Is there an Outdoor Movie Screening Trend in Toronto
July 12, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
What is this new trend all about? Is it a new trend or just more events, the Harbourfront Centre and the CITYTV parking lot have been popular outdoor movie spots. You might have heard about it, and thought it would be a good idea to see one of the many outdoor movie screenings in Toronto this summer.
This is a great way to get out of the indoor a/c pumping theatre and forget Netflix for a night and get out to one of the many outdoors screenings in the city. Enjoy a night out and movies of all kind, from all time classics to more recent movies. Everybody can find their tastes thanks to the growing number of those events downtown.
If an old school drive in is your thing there is the downtown Lakeview Drive in at Polson Pier in the Portlands and Toronto’s only drive in movie theatre. For more info visit PolsonPier.com
Here’s a list of some the upcoming outdoor movies and their locations:
- Open Roof Festival
The Open Roof Festival started a few years ago at the Amsterdam Brewery parking lot on Bathurst. Open Roof Festival is an non profit outdoor music and film festival, highlighting independent filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world. Each movie night offers live music followed by a film screening at sundown every Thursday on from 7:30 pm. (Tickets: $15)
Location: Moonview Lot next to Corus Quay, 175 Queens Quay E (in case of rain the screening will be moved to Studio1)
Upcoming screenings:
July 18: Molly Maxwell
July 25: Unhung hero
August 1: Bones Brigade
August 8: Gimme The Loot
August 15: How to make money selling drugs
August 22: Kings of Summer
For more information visit: http://openrooffestival.com/
- Tiff in the park
Every Wednesday TIFF & The Toronto Entertainment District BIA presents FREE outdoors screening of romantics classics
Location: David Pecaut Square
Movie Schedule:
July 17: City Lights – Trailer
July 24: Sleepless in Seattle – Trailer
July 31: The way we were – Trailer
August 7: Clueless – Trailer
August 14: Sense & Sensibility – Trailer
August 21: Roman Holiday – Trailer
August 23: Rain Date (Open schedule in case of rainy day)
August 28: The Notebook – Trailer
More information on: http://torontoed.com/tiff
- Christie Pits Film Festival
Every Sunday in July, the Christie Pits Film Festival broadcast all kind of movies in the natural amphitheatre of Christie Pits Park around 9pm.
Movie selection:
July 14: Gimme Shelter - Trailer
July 20 (Saturday): Shut up and play the hits- Trailer
July 21: Buena Vista Social Club – Trailer
July 28: The last waltz – Trailer
For more information visit: http://www.christiepitsff.com/home.php
- City Cinema @ Dundas Square
Enjoy FREE outdoor movie screenings in the central Yonge and Dundas Square. Every Tuesday the movies start at sunset. Seating available but you can bring your own chair
Upcoming films:
July 16: Anchorman, The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) – 9:00pm
July 23: The Napoleon Dynamite (2004) – 9:00pm
July 30: The Goonies (1985) – 8:30pm
August 6: Miller’s Crossing (1990) – 8:30pm
August 13: Strait Jacket AND Mommie Dearest Double Feature (1964) – 7:00pm
August 20: Spaceballs AND Serenity Double Feature (1987) – 7:00pm
More information on the screenings: http://www.ydsquare.ca/dancing-in-the-dark-sponsors.html
- Free Flicks Harbourfront Centre
Every Wednesday watch FREE movie outdoors by the lake at the West Jet Stage at 9pm, Queens Quay
Movie lineup:
July 17: Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of Were-Rabbit
July 24: Top Secret!
July 31: Street of Fire
August 7: The Triplets of Belleville
August 14: That thing you do!
August 21: Josie and the Pussycats
August 28: Audience Choice – Vote for your favorite movie on the list (see link) and help determine the final Free Flick screening of the summer.
More details on: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/freeflicks/
- Movies In The Park at Riverdale Park East
Movies In The Park offers Sunday Night screenings in Riverdale Park East. In the past they have partnered with charitable organizations to help raise awareness of the organizations and to raise funds through screening sponsors.
July 14 : Top Gun
July 21 : The Goonies
August 4 : E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
August 18 : Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Visit moviesinthepark.wordpress.com for more details
- Sail-In Cinema™
Toronto’s largest outdoor theatre event. The Toronto Port Authority presents Sail-In Cinema™, the world’s first two-sided floating movie experience.
For three summer nights, Canada’s Sugar Beach is transformed. Movies are shown on a two-sided screen set atop a barge in Toronto Harbour. You can Watch from a boat or Sugar Beach.
http://www.sailincinema.com/home
- Dog Bowl Movie Nights
It is a Facebook Group offering discussion and random screening on Thursday during Spring & Summer
- Junction Movie Night:
Enjoy FREE movies under the stars every second Friday in the Junction BIA this summer.
Location: the Junction Train platform (Dundas St. West / Pacific Ave.)
Time: 9:30pm.
