Upcoming winter Polar Bear events in Toronto

If you want to do something daring and can stand the cold, if only for a little bit, there is time over the next week to get involved with some polar events.

First up this weekend is the Polar Bear Skate at the Bentway Park beside Old Fort York on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 1-4pm. Registration starts at 1pm and the skate starts at 2pm. There was a large turnout during the inaugural event held in 2018 and hopefully it will only grow in 2019 and beyond. See photos of the 2019 skate on my post here.

From their website; "The Bentway is bringing back the Polar Bear Skate for the second year… so strip down to your skivvies and join us on our Skate Trail! This event is free to attend – just bring your skates and you’re good to go. If you don’t have skates, we have rentals available on-site."

Then the big polar event comes our way on New Years Day during the Toronto Polar Bear Dip. People are asked to arrive at Sunnyside Beach around 10:30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 to take part in festivities, grab some free coffee or hot chocolate and see costumes that some individuals and teams wear in support of the charity (Child and Youth Advocacy Centre). Check out my photos of the 2020 Polar Bear Dip on my post here.

Some of the 2020 Dip

I have a great time taking photos at this event as many brave souls stay in the water for some time and it doesn't finish in 30 seconds.

Fun things to do in Toronto September & October 2020

Summer strays into September and Toronto gets busier as post secondary students flood into the city's colleges and universities. Get ready to put on your sweaters though and enjoy the fall colours throughout the GTA. A Snowbird jet aircraft buzzes the CN Tower during the annual air show in the photo at top.

Canadian National Exhibition CNE Fri, Aug 21 to Mon, Sept 7.
Artfest Toronto at the Distillery Fri to Mon, Sept 4-7.
Buskerfest Fri to Mon, Sept 4-7 at Woodbine Park in the Beaches.

Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) Sat to Mon, Sept 5-7.
Miss Sexy Car Wash Show and Shine Expo Show Sun, Sept 6.

And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival, or tiff Sept 10-20.
Toronto Beer Week Fri to Sun, Sept TBD Toronto Oktoberfest Thurs to Sat, Sept TBD in Ontario Place.
Just for Laughs Festival JFL42 Thurs to Sun, Sept 24 to Oct 4.

Windfest Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
I Love Culture Fri to Sun, Sept 25-27.

Nuit Blanche Sat, Oct 3 (6:51 pm to sunrise). The all night art thing with plenty of videos and light shows as well as Les Rues Des Refuses (hopefully).
National Women's Show Fri to Sun, Oct 16-18.
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show Fri to Sun, Oct 23-25.
Art Toronto Wed to Sun, Oct 28 to Nov 1.

Night of Dread Sat, Oct TBD from 4:30-9pm.
Zoomer Show Sat to Sun, Oct 24-25.
Halloween on Church and the Church Street Zombie Walk Sat, Oct 31.

Moved to November

Toronto Everything to do with Sex Show Fri to Sun, Nov TBD.

Fun things to do in Toronto July & August 2020

Peak Summer is here and you can find adventure and excitement in the Six. Take off those extra layers of insulation and slather on some sunscreen because nothing can keep you inside when all these events are taking place on and around the streets of Toronto. Plus fireworks on Canada Day!

Toronto Fringe Festival Wed to Sun, July 1-12.
Beaches Jazz Festival Fri to Sun, July 3-26.
Salsa on St Clair in Toronto Sat to Sun, July 4-5.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Starts early in July, Grand Parade Sat, Aug 1.
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Fri to Sun, July 10-12.

Honda Indy Toronto Fri to Sun, July 10-12. Exhibition Place will sound like a jacked up hornet's nest as the IndyCar series and the NASCAR Pinty's series light up the streets of Toronto.

Importfest Saturday, July TBD - cars and girls at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Toronto International BrazilFest Sun July TBD. In Earlscourt Park.
Guild Park Arts Festival Sat to Sun, July TBD.
Toronto Festival of Beer Fri to Sun, July 24-26. Hmmm, beer.

Keep an eye out for Sunflowers in August
Simcoe Day events in Toronto Mon, Aug 3.

Rogers Cup Tennis Sat to Sun, Aug 8-16.

Taste of the Danforth Fri to Sun, Aug 7-9.
Canfitpro Consumer Fitness and Wellness Show Wed to Sun, Aug 12-16.
Wheels on the Danforth Sat, Aug 15.

Canadian National Exhibition CNE Fri, Aug 21 - Mon, Sept 7. Do you want to go faster? And don't forget the fantastic Canadian International Airshow.

Chinatown Festival Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.
Aloha Toronto Festival Sun, Aug TBD.
Big on Bloor Festival Sat to Sun, July TBD. Car free from Dufferin to Lansdowne.
Taiwan Fest Fri to Sun, Aug TBD.
2 Day Best of the Beach Coed Volleyball Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.
Toronto Tamil Festival Fri to Sun, Aug TBD.
Leslieville Beerfest Sat, Aug TBD.
Go Topless Day Protest Sun, Aug 23. The Sunday closest to Women't Equality Day which is August 26.

