The Atrium includes a three-storey slide and large doors that open on to a waterfront promenade. The Atrium also houses a 21’ x 13’ LED screen and a large kitchen. It can function as a great location for a cocktail party, presentation and display space.

The Atrium can be rented as a whole or in combination with the 3rd Floor Studio Lounge and/or the Orientation Space on the ground floor.

The Lounge sits atop the two television studios overlooking The Atrium and has an amazing view of Lake Ontario. The Orientation Space can fit 92 people and is the gateway to The Atrium.

The 8^th Floor Lounge and Theatre has one of the most spectacular views of the city skyline and Toronto’s waterfront. This area has a 102-seat theatre as well as a large reception area and bar.  This is the best location for a summer event as it has two green roof terraces equipped with patio furniture and gas barbeques.

Best of all there is a screening room on the 6^th floor that can comfortably seat 42 people. It has fully motorized black-out curtains, is adjacent to a large kitchen and is surrounded by a number of meetings rooms.

With the various spaces available, Corus Entertainment is sure to be a popular location for upcoming Toronto Events.

If you are considering Corus Quay as a potential venue for your next event, please visit http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/explore_projects2/east_bayfront/corus_quay for more information.

What can be more exciting than when a foodie hears that the Toronto Underground Market (TUM) and Food Truck Eats, two of the most popular street food events, joined together to host a Street Food Block Party? Last Saturday, May 5^th 2012, Toronto foodies gathered for a mouth-watering and amazing, Cinco de Mayo-themed evening at the Evergreen Brick Works. Street food has been on a new trend in GTA in the last year. Numbers of food lovers started to increase their support for Toronto food trucks and pop-ups.

The admission fee was $20 and these 3,000 tickets sold out in 6 hours. Instantly people were asking around the Internet to see if anyone had some extra tickets. Luckily, I got 4 tickets for friends and myself (well, I woke up early and waited in front of my laptop for 3 hours before they started to sell the tickets).

TUM released the vendor list and map about two weeks before the day of the event. My friend and I all got super pumped up when we read all the information and food pictures online. We planned our route and the must eat/desire list for the night. I totally lost my mind when I saw the photo of “Lobster Poutine” from Rock Lobster. All of my friends know that I am a crazy lobster lover and will pay anything to eat Lobster!

For my friends, and I the Rock Lobster was the spot, but another highlight of the night was Caplansky’s food truck. Caplansky is well known as their smoke meat and they first started as a restaurant on College Street then purchased a food truck team. We choose to end up our wondering evening by having “Maple Bacon Doughnuts” from Caplansky.

The event started rolling at 6pm, the parking lots were already packed with cars by the time we arrived around 7pm. This resulted in driving home and returning to Brickworks via a taxi. Parking at this venue is a whole other story. People decided to park all along Bayview Avenue. Hungry foodies were excited and ready to start a fantastic journey that would last well into the night. The night was very successful; every vendor had a line up full of craving food lovers. Evergreen Brick Works has a great outdoor covered space with great facilities to host this type of event (despite the parking).

If you think this type of event sounds fun and you’re looking for another street food event – Food Truck Eats and Peller Estaesin Niagara-on-the-Lake are hosting 16 food trucks on May 20^th and 21^st. For more information or to buy the tickets, please visit: http://reservations.andrewpeller.com/events/food-truck-eats.html

The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons and CHKC holds the Annual CHKC Awards to honour individuals. For the people who have made outstanding achievements and contributions to the disability of deaf-blindness.

Eighth Annual Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Concert Hall

Honouring
The Honourable David C. Onley
Lt. Governor of Ontario

With Mother’s Day right around the corner (May 13), you are probably scrambling to find the perfect activity to share the day together with your mom. Are you looking for the ultimate way to surprise mom this year?  Toronto has a lot of unique options for last minute alternatives to the traditional Mother’s Day Brunch. Here are some of Toronto’s exciting events to help you celebrate your mother!

Mother’s Day Chocolate Tour:
Saturday, May 12th, 4 p.m – 7 p.m, SOMA Chocolate, 443 King Street West

Does your mother have a sweet tooth? Well you’re in luck! Tasty Tours is launching their Chocolate Tour this Mothers Day weekend. Go on a tasty walking tour of Trinity Bellwoods Park, sample a variety of chocolates and learn the history behind the sweets that mom loves. Mothers on the tour will get to enjoy a sweet thank you bonus gift: www.tastytourstoronto.com

All Aboard Mariposa’s Mother’s Day Brunch:
Sunday, May 13, Noon – 2 p.m, Mariposa Cruises,  207 Queens Quay West

Brunch is a traditional characteristic of Mother’s Day, Why not celebrate mom with something out the ordinary. Experience Mother’s Day brunch from the water on the Captain Matthews Finders. Enjoy a two-hour cruise around Toronto’s waterfront while enjoying a scrumptious brunch.: www.mariposacruises.com

