#IDS2020 International Design Show Toronto 2020

Art and the profession of interior design merge at the 22nd annual IDS20 taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 16-19.

The MTCC's south building hosts a massive display of designers, artists and vendors centered around the Caeserstone Stage. Special exhibits include the Learning Lab, Studio North, Edible Futures and the Reset Home. There are over 250 design installations, collections and services with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

The Interior Design Show showcases "hot-topic design trends and the most innovative of international and Canadian design. An incubator of ideas, the show hosts the most influential design minds of today and the future, curates feature exhibitions and collaborations, and is a platform to launch never-before-seen products. IDS is not just a fair - it’s a total design experience."

You can definitely design your future at the IDS20 and the Opening Night Party is the best way to kick off the show. With over 6,000 interior design fans attending the January 16th evening of fun, food  drinks and design components. Wandering the halls checking out the booths and imagining your space recreated with new possibilities. Plus you can enjoy the many DJs from BelloSound and performances by Brooklyn based Moon Boots. The party features over 30 cuisine and cocktail stations, many with complementary servings.

Caesarstone never fails to disappoint and this year's exhibition by Jonathon Adler was impressive. "The Caesarstone x Jonathan Adler “Dreamland” installation at IDS20 will transform Caesarstone surfaces into a surreal and ethereal free-floating fantasy. Visitors will walk through a heavenly cloudscape that showcases the versatility of quartz through a variety of colours and textures. Adler challenged himself to design a soft environment using Caesarstone, a material more often associated with straight lines and sharp angles. The exhibit will feature clouds, faces and ostrich feathers, in addition to neo-classical columns inspired by Caesarstone’s headquarters in the old Roman port city of Caesaria, and more."

IDS20 is also a learning opportunity with plenty of conferences and classes over the four day event along with a Business to Business exposition called IDS Contact which is "a highly curated B2B exposition dedicated to A&D markets, focused on all verticals of design including workplace, healthcare, hospitality, retail, education, public space and government." The two day conference will cover four themes dealing in the Business of Design, Future of Work, Future of Living, and Technology.

Thursday and Friday are Professional Trade Days while the 18th is Globe and Mail Saturday and the 19th is House and Home Sunday.

Pictures and story by Ann and James Hamilton. See more IDS20 photos after the jump.

Toronto Film Critics Best Canadian Film Award

With 2019 wrapped up, the Toronto Film Critics Association reviewed the eligible contenders and determined the winner of the Best Canadian Film Award 2019 to be 'The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open'. The winning movie was a drama, directed by Kathleen Hepburn and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers which told the story of a friendship between indigenous women of different backgrounds. Author Margaret Atwood presented the award which also comes with a monetary prize of $100,000. In the picture at top: Phil Lind, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Peter Howell, Kathleen Hepburn with award presenter Margaret Atwood (far right) at the Awards. Photo by George Pimentel Photography.

The Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Best Canadian Film category required films released in Canada in 2019, plus films that qualify for the upcoming Oscars and are released by the end of February 2020. The TFCA, established in 1997, is made up of Toronto based broadcasters and journalists who are film critics.

"The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is an adventurous work shot in real time on 16mm film. It co-stars Violet Nelson as a pregnant young woman fleeing an abusive relationship and was previously named one of the top 10 Canadian movies of the year by the Toronto International Film Festival. “The title is poetic, but the story is grounded in the bone-deep reality that animates the best of Canadian film," TFCA President Peter Howell said of The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open. "TFCA members responded to its empathy, honesty and social currency, as will anyone who views it."

“It’s incredibly satisfying to see the TFCA’s critics celebrate a vital Indigenous story directed by two women working on the cutting edge of Canadian cinema,” said Rogers Vice-Chair Phil Lind. “The originality, emotional power and sheer nerve of The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is exactly what this award is designed to encourage."

Toronto No Pants Subway Ride 2020

Underground travel with the Toronto's subway system can be a tad frustrating, so this is the time to join with intrepid friends and lose the pants and put the wacky back into public transit. Have fun at the 19th anniversary of the Global No Pants Subway Ride taking place Sunday, January 12, 2020 which is happening today in over 50 cities spanning the globe. Photo at top from 2015 Ride by Joe Hamilton.

