Anser Graffiti Neon Art in King Taps Toronto

We went out for a birthday dinner at King Taps in Toronto's First Canadian Place and on the second floor I found a neon art outline of a face, a familiar face for those that seek out graffiti in alleyways of the city. This white neon face was designed by, or based on, the work of Anser Mysterious Date. His work can be found in my post from 2013 here.

I found out that this was Anser's first neon piece.

Winter Glow in Toronto

A small winter carnival in downtown Toronto as Winter Glow takes place from Dec 5-22, 2024 in Sankofa Square (Yonge-Dundas Square) in the run up to Christmas. You can take a ride on a 45 foot Ferris Wheel or other amusement rides or see the tall Santa Claus made from Shein boxes (from Dec 5-8).

"Experience the magic of the holiday season at Sankofa Square with Winter Glow. This festive event brings dazzling lights, carnival rides, games, and entertainment to the heart of Toronto. Enjoy dazzling lights, carnival rides, midway games, and live entertainment. Free admission, with ride tickets available for purchase. Experience the holiday spirit with Winter Glow."

Hours
Monday to Friday: 4pm to 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: noon to 10pm
Ride Tickets (each ride is one ticket)
$6 for a single ticket
$20 for 4 tickets ($5 per ticket)
$37 for 8 tickets ($4.63 per ticket)

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2025

Winter is when you dream of getting out on the open road, thinking of the wind on the open road cooling down the heat of summer and also dreaming of getting your new ride. It is almost the time for the first motorcycle show of the year so get ready to check out Toronto's 2025 motorcycle shows.

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW will be at the Toronto International Centre Jan 3-5. "If you’re into motorcycles and the lifestyle, then this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. Browse this enormous show and you’ll find new and used motorcycles, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Fashions.. You can also enjoy live bands, special guests, custom bikes, and much more!"

For those that like their motorcycles on water - the Toronto International Boat Show comes early as well; January 18-26.

Dirt Bike Show 2025 Feb 8-9 at the International Centre from Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 February 2025

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place this February 14-16. "Canada’s premier powersports events, The Motorcycle and Powersport Shows are back and set to deliver plenty of excitement, fun, information, and new discoveries for riders of all styles, ages, and experience levels. On road and off-road riders, future riders, and lovers of the motorcycle and quad lifestyle will be able to check out some of the most anticipated models for 2025 including the latest electric vehicles. There is no other show in the country with this level of brand representation."

And think of the four wheeling Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo coming March 7-9. "The promoters of the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo are pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of Canada’s biggest and best automotive and racing enthusiast show will take place March 7, 8 & 9, 2025 at The International Centre, across from Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The show will be special for several reasons, including the fact that is the 10th anniversary of the first Toronto Motorama show, which was held in March 2015. As well, the 2025 edition of Motorama will mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Dizzy’ Dean Murray’s first ‘Motion’ show, in 1975, on the same March Break weekend at The International Centre."

The Boat Show returns to the International Centre for the second annual show, March 27-30. "Set sail to The Boat Show at the International Centre! Dive into the latest boating innovations, marvel at live demos on our indoor lake, and dock effortlessly with free parking."

The Spring Toronto Motorcycle Supershow March 29-30. "The SPRING Toronto Motorcycle SUPERSHOW taking place at the International Centre has many ways to join in the experience. To Be a part of the show you can enter to take part in the International Spring Cup Bike Builders Competition, Join the SWAP in the SUPERSWAP in hall 2, Sell your motorcycle in the USED BIKE MARKET, or Park it on the Red Carpet in the Red Carpet Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit."

There is only one Port Dover motorcycle Friday the 13th rally in 2025 - You can hit the road and join thousands of bikers on June 13 in the Lake Erie shoreline municipality.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show (Fri to Sun, October TBD) at the International Centre. "If you’re into snowmobiles, ATVS and an all around Powersports enthusiast, this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. The enormous Outdoors Event Centre with Live test drives and Freestyle Shows featuring snowmobiles, ATVs, motocross and street bikes. You’ll find huge Manufacturer Displays showcasing all of the new snowmobile and ATV line-ups. This show has more corporate manufacturer displays than any other snowmobile and/or ATV show across North America. All of the new machines under one roof, over one weekend, you can’t miss it! We guarantee it will be worth the drive to get here."

Illumi and other winter light installations

The lights and decorations of Christmas season means it's time to get out on the cold winter days and explore some of the special attractions that make the holidays special. I went out again to Illumi nearby in Mississauga (pictured here) and it was even better than before and don't forget about the Cavalcade of Lights down at Toronto City Hall and note that there will be no Christmas Windows at the Queen Street Hudson's Bay.

