Here’s what’s going on in North York, Nov. 13 to 26, 2023
ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
The Bloorview Research Institute hosts the 18th Annual BRI Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Rd. Held in-person this year and live-streamed over Zoom, Canada’s largest hospital-based research conference on pediatric disability and developmental differences will showcase how BRI’s scientists, researchers and trainees are advancing this field through their ground-breaking research, discovering innovation, family engagement and action. This year’s theme is: Advancing horizons: personalized, equitable care and global partnerships through the power of childhood disability research. More info.
MULTI-ARTS FASHION EVENT
Toronto’s biggest multi-arts fashion event is taking over a 20,000 square foot industrial warehouse in the Junction neighbourhood Nov. 16 to 19 at Black Creek Assembly, 131 McCormack St. With runway shows, fashion presentations, art installations, a Fashion & Beauty Boutique and The Boutique Pop-Up, a curated shop highlighting black-owned brands, Fashion Art Toronto provides an immersive and inclusive fashion experience. More info.
LET’S PLAY DAY
Let’s Play Day Presented by World Vision Canada Saturday, Nov. 18, 1 to 4 p.m. at Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst St. Every child deserves a chance to be childish, but they can’t if they’re hungry. Participate in an afternoon of activities, crafts, dancing, surprise giveaways and more. More info.
SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOP
Lots of Light: Spoken Word with R.I.S.E. Edutainment at Zion Schoolhouse, 1091 Finch Ave. E., Sunday Nov. 19, 2023, 2 p.m. The Zion Schoolhouse location provides a unique environment to engage with the history of education, and erasures in education. This two-hour workshop facilitated by spoken word poet, teaching artist, and copywriter Desiree Mckenzie will focus on Stories of Celebration and Community Meaning Making. More info.
JR. A HOCKEY
North York has two teams in 24-team Ontario Jr. A hockey league. Here’s their upcoming schedules (more info and full schedule at ojhl.ca):
• Toronto Jr. Canadians upcoming home schedule: Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. vs Toronto Patriots; Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m. vs Buffalo; Sunday, Dec. 3, 7:15 p.m. vs Wellington. HOME ARENA: Scotiabank Pond, 57 Carl Hall Rd.
• North York Rangers upcoming home schedule: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2:30 p.m. vs Trenton; Sunday, Dec. 3, 2:30 p.m. vs Markham; Tuesday, Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m. vs Brantford. HOME ARENA: Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre, 580 Finch Ave.
TAFELMUSIC CHAMBER
Tafelmusik Chamber Music Series, Making Herself Heard: Music by Baroque Women, Tuesday, Nov 21, 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Ave. W. More info.
COMMUNITY INFO FAIR
NYTHP (North York Toronto Health Partners) Community Health & Information Fair Tuesday, Nov. 21, 4 to 8 p.m. at Unison Health and Community Services – Bathurst-Finch Hub, 540 Finch Ave. W. A community health and information event that offers access to cancer screening on-site (Pap tests) and referrals for breast and colon cancer screening, if eligible, information about breast, cervical and colon cancer screening programs and other local health and community services (social workers, community navigators, dieticians and food bank). All health services and referrals are free. People interested in a Pap test must bring their OHIP (Ontario Health) card. More info.
ART CLUB SHOW AND SALE
Don Valley Art Club Holiday Show & Sale at the Women’s Art Association of Canada, 23 Prince Arthur Ave, featuring 100 original works of art in a variety of media, subject matter, and styles Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 (in-person hours Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The simultaneous virtual show can be accessed through a link available on our site. The online experience highlights an additional 300 pieces of art and will be accessible throughout, until the show closes. More info at donvalleyartclub.com
VINTAGE GLASS
Billing itself as Canada’s largest selection of antique and vintage glass, 1860s to 1970s, American and Canadian made, the Antique & Vintage Glass Holiday Event runs Nov. 22 to 25 at Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview Ave. More info.
WINTER BLOOMS FESTIVAL
Toronto Botanical Garden presents the inaugural Winter Blooms Festival Nov. 24 to Dec. 17. This year, visitors can expect a wonderful indoor/outdoor holiday experience that combines the magic of the season with the wonders of nature with shopping, food, workshops, Elf School for Kids and plant-focused experiences that will engage visitors of all ages. More info.
HOLIDAY MARKET
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market Nov. 24 to 26; and Dec. 15 to 17. Over 100 local vendors will showcase their planet-friendly and botanically themed products. Garden Shop will offer a wide selection of nature-based gifts, fresh seasonal greens, and amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs. The Toronto Master Gardeners will be offering a free Garden Advice Clinic. Recharge with post and pre-shopping noshing by visiting the onsite Food Truck or indoor TBG Bloom Cafe. Free. More info.
NEIGHBOURHOOD LINK
NeighbourLink North York’s 3rd We Love Willowdale Christmas Market is Saturday, Nov. 25 at Mel Lastman Square, including artisan market, 2-9 p.m.; Sidewalk Walking Parade on Yonge St. 5:30 p.m.; Festive Tree Lighting presented by Yonge North York BIA 6:30 p.m. At the market you’ll find: 60+ artisan vendors and small businesses; festive live entertainment; food trucks (including Tiny Tom Donuts!); family photo booth; kids activities; Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus; Cram A Cruiser Food Drive – bring a non-perishable. Organizers encourage visitors to RSVP each attendee from your group for the market and parade. General RSVP (13+) is a suggested $5 donation! You can also donate in person at the event. Funds raised through donations from the public go directly to supporting neighbours this holiday season through its food bank, senior, youth and newcomer programs. Learn more about the market and RSVP at neighbourlink.org/christmas
TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
An intense and fiery program kicks off the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 50th season. Take a fateful journey through the colourful story of Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony Saturday, Nov. 25, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St. The latter work will also be performed side by side with the TSO in May 2024. More info.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Church of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church Women at 1 Laurentide Dr., North York, are having their annual Christmas Bazaar, bake sale, and poinsettia sale: lots of puzzles, books, jewellery, treasures, outdoor planters and poinsettias. More info.
AT DOWNSVIEW
• Usually second and fourth Mondays of the month, Jr. Forest Explorers at Downsview Park for 90m to 1hr. A nature program for toddlers and their guardians. Upcoming themes: Free but registration required for each session. More info here.
• Usually second and fourth Sundays of the month 2 to 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted, Nature Connection at Downsview Park (usually second and fourth Sundays, 2 to 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted). Each nature-themed session will get you exploring the natural world that makes Downsview Park unique. Each program is 90 minutes; all ages are welcome but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; activities will be flexible and reflective of the participants’ interests; pets are not permitted at this program (service animals are always welcome). More info here.
These selected events are taken from our online city-wide “Things to do” list which, in turn, are selected from our events calendar at toronto.com/events (as well as the City of Toronto events calendar). You can enter your own North York events at toronto.com/events – and chances are they will end up here in this listing!