Pants is just a fancy word for leg jail - the 2020 ride

Participants will gather in the Toronto Eaton Centre at the Yonge and Dundas Street entrance at 3pm, drop their pants at 3:20pm and head downstairs into the Toronto Transit Commission Dundas St station on the Yonge-University subway line. At approximately 3:50pm they will have a pantless parade from Wellesley Station to the site of the the after party at The Drink on Church Street.

Meeting with security

The Eaton Centre entrance quickly filled up as hundreds waited for the Ride. Most were there just to witness the event. Then applause filled the space as a lady in shorts showed up with a sign and a megaphone. It wasn't long before security started to get concerned with the crowds and asked if they could get out of the Centre and into the public space of the subway.

Going through the ttc turnstiles

After a short talk the organizer did a short countdown and everyone filed down into Dundas subway station. Then more people stripped down, paid the ttc entrance fare and waited on the southbound train to come.

When the subway train did show up the people jammed into the cars and it got pretty tight in that relatively small space. Most of the travellers were fully dressed with groups of No Pants people mixed in the crowd.

Toronto's facebook site says; "The No Pants Subway Ride is a celebration of silliness to bring a smile to commuter's faces. Ain't no subway ride like a pantsless subway ride." The event is hosted by the No Pants Society.

Improv Everywhere started the No Pants Subway Ride in New York beginning in 2002 with only 7 people joining in the event. Now there are thousands in cities like London, Buenos Aires, Chicago, San Francisco and many more. They expect over 2,000 people in New York this year alone.

"Improv Everywhere is a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. There is no agenda for the event apart from a desire to make others laugh and smile. Improv Everywhere founder Charlie Todd refers to the event as a “celebration of silliness.” The idea behind the No Pants Subway Ride is simple: Random passengers board a subway car at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. The participants behave as if they do not know each other, and they all wear winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. The only unusual thing is their lack of pants."

Toronto Pillow Fight

See photos from a previous Toronto No Pants Subway Ride on my post here. The group that used to put on these silly events was Improv in Toronto with events like the Toronto Pillow Fight (pictured above), Best Busker Song, Gifts for Strangers, Flash Mob - Red Carpet Edition, Zombies Attack and the Flashmob Wedding Proposal. I miss these guys but am glad that some of the events, like the No Pants Subway Ride continue.

See more pictures of the 2020 NO Pants Subway Ride after the jump.

Maple Leafs Outdoor Practice rink at Nathan Phillips Square

After taking the ttc subway to Toronto City Hall the NHL Maple Leafs hockey players held a practice and three on three scrimmage on the rink at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday. The rink is outfitted with boards and nets to keep everyone safe and it still remains in place during the Outdoor Practice weekend event.

In the square there are several tents setup with skill competitions as well as a lounge that has comfy seats, fireplaces and a DJ playing some tunes. You can win some nice fan swag if you try the competitions. On Friday Maple Leafs alumni Shayne Corson #27 signed autographs for fans in the lounge. Meanwhile on the ice there was a scheduled game featuring first responders like the Toronto Fire Department and the Toronto Police Department.

Shayne Corson signs autographs in the adidas lounge

Saturday will have a Professional Women's Hockey Players Association skills competition while Sunday will have a Maple Leafs alumni game with hockey legends Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour on the ice.

Toronto Charity Runs 2020

Pound the pavement and get in your groove. It's time to run. IMPORTANT INFO: Due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus many events are being cancelled in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada. Make Sure you go to the event websites to see if the event will still take place.

