Events happening in Toronto this weekend: Nov. 17-19

It’s another weekend in Toronto and this time around, you can tell the city has welcomed the start of the holiday season. We’ve got tons of events whether you’d like to get into the festive spirit or just looking for a fun time in the city. This week, we’ve got the 11th Annual Water Docs Film Festival, a winter market, a fashion show, a holiday fest and butter tart market, and so much more. Here is what you can check out: 

Friday, Nov. 17:

Christmas Book Sale at the Toronto Reference Library

The Friends of the Toronto Public Library are having its annual Christmas Sale and it’s inviting customers to come by and shop for presents for friends and family. Prices for books start at $1 while children’s books start from $0.50 and up. All proceeds are donated in support of library programs. Customers are reminded that this is a cash-only event and to bring their own bags. 

For more, click here. 

11th Annual Water Docs Film Festival

Calling all documentary lovers! The Water Docs Film Festival officially kicks off on Friday. The event is proudly celebrating its 11th year of educating audiences to take action to protect water as well as tackling climate change, the film festival is back with its return to in-theatre screenings, and it’s all free. The festival runs until Sunday. 

For details, click here. 

Cavalcade of Lights – Little Italy BIA

Little Italy is hosting its annual Cavalcade of Lights Festival at Piazza Johnny Lombardi on College and Grace streets. It’s going to include a number of activities, such as meet and greets with Santa, free seasonal treats, live entertainment, and festive decor for photo opportunities. 

For information, click here. 

Magical Holiday Candle Making and Floral Arranging Workshop

You can design your own holiday candle at the Holiday Candle and Floral Arranging Workshop happening at Swansea Town Hall in the Bloor West Village. It’s the perfect experience to have with a loved one, a best friend or even solo. The event includes a one-hour candle-making session where visitors will leave with two seven-ounce candles and a one-hour floral arranging workshop where visitors will create a premium-sized holiday centerpiece. 

For more, click here.

Saturday, Nov. 18:

2nd Annual Snowflake Kisses & Warm Wishes

Organized by The Mom Market Toronto West, the 2nd Annual Snowflake Kisses & Warm Wishes pop-up market is back to offer some unique goodies to Toronto residents. This free event includes over 60 local businesses, a giveaway and a selfie station, among other affairs. 

For more, click here.

Asian Comedy All-Stars

Laugh your heart out at an Asian comedy show featuring some all-star comedians and a secret international headliner who is expected to take the stage. Some comedians include Leonard Chan (China), Isabel Zaw-Tun (Myanmar), Kansei Yasuda (Japan), Rahul Topiwala (India) with host Rush Kazi (Bangladesh). And the secret headliner is crowd-favourite Joey Harlem (Philippines).

For details, click here.

Fashion Art Toronto Fall 2023

One of Toronto’s biggest multi-arts fashion events, Fashion Art Toronto, is here and it’s taking over a massive industrial warehouse in the Junction neighbourhood. This event includes runway shows, fashion presentations, art installations, a Fashion & Beauty Boutique and lastly, The Boutique Pop-Up, a curated shop highlighting Black-owned brands. 

For information, click here.

Sunday, Nov. 19:

Toronto International Dance Festival – TIDF 2023

Presented by Dancing Damsels, the Toronto International Dance Festival is showcasing an array of cultural dances, hip-hop performances, and social dances on Sunday. Tickets are free and it’s taking place at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Scarborough. 

For more, click here.

Holiday Fest & Butter Tart Market

Try thousands of different butter tarts at the Holiday Fest & Butter Tart Market at the Old Mill Inn in Etobicoke. The free, artisan marketplace invites customers to sample its various types of tarts from the classic to its unique flavours, such as Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip, Nutella, Lemon, Nanaimo, Salted Caramel, and so many more. Some of the featured bakeries include Omi’s Sweet n Treats, Sweet Oven Niagara and Ten of Tarts, among others. The market starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

For details, click here.

For a list of events, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto. 

To list your event, click here.