! I’ve recorded some of my funniest home movies of the kids feeding ducks and being chased by hungry geese! (no one gets hurt!)
Play Centers – Lots of restaurants have indoor play centers now (McDonald’s, etc) or special play centers that have big bouncey castles, etc. These help tire the kiddies out too!
Nothing Better than a Tired kid!
Where To Sleep?
On the floor! Yes! Kids love a campout! Let them help you gather up blankets, sleeping bags and pillows and make a huge “bed” in your living room! It’s like a big slumber party and what kid doesn’t love that?!
There is another benefit to this idea too. If you happen to have “borrowed” a child that may get homesick at bedtime, camping out in front of the TV with other people usually prevents this from happening. Even if they stay up pretty late, they’ll probably fall asleep watching TV.
Even though it’s not a romantic date-night, “borrowing” a kid can make for a fun date-night! Do you remember hanging out like this with adults when you were a kid? I sure do… and because it’s not your parents, it’s a lot more fun! Leave a comment to share your experiences too!
I’m going to regularly check out free and cheap events and activities that would make great dates in the GTA. They will be posted the day before the “posted” date so you can plan for tomorrow! All of the activities will cost less than $25 per person.
Events For: Thursday, September 20, 2012
Toronto Fall Home Show$12/adult online here(save $3 if buy online at website)
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place 195 Princes Boulevard Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place is close to entertainment, shopping and hotels. Ample parking is available and transit is just a short walk away.
A Night With Elvis!- Oshawa -7-9:30pm$25/each
Lviv Hall & Pavilion
38 Lviv Blvd
905-431-5564
Durham Shores Chorus presents “A Night With Elvis”, a musical tribute featuring award-winning Gino Monopoli. $25 per ticket, includes chance for great Door Prizes including Viva Las Vegas trip voucher by Funtime Travel! Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 7:30. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Seating is first come, first served. Partial proceeds will be donated to the Denise House.
Live Music Every Thursday at Boston Pizza Oshawa- 8pm-12am
Boston Pizza Oshawa
951 Taunton Road East
905-720-2900
Join us for Live Music every Thursday between 8pm – 12am!Music will be played on the patio, or the bar once the cold weather hits us! Showcasing lots of great Durham Talent!
Come support local musicians and enjoy a domestic Tall Boy for only $3.99!
Canada’s Walk Of Fame Festival- September 20 – September 23, 2012 (many free, see prices below)
100% CANADIAN • 4 DAYS OF PERFORMANCES
The third annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival presented by SHOP.CA, is four days of music featuring some of Canada’s most popular and iconic performers. The Festival is held at a variety of venues in downtown Toronto, most of them free. Audiences will enjoy a broad range of events, from Canada’s most celebrated performers to exciting emerging artists breaking out onto the world stage.
Main Gallery :Night MOVES a group exhibition of members of Gallery 1313. Chris Tryhonopoulos, Michelle Montague , Phillipa Hajdu , Pat Rice , Jo Anne Maikawa , Diana Dickson , Paul Brandejs, Paul Kilbertus , Gerald Richards , Quincy Morrison St. Kitts , Anastessia Bettas , Melissa Penny , Dan Hu , Nikki White , Fa Andrade, Janice Ykema , Andreea – Alta Mihartescu , Zorida Anaya, Gwen Tooth , Ella Day, Lila Fatehi and others .
Skeptics will want to skip this one. Tarot card readers, numerologists, practitioners of palmistry and astrologists are at Exhibition Place this weekend to chat about their craft and, more importantly, tell the future. Readings aren’t included in the admission, so grab that wallet and head downtown to find out if tall, dark and handsome is in the cards, or the love line or the numbers.
TORONTO UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL September 18–20 (FREE!) Bloor Street, between Jane St. and Runnymede Rd.,
This Bloor West Village festival can still be considered a summertime event, but only just. Catch performances by Ukrainian folk rockers Haydamaky, traditional dance troupes and the “bad boys of polka,” Kavalery Band. Also on offer, art, shopping and authentic Ukrainian nibbles.