Hair of the Dog Fun Run - promoting canoe and kayak sports (January - New Years Day)
St Patricks Day 5K Run - (March)
Beaches Spring Sprint - (April)
Bum Run - (April)
CF Run Walk - SickKids and POGO (April)
Goodlife Toronto Marathon - Princess Margaret Hospital (May)
Sporting Life 10k - Run for kids with cancer (May)
Toronto Women's Half Marathon - (May)
Walk of Life Walk/Run/Cycle - Cardiac Health (May)
Colour Me Rad - (May)
Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart - (June), get your bicycles ready
Ride to Conquer Cancer - (June)
Gutsy Walk formerly Heel 'n' Wheel-a-thon - Crohn's and Colitis (June)
Scotiabank Rat Race - for United Way (June)
Walk Now for Autism - (June)
Mud Run - Canada's dirtiest trail run (June)
City Chase - (#1 June)
Toronto Yonge Street Waterfront 10k - (June)
Pride and Remembrance Run - LGBTQ charities (June)
Spartan Race Toronto - Obstacle course racing (June), actually in Orono
Toronto Triathlon - With a Festival (July)
The Beaches Jazz Tune-Up Run/Walk - (July)
City Chase - (#2 August)
5K Foam Fest - for Make a Wish Canada (August)
Mud Hero - get down, get dirty 6km adventure featuring outrageous obstacles - (August)
Toronto Women's 10k and 5k - (August)
Tough Mudder - (September)
Terry Fox Run - Cancer (September)
Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes (September)
Rexall One Walk to Conquer Cancer (September)
Longboat Toronto Island Run - Toronto's oldest (September)
Famous Canadian Beer Run and Festival - (September)
Yorkville Run - Various Charities (September)
Toronto 5k - SickKids (September)
Oasis Zoo Run - Come run with the animals (September)
CIBC Run for the Cure - Breast Cancer (October)
Toronto Women's 8k and 5k - Women set the pace (October)
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon - various charities (October)
Toronto Santa Speedo Run (December) Santa runs around in a bathing suit before he delivers presents for Christmas
The Santa Shuffle - Salvation Army (December)

And one of my favorites the Burlington Santa 5K Run (December)

There is also Polo for Heart - Heart and Stroke (June) and many golf tournaments around the city for charity so there are plenty of ways to get active or help others financially. Run Guides provides an excellent listing of Toronto area runs.

Interior Design Show 2020 Toronto is 10 days away

Check out the hottest trends, design classes and leading experts at the 22nd annual Interior Design Show from January 16 to 19, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (south building). The first two days of the exposition are for design Professionals while the weekend is open to the public. You can begin the event during the IDS20 Opening Night Party and Preview Thursday, January 16 from 7 to 11pm (tickets to the show and party are available for purchase on their website).

"The Interior Design Show (IDS20), returns to Toronto with a future-forward vision for 2020. IDS20 will bring together global minds, leading designers, makers, changers, shapers and dreamers of today who are creating the new worlds of tomorrow. Canada’s premier showcase of new products, furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts became a hybrid event last year, catering to trade construction, design professionals and design-savvy consumers. “For over 20 years, IDS has been both a catalyst and authority for Canadian design,” says Karen Kang, National Director, IDS Canada. “During the past two decades, we have witnessed a lot of change. Yesterday’s designer has become today’s problem solver and tomorrow’s visionary. This year’s IDS 20/20 theme will explore how designers now create experiences at the intersection of technological and social problems, imagining new roads to alternative realities.”

IDS20 Schedule
Thursday, January 16: 10 am - 4 pm - Trade Day + IDS Conference
Thursday, January 16: 7 pm - 11 pm - Opening Night Party Presented by PurParket
Friday, January 17: 9 am - 6 pm - Trade Day + IDS Conference
Saturday, January 18: 10 am - 6 pm - Public Day + Design Classes
Sunday, January 19: 10 am - 6 pm - Public Day

The party will be a night of celebration with incredible food and beverages along with live music by Moon Boots and BELLOSOUND, enjoyed during your preview of the show floor with over 300 new design installations, services and collections.

"As Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond, IDS is the platform to experience the importance of design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Experiential and transformative, we bring together compelling concepts, innovative products, upcoming talent and key experts in the industry so you can be inspired by the best of the future."

I am looking forward to seeing Dreamland, a collaboration by design celebrity Jonathan Adler showcasing Caesarstone surfaces in a surreal fantasy exhibition. “We had such a fun time working with Jonathan for this year’s collaboration. He has an impeccable commitment to craftsmanship and luxury that we are so excited to bring to life with his creative and unique take on Caesarstone. His design is so inspirational and imaginative and really pushes the use of the product for all aspects of the home,” says Elizabeth Margles, VP of Marketing at Caesarstone North America.