Active Parents have compiled a google map of Christmas light decoration locations and in Toronto you can also consider the following.

Distillery Winter Village
Winter Glow at (Yonge-Dundas Square) Sankofa

Toronto Eaton Centre Christmas Decorations

Brookfield Place on Bay Street Christmas Decorations

Casa Loma holiday installations

Holiday Magic at Bloor-Yorkville

The Junction's Window Wonderland

Cavalcade of Lights

Other exceptional places to visit include Kringlewood on Inglewood Drive at St. Clair Avenue East and the DeSario Family Festival Of Lights on Benjamin Boake Trail.Dec 2-Jan 6/24 5:00-11:00pm.

Christmas with the dinosaurs (seems legit)

See more of the light installations after the jump.

Fun things to do in Toronto May & June 2025

Do you feel that strange, warm feeling on your face, baby that's summer headed your way? The city has shaken off its time of low vitamin D and starts to fill the streets with cafes and festivals. Peak Blossoms in High Park could be in the first week of May! (Cherry Blossoms in Toronto - could
happen late April, early May. Best views in High Park).

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival spanning the month of May.
World Naked Gardening Day Sat, May 3 (usually first Saturday of May).

GMM Toronto Global MJ March Sat, May 3 (first Saturday of May) in Queen's Park North.

May the 4th be with you! on Sunday, May 4 celebrate Star Wars and may the force be with you.
Toronto Marathon Sun, May 4. I definitely won't be running this, but if you do - wow, amazing.
Colour Me Rad 5k Sat, May TBD in Downsview Park. Doesn't look good for this event.

Planted Expo Toronto Sat to Sun, May 10-11 at the Enercare Centre.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival TCAF Sat to Sun, May TBD. They are looking for a new location for 2025-2026 while the library is undergoing renovations.

Castrol Presents the Victoria Day Speedfest at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Fri to Sunday, May 17-19.
Flavours and Art of India Sat to Sun, May TBD in Nathan Phillips Square.

Anime North Fri to Sun, May 23-25.
Doors Open Toronto Sat to Sun, May 24-25. Chance to see things normally closed to public or attractions with no entrance fee.

DO West Fest (formerly Dundas West Fest) Fri to Sun, Jun TBD. Dundas Street West from Ossington to Lansdowne presented by Little Portugal Toronto BIA
Luminato Festival Thurs to Sun, June TBD. Cool art installations.

Toronto Pro SuperShow Sat to Sun, June TBD. Muscles, enough said.

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) Sat, Jun 14. Right through downtown Toronto, nude. Meet at Coronation Park by noon for some bodypainting, ride begins at 1pm. Here is some info for the WNBR 2024.

Toronto Art Crawl Sat, June TBD. At Bentway Park

Redpath Waterfront Festival Fri to Sun, June TBD. Moved into September TBD. 

North By North East (NXNE) Music Festival Wed to Sun, June 11-15.

Northern Ink Xposure Tattoo Show Fri to Sun, June 13-15.

Taste of Little Italy Fri to Sun, June TBD.

Northern Heat Toronto Beaches Rib & Beer Festival Fri to Sun, June TBD in Woodbine Park.

Taco Fest outside Hotel X Fri to Sun, Jun TBD.

Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival outside Fort York, Sat to Sun, June TBD.

Dragon Boat Race Festival Sat to Sun, Jun 14-15.

Yorkville Exotic Cars Sun, Jun 15 on Bloor Street from 12 noon till 5pm.

Give me Liberty Street Festival in Liberty Village Thurs, June TBD.

Toronto Jazz Festival Fri to Sun, Jun TBD.

Woofstock Sat to Sun, June TBD. Cute dogs in costumes at Woodbine Park in the Beach area. 

World Pride: Toronto Pride Week and Pride Parades Thurs to Fri, Jun TBD. The Pride Village & Street Fair from Friday, June 28 – Sunday June 30. The parades are things of colour and beauty: Trans March on Friday, Dyke March on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday, June. The Street Festival on Church St is on during Pride Weekend. Pride Month starts June 1st. Formation area: Rosedale Valley Road closed from Bayview Avenue to Park Road to accommodate the formation of the parade. Parade route: Starts at Church Street and Bloor Street East, goes west on Bloor Street East to Yonge Street, south on Yonge Street to Dundas Street and back to the festival on Church Street. Roads will be closed for varying periods between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The parade takes place from 2 to 6:30 p.m.

Hope Volleyball Toronto Sat, Jun TBD at Polson Pier. Charity volleyball bash/tournament.

