Goose Island Beer Company has collaborated with Bier Markt to build Toronto’s premier Goose Island Brewhouse; a Chicago-based craft brewery in Old Town Toronto. This venue is approximately 19 years old and has been revamped into a cozy brewpub on The Esplanade.

Cocktails

The brewhouse is Goose Island Beer Company’s first endeavor into the Canadian brewery business. Premium beer is prepared at the state-of-the-art on-site brewery and is served from 12 taps. As you walk in, the well-lit space features modern wooden decor, complemented by rustic brickwork all throughout the venue. It also features very long bar, behind which sits seven fermentors.

Mains – Features

In the brewhouse, catch a full view of the brewery operations of head brewer Bernard Priest and his team, right from your seat. This casual, yet refined venue space has a capacity of 100 guests mingling and approximately 75 seated. It’s ideal for any social gathering such as a networking event, farewell party, or beer-paired dinner. The brewhouse also offers smaller dedicated sections for groups of 20-75. After your event, take home a Beer Growler (64oz) or Howler (32oz) of a brewed-in-house favourite! Do you have a bigger event? Book the brewhouse and Bier Markt Esplanade for a maximum of 700 guests mingling.

Sides

Enjoy al fresco dining at the Beer Garden. This outdoor space boasts a wall of homegrown hops climbing the surrounding four storeys of exposed brick. It’s an excellent space for a team building event or summer social. While enjoying craft brews paired with from-scratch cuisine, challenge a friend to Giant Jenga ® and Connect-4 ™.

Desserts – The Icing

The food menu was developed by Bier Markt Executive Chef Kevin Maniaci and Chef de Cuisine Shawn Jackson. The menu is seasonal, as the team uses fresh and local ingredients, with dishes designed to pair with the beers on tap.

Capacities

Brewhouse: 100 mingling, 75 seated

Beer Garden: 60 guests

Front Patio: 60 guests

Bier Markt Esplanade + Goose Island Brewhouse: 700 mingling

Bier Markt Patio: 90 guests

Address

70 The Esplanade, Toronto  ON M5E 1M1

Hours

Brewhouse: Sunday-Wednesday 11am-1am, Thursday-Saturday 11am-2am

Retail Shop: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-7pm

Contact

Phone: (416) 862-7575

General info: torontoinfo@gooseisland.com

Reservations: torontoreservation@gooseisland.com

Website

http://www.gooseisland.com/toronto-brewhouse/

Social Media

Facebook: @GooseIslandCanada

Instagram: @goosetoronto

Twitter: @GooseIsland

Snapchat: @goose-island

Exterior View Courtesy of Crowsnest Theatre

After over seven years and $11 million, Streetcar Crowsnest is the newest east end home for events. Located right at the corner of Carlaw Ave. and Dundas St. E., Crowsnest is going to be booking for their upcoming season very fast, keep reading to find out why.

The Crowsnest has three different areas to that can be booked individually or all together for meetings, performances, community events, classes, workshops, rehearsals, kids programming, and social and corporate functions.  It has State-of-the-Art technical inventory (sounds and lighting included in rental prices!) and completely wheelchair accessible.

The largest of the spaces, The Guloien Theatre is 2,600 square feet and can fit 200 seated or 350 standing. The impressive $1 million catwalk that sits high above the theatre ground makes for easy rigging of decor and lighting or other installations.

Next is the 1,250 sq. ft., 52’ x 22’ Scotiabank Community Theatre. This space can accommodate up to 90 when in lecture/theatre mode, plus more once the modular seating is taken away. The full glazed window directly facing Carlaw makes for beautiful ambient lighting day or night. Included in the Scotiabank Community Theatre is a full lighting and sound grid system.  There is also a larger bridal suite and a few dressing room areas downstairs all with lighting and facilities.

The smallest of the spaces, Lobby Bar, can be used for receptions in conjunction with the other spaces, or solo for gatherings and exhibits. Floor-to-ceiling windows cover the north and west walls and there is a fully functioning, fully licensed wet bar.

The whole space was designed as a “floating box” so no sounds will escape and disturb neighbouring residents or other spaces within, party on! An attached yet-to-be-named restaurant (same owners as Table 17 Catering) will be open which holds 65 seats inside and up to 50 seats on the corner patio. Outside catering is allowed, with a 20 per cent landmark fee, as there is a warming kitchen for use.