Fan Expo Canada Thurs to Sun, Aug 27-30. Some amazing cosplay on display.

Events moved to September

Buskerfest at the Beaches in Woodbine Park. Fri to Mon, Sept 4-7.
Artfest Toronto at the Distillery Fri to Mon, Sept 4-7.
Miss Sexy Car Wash Show and Shine Expo Show Sun, Sept 6.
And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival, or tiff Sept 10-20.

NASCAR Pinty's Series 2020 Schedule

Three time series champion Andrew Ranger completed 2019 with 550 points in the #27 Mopar Parts Dodge car and took home the 2019 NASCAR Pinty's Series Championship title.

From Mopar's website; "The scene was sheer joy for Ranger and the entire #27 Mopar Parts Dodge team after the race. “I’m so happy to win the Pinty’s championship again,” said Ranger. “And the first championship for Mopar is very special. The whole team, all the guys worked so hard all season, I can’t thank everyone enough,” he added. In previous seasons, Ranger and Team Mopar had been close to winning it all, but came up a little short, but not this year. “Four oval wins and a consistency all season,” said Ranger after the race. “We had some bad luck in the past, but everyone worked so hard in the off-season. And now to have the championship again after ten years is just amazing, I’m so happy,” he added."

For 2020 the series stays in Canada, traveling between Alberta and Quebec for 13 races (including a doubleheader) starting at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park during the May long weekend. Stops include the race in Toronto during the Honda Indy Toronto.

Here is the 2020 schedule (subject to change)

Sunday, May 17
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, Ontario

Saturday, June 6
Jukasa Motor Speedway
Hamilton, Ontario

Saturday, June 27
Autodrome Chaudiere
Chaudiere, Quebec

Saturday, July 4
Sunset Speedway
Innisfil, Ontario

Friday, July 10

Honda Indy Toronto
Exhibition Place
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, July 25
Edmonton International Raceway
Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Twin Races Wednesday, July 29
Wyant Group Raceway
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Sunday, Aug 9
Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
Trois-Rivieres, Quebec

Tuesday, Aug 18
Ohsweken Speedway
Ohsweken, Ontario

Sunday, Sept 6
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, Ontario

Saturday, Sept 12
Circuit ICAR
Mirabel, Quebec

Saturday, Sep 26
Jukusa Motor Speedway (formerly Cayuga)
(Hagersville) Hamilton, Ontario

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2020

Shiny, mobile pieces of art that gleam in the sun on the open road are only memories in the Canadian winter. Still, you can skip the memories and head over to a motorcycle show to see the latest machines and some custom choppers. If you pick one out you can be ready when spring hits the asphalt. 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.

And the shows start in early in the year with the Jan 3-5 North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW at the International Centre. Hollywood's professional dancers, gymnasts and all around superstars the Angelz will be performing at the show all weekend long. "Check out all the Newest items in Motorcycling in massive displays with New Bikes, Huge Manufacturer and Dealer Displays, walk the Century of Motorcycles Exhibition, discover the hottest Shopping Bargains, check out the Enormous Used Bike Markets and find all of your Parts & Accessories for sale in hundreds of Exhibitor booths. Meet over 100 Clubs, Rides & Rallies, and Purchase your Bike right at the Show. LIVE Motocross Freestyle shows, LIVE music, LIVE Performances by the Purrfect Angelz. Meet industry celebrities and watch some of the biggest names in bike builders compete to win $50,000 in Cash and Prizes at The Canada Cup Championship Custom Bike Competition on the AMSOIL stage in hall 5."

The Angelz

Next up is the Motorcycle Show Toronto Feb 21-23 at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place. "The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the biggest manufacturers show in Ontario, with a wide-ranging and exciting line-up of exhibitors that celebrates the motorcycle lifestyle. From the open road, to the track and to the trail, this is your chance to see the newest models from the big names. Find everything you need for the season ahead, including bikes, aftermarket parts, gear, accessories and more! Talk to experts, join a riding club, plan your next motorcycle trip and meet awesome people who share your passion."

The Toronto Motorcycle Spring Show kicks off the riding season at the International Centre from April 4-5. Presented by Riders Plus Insurance the show delivers an incredible weekend of new and used bikes, motorcycle gear and accessories with attractions and exhibits that appeal to everyone from beginners to hardcore bikers.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show October 23-25 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."

There are two upcoming Port Dover motorcycle rallies in 2020 - one on March 13 and one on November 13.

You can check out Toronto Car Shows and Races 2019 on my post here.

Fun things to do in Toronto May & June 2020

Is it me, or is it starting to warm up all around here? Summer in the city means get out there and have some fun.

Global M March. Note: No permits means no festival but the march continues - gather at high noon Sat, May 2 at Queen's Park North, march begins at 2pm. Date to be confirmed.
World Naked Gardening Day Sat, May 2 (usually first weekend of May).
Toronto Marathon Sun, May 3.

