WATCH ABOVE: 137th CNE open for business and lots of fun
With so many events in and around Toronto, it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening and what’s worth venturing out for. Here are five things we recommend doing in the city this weekend.
Go to the Ex
It’s that time of year again when scary rides, gross food concoctions (Timbit Poutine, anyone?) and overly-excited carnies take over Exhibition Place. The CNE (aka the Ex) might be a sign that summer is almost over, but this year’s carnival promises to deliver everything we Torontonians love to hate about it (while secretly loving it) and more. Along with Timbit Poutine, you can try poutine balls and poutine cake, as well as chicken waffles on a stick and bacon wrapped grilled cheese. There’s 65 rides this year, a daily parkour show and plenty of concerts at the bandstand booked (America plays Friday and Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea performs Saturday). The CNE runs until Sept. 7. For more info, visit theex.com.
WATCH: Check out what delicious foods are waiting for you at the CNE this year. Marianne Demaine reports.
Watch a floating movie
One of the best outdoor movie experiences Toronto has to offer, Sail-In Cinema is host to three free “Flashback to the ’80s” screenings at Sugar Beach this weekend. Ghostbusters kicks things off on Thursday night followed by Goonies on Friday and E.T. on Saturday. Because they use a special double-sided inflatable screen positioned in the water, you can watch from the beach or from your own boat on Lake Ontario. For more info on Sail-In Cinema, visit sailincinema.com.
WATCH: Sail-In Cinema returns to Toronto waterfront. Rosey Edeh has more.
Eat some (tasty) antioxidants
If the food at the CNE is too much for you, rejoice in knowing that you can get a health boost from blueberries and coconuts at two separate events this Sunday.
The 6th Annual Wild Blueberry Festival at the Evergreen Brickworks features workshops, tastings, musical guests and family activities, such as a scavenger hunt and First Nation storytelling. There’s also a blueberry beer available to try, brewed by Brasserie Dunham, Great Lakes Brewery and Bar Volo. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and is free to attend with a fee for certain workshops and events. For more info, visit evergreen.ca.
Venture further south to David Pecaut Square (215 King St W.) and you’ll find the 2nd Annual Coconut Festival. The event features speakers and performers, yoga sessions, chef demos, as well as vendors serving up some coconut-themed treats. The free fest runs Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more info, visit coconutfestival.ca.
See Full House like never before
Whether you’re a fan of the ‘80s sitcom Full House or not, you’re sure to appreciate Full House: The Musical! — a parody of the show (and the cast) — featuring Perez Hilton in place of Bob Saget as family patriarch Danny Tanner. The musical follows Danny “as he slowly turns from wholesome Danny Tanner to foul-mouthed and dark Bob Saget.” Full House: The Musical! runs at the Randolph Theatre (736 Bathurst St.) until Sunday, Sept. 6. For showtimes and ticket info, visit fullhousethemusical.com.
WATCH: Liem Vu discovers how Perez Hilton stepped into Danny Tanner’s shoes in Full House: The Musical!.
Drink beer. On a boat.
Like drinking beer? Like boats? Then the 2nd Annual Indie Boat Hop is for you. For the reasonable price of $45 you get a three-hour tour of Lake Ontario as craft beer and cider from Amsterdam, Bellwoods, Clifford Brewing, Great Lakes, Indie Alehouse, Nickel Brook, Sawdust City, Stone City and West Avenue Cider is served. Food will also be available to purchase. Two sessions are available on Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit universe.com.
Let us know what you plan to do in Toronto this weekend in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
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