For availability and tours contact:

Fiona Christie, Event and Sales Manager

647.341.7390 x 1004

Fiona@CrownTheatre.com

345 Carlaw Ave. Toronto, ON M4M 2T1

Written by: Paula McDines

If you’re thinking ‘ I hate Valentine’s Day, it was created by card companies to get more money’, you’re in luck because we have a list of anti VDay activities for you too!

Couples 

This weekend (Feb 15-16) the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will be screening the classic film Casablanca as the TSO will perform Max Steiner’s iconic score.

For couples wanting to sweeten things up, Le Dolci is offering a Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Learn how to bake and decorate like a pro while working with fondant, and buttercream making hearts, roses, bows and Cupid’s arrows, in this hands-on decorating class.

Sweep your partner off their feet with the Valentine’s Big Band Dance.  An evening promising to deliver a night of romance, dinner and dancing. The band will be performing hits from the big band era, including hits by Bobby Darrin, Peggy Lee and Glen Miller.

For the animal lovers out there, The Toronto Zoo will be featuring a Valentine’s event with the opportunity for couples to look at how different animals raise their young.  The evening will start off with a romantic dinner, followed by meeting some animals, learning about their offspring, and culminating in a visit to the zoo’s reproductive labs.

Family 

For parents who want an evening of romance but can’t find a sitter, Pawsitively Pets has an exciting alterative that the kids will love. Close encounters with several animals and a special pizza dinner! A fun evening for everyone.

On Sunday if you’re feeling to lazy to cook from all the weekend excitement, Old Mill Toronto will be hosting Sunday brunch and dinner buffet with a little Valentine’s twist on it. Both meals will feature a selection of favourites and specialty dishes. And did you know the Old Mill is celebrating 100 Years?

Take a walk on the sweeter side of Kensington Market at Tasty Tours.  Chocolates, cupcakes, pastries, you name it the tour will bring you there.  The tour will take place on Friday, February 14.

Singles 

Single and ready to mingle? Well you’re in luck because Valentine’s Day seems to be a bumping time for singles events.
On Friday House of Moments will hold the Sugar and Spice Valentines Party. This event features a dinner, dance with open bar option included.  Attendees will groove to live music and DJ Ricky Lee amusing music.

Those in their 20s to 30s can search for love at Simply Sophisticated Speed Dating with a complementary glass of wine and gourmet appetizers.

Singles looking for their Sherlock or Nancy Drew make your way to the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is holding a singles-only murder mystery. A curator has been murdered and a trail of clues left behind. After the code has been cracked have the opportunity to explore the ROM famous collections. A night of mystery, learning and maybe even love.

The Beaver (ladies only) on Queen West, with a DJ’s spinning all female artists (LGBTQ)

An all male singles evening will be held at The Marquis of Granby. Meet 10 – 12 single bachelors while enjoying complementary drinks and appetizers. (LGBTQ)

The BOND Affair Pop Up Dinner Series promises to be a night of mystery and luxury. Four course gourmet meals, unknown set locations (golf clubs, museums art galleries ect.) and hors d’oeuvres with drinks in the Bond lounge.  Valentine’s Day has already sold out but will be hosting others, so keep your double o’ open for the next one!

Anti-Valentines Day

Finally those of you who can’t stand this day, why not be surrounded by others who feel the same.

Revival Restaurant will be holding its 2^nd annual Anti-Valentines Day Mixer. Enjoy fun and games as well as Dj Ideal who will be spinning everything from R&B to Funk.

Looking to let off some steam, Zirger Academy Martial Arts has a workshop for you.  Pad Drills Valentine’s Day workshop is a great workout and an even better way to forget the chocolates, flowers or even that ex. 

If you need a good laugh to get through the day, Second City has the show for you,  “We’ll Tickle The Funny Bone. The Rest is Up to You.”  So put down the ice cream bucket and save the tissue for tears of laughter.

Here is a list of inductees who were celebrated:

- Paralympian Stephanie Dixon who was the first Canadian woman in history to win five gold medals in a single Paralympic Games winning 19 medals throughout her career.

- Ramesh Ferris, who is a global leader in the battle to end polio. He hand-cycled more than 7,000 kilometres across Canada to raise money and awareness for global polio eradication, education and rehabilitation and provide humane support and rehabilitation for the survivors.

- Jerry and Annie Johnston who introduced Canada’s first program for disabled skiers and were instrumental in the growth of the sport in Canada.

