Celebrating Day of the Dead at Harbourfront Centre

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Pier 27

Long have we recognized the beautiful imagery – the bright colours, the intricate sugar skulls – that go along with Dia de los Muertos, and wondered more. Have no fear, because this year, Harbourfront Centre will be marking the occasion with a 2 day celebration. From November 5th – 6th join in this free event, a festival honouring, celebrating, and remembering those who have left the world of the living. The festival will celebrate in both traditional and contemporary ways, through live music, art installations, family activities and more. Here are some of the ways Harbourfront Centre will be celebrating this joyous occasion. Continue reading →

The 37th International Festival of Authors

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Pier 27

The Harbourfront Centre has gained a reputation for being a cultural hub in the city, and rightfully so. No matter the time of year, there’s sure to be something exciting happening on their calendar. From art exhibitions, to performances, to festivals there’s no shortage of cultural experiences for people to take part in. This fall is no exception. One particular highlight from the fall calendar is the 37th International Festival of Authors. Here’s everything you need to know. Continue reading →

4 Creative Courses You Can Take at Harbourfront Centre

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Pier 27

School’s been in session for a month, leaves are on the sidewalk, and the breeze has cooled substantially – we can officially say it’s fall. There’s something about these autumn months that make you wish you were back in school, even if you’ve been out for years. Not unlike the start of a new year, those feelings of wanting to try new things and better yourself are strong when this new season begins. The good news is, no matter your age, there’s always new things to learn, try, and experience in the city. In fact, the Harbourfront Centre offers a year-round program of Craft & Design courses if you’re looking to explore your creativity. Continue reading →

The Word on the Street Festival

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Pier 27

If you’re a bookworm, then you know, there’s no better feeling than curling up with a good book. Whether it’s a classic, a favourite that you keep picking up, or a new novel that’s set the literary world abuzz, reading brings about a specific type of bliss. While enjoying a good is often a solitary activity, when you instead open yourself up to the literary community the celebration of the written word reaches new heights. Toronto is lucky enough to have a one day spectacular event that does just this – The Word on the Street Festival. Continue reading →

Explore the Toronto Music Garden

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Pier 27

As we zoom through the latter half of August, the urge to fit as much summer into a short amount of time becomes all the more pressing. We look over our bucket lists at the remaining activities and make every effort to pencil them in the coming weeks. The good news is that once August ends, the weather will still be gorgeous (if not more so), and the summer activities will still be available to you! One such ‘must-do’ activity that continues into September is visiting the Toronto Music Garden. Continue reading →

Spending the Perfect Day on the Toronto Waterfront

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Pier 27

The Toronto Waterfront covers quite a bit of space on a Google map. Technically it’s a 46 km area running between Etobicoke Creek in the west and the Rouge River in the east. For our purposes, we’re confining the Waterfront to the area near Pier 27, and most accessible by transit and biking – we’re talking Spadina in the west and Yonge Street in the east. As you can imagine, there are endless things to do along the Waterfront – do, see, eat and enjoy. The area is bustling with Torontonians and visitors alike, as well as the spot of a major revitalization. Here’s our guide to how to have your own perfect day on the Toronto Waterfront. Continue reading →

Toronto’s Best Winter Block Party: DJ Skate Night

Posted on January 6, 2016January 6, 2016 by Pier 27

Was your New Year’s resolution to have more fun with your friends and family? What about being more active? If you answered ‘yes’ to both (or even one) of these questions, then you need to check out DJ Skate Night.

This event has been going on for many winters in Toronto now. DJ Skate Night transforms our favourite ice skating rink, the Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre, into a mini dance club. Every Saturday night they bring in a new DJ to entertain the crowd so you can dance – or skate – the night away. It’s one of our favourite outdoor activities to do in winter and with a new theme and performance each week, it never gets old!

Here’s what you can expect at DJ Skate Night for the remainder of the 2016 season:

January 9th
DJ John Kong will be spinning at DJ Skate Night this weekend. He is a Toronto-based DJ who is well known in the city for playing an awesome mix of soul, jazz, funk, and disco tunes. A guaranteed good time!