Experience tea in fashion at the Bata Shoe Museum:
Sunday, May 13, 10 a.m – Noon, 327 Bloor St W

Experience the Bata Shoe Museum’s “Fashionable History of Tea” event. This stylish event lead by Certified Tea Sommelier and wardrobe stylist Linda Gaylard, will explore the influence of tea and social history. The event will include both tea tasting and light cuisine and will celebrate tea in the culture of style.: www.batashoemuseum.ca

Mothers Day at the Toronto Zoo:
Sunday, May 13 Toronto Zoo

Looking for something for the whole family to enjoy? Bring mom to the zoo, and interact with some of the Zoo’s wild mothers. Don’t forget to treat mom to a delicious Beavertail pastry! Other activities include carousel rides, and the Sharks at Stingray Bay experience: http://www.torontozoo.com/Events/?pg=MothersDay

100-Mile Mother’s Day Brunch at Wychwood Barns:
Sunday May 13th, from 10a.m to 2p.m.

Enjoy the innogrative100 Mile Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch at the Artscape Wychwood Barns! The menu will be created from ingredients purchased at the vendors of the Saturday Farmers Market, located at the Wychwood Barns. All proceeds from this event will help support the Wychwood Barns Community Association and Wychwood Open Door: www.wychwoodbarnscommunity.ca

Casa Loma Secret Gardens:
Sunday, May 13 1p.m- 2:30p.m

Give your mom a Mother’s Day to remember and unlock the secrets of the Casa Loma Estate Gardens. The Secret Garden will allow moms to learn about garden etiquette and the opportunity to sample edible plants.  Mothers can also enjoy Through The Garden Gate, a magical tour of the spectacular gardens: www.casaloma.org/events

For more Toronto upcoming events check our website upcoming events, at www.torontocityevents.com .

Also for some gift suggestions we recommend the flower stores at Davenport and Dupont as well as chocolate treats from Café Moroco or Nadege in the Shops of Summerhill.  Also Shay Lowe Jewelry Design is having a Spring Sale so check out some of the great deals for MOM, I have my eye on a bracelet for mom. https://www.facebook.com/Shay.Lowe.Jewellery.Design

Our next Liberty Social Hour event is coming up, Thursday, July 19, 2012. Stay tuned for more information.

After a year-long transformation, one of Toronto’s most historic venue spaces, Arcadian Court has reopened. Built in 1929, this is the fourth renovation since the restaurant first opened. The original restaurant was two-stories with an Art Deco theme and four stunning chandeliers. The acoustics were so good that a whispered conversation could be heard across the room. The venue hosted Toronto’s first Auto Show, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s first radio broadcast, and Sotherby’s first auction outside of Britain.

The renovations included the transformation of Arcadian Court and the all-new Arcadian Loft, now known as Arcadian, which was, carried out by architecture firm DeSignum Design and CMA Construction Group. They stripped back layers of walls and flooring that have been added over the years, reclaiming approximately five feet around the perimeter, and opened up eight of the 16 grand arches in the mezzanine that were closed off in past renovations and restored the squared off arches along with adding four feet to the remaining eight.

Arcadian Loft is a 6773 square foot venue can be booked as a whole or can be divided to up to five rooms to fit specific event needs. The loft-like décor includes open concrete ceilings, a reclaimed grey washed brick accent wall, oversized metal warehouse doors and a spectacular view of Old and New City Hall through a 200 foot glass wall.

Arcadian Court is 8086 square foot and features state-of-the-art technology including drop down screens, AV amenities and integrated sound dampening and absorbing materials. There are beautiful chandeliers that are a deconstructed take on the original Lalique crystal chandeliers and an opened-up mezzanine the offers a 360-degree view.  Arcadian’s maximum-seated capacity is 800 and its standing capacity is 1500.

The event that took place at the end of April was attended by over 1500 people. Guests were treated to live music by Sole Power Productions, a variety of classic cocktails, and snacks from Arcadian, Jump, Canoe, and Auberge du Pommier, and from food sponsors, EDO sushi, The Cheese Boutique, Sysco, The Butcher Shoppe, and Bobbette & Belle. Everyone also had the opportunity to take photos in a classic photo booth, courtesy of Snapz Photo Booth, but not before getting their shoes shined by John Allan’s.

“The new carpeting was a much needed improvement for the space” said Deborah Lewis, Chief Experience Officer at CityEvents. “Now, it is a lot less noisy when things are being moved around, In the past chairs guests would be seated at would create a large echo when they got up from their seat, disturbing the whole event.  “This new space will allow for great versatility and flow of future events”

Catering for the venues come from Oliver & Bonacini, whose skilled chefs have been creating dishes for some of the hottest venues in the world, including Canada’s own TIFF Bell Lightbox. And the Toronto Board of Trade.

The complex now has the versatility and capacity to host large scale events ranging from galas, weddings and fashion shows to corporate events and conferences. Already in high demand, Arcadian Court is fully booked for Saturday weddings for the next two years.