- Founder, publisher, editor and guiding spirit of Abilities magazine connecting 80,000 readers across Canada, Raymond D. Cohen (posthumously)

- This year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient is David Crombie who always has time for disability issues, beginning with his Mayor’s Task Force on the Disabled, and then, for 20 years the selection committee chair for the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame and gifted MC for every presentation.

After guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, the award-giving ceremony started with a speech provided by CFPDP Chair, Honourable Vim Kochhar. After he presented the awards, each of the inductees made a touching short speech that made guests reconsider about the importance how to view people with a disability. The hall was filled with applause due to the inductees’ amazing speeches.

Where: YWCA Toronto Headquarters, 87 Elm St. Toronto (Bay & Dundas)

Admission: FREE with a donation to the YWCA Toronto Girls’ Centre

Whether just starting to plan an online marketing strategy or deep into implementation; the Donate & Learn Workshop provided the knowledge, strategies and networking opportunities needed to improve online marketing results,&take your businesses to the next level!

For more information contact:

YWCA Donate & Learn – Search and Social Media Workshop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWCA.TO

Twitter: @YWCAToronto

Sponsored by: Go Daddy, Toronto Star’s NewInHomes.com, Epic Cruises and Big3 Video Agency

100% of donations went to the YWCA Girl’s Centre – a judgment free and supportive environment for young women to start building their futures. The YWCA Girls’ Center members are media savvy, fearless future leaders. Supporting members of the Girls’Center becoming exactly who they’d like to be!

INK ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHED ITS NEWEST NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION “PRODUCT”  OPENED ON MARCH 16TH, 2013.

This is London has closed and reopened as a newly redesign nightclub and event venue. Product a new nightlife destination from Charles Khabouth’s INK Entertainment.

Joe Ghost and Toronto Raptors DJ 4 Korners rocked the beats and took part in the nightclub’s grand reopening celebration 3 weeks ago.

The new design has at the same influences as a modern New York penthouse apartment and a Studio 54 with a mix of colourful paintings, collage works, murals and sculpture. According to the designer Kenny Baird :” The club’s ultra-chic interior design is an “art collector’s residence-meets-nightlife” concept”.

PRODUCT is located in the heart of Toronto’s amazing entertainment district, close to the area’s finest restaurants and theatre district. (364 Richmond Street)

Its capacity goes from 200 to 1200 reception style
Here some of the specificities & features :
• Video projection
• Programmable intelligent lighting
• Women’s spa & washroom
• VIP sections
• 2 floors
• Valet parking

About Ink Entertainment:

INK is one of Canada’s foremost hospitality and entertainment companies, setting the trend in world-class music and sound, forward design, mouth-watering food and an A-list clientele of celebrities, musicians, artists, professionals and corporate partners alike.

Manage by visionary entrepreneur Charles Khabouth, INK has demonstrated an acute ability to adapt to the trends of the entertainments industry

More information and pictures: http://inkvenues.com/venues/product/

In case you missed the exciting news, we at CityEvents, Toronto’s premier event planning boutique, have expanded operations to include CitySocial, our social media management & training division! The new services being offering consist of designing and executing online marketing campaigns for products and events, focusing on social media planning and tactics. Additionally, we will have training and guidance available for those who wish to manage their own online marketing, but are not familiar with social media, or the right strategy for them.

We cater our event planning and marketing services to small and medium size businesses in international trade, arts and culture, and the hospitality sectors, as well as non-profit organizations. We are also offering our new social media services in French and Spanish!

Two weeks ago we had the opportunity to launch CitySocial, as the official social media sponsor of UnExpected ’13, the Opening Night VIP Party for the Canadian Special Events Expo. Our team managed online interactions prior to and after the event, and were responsible for on-site promotion of contests, and social media engagement. This recent expansion will now offer our client’s the opportunity for one stop shopping at CityEvents, from product and event development, marketing strategies, metrics, and more.

Check out the photos from UnExpected ’13 and our CitySocial launch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157633048285693

This year’s opening night party for the Canadian Special Events Expo was both ‘UnExpected’, and unforgettable; with a scrumptious variety of food, memorable entertainment, and ample networking opportunities, this event was a huge success. Approximately 700 event industry professionals from across Canada came out to UpCountry in the heart of Toronto, to mix and mingle at UnExpected ’13 on March 20^th.