Toronto Car Shows and Races 2020

Get your speed on and check out the car shows and races that are happening in and around Toronto during the 2020 season. IMPORTANT INFO: Due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus many events are being cancelled in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada. Make Sure you go to the event websites to see if the event will still take place.

You want to see cars? Well there are a lot of them at the Canadian International Auto Show Fri to Sun, Feb 14-23, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and annual attendance of 360,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show — a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive. It boasts more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles each year."

The 6th annual Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, March 13-15, 2020 returns to the International Centre. "Canada's biggest indoor Custom Car, Hot Rod & Motorsports Show. Over 300,000 square feet featuring mostly first-time-shown vehicles, automotive & racing celebrities, race tracks & series, car clubs, equipment & collectibles vendors, and more." There is no separate MegaSpeed Car Custom Car and Truck Show anymore. I do miss the abundance of entertainment that they used to have such as a bikini contest and a best bottom contest.

Honda Indy Toronto 2020 race weekend is July 10-12 and includes off-track entertainment along with some of the top racing series in the world. Thunder Alley, Pinty's Beer Garden, several paddocks and Honda Town are just some of the attractions that will keep you occupied during race weekend. In addition to the IndyCar race series the Mazda Road to Indy, NASCAR Pinty's Series, Porche GT3 Cup, Huracan Super Trofeo Evo cars and the Stadium Super Trucks. Tickets to the Honda Indy Toronto are on sale now and the website says; “The Honda Indy Toronto is an awesome summer festival that we proudly host in our world-class city,” said Honda Indy Toronto President, Jeff Atkinson. “We are so proud of how this event has grown over the last few years and filled the festival grounds and grandstands.

“Also, Honda Fan Friday continues to make a positive impact on the community. Thanks to the Ontario Honda Dealers Association and our fans’ generous support, over $120,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada in 2019 with Honda Canada Foundation’s matching contribution,” Atkinson explained. Other items now on sale to enhance the festival-goer experience are the Champions Club, NTT IndyCar Series Paddock Pass, Pit Pass and the Honda Indy Toronto Rookie Racers Membership Kit. The Champions Club is available for a limited time for $75 offering unprecedented access. The benefits include a complimentary NTT IndyCar Series Paddock Pass which provides entrance into “the locker room of motorsports,” the pre-race grid walk, an official event access credential with lanyard, signing the start finish line, an opportunity to win a two-seater Indy car ride on the track, and other exclusive at-event experiences to be announced."

Importfest, Canada's largest modified car show, is happening Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Cars and competitions take place with the help of some gorgeous models at "Canada's Biggest and Baddest."

Wheels on the Danforth takes place on the streets of Toronto August 15, 2020. The street festival features a large collection of antique, classic and tuner automobiles at the crossroads of the Danforth.

NASCAR Pinty's Series stock car races are Canada's only national racing series with about a dozen races starting from the Victoria Day Speedfest to the last race at Jukasa Motor Speedway in September for the Pinty's Fall Brawl. Canada's premier racing series also headlines Saturday's card at the Honda Indy Toronto. Andrew Ranger will be the the defending series champion. See the 2020 race schedule on my post here.

If you want to watch some more racing you can travel to a number of tracks around Ontario, some just hundreds of minutes away from Toronto. For bang for your buck value, the journey to the tracks provide a day or weekend of excitement and entertainment that is hard to beat. Here are the tracks with the approximate distance and direction from Toronto City Hall.

North

Sunset Speedway (1.25 hours north)
Full Throttle Varney Speedway (2 hours northwest)
Sauble Speedway (2.75 hours northwest)

Southwest

Oshweken Speedway (1.25 hours southwest)
Jukasa Motor Speedway (formerly Cayuga Speedway) (1.5 hours southwest)
Merrittville Speedway (1.5 hours southwest)
The New Humberstone Speedway (1.75 hours southwest)
Canadian Motor Speedway (under construction, 2.75 hours southwest)

West

Flamboro Speedway (1 hour west)
Delaware Speedway (2.25 hours west)
Grand Bend Motorplex (2.5 hours west)