I’m going to regularly check out free and cheap events and activities that would make great dates in the GTA. They will be posted the day before the “posted” date so you can plan for tomorrow! All of the activities will cost less than $25 per person.
A Dragons’ Den marketplace with products from past pitchers, live pitches and autograph signing with Arlene Dickinson, Kevin O’Leary and others.
TD GREAT CANADIAN SHORELINE CLEANUP(FREE!)
Woodbine Beach Park, Lakeshore Blvd. E. and Coxwell Ave.
Organizers expect volunteers at this year’s shoreline cleanup (which takes place across the country from September 19–27) will collect the equivalent of 200 garbage truck loads worth of trash from Canada’s shores. Get things started with this kickoff event, which also includes live entertainment, free pizza and prizes. Website.
Skeptics will want to skip this one. Tarot card readers, numerologists, practitioners of palmistry and astrologists are at Exhibition Place this weekend to chat about their craft and, more importantly, tell the future. Readings aren’t included in the admission, so grab that wallet and head downtown to find out if tall, dark and handsome is in the cards, or the love line or the numbers.
TORONTO UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL September 18–20 (FREE!) Bloor Street, between Jane St. and Runnymede Rd.,
This Bloor West Village festival can still be considered a summertime event, but only just. Catch performances by Ukrainian folk rockers Haydamaky, traditional dance troupes and the “bad boys of polka,” Kavalery Band. Also on offer, art, shopping and authentic Ukrainian nibbles.
THE RATED R SHOW Sept. 18–October 1. (FREE!) The Art Bar, Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W.
It’s a scandalous weekend here in Toronto. Just as the sea creature porn installation wraps up at the ROM, this art show opens. Curated by comic artists Mara Sternberg and Eric Kim, the show features the work of 14 other illustrators, photographers and artists, all of whom tackle subject matter film boards deems “adult.” Check out Madison Cawker’s shudder-worthy documentary short on flesh hook suspension, which is only on the bill for Friday’s opening gala, and Kyla Vanderklugt’s triptych of paintings depicting the oft-bloody ends to ruling dynasties throughout history.
Toronto Beer Week- Sept 14 – 22 Prices Vary by Location
Toronto Beer Week shines the spotlight on the city’s craft beer movement through it’s breweries, pubs and, of course, beers.
Free Passports are available at participating bars, restaurants and breweries.
Dianne and Me – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM Prices $20 – $29
Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre,
5040Yonge Street (Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue)
Emma is an intuitive teenager with a wild imagination, who has life all figured out. That is until something goes wrong and she is forced to rely on the one person she never thought she would: her mother. A moving portrait of mothers, daughters and the sacrifices they make, Dianne and Me is the winner of the 2009 Canadian National Playwriting Award. The powerful solo show was “a must see” at the 2011 Vancouver Fringe Festival.
PEDIGREE ADOPTION DRIVE® Campaign with Shawn Desman and The Humane Society of Durham Region- 9am-5pm
Yonge-Dundas Square, 10 Dundas Street East
Phone:416-645-8184
The makers of PEDIGREE® are kicking off their fifth annual PEDIGREE ADOPTION DRIVE® campaign with a dog adoption awareness event in downtown Toronto to show Canadians that shelter dogs are good dogs and help raise awareness for the importance of adopting shelter dogs.
The PEDIGREE ADOPTION DRIVE® campaign launch event will be hosted by Shawn Desman along with representatives from The Humane Society of Durham Region on September 19, 2012 at Yonge-Dundas Square. Guests will be interact with local shelters dogs looking for their forever families as well as have the opportunity to receive FREE* dog items.
In addition to raising awareness for dog adoption, the makers of PEDIGREE® will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag of specially marked PEDIGREE® dry food for dogs, up to $150,000 CDN in 2012, to 30 partner animal shelters across Canada.
If someone you care about is living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, show your support by taking part in our local Coffee Break event at Denny’s Restaurant on Consumers Drive in Whitby.
Celebrities of Durham Region, will be pleased to serve you coffee and in return accept donations. 100% of donations will stay locally and go towards much needed family support and educational services for the 8,500 people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementia’s.
Come out for a nice breakfast and make your coffee count.
