Once again the September calendar of exciting events in Toronto in full. There is definitely something for everyone in Toronto this fall! We have listed those that are walking and street car access from The Boatel because we know once our guests park they don’t want to drive.
It wouldn’t be labour day without a mention of the CNE and the air show. As has been the custom for the last 134 years the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or The Ex as it is affectionately known opens Aug 17 closes on Labour Day (Sept 3) after a 18 day run. The Ex is Canada’s largest community fair that attracts about 1.3 million people each year and offers shows, entertainment, shopping, midway rides .
The Toronto International Film Festival, (affectionately know as TIFF) September 6 to 16th.is the leading public film festival in the world, screening more than 300 films from 60+ countries every September. Stars decend upon Toronto for the screenings which also attracts thousands of fans trying to get a peek of their favorite stars on the red carpet. Take in as many of the 300+ films in ten days, as Toronto rolls out the red carpet to welcome the world at this popular festival.
If you wondering what to do on Labour Day weekend, then make sure the this is part of your plans. Whether you are sitting at the CNE or anywhere along the waterfront you will be captivated by the Canadian International Airshow that runs from September 1 to the 3th with daily shows starting at 12:30. Guests at The Boatel will be able to relax and watch the show from the boat.
It’s a short drive to the annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival in Port Credit (Mississauga waterfront) on September 7-9th. But don’t worry if you don’t want to drive you can take the GO train from Union Station and forget about the parking problems. This fun filled event is on from Sept 7 to 9th and is sure to entertain. Stop by the quaint stores in lovely downtown Port Credit and you will definately want to make this an annual event. Event Location: Port Credit east of Lakeshore & Hurontario
The world premier of Cirque du Soleil new show Amaluna opens in Toronto on September 6th in the nearby Portlands. Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Consult the website for ticket prices and dates.
September 7-9th Vegetarian Food Festival at Harbourfront Centre. One of the largest food festival of its kind. Dig in lots of food to sample.
The Cabbagetown Festival andRiverdale Farm Fall Festival, (Sept 7-9) in the heart of Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown district is a not-to-be-missed fall event. By the way Cabbagetown got its name from the habit of its first residents growing cabbages on their front lawns and the name stuck. I attended this event last year and I was amazed at the quality of vendors at this event with lots of original art by Canadian designers.
Experience the magic of the Vietnamese Lantern Festival, an annual mid-autumn tradition on September 15th at the Harbourfront Centre. On September 16th enjoy Fortune Cooking with Pan-Asian cusine and culture.
What’s a vist to Toronto without a baseball game, eh? Take me out to the Ball Game . In September the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre hosts Boston Red Socks, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay, Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. Fans will be filling the streets and the Rogers Centre as Toronto plays Tampa Bay (Sept 1-2), Baltimore (Sept 3-5), Seattle (Sept 11-13), Boston (Sept 14-16) and NY (Sept 27-30). Of course it’s a short walk from the Boatel to Rogers Centre so don’t worry about the traffic, in fact the Rogers Centre is almost in our back yard (see the picture) and when the Toronto Blue Jays hit a home run you can hear them cheer. Let’s play ball!
The Queen West Art Crawl (Sept 14-16) is a “weekend-long festival to celebrate and cultivate the unique character, diversity and ethos of Queen West – a natural habitat for individual artists, arts organizations, artist run centres and businesses that promote art and culture.” 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the festival. The festival runs along Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles and features 250 jury-selected artists. There are plenty of art events for crawlers of all ages, from the family-friendly Second City KidsZone, walking tours, to the edgy and innovative Parkdale Nightcrawl. Festival Location: Queen Street West, Toronto
The Word on the Street September 23rd – Celebrate reading, writing, and literacy at Canada’s largest book and magazine festival: The Word on the Street. Visit any of the 250 book, magazine, and literacy exhibitor booths to discover new writers, new publications, and new talent. Take in readings, ask questions, and get your books signed by almost 200 authors, performers, and storytellers. Enjoy great programming all day at any one of 18 performance venues, which include a Bestsellers Stage, Children’s Activity Tent, and the Wordshop: The Place for Writers. Last year more than 200,000 people enjoyed The Word on the Street; come see what all the type is about! Event Location: Queens Park – University Avenue & College St Toronto .
And finally, but certainly not least, the month comes to an end with the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche (French for White Night) on Sept 29th. For one sleepless night experience as Toronto is transformed by hundreds of artists for Toronto’s sixth annual sunset-to-sunrise celebration of contemporary art. You can discover art in galleries, museums and unexpected places. From a streetcar, alleyways and storefronts to churches, ponds and parks, choose from more than 130 destinations and chart your own path. One night only. All night long. Festival Location: Toronto waterfront and various locations.
As you can see there is lots in store for our Boatel guests. Just don’t forget walking shoes.