In this edition of The Weekender, a Kensington Market block party, an LGBT film fest and three other things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Woofstock (FREE!)
Dog lovers will descend on Woodbine Park this weekend for Toronto’s annual festival of all things canine. There will be plenty of vendors hawking treats, leashes and everything else a dog owner could possibly want, but even for those without pets there will be plenty to do. There are scheduled events, like the Running of the Pugs and the Woofstock Fashion Show—and the people-watching is always amazing. Keep an eye out for skateboarding bulldogs. May 24-25. FREE. Woodbine Park, woofstock.ca
Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington Market (FREE!)
The weather may still be a little iffy, but Kensington Market is kicking off block-party season this weekend with the first Pedestrian Sunday of 2014. Bands and other types of performers will entertain crowds throughout the day. Street foods on offer typically include Portuguese grilled sardines, tacos and fresh oysters. May 25. FREE. Throughout Kensington Market, pskensington.ca
Doors Open Toronto (FREE!)
Everyone who lives here thinks they know the city, but most of us have only a superficial knowledge of what actually goes on in Toronto’s interior spaces. The annual Doors Open festival is a rare opportunity to explore the insides of buildings that are ordinarily closed to the public. There are more than 155 locations on the programme this year. See our preview for some recommendations. May 24-25. FREE. Various locations, toronto.ca
Timbre Timber, Live at Massey Hall
The Polaris-nominated indie folksters are headlining a show at one of Toronto’s most hallowed venues, with fellow Cancon treasures Cold Specks on the undercard. Tickets are affordable, and, as of the moment this was written, they were still available. May 23. $19. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., masseyhall.com
Inside Out Film Festival
The annual LGBT film festival returns. This weekend’s screenings include a special presentation of The Normal Heart, Ryan Murphy’s movie about the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Actor Matt Bomer and other guests will be in attendance. Until June 1. $13–$40. Various venues, insideout.ca