weekend events toronto

The top weekend events in Toronto: December 4-6 2015

Weekend events in Toronto will have you hitting up some of the best holiday markets in town. Union Station, 401 Richmond, the Junction and more will be filled with goods from local artisans. If you're too broke to even consider Christmas shopping, head to a concert or cinema to catch a show.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

MUSIC

Wolf Alice (December 4)
The grunge-pop foursome was just here like a second ago, but the life of a Mercury Prize nominee demands relentless, hype-assisted world touring that'll bring them back in record time. This time, instead of teeny Adelaide Hall, they'll set up at the much more spacious Phoenix with Brave Shores for The Edge's Jingle Bell Series.

The Get Up Kids (December 5)
American rock band The Get Up Kids are hitting the stage at the Phoenix this Saturday. The band will be joined by Into It. Over It. and Rozwell Kid for a night of epic performances.

MOVIES

Brazil Film Fest (December 4-6)
The Brazil Film Fest is back for its ninth year in action, showcasing some of Brazil's best cinema at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. This year's line-up features Paulo Coelho's Best Story, Trinta, Portrait of a Thief, The Second Mother and more.

Al Purdy Was Here (December 4-9)
Al Purdy Was Here chronicles the life and career of famed Canadian poet Al Purdy. The documentary is a mixture of archival footage, readings, and live performances from performers influenced by him, like Leonard Cohen, Bruce Cockburn and Tanya Tagaq. It will be screened at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on both Friday and Saturday, plus a few select dates next week.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Sing-Along (December 5)
If you can't help but sing along to musicals, Saturday night is your night. Bloor Hot Docs Cinema is screening John Cameron Mitchell's cult favourite, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Don't worry about belting out lyrics off-key, the rest of the audience will help drown out your not-so-brilliant vocals.

FOOD

Feast in the East (December 5)
Head to The Jam Factory to attend this months' installment of Feast in the East. You'll find all the makings of a good Saturday: music, food, art installations, and plenty of people.

BOOKS

OCADU Book Arts Fair (December 5)
The OCADU Book Arts Fair returns for its 31st year in action this Saturday. You'll find handmade works by printmakers, artists, small publishers, students, professional artists, papermakers and more. Any money donated at the event will go toward upcoming year's students awards and initiatives in the OCAD Printmaking Department.

HOLIDAY SHOWS

City Dance Corps: The Nutcracker (December 5)
Every year, Toronto's City Dance Corps presents its version of The Nutcracker that breaks away from tradition. This performance will feature not only ballet, but a variety of dance styles, allowing you to see the Sugar Plum Fairy in a whole new light.

Indigal (December 6)
This collective made up of nine independent female artists raised more than $5,000 on Indiegogo to put out a folk-rock-inspired Christmas album. Hear them take on carols and seasonal songs such as "River" and "The Little Drummer Boy" live during an afternoon concert at Daniels Spectrum.

SHOPPING

Union Station Holiday Market (November 30-December 20)
The Union Station Holiday Market has filled John A. MacDonald Square with some of the city's favourite local designers for the better part of December. You'll find everything from Tuck Shop Co. hats to Mad Mexican salsa. If you're looking for gifts that can't be found in big name stores, it's worth visiting.

401 Richmond Frolic & Artisans Marketplace (December 3-6)
If you're on the prowl for something truly unique, 401 Richmond's Artisan Marketplace is probably your best bet. The art-centric space will host 30 vendors, selling everything from eco-conscious skincare to Japanese inspired pottery. If you don't manage to find anything at the market, you can always try out Swipe, Musideum, and the Spacing Store, which are all under the same roof.

Junction Flea Holiday Market (December 4-6)
If the mere thought of entering the Eaton Centre in the month of December gives you an anxiety attack, the Junction Flea Holiday Market may be the answer to your prayers. The weekend-long shopping event is less like a battle royale and more like a party where you can get a little boozy and dance to your heart's content while gift-buying.

Think in Pink Shop: Holiday Edition (December 5)
Head to the newest addition to the Artscape family for an evening of philanthropy and shopping. While supporting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, you'll be treated to live performances by Madette and Se'lah as well has a selection of hors d'oeuvres. Even if you can't find any gifts, you won't leave empty handed - all guests will walk away with a goodie bag.

Santa in the Junction (December 5)
Santa in the Junction returns this Saturday for a day-long holiday extravaganza. There will be a ton of Christmas themed events and activities, from workshops to visits with the big man himself. There will also be flea markets and arts markets for those who want to get a little shopping done.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

santa in the junctionThanks to Santa in the Junction for sponsoring this post

With contributions by Shazia Khan and Amy Grief. Photo of Feast in the East by Kat Rizza.


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