From delicacies provided by Presidential Gourmet, Cheeseworks, Parts and Labour & Neptuno, beverages from Griffin Gastropub & Wandering Bean Coffee, and desserts by Bucket and Whisk, to performances from Sarah Violin, Jordan Clark, EH440, and Becky Hoops & David Fiset; UnExpected ’13 had something for everybody’s tastes. The event also featured ‘unexpected’ elements such as a sidewalk chalk drawing by Toronto’s own Chalkmaster Dave, an Easter bunny distributing Cadbury eggs & goodies out front, a puzzle by Master Pieces, and captivating projections from Apex Sound.

The CityEvents team sponsored the social media management for this event, and were on-site to execute several contests, interact with guests, and encourage online engagement. We hosted online contests leading up to the event in which we gave away passes to both the UnExpected party, and the Canadian Special Events Expo: Tradeshow. Our on-site contests were based on guests’ involvement with social media including activity on Crowd Activation’s Social Mosa, a combination Twitter & Instagram wall, and the event’s mobile app from The App Labb. Winners went away with a Bucket & Whisk gift basket, a fondue set or gift card from CHEESEWERKS, a Parts & Labour gift card, or tickets to Sensation: Ocean of White from Nasco Staffing and the Rogers Centre.

We at CityEvents had an amazing time at this year’s UnExpected opening night party, and we are already looking forward to the next one!

Check out our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157633048285693

Bored of predictable and traditional events? Looking for an event worth talking about for years to come? Then I hope you got your pass for UnExpected 2013, the sold-out Opening Night Party for the Canadian Special Events Expo. This is a “can’t miss” night for event planners, and it’s sure to be unforgettable.

At this year’s UnExpected event, you will have the chance to mix and mingle with event professionals from all sectors of the industry, while enjoying food and drink from various suppliers like Bucket & Whisk, and Wandering Bean Coffee. Prepare to be endlessly entertained by performers such as the hula-hooping duo, Becky Hoops and David Fiset. With so much variety in food, entertainment, and experiences, you’re bound to find something you love, and many things that are “unexpected”.

We at CityEvents, are sponsoring the social media services for UnExpected 2013; our team have been managing the online marketing and promoting, and will be on-site maintaining the event’s online presence. We are sponsoring this event, in an endeavour to launch and showcase, “CitySocial”, the expansion of our operations to include product & event marketing services. Our focus will be on social media planning and tactics as we design and execute marketing campaigns for businesses in the professional services, hospitality, and non-profit sectors.

Please feel free to contact us for more information on our new services, and we ask that you share the news of our exciting expansion. Also, watch out for contests and prizes coming up before (on Facebook), and at, the UnExpected 2013 event!

CityEvents Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CityEvents/143334525693578?ref=hl

CSE UnExpected Page: http://canadianspecialevents.com/cseme_toronto/for-attendees/opening-night-party/

Being built in Winnipeg, Manitoba; upon its completion, it will be the national symbol for the cultivated paths that citizens and organizations have taken to ensure rights and freedoms for all. The CMHR will also serve as a reminder to constantly bring forth positive changes in order to eliminate intolerance, prejudice and injustice from existence.

On Oct 4th, Toronto did its part by holding “Always a Winnipegger & Friends Event”; a fundraiser for the CMHR, held at the Mayberry Fine Art Gallery. Several art lovers were present, along with those who simply wanted to make a difference. Many of the guests also happened to be Winnipeggers and ex-Winnipeggers. Among them were CMHR CEO Stuart Murray, National Campaign Chair, Gail Asper and M.P.P. Glen Murray. Alongside them, renowned Canadian singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and Winnipegger artist, Rand Heidinger.

The evening brought sounds of clinking wine glasses, live music, tasty hors d’oeuvres and sights of lovely works of art. The event showcased pieces from famed Canadian artists, such as Charles Pachter, Rand Heidinger and Tara Sawchuk; whose works were all up for bidding during the event’s silent auction. Pachters prints of impulsively juxtaposed iconic Canadian symbols and Sawchuk’s modern yet classic stained glass piece captivated the eyes of all guests.

Cheers and laughter filled the gallery however a moment was given to special guests, to take to the mic and share their emotional personal stories. Some talked of poverty while others on gaining basic human rights. Nevertheless, their anecdotes all shared the idea of Canada as a strong example for rights and freedoms on a global scale.

The night although eventful, felt short-lived and guests did not want to leave. But after celebrating humanity’s triumphs and progression many knew upon leaving, that the future did not seem brighter but is brighter.

To view pictures from this event, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/

For info on The Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit http://www.friendsofcmhr