Some events in July

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Fri to Sun, July TBD.

And Toronto's MotorFest the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is coming Fri to Sun, July 18-20.

Cavalcade of Lights 2024 kickoff

Christmas season can only start after the Cavalcade of Lights lights up Nathan Phillips Square and the kickoff is on Saturday, November 30 from 5-10pm. The event is presented by Desjardins Group and will include live performances, lots of lights and festive activities for all.

This is the 58th annual festival which runs from November 30 to January 7, 2025 and Saturday's kickoff will feature the following.

- 5 p.m.: Welcome and blessing by Indigenous Elder Jimmy Dick with drumming by Spirit Storm Singers and hoop dancing by Theland Kicknosway
- 5:35 p.m.: Afro-Caribbean music by Zaynab Wilson MoZayic
- 6:20 p.m.: Remarks from Mayor Olivia Chow
- 6:30 p.m.: Circus performances by Zero Gravity Circus and Trash Panda Brass
- 6:40 p.m.: Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Nathan Phillips Square
- 7:40 p.m.: Dragon Dance by Northern Legs Southern Fists
- 8:30 p.m.: World music by Moskitto Bar

Queen Street

6 p.m. Dragon Dance by Northern Legs Southern Fists
7 p.m. Trash Panda Brass

Skating Rink

5 to 6:40 p.m. Public skating
7:15 to 7:40 p.m. Team Trinity Skating Showcase featuring:Two-time national medalists Canadian Pairs team Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud
Skaters from North Toronto Skating Club
Skaters from Toronto Metropolitan University Skating Club
7:45 to 10 p.m. Public skating with DJ Dre Ngozi

On the Square

5 to 9 p.m. Stilt-walking by Hala on Stilts
7 & 8 p.m. Fire performances by NorthFIRE Circus
8:20 p.m. Hoop dancing by Theland Kicknosway

From the City's website, "Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group. With an opening night inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals and winter solstice celebrations, Cavalcade of Lights is a free event that transforms City Hall and its surrounds into a dazzling wonderland. Enjoy the glittering tree, participate in public skating and bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto. Bring your own skates or rent them on site. Full opening night schedule and road closure information are available on the Cavalcade of Lights webpage."

Fun things to do in Toronto March & April 2025

You know winter is too long when they have to throw in a March break to keep us from going crazy, so welcome to the start of Spring and warmer temperatures.

Winter Stations in the Beach continues from Feb 17 into March.
Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show Thurs, Feb 27 to Sun Mar 2.
Illuminite interactive light festival in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood Mar 1-31. To be confirmed.
Biolumen Music and Light March 1 to April 1. Daily from noon till 10pm at Yonge-Dundas Square. TBC.
Toronto Catstravaganza Sat to Sun, Mar 1-2. Exhibition Place - Queen Elizabeth Bldg.
Toronto’s 2024 International Women’s Day Rally and March Sat, Mar 8. Rally at 1pm.

Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo Fri to Sun, Mar 7-9.
Toronto Rock Lacrosse till April.

Toronto Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Sat, Mar 8 to Sun, Apr 6.

Toronto FC First home game Sat, Mar TBC.

Celebrate Toronto Sat, Mar 8 in Nathan Phillips Square - It's birthday number 191.

Toronto Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Sat, Mar 9 to Sun, April 7.

Green Living Show Fri to Sun, Mar. To be confirmed.

National Home Show  Fri to Sun, Mar 7-16.

Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, Mar 7-9. 

Toronto International Bicycle Show Fri to Sun, Mar 7-9.

Sugar Shack Sat to Sun, Mar 8-9 down at the waterfront.

Lumiere The Art of Light in Ontario Place Trillium Park. Tue, Mar to Sat, Apr Dates to be confirmed.

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 13-16.

Toronto ComicCON Fri to Sun, Mar 14-16. Come for the costumes, read a few comics and meet some stars.

St Patricks Day Parade Sun, Mar 16.

Spring Cottage Life Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 20-23.

CANNEXPO 2024 Fri to Sun, Mar 21-22 at the Enercare Centre
Earth Hour Sat, Mar 22 at 8:30 pm.

Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener Thurs, Mar 27.

The New Boat Show at the International Centre Thurs to Sun, Mar 27-30.

Partial Eclipse of the Sun Sat, Mar 29 beginning at 6:56am.

Spring Toronto Motorcycle Supershow Sat to Sun, Mar 29-30.

Toronto Pillow Fight Sat, Apr 5 at 3pm at Nathan Phillips Square, to be confirmed. During World Pillow Fight Day.