For more information, visit the Oliver and Bonacini Events website at  events.oliverbonacini.com/home.aspx

On Wednesday April 18, 2012, CityEvents, RPC Group and Bar Vespa collaborated to welcome many Torontonians for this month’s Liberty Social Hour.  Taking place in the heart of Liberty Village, this season’s social hour was themed as a celebration of spring.  Local residents of the village, as well as others from around Toronto were pleased with the opportunity to socialize and get to know what this new neighbourhood is all about.  When the evening began, the sun was shining and the drinks were flowing.  Bar Vespa, the host restaurant, was filled within a few short moments, and was ready to encourage the crowd to mingle.

As the night led on, the amount of people in attendance picked up, and so did the conversation.  It was clear that many of the guests had different reasons for attending Liberty Social Hour.  Some were there just to meet up with a friend, others were curious to see what the hype was all about.  Each guest had heard the buzz about the social hour in different ways.  For some, it was hearing through past attendees, others through social media, and for a small handful, they were persuaded by the many posters surrounding the Liberty Village area.

Overall the environment was very friendly and outgoing. The same guest that stayed for 30 minutes was just as satisfied as the guest that stayed for four hours.  Whether the guest was there to have a drink with old friends, or a stranger to the community, everyone felt welcomed and walked away having had a great interaction with another.  As guests made their way out of Bar Vespa, they were surprised with a gift bag filled with exciting new products and deals from within Liberty Village and the surrounding area.   As well, they received a special treat contributed by Bar Vespa.

Liberty Social Hour is an event meant to bring social interaction to many types of Toronto individuals.  It allows one to learn more about what Liberty Village has to offer, as well as the type of people who fill it.  Make sure to keep an ear out for the next Liberty Social Hour coming up in a few short months.  Be a part of the growing neighbourhood of Liberty Village, and have the chance to be a part of the excitement.

At under a year old, Bar Vespa has already made an impression in Liberty Village as a great place to get quality Italian food in a welcoming environment.  The have received warm reviews from Dine.to, The Star, The Globe and Mail and Toronto Life.

They carry a wide variety of dishes that showcase the diversity of Italy from Caprese Salad, Sausage Penne, Butternut Squash Ravioli and, Mushroom Pizza (a three mushroom white pizza).

Bar Vespa also has the distinction of hosting great events like the upcoming Liberty Social Hour: Carnival del Sol on April 18, 2012, as well as their Battle of the DJs every Saturday.

The warm atmosphere attentive staff make Bar Vespa a good dining experience. They also have a patio which is great place to meet friends and try one of their many beers including the Birra Sophia (inspired by Sophia Loren), which will be priced at $5 dollars at Liberty Social Hour on April 18.

Bar Vespa is part of the Fab Concepts family which includes Brazen Head, Pour House and Foggy Dew.

Saturday, September 29, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday, September 30, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Among those venues there are some you would not traditionally consider like décor and design stores. Design stores are a great place to host an event as the generally have lots of room and great décor. Experience something new and consider one of these venues for your next event.

Andrew Richard Designs offers two chic and contemporary event spaces great for a variety of functions. Andrew Richard Designs are experienced at hosting events their resume is as long as it is impressive and includes events for Smirnoff, Gap Canada Inc., and CAMH.

Urban Amish’s Loft Raum combines great style in a sleek setting. Their authentic conversion loft is a warm and open space great for small and large events like: gallery showings, product launches, corporate and media events as well as parties and weddings.

UpCountry can be a refreshing change of scene if you plan events frequently. The style they display in their store is apparent in their venue space. Friendly and helpful the staff at UpCountry are truly knowledgeable and accommodating.

The Biltmore Domicile is a large open space with high ceilings, arching windows and exposed beams and brickwork. The space is great for large parties like weddings and corporate events. This event is in the surrounding Distillery District.

King East known for its design stores provides plenty of choices when looking for a memorable venues, so explore your options with the design stores of king west.

Formerly a landmark glass factory 99 Sudbury is a multifunctional space that can host intimate and large gatherings comfortably. Located near the very popular Liberty Village, 99 Sudbury is just as chic as the surrounding neighborhood.

You’ve probably heard a lot of great things about 99 Sudbury and their all true. They have three very distinct venue spaces all kitted out for the best experiences.

99 Sudbury is ambitious and it shows; their spaces are not only beautiful but well thought out with each space having different features that make planning an event a breeze.

Their Glass Factory has a dance floor, patio and a DJ stage to help you get the party started.

The Lounge comprised of three rooms; the main room, a private room and a bar lounge is fully licensed area and “decorated in pop-baroque colours and mouldings.”

The newest offering 99 Gallery has 17 feet ceilings and 5,000 sq ft of space to host your event.  And the neighbourhood is filled with opportunities to have a good time like CityEvents’ Liberty Social Hour.

 99 Sudbury is located at 99 Sudbury Street, Toronto. http://99sudbury.ca/