Toronto PrideToronto Pride is the third largest gay and lesbian celebration in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors in the last week of June to participate in hundreds of events. The Pride week has a different theme each year which sets the tone for the hundreds of activities and events on the program, culminating in the massive pride parade with its floats and performers, and the 'Dyke March'. The main event of the week is 'Unity', a non-stop all-night dance party featuring spectacular stage shows, billed as one of the best parties in the northern hemisphere.
Venue: 'Unity' takes place
at the National Trade Center; the Pride Parade follows a route down Yonge Street; the Dyke March route is north on Church to Bloor, west on Bloor to Yonge, south on Yonge to Wood and east on Wood to the South Stage. Other events take p
Date: June 2009
Website: www.torontopride.com
Canada Dry Festival of FireEasily the most spectacular event during the summer in Toronto is the annual fireworks extravaganza that lights up the sky over the city's waterfront, watched by an estimated two million people. The show is set to music and the fireworks are set off from barges in Lake Ontario. For more information phone (416) 314 9900.
Venue: Reserved seating available on Ontario Place pier or on Mariposa Harbour cruise boats, otherwise watch from anywhere on the lake shore
Date: June to July 2009 TBA
Time: 10.30pm
Website: www.ontarioplace.com
Cavalcade of LightsToronto's festive season officially kicks off at the end of November each year with the brilliant illumination of Nathan Phillips Square with more than 100,000 lights, spectacular fireworks and a massive Christmas tree, heralding a month of merry-making and fun events in the city center. Events include 'Designs in Ice' exhibition, outdoor concerts, street theater and skating parties. For more information contact Toronto Special Events on (416) 395 0490 or email spevmktg@toronto.ca
Venue: Nathan Phillips Square
Date: 29 November to 20 December 2008
Website: www.toronto.ca/special_events
ContactTaking photography far beyond the realms of the snapshot, Contact is the most important annual photographic event in the Americas, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and exhibitors, highlighting the enduring significance of photography in modern life. About 140 different exhibitions make up Contact, sited in various locations throughout the city. The theme for 2009 is Still Revolution.
Venue: Various galleries, museums, art centers and other public places in Toronto
Date: 1 -31 May 2009
Website: www.contactphoto.com
Toronto Jazz FestivalNo self-respecting Canadian city can be without its annual jazz festival, and Toronto offers one of the best in north America. Each year the festival attracts about 2,000 international and local musicians, along with thousands of fans and jazz fundis.
Venue: Numerous locations in downtown; main stage at Nathan Phillips Square
Date: June 2009
Website: www.torontojazz.com
Toronto TasteToronto Taste 2008 celebrates its 18th anniversary with savory dishes, fine wines and stunning waterfront scenery. The annual fundraising event brings together 70 top chefs and 30 of Ontario's premium vintners and beverage companies to provide an evening of gourmet food and drink. Toronto Taste is the single largest fundraising event supporting Second Harvest, a registered charity collecting perishable food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to community organizations that feed hungry people in Toronto.
Date: June 2009
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Website: www.torontotaste.ca
Toronto International Film FestivalToronto's famous film festival is the largest film festival open to the general public. Unlike Sundance and Cannes which see a number of independent features and world cinema, the Toronto International Film Festival has the glamour of Hollywood coated all over it, and is considered by many filmmakers and studio bosses to be a successful launching platform to begin the crazy award season that eventually climaxes with the Academy Awards in March.
Venue: Various
Date: September 2009 TBA
Website: www.tiff07.ca
Rock Paper Scissors International World ChampionshipsThe World Rock Paper Scissors Society hosts this increasingly popular event to find out who is the champ at the famous game. Rock Paper Scissors is promoted as a game of skill and quick-thinking used to solve disputes and make decisions. Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper. Prize money of C$10, 000 is up for grabs, and visitors from all over the world partake.
Venue: Steam Whistle Brewing
Date: October 2009 TBA
Website: www.rpschamps.com
Toronto Fringe Theater FestivalOver 47,000 people were drawn to the 2006 festival as the Toronto's Fringe continues to be one of North America's leading theater experiences. Throughout the city thousands of artists perform to adoring crowds a variety of comedy, cabaret, music, poetry, drama and the classics.
Date: 1 - 12 July 2009
Website: www.fringetoronto.com
WinterCity FestivalWinterCity festival offers a two-week, city-wide celebration of Toronto's incomparable diversity of spirit, including delicious culinary experiences, live bands, skating parties and activities throughout the city. The festival celebrates Toronto's culture, creativity and cuisine. Outdoor entertainment takes place on the weekends at Nathan Phillips Square featuring performances from celebrated Canadian music talent and world-renowned, international theatrical troupes.
Venue: Various, including Nathan Phillips Square
Date: 29 January to 11 February 2010
Website: www.toronto.ca/special_events
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