January 16th
Wavelength is a non-profit and artist-run organization in Toronto whose focus is on creating amazing music festival and event experiences. They’ll be bringing their friends from Synthesexer to DJ Skate Night this week, who will be playing a selection of electro-pop, italo disco, and house music.

January 23rd
The Small World Music Society is bringing DJ medicineman to the Natrel Rink this week. Their show promises to bring a great mix of tunes and beats from around the globe. If you listen to CIUT 89.5 FM, you’re likely already a fan. Can’t wait to check this one out.

January 30th
DJ P-Plus will be taking over DJ Skate Night on FLOW 93.5 FM night. The only description for what you can expect from him is that he’s bringing “old school to life.”

February 6th
Ever had a French Caribbean DJ dance party? If you’re intrigued, you’ll want to come to DJ Skate Night this weekend to learn what Kizomba, Bachata, and Kompa is all about.

February 13th
If you’re looking for a pre-Valentine’s activity, this is perfect! You may have heard DJ Trambo at Lula Lounge in Toronto before – he’s all about bringing the topics to the dance floor or in this case, the rink. The perfect cure for the winter blues!

DJ Skate Nights happen every Saturday this winter from 8pm to 11pm. It’s always free to attend, and you can take advantage to the heated indoor change room, lockers, washrooms, and skate rentals on site.

See you there!

Photo via Harbourfront Centre Facebook Page

Winter Events at the Harbourfront Centre

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Pier 27

The Harbourfront Centre on the Toronto waterfront has been one of the city’s main creative and cultural hubs for a few decades now. Thousands of events pass through there on an annual basis focusing on everything from theatre, literature, dance, music, film, crafts, and visual arts. If you’re an artistic person or just enjoy being entertained, you belong here!

Even though it is situated on the waterfront, the Harbourfront Centre is active all year round (mind you, during the winter most events are indoors!). As always, this winter is full of great programs and classes you and your friends and family can enjoy together. So, let’s take a look at what you can get up to in 2016:

The Power Plant: Winter 2015 Exhibitions
Starting on January 30th, you can go and explore the amazing works of four talented artists – Leslie Hewitt, Patrick Bernatchez, Aude Moreau, and Carlos Amorales – whose exhibitions are big, bold, and beautiful. Whether you’re into photography, videography, or visual arts, you’ll find something you love there.

World Stage
Each year the World Stage exhibition brings some of the best contemporary works of art to the Harbourfront Centre. This performance event has been happening there since 1986 and is an eclectic mix of art forms that always wow audiences. It’s one of the most unique events that happens in Toronto each year, and we highly recommend you don’t miss it.

Dance Ontario
Fan of all types of dance? The Dance Ontario 2016 weekend will be sure to entertain you then. This weekend brings together dancers from companies all over the city to perform mostly traditional dances from around the globe.

Glass Blowing
On the weekend of January 15th, you could learn all the techniques of glassblowing! The class covers both solid and blown forms of glass, as well as colour application, hot and cold techniques, and how to use the equipment. So cool.

Pottery
Always wanted to learn how to make your own cups and bowls? Sign up for the 8-week course on either Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays starting in January and learn how to throw, coil, slab, trim, and decorate your own pottery pieces.

Don’t forget you can also grab your skates and hit the ice at the Natrel Rink down at the Harbourfront. This rink has been a crowd favourite for over 30 years in Toronto! It’s free to use, there’s a heated indoor change room, and they host awesome events like DJ Skate Night and their annual New Year’s Eve Skating Party.

Photo via mtutton on Flickr

You Guide to the Toronto Waterfront

Posted on November 6, 2015December 1, 2015 by Pier 27

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we’re so lucky to live on the waterfront!

It’s been a long process to revitalize it, but with the help of Waterfront Toronto and everyone in our neighbourhood we’re really starting to get there. There are so many great places and spaces to hang out – from digging your toes in the sand at Sugar Beach, to catching a show at the Sound Academy, or skating at the Harbourfront Centre – and it’s so important to make the most of your own neighbourhood.

This map is a pretty good overview of all the places we like to explore on the waterfront, and you should too! Why not go for a bike ride along the Martin Goodman Trail and check them all out? Continue reading →