Grand Slam of Curling: Princess Auto Players' Championship Tue to Sun, April 8-13 at the Mattamy Centre.

Toronto Food and Drink Festival Fri to Sun, Apr 11-13.

Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade Fri & Sun, Apr 18 & 20.

Record Store Day in Toronto Sat, Apr 12. Twenty one record stores in Toronto are participating.

ImportExpo - Toronto Opener Sat, Apr TBD. Better Living Building in Exhibition Place.

420 Smokeout Sun, Apr 20 at ?

Born for More: Soulful Beauty event Sun, Apr TBD. Inner and Outer Beauty event. 

Fashion Art Toronto Thurs to Sun, Apr TBD.
Future of Innovation, Technology and Creativity FITC Mon to Tue, Apr TBD

Battle of York Weekend TBD

Hopefully the fruit blossoms will come out to play, along with the warm weather. Check out the famous High Park Cherry Blossoms Festival.

Moved into May 2024

Planted Expo Toronto Sat to Sun, May 10-11 at the Enercare Centre.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival TCAF Sat to Sun, May TBD. They are looking for a new location for 2025-2026 while the library is undergoing renovations.

Fun things to do in #Toronto in Jan and Feb 2025

Winter starts on the December Solstice and darn it hits pretty hard by the time it gets into January and February, even in southern Ontario, so bundle up and check out what is going on in the big city of Toronto.

Note the Bentway Polar Bear Skate is December 31, 2024 (To Be Confirmed) New Year's Eve Day - registration at noon, skating starts at 1pm. Famous for skating in your skivvies under the Gardiner Expressway.

Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach. Wednesday, Jan 1. Noon at Sunnyside Beach. 'Do the Dip'.

North American International Motorcycle Supershow Fri to Sun, Jan 3-5 at the International Centre. 
Toronto No Pants Subway Ride Sun, Jan 12. Meet at 3pm at Eaton Centre Dundas Street entrance, 3:20pm head out on the rails. 

Canada's Bridal Show Fri to Sun, Jan 10-12.

The Franchise Expo Sat to Sun, Jan 11-12.

Interior Design Show IDS2025 Thurs to Sun, Jan 23-26.
Toronto International Boat Show Sat to Sun, Jan 18-26.

Winterlicious Fri, Jan 31 to Thurs, Feb 13. "Savour every bite"

Harbourfront Centre Kuumba Feb 2025. A celebration of Black Culture.

OCAD U Black History Month Digital Exhibition Thurs to Thurs, Feb TBD. On the screens of Yonge-Dundas Square.

Toronto NHL Fan Fair Thurs to Sun, Feb TBD at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, south building.
Hey, it's Groundhog Day on Sun, Feb 2. Groundhogs can't be stopped! Don't forget about Wiarton Willie!

Toronto Golf and Travel Show presented by Golf Town Fri, Jan 31 to Sun, Feb 2.

Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations Sat to Sun, Feb 1-2. Lunar New Year is Saturday and it's the Year of the Snake.
Maple Leafs Hockey outdoor practice Feb TBD at noon in Nathan Phillips Square. Festivities from Feb TBD including an alumni game on Saturday.

Sweet City Fest Fri to Mon, Feb TBD in the Stackt Market.
Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival Sat, Feb TBD. Brought to you by Steam Whistle and the Toronto Railway Museum.

Toronto Erotic Arts and Craft Fair Sat, Feb 8. Free admission at the Parkdale Hall.

Toronto Coldest Day of the Year Ride Sat, Feb TBD. Meet at 11:30am at Tom Riley Park.

Black Film Festival Wed to Mon, Feb 12-17.

Happy Valentine's Day Fri, Feb 14. Hugs and kisses everyone.

Motorcycle Show Toronto Fri to Sun, Feb 14-16. Down in Exhibition Place.

Spring Fish and Boat Show Fri to Sun, Feb 14-16.
Canadian International AutoShow Fri to Sun, Feb 14-23.

Winterfolk Festival Fri to Sun, Feb 14-16.

I Heart Beer and Taco Festival Sat, Feb TBD.

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest Festival Sun to Tue, Feb TBD.

Beaches Winter Stations Design Competition Displays start Mon, Feb 17.
Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show Fri to Sun, Feb 21-23.

Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show Thurs, Feb 27 to Sun, Mar 2 at the International Centre

Moved into March....

Toronto International Bicycle Show Fri to Sun, Mar 7-9.
Toronto Sportsmen's Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 13-16.

The New Boat Show at the International Centre Thurs to Sun, Mar 27-30.