BRIAN'S BLOG
Toronto Virtual Events – August 2020
July 31, 2020
Get Out! Popup Drive-In featuring great comedy, live music and feature films!
Toronto Shines presents the best in live entertainment and current and classic films in a safe and family friendly setting at the water’s edge of Ontario Place.
Weekly programming includes comedy, music, movies and special events ranging from up and coming stars to familiar names, independent films to classic blockbusters.
This initiative was brought to us by the city of Toronto. And it’s a great way to keep residents entertained this summer. DriveInTO will be hosting a ton of free events all summer long! Some of the highlights include the Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival, the Reel Asian Film Festival, and Hot Docs. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free? Yeah, we’re pretty excited about that part.
Edwards Summer Music Series (August 6-September 3)
The Edwards Summer Music Series is back… but will be going ONLINE this year with eight FREE intimate concerts showcasing contemporary Canadian talent, all filmed within the beauty of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Starting Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. a new concert in the garden will be released each week.
Brush With Nature (August 6, 13 and 20)
Looking for a creative and engaging outlet? Unleash your inner artist to transform a blank canvas into a nature-inspired masterpiece, while our artist hosts your workshop live from one of the exhibits at the Toronto Zoo! Our experienced artist will guide your team step-by-step through the process of creating your very own painting from the comfort of your own home. Brush with Nature is ideal for painters of all skill levels – no experience necessary!
Toronto Jerk Fest (August 8-9)
We know how important it is to celebrate the exotic flavour, vibes, and vibrancy of our people. Whatever your roots—a love of music, the arts, and the jerk cuisine, keeps our connection and sense of belonging alive.
We’ve done that for 19 years and counting.
Our heartbeats synchronize with Reggae’s pulse, we wave our flag and feel the beats of the best local and international musical talents, and tantalize your tastebuds with authentic and fusion jerk, as a community that will not be silenced.
What’s a festival without the mouthwatering jerk cuisine? As always, some are traditional and some are eyebrow-raising! Pre-order your food for curb side pick up or get it delivered right to your door on August 8th or 9th!
Vegandale Summer Poolside Patio Season (Every Saturday and Sunday In August Starting August 8)
Attention vegans of Toronto! We’ve just heard about an amazing summer activity you will not want to miss. Ready? Drumroll, please… It’s the Vegandale Summer Poolside Patio Series! This exciting summer promotion combines all your favourites from the annual Vegandale Festival (that was sadly cancelled this year, thanks to COVID-19) and poolside patio dining.
Experience a seated socially distanced brunch and supper with drinks at Toronto’s largest poolside patio restaurant. Enjoy the luxurious pools, private cabanas, and dedicated staff to create a once in a lifetime dining experience every Saturday and Sunday in August starting August 8th
Live At a Drive In – July Talk (August 12-13)
On August 12 + 13, 2020, July Talk will perform at the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Sharon, ON. They will be screening music video content new + old, and playing a full 90 minute live set.
Audience members will watch from the comfort + safety of their cars as live feed video of the show is projected onto the drive-in screens.
July Talk Live At A Drive-In will proceed in compliance with government health and social distancing protocols.
The Lesliville Flea Market (August 15)
We are super excited to be back, in person, with our markets. The safety of our vendors and customers is important to us. To keep everyone safe, we will be implementing some new measures at the markets. Face masks will be required of all vendors. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a mask – please bring with you if you have (we will also have on hand at the entrance). We will be monitoring the attendance and ensuring there is not overcrowding and social distancing is being practiced. Vendors will be spaced apart to allow for 6′ between. Traffic aisles will be wide enough to help maintain distance. Hand sanitizers will be at vendor booths and entrance. Please be patient with all of these new practices. We are all in this together, and together we can stay safe and keep our markets open!
Etsy Summer Market (August 16)
Well hello summer! Toronto meet your makers! That’s right meet, shop and discover all the local talent Toronto has to offer! Join us Sunday August 16th 2020 11am -6pm for a event organized by a team of Etsy sellers and meet a curated selection of Toronto’s most noteworthy Etsy sellers and crafters. Find one of a kind goods, must have locally made essentials and swoon worthy gift and lifestyle items. If you love Etsy and you love #shoplocal then you will love our curated selection of 60 makers and sellers! Admission is FREE and first 60 visitors receive a complimentary swag bag.
TAIWANfest is working with Harbourfront Centre to present a series of programming that aims to continue the meaningful dialogues that the festival has been engaged in since 2016. Conversations on diversity will always be important as we move towards an increasingly integrated society. Our regular series of Hope Talks will be conducted in an online format, along with Artist Talks that include local and international artists from past iterations of TAIWANfest.