East

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (1.25 hours east)
Kawartha Downs and Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Peterborough Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Brighton Speedway Park (1.75 hours east)
Shannonville Motorsport Park (2 hours east)
Brockville Ontario Speedway (3.25 hours east)
Cornwall Motor Speedway (4 hours east)
Calabogie Motorsports Park (4 hours east)

For those that like racing but enjoy the two wheeled variety more, you can check out my motorcycle show post here or hit Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend August 14-16, 2020. "Canada’s top motorcycle riders compete in a doubleheader points race for the national Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship. Titles will be decided during the Superbikes' premier stop of the season, and racing in other national classes will include Pro Sport Bike, Amateur Superbike, Amateur Sport Bike, and the Lightweight Sport Bike."

2020 Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Toronto

The 'Big One' by the airport is back in town for the weekend. Time to put your list together for what you didn't get for Christmas and shop at the North American International Motorcycle Supershow from January 3-5, 2020. For something a little different they have a medium battle tank the Sherman 'Billy' in Hall 3.

Show Hours: Friday (Jan. 3) 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday (Jan. 4) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday (Jan. 5) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at the International Centre.

3 riders heading into the air at the same time during the freestyle show

There will be indoor freestyle shows in Hall 3 Friday (1:30, 4:30 & 7:30), Saturday (11am, 1, 3:30 & 7) and Sunday (12 & 2).

NAIMS says; "EVERYTHING FOR MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS! A true shopping extravaganza, the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW hosts hundreds of exhibits. In addition to the unveiling of the new Motorcycles the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW has the largest display of Motorcycles, Non-current and Pre-owned Bikes, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Leather Fashions. The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW offers the largest marketplace in North America for Everything in Motorcycling."

There are a ton of bikes on display looking for new homes

The show is divided throughout the five halls; Hall 1 touring and cruisers, Hall 2 industry showcase, Hall 3 a century of motorcycles, Hall 4 performance and racing and Hall 5 chopper and custom bike showcase. The main entertainment stage is also in Hall 5.

Purrfect Angelz on stage. Next show Friday at 4pm

Purrfect Angelz fireshow

Purrfect Angelz dance troupe will be performing all weekend and the got ass girls have a booth at the show.

See more photos after the jump.

Toronto Beer and Spirit Festivals 2020

Beer and alcohol festivals are fun, it's a simple fact. Booze, friends, entertainment and good food. What could be better? IMPORTANT INFO: Due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus many events are being cancelled in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada. Make Sure you go to the event websites to see if the event will still take place.

Winter Craft Beer Festival at the Roundhouse Sat, Feb 1.

Society of Beer Drinking Ladies various Bevies starting Feb 7.
Wizards Beer Festival Sun, Mar 1
Winter Brewfest Toronto Fri to Sat, Mar TBD.
Spirit of Toronto Sat, Apr 25.
Toronto Festival of Beer Spring Session Sat to Sun, May TBD - see photos from 2017 here.
Rib and Craft Beer Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square Fri to Sun, May 15-17.
Forks and Barrels festival Toronto in Ontario Place Fri to Sun, June TBD.
Beaches Rib Fest Fri to Sun, June TBD.
Wine and Spirit Festival Fri to Sat, June 12-13.
Toronto Craft Beer Festival Fri to Sun, June 26-28.

Toronto Festival of Beer Fri to Sun, July 24-26 - see photos from 2017 here.
CNE Craft Beer Festival TBD.
Toronto Cider Festival Fri to Sat, Aug 28-29.
Toronto Beer Week Sep TBD.
Toronto Oktoberfest Sep TBD.
Torontoberfest Mon, Oct 14.
Cask Days at the Evergreen Brick Works Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.
Gourmet Wine and Food Expo Thurs to Sun, Nov 21-24 TBD.

It's still a little too early to get all the events scheduled but I will update this post when more details are known.

Toronto Polar Bear Dip 2020

A new decade, a new dip. Registration starts at 10:30am on Wednesday, January 1 then bodies hit the water at noon. Wind chill is high as the dippers gather at the starting point.

Sunnyside beach beside the ultra cool Sunnyside Pavillion is a good place to dive into the cold waters of Lake Ontario on New Year's Day.

See more photos after the jump.