There's something called the Toronto International Film Festival going on in the city. But it's not the only show in town. Here are some things worth checking out this weekend.
Toronto International Film Festival Sept 5 to Sept 15 Various Locations
300 films! From more than 60 countries! And did we mention the A list Hollywood and other world cinema stars? My picks for this weekend's line-up include The Lunchbox and Faith Connection.
Still need to figure out your picks, check out artistic director Cameron Bailey's daily picks and more at the Toronto International Film Festival website, and check CBC's coverage of the festival here.
Toronto Indie Film Festival Sept 5 to Sept 14 Carlton Cinema
The Toronto Indie is Toronto's own film festival for truly independent films, and a headline event for micro-budget and no-budget films in North America. Toronto Indie runs alongside the Toronto Film Festival and offers a fantastic opportunity for undiscovered filmmakers to showcase their achievements, in a space where all the key players of the film industry have gathered.
For more information, check out the Toronto Indie Film Festival website.
Toronto Urban Film Festival Sept 6 to Sept 16 TTC Subway Screens
A film festival in the TTCScreening one film every 10 minutes on 290 screens in over 60 subway stations across the Pattison Onestop TTC network, and non-stop on designated Film Zone screens.
For more information on the line-up, check out the Toronto Urban Film Festival website.
Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase Sept 5 to Sept 14 Various Locations
Bringing the best of the Caribbean diaspora's films to Toronto, this festival includes a range of free and ticketed screenings -- from shorts and music videos to full-length features.
For more information, check out the Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase website.
Vegetarian Food Festival Sept 6 to Sept 8 Harbourfront Centre
Presented by the Toronto Vegetarian Association, the festival brings innovative new thinkers, fresh new ideas, and delicious new dishes to highlight all that a plant-based life has to offer. Exhibitors range from vegan bakeries to nutrition experts to clothing companies to cookware distributors. Oh yeah, and lots of food!
For more information, check out the Vegetarian Food Festival website.
Cabbagetown Festival Sept 5 to Sept 8 Various LocationsThe longest running community festival has a full schedule of activities for every age. You can check out some films at the Short Film and Video Festival, participate in a mini marathon or take in in many of the artistic displays showcasing at the mainstage.
For more information, check out the Cabbagetown Arts Festival website.
Bellwoods Block Party Sept 7 198 Walnut Ave
Happening monthly in the heart of the city's Art & Design District and steps from beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park, this part market, part party, part assembly of awesomeness is held under sunny skies on a quaint and picturesque private lane laced with studios, dress boutiques and art galleries.
For more information, check out the Bellwoods Block Party Facebook page.
Exhibition: A Death Greatly Exaggerated: Canada's Thriving Small and Fine Press Until Sept 7 Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
In an age where the iPad, the Kindle and other assorted e-readers continue to generate the biggest buzz in the publishing landscape, questions swirl around the future of the venerable printed book - namely, does it even have one? This exhibition explores some of the finest examples of the book-making craft since the year 2000, along with a quick nod of the small press's past.
For more information, check out the University of Toronto website.
Phoenix Poetry Workshop Sept 7 (2:30 PM) College/Shaw Branch (Toronto Public Library)
The Phoenix Poetry Workshop is Toronto's longest running poetry workshop, now more than thirty years old. They welcome poets of all ages, aspiring and experienced writers of any style to join in a supportive and friendly environment. It's free.
For more information, check out the Phoenix Poetry Workshop website.
Recovery Day Sept 8 (12 to 3 PM) Allen Gardens
Canadians in recovery from addiction will join with friends and family to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving life for individuals, families, and communities.
For more information, check out the Recovery Day website.