BRIAN'S BLOG
April Events in Toronto
March 31, 2017
Pillow Fight Toronto 2017
April 1st
The Urban Playground Movement has been organizing all-ages public events around the world since 2005, staging massive games of Capture the Flag, pillow fights, and subway parties – including one here in Toronto. The goal is to take urban locations and turn them into a lighthearted and family-friendly space. This year, pillow fights will also be taking place in Amsterdam, Brazil, Cyprus, and a number of other international metropolises.
Toronto Storytelling Festival
Finishing April 2nd
Since its foundation in 1979, the Toronto Storytelling Festival has grown into one of the world’s biggest events of its kind. Aiming to celebrate “the arts of voice and story” the festival spans ten days and includes concerts, workshops, and, of course, storytalks. Renowned Canadian authors, artists, scholars, and musicians will all be participating and bringing a unique perspective and skill set to their individual presentations. Workshops being held this year are focussing on storytelling styles around the world, including African-American storytelling, Norse storytelling, and even Newfoundland storytelling.
Recess
April 2nd
We all remember recess time from our childhoods as an important way to stay active and socialize with our peers. Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada is aiming to replicate that feeling with Recess, a “fun-filled mini-festival for the whole family featuring a midway, food, entertainment, celebrities and games from the 70s to the 2000s.” All proceeds will go towards seriously ill children at Ronald McDonald House.
The Green Living Show
April 7th-9th
The Green Living Show is back with a huge selection of activities and educational experiences related to eating, driving, and living green. This year, there will be the Canadian green car show and award, a fashion and beauty section, a local food and drink area and a number of on-site yoga and stretching classes. In a time when the environment is seriously at stake, the prospect of “going green” and redesigning your lifestyle can seem daunting – the Green Living Show is a perfect place to learn and explore more environmentally-friendly approaches to life.
Race Roster Spring Run-Off
April 8th
Held in High Park every Spring, the Race Roster Spring Run-off is a high-energy event that draws crowds of athletes and spectators eager to enjoy the warmer weather. The event incorporates an array of activities and races in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital. There are races for seasoned, experienced runners as well as ones for beginners or children, and an array of activities for spectators.
Toronto Silent Film Festival
April 6th-11th
Toronto is well known for its film festivals that celebrate cinema in almost every capacity, whether modern styles or classic. The Silent Film Festival presents a unique opportunity to enjoy this almost-obsolete style and appreciate the intricacies and details that made the first movies so special. The original 1927 version of Chicago will be playing as well as other classics like Little Annie Rooney, which stars Toronto-born actress Mary Pickford. The opportunity to watch silent films with live musical accompaniment is rare in this era, making the Silent Film Festival a perfect opportunity to appreciate the culture and art of the past.
Wychwood Vintage Clothing Show
April 9th
This April is all about remembering the past and celebrating classic culture! After you take in the Silent Film Festival, head to Wychwood Barns for the Vintage Clothing Show. Thirty vintage clothing dealers from Toronto and Montreal will be coming together at Wychwood barns for a busy day of shopping, showcasing, and looking for inspiration. Whether you’re looking for jewellery, shoes, clothing, textiles, or just a fun experience, the Wychwood Vintage Clothing Show includes fashion shows as well as artistic displays and a marketplace and is guaranteed to make for a unique and retro experience.
High Park Easter Egg Hunt
April 9th
Spring has almost sprung, and the High Park Easter Egg Hunt is one of the park’s first main events of the year! Bring your Easter egg basket and hunt for eggs on the Colborne Lodge grounds (and exchange them for chocolate!), or take part in other cherished Easter traditions – egg decorating, bunny-themed crafts and face painting. This family-friendly event is great for children of all ages and a good way to kick off the season for only $3.
Fashion Art Toronto
April 18th-22nd
Fashion Art Toronto, or FAT, is a popular event that draws over 5,000 participants each year. This year, there will be over 50 runway shows spanning styles ranging from street wear to avant-garde gowns. Fashion photography, films, and installation art will also be included as well as experimental performances aiming to showcase fashion in a way other than a typical runway show. This year, the theme is fashion evolution, and explores “how social, political, economical & environmental circumstances have formed trends in fashion and how technological & industrial advances have influenced fashion to change throughout history.”
Creativ Festival
April 28th-29th
The Creativ festival is about all things crafty! Sewing, knitting, felting, quilting, beading, stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking, embellishing, crafting and other creative art forms will all be present at the two-day event, which describes itself as “Bursting at the seams with sumptuous fibres, fabrics and yarns; luxurious beads; fabulous papers, notions and embellishments; trend-setting patterns and kits; high-tech equipment, handcrafted gifts of distinction and more!