Colour Me Rad 5k Sat, May TBD in Downsview Park.
Toronto Comic Arts Festival TCAF Sat to Sun, May 9-10.
Toronto Roller Derby League.

Cherry Blossoms in Toronto - should happen May. Best views in High Park. Update: Peak Blossoms in High Park in early to mid-May.

Miss Hooters Toronto Bikini Contest Wed, May (TBD) at the Downtown Hooters and Thurs, May (TBD) at the Toronto Airport Hooters - doors open at 7pm. Cost is $10.

Castrol Presents the Victoria Day Speedfest at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Fri to Sunday, May 15-17.
Spring Sessions Toronto's Festival of Beer Sat to Sun, May TBD.
Canadian Music Week Mon to Sun, May 19-23.
Toronto International Circus Festival Sat to Mon, May TBD.

Anime North Fri to Sun, May 22-24.
Doors Open Toronto Sat to Sun, May 23-24. Chance to see things normally closed to public or attractions with no entrance fee.
Toronto Lift Expo Thurs to Sun, May 28-31.

Woofstock Sat to Sun, June 6-7. Cute dogs in costumes at Woodbine Park in the Beach area. Don't forget about Winter Woofstock in November.
Miss Sexy Car Wash Show and Shine Sun, June 7 and later is the Expo Show Sun, Sept 6.
Forks and Barrels festival in Ontario Place Fri to Sun, June TBD.

Luminato Fri to Sun, June TBD. Cool art installations.
Toronto Wine and Spirit Festival Fri to Sat, Jun 12-13 at Sugar Beach.

Toronto Pro SuperShow Fri to Sun, June 12-14.
Northern Ink Xposure Tattoo Show Fri to Sun, June 12-14.
Taste of Little Italy Fri to Sun, June 12-14.
North By North East (NXNE) Music Festival Fri to Sun, June 12-21.
Roncy Rocks in Roncesvalles Sat, June 13.

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) Sat, Jun 13. Right through downtown Toronto, nude. Meet at Coronation Park by noon for some bodypainting, ride begins at 1pm.
Toronto edition of the Global Reddit Meetup in Trinity Bellwoods Sat, Jun TBD, starting at 2pm.
Toronto Jazz Festival Thurs to Sun, Jun 18-28.
The Beaches Ribfest - Beach BBQ and Brews: Fri to Sun, June 19-21.
Redpath Waterfront Festival Fri to Sun, June 19-21. With the return of the giant rubber ducky!
Nuit Rose in Church/Wellesley Village and Queen St W. A festival of queer art and performance. Sat, Jun TBD.
Hope Volleyball Tournament Sat, June TBD on Toronto Islands. Charity volleyball bash/tournament.
Battle of Black Creek Re-enactment Soldiers and Spies Sat to Sun, June TBD.
Junction Summer Solstice Festival Sat, June 20.
Dragon Boat Race Festival Sat to Sun, Jun 20-21.

Bloorville Exotic Cars Sun, Jun 21.
OM T.O. Sun, June 21. International Yoga Day
iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards Sun, Jun TBD.
Collision Toronto Mon to Thurs, June 22-25 tech conference at the Enercare Centre.

World Pride: Toronto Pride Week and Pride Parades Fri to Sun, Jun 26-28. The parades are things of colour and beauty: Trans March on Friday, Dyke March on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday. The Street Festival on Church St is on during Pride Weekend.
Pride Parade, Sunday, June 28: 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.
Canada Eve Fireworks Sun, June 27. To be confirmed
Digital Dreams Festival Sat to Sun, June 27-28.
Toronto Roller Derby League: Clam Slam Fri, Jun TBD. Part of the Pride Celebrations - love the name.

Events moved into July
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Fri to Sun, July 10-12.

And Toronto's MotorFest the Honda Indy Toronto is coming Fri to Sun, July 10-12.

Enjoy summer and go see a Blue Jays game

Toronto Winter Solstice Parade 2019

Winter comes back to Toronto December 21st with the shortest day and the longest night. Cripes that's a bad combination, then you throw in low temperatures, yuck. Luckily Red Pepper Spectacle Arts returns with the winter festival, parade and burning ceremony starting in Kensington Market at 6:30pm on the 21st. "Ignite the longest darkest night". Here are some of my photos from the 2018 Solstice.

The gathering starts at Oxford Street and Augusta Avenue where an indigenous drum circle begins the night's festivities. People in horse costumes, stilt walkers, marching bands and lanterns then lead into a spectacular fire breathing show that proceeds the Solstice Parade. You can buy lanterns from 5-6:30pm at 260 Augusta Ave for $20.

That parade full of puppeteers, musicians and visitors start to head out of Kensington Market at 7:00pm as they walk south to Dundas Street and west into Alexandra Park. Members of the final ceremony file into the ball diamond in the park, circling as music plays and the crowd grows. In the centre of the diamond is a large, cardboard structure that is an impressive work of art meant to burn in flames, each year it is a different sculpture.

The start of the fire finale

It really is a unique experience and something that you should try at least once.