january events

The top 10 events in Toronto for January 2016

The top events in Toronto for January will help you kick off 2016 right. Even though the cold weather and slush have finally decided to grace Toronto with their presence, you shouldn't commit to hibernation all month long. With theatre shows, beer festivals and Bieber dance parties on tap, you'll have more than a few excuses to brave the great outdoors this month.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this January.

Next Stage Festival (Jan. 6-17)
Looking for something to tide you over until the next Fringe Fest in June? From January 6 to 17 indie theatre lovers will flock to the Factory Theatre to see the works of Fringe up-and-comers. Some shows feature talkbacks at The Hoxton, if you want to engage with the artists over cocktails.

Canada's Top Ten (Jan. 8-17)
Get acquainted with some of the best homegrown cinema at Canada's Top Ten. The 10-day fest offers up public screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, industry panels, special events (including a chat with Kiefer Sutherland) and more. A huge plus: tickets are a mere $10.

No Pants Subway Ride & Dance Party (Jan. 10)
Let's be real, nobody actually likes wearing pants - and on January 10th you won't have to. Join hundreds of Torontonians as they drop their drawers, dance and travel around the city on the subway. If you don't plan on getting in on the action yourself, it's still quite the spectacle - just don't get creepy.

Long Winter (Jan. 16)
Long Winter offers a smorgasbord of art-based performances and exhibits in the middle of January. For one night the Great Hall will be filled with some of the best and brightest artists, musicians, dancers and speakers. Best of all, the event is PWYC so even those on a tight budget can get in on the action.

Toronto Design Offsite Festival (Jan. 18-24)
If you're counting down the days until Nuit Blanche returns, the Toronto Design Offsite Festival will be right up your alley. Public spaces will be turned into exhibition sites for one week, flaunting everything from window installations to blindfolded walking tours. See the 2016 schedule here.

Come Up To My Room (Jan. 21-24)
The 13th edition of Come Up To My Room kicks off on January 21, bringing the works of Canadian and American artists, designers and collectives to the Gladstone. If you want to party with art-minded individuals, head to the hotel on the 23rd for the Love Design Party. You'll get the chance to drink and dance in the ballroom and then head up to explore the exhibits.

Interior Design Show (Jan. 21-24)
If you believe that IKEA is the pinnacle of home decor, you should probably reserve tickets for the Interior Design Show now. The event will introduce you to leading brands and homegrown talent, showcasing pieces much more interesting than EKERÖ armchairs and LEIRVIK bed frames.

Sorry Not Sorry Bieber Dance Party (Jan. 22)
Developed a guilty pleasure for the music of Justin Bieber in 2015? You are not alone. The folks behind BEY BEY ALL NIGHT are bringing Beliebers new and old to Studio Bar on January 22nd for a night of shameless JB loving. Expect to hear everything from Baby to Sorry, and be prepared to show off your best dance moves (bonus points if you've mastered the choreography from his videos).

Winterlicious (Jan. 29-Feb. 11)
Cap off the month by indulging in some of the finest food the city has to offer. In case you've been living in a cave for the past 13 years, Winterlicious extends to over 200 local restaurants and offers expertly tailored three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Reservations begin January 14th, so start planning your dining destinations ASAP.

Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival (Jan. 30)
Steam Whistle's annual outdoor beer festival will takeover Roundhouse Park on Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for this frosty beer event are $20 in advance or $25 at the gates. The first block of tickets are already sold out, but new ones go on sale January 6 at noon.

What did I miss? Add other January events in the comments. With contributions from Liora Ipsum. Photo by Jesse Milns of the No Pants subway ride.


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