Movie line up:
July 19: Greenwich Village: Music That Changed A Generation (2013)
August 2: Citizen Kane (1941)
August 16: The Fruit Hunters (2012)
August 30: Audience Choice! – VOTE NOW
Want to know more about each movie go to: http://thejunctionbia.ca/junction-movie-nights-2013/
- Open Screening Under The Stars
Saturday, July 20, 9:00 PM
@ Courtyard, 401 Richmond Street West
Members and audience are invited to present any film or video presentations. in this non-curated screening. (Super 8, 16mm, VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray or Quicktime file on disc or flash drive). http://pdome.org/category/seasons/summer-2013/
Valdez: A taste of Latin America on King Street.
July 11, 2013 by CityEvents
Filed under Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto, Uncategorized
Valdez is the new trendy restaurant that just opened on King Street by former chef de cuisine at Origin and Top Chef Canada contestant Steve Gonzalez.
Valdez is a celebration of Latin America food and fills a void in the Toronto evolving restaurant scene.
The menu is divided into four sections: Ceviches, Stuff (snack food, like chulpes and chips), More (entrees), and Dulce Y Algo (traditional desserts).
The aesthetic was a key component to translate the vision of the restaurant. Loud music, open kitchen, tables and colourful chairs will transport you to the streets of Colombia, Peru, Venezuela Mexico and other Latino countries.
Valdez will be open from 5:00pm – 10:30pm, Monday – Wednesday, and will offer a late-night menu Thursday – Saturday, with food service until midnight. The comfortable bar/lounge and spacious rooftop patio will be open from 5:30pm – 2:00am each day.
For more information, go to http://valdezrestaurant.com/ and follow them on @thevaldezTO .
Power Ball: 15 Minutes of Fame
July 8, 2013 by CityEvents
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
On June 6th, 2013, The Power Plant, Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery, hosted more than 1,500 guests at PowerBall: 15 Minutes. The night was the opportunity to prove Andy Warhol’s famous quotation: “in the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.” The Powerball is one of the orginal scenesters events where the Toronto socialites mingled with a variety of artists and is always one of the more popular events on the gala schedule.
From amazing food provided by Thuet, fantastic cocktails from sponsors Ketel One, Grand Marnier, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Don Julio, and Perrier and a superb cake from KTL & Sybil, The Power Plant had something for everyone. Our favourity was the ribs and poutine but was messy to eat when all dolled up.
The Power Plant is a vital forum for the advanced artistic culture of our time that offers an exceptional facility and professional support to diverse living artists while engaging equally diverse audiences in their work. The Power Plant pursues its activities though exhibitions, publications and public programming.
To get more information, go visit the website
Canada Day Weekend Celebrations!
June 25, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
Summer is coming (finally!) and with it the most anticipated celebration of the Canadian Calendar. We are lucky this year it lands on a Monday. Canada Day is coming and like everybody for the week; you will be looking for something to do, to have fun, to meet with family and friends. A one of a kind event that will embody that special day.
Below you will find a short list of what is happening in Toronto for this celebratory weekend. But first a little bit of history (to share knowledge at the family barbecue or on a patio with friends)
Did you know that Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day? (As Canada was a part of the British Commonwealth)
It’s also the anniversary of the Constitution Act (1867) which stated the junction of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (Ontario and Quebec) in one and a whole country.
The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor Canada’s 50th birthday. (This years’ is the 146th!) But the holiday was made official in 1982, the same year that the Canada Act was passed and the link with the United Kingdom was broken.
Canada Day also marks a number of breakthroughs and significant events:
- The first national radio connection by the Canadian National Railway in 1927.
- The first cross-country broadcasted in 1958 by the CBC.
- The first color television transmission in Canada in 1966.
- “O Canada” made the official national anthem in 1980.
Nowadays the event is most likely celebrated with parades, fireworks, carnivals, outdoor concerts & activities, and festivals. It’s also a time for Canadian to play sports, spend time at the beach and celebrate around the barbecue. (Source: http://www.canada-day.ca/)
1. Celebrate Canada day at Harbourfront Centre! (June 28th – July 1st), presented by Ontario Lottery and Gaming![]()

For this long weekend the Harbourfront Centre showcases outdoor activities such as concerts (WestJet Stage, Redpath Stage and Canada Stage), dance events, Canada Day-themed food, fun crafts and games for the whole family to enjoy & the official opening of the new Canada Square
Not to forget FIREWORKS!! The celebration fireworks will be set June 30th around 10:30pm.
Tips: Best view of the fireworks would be the Harbourfront boardwalk, The island or even on the lake.
For more information about the celebration and the activities visit harbourfrontcentre.com
2. Digital Dreams Music Festival, June 29th & 30th

Electronic Nation Canada presents Digital Dreams Music Festival 2013 in association with Live Nation, Uniq Lifestyle, Capture, Destiny and Balance
To get tickets and information visit: http://digitaldreamsfest.ca/Enjoy a 2 day concert, 90 DJs on 4 stages on Toronto’s East Island (909 Lakeshore Blvd West). An amazing line-up from Bob Sinclar to Luciano.
3. Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square, produced by The City of Toronto. (Presented by Timothy’s) July 1st.

Enjoy a long weekend of celebration with live music, dance performances, children’s crafts and fireworks.
Take a look at the program for this special holiday:![]()
| 5:00 – 8:00 pm | Pop up music performances and kids crafts – The Garden Court |
| 5:00, 6:00 & 7:00 pm | Under the Big Top by Zero Gravity Circus – The Garden Court |
| 5:30 & 6:30 pm | Lisa Odjig – Hoop Dancer – Main Stage Dance |
| 6:00 & 7:00 pm | Northbuck Krumping – Main Stage Dance |
| 8:00 pm | She King – Main Stage Concert |
| 9:15 pm | Derek Miller Band – Main Stage Concert |
| 10:15 pm | FIREWORKS FINALE |
Mel Lastman Square is located at 5100 Yonge St.
For more information: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/canada/2013/index.htm
4. Amesbury Park Canada Day celebration, July 1st.

Come down and participate at the 30th Annual Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration.
This event promises to be filled with a mix of multicultural entertainment, kid’s activities, vendor stations & more
| 10:00 – 5:00 | Tea room |
| 11:00AM – 12:00PM | Celebrity Pancake Brunch |
| 11:00AM – 7:00PM | Children’s Activities (Games & Rides) |
| 12:00PM | Amesbury Sports Club All-Star Softball Tourney |
| 1:00PM | Opening Ceremonies at Main Stage |
| 2:00PM – 5:00PM | Live Entertainment: |
| 2:00PM | * Young Singer Extraordinary NATALIE CASTRO DIAZ * Dance Demo by TORONTO NORTH SOCIAL DANCE STUDIO STRONGMAN/STRONGWOMEN SHOW * Bodybuilding Demo by Mr. Natural Universe WINSTON JOHNSON * Boxing Demo by World Champion NATALIE “SUGAR” BROWN AWARD PRESENTATION |
| 5:00 PM | * RACHEL JEANS (Open Mic Canada Regional Winner) |
| 6:00 PM | * FEATURE BAND (from Open Mic Canada Winner) |
| * FEATURE SINGER (from Open Mic Canada Winner) | |
| 7:00PM | PM DJ LUIGI AND FRIENDS |
| 8:00 PM | PM VITTORIA and THE EXCALIBUR BAND |
| 9:45 PM | FIREWORKS DISPLAY |
The Amesbury Park is located at 1507 Laurence Ave West
More information visit: http://www.amesburycanadaday.ca/
5. Canada Day at Queen’s Park, July 1st by The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Rendez-vous at the lawns of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park for a celebration day featuring entertainment & activities. Including music, dance and children’s shows, and a taste of Ontario’s locally grown foods. Come down to celebrate from 12 noon to 5pm.
The event will provide fun for the whole family from the Main stage to the ground and not to forget the dance stage and kid’s activities.
For more details on the schedule and the overall celebration go to http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/canadaday.shtml
6. Open Roof festival 2013, June 20th to August 22th
Open Roof Festival is a not for profit, outdoor music and film festival, highlighting independent filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world. It offers live music followed by a film screening at sundown every Thursday on from 7:30 pm. $15 (opening night $25).
Location: Moonview Lot next to Corus Quay, 175 Queens Quay E (in case of rain the screening will be moved to Studio1), openrooffestival.com.
Canada Day Week end: Thursday June, 27th
– Movie: The secret Disco Revolution by Jamie Kastnerhttp://openrooffestival.com/the-secret-disco-revolution/
– Music: Michael Rault http://openrooffestival.com/michael-rault/
– Food: MANGO PINTON + ANIMAL LIBERATION http://openrooffestival.com/2013-festival/the-food/
For more information visit: http://openrooffestival.com/2013-festival/
7. Pride Week – Superqueer!, June 21st – 30th
Pride Week in Toronto is one of the largest pride celebrations in the world.
It is also Canada’s premiere arts and cultural festival. For 10 days the world largest street festival will include lots of activities such as Pride Parade, Dyke March, Trans Pride, Family Pride, Clean, Sober & Proud Place and more.
Pride Toronto celebrates the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2SA communities.
For more information and schedule visit: http://www.pridetoronto.com/
Give Me Liberty 2013 – Neighbourhood Networking
June 12, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
On Thursday June 6th, the CityEvents team attended the, “Give Me Liberty After Work Party”. The event was located on Fraser Avenue on the west side of Lamport Stadium. Although the weather was uncooperative a good turnout of residents, business owners and Liberty Village lovers braved the wet weather. These brave souls enjoyed the many tents that contained food, drink and local businesses from the Liberty area. A DJ helped keep the mood light as partygoers enjoyed networking as they bounced from tent to tent. These tents included Good Life, AutoShare, Zipcar, Aroma, Yogurty’s, Maizal, Vogue Supperclub and 25 Liberty to name a few. Besides the weather the event was enjoyable and a great way to experience some of Liberty Villages many offerings.
For more information on upcoming Liberty Social events visit:
Liberty Village BIA website http://www.lvbia.com
OR go on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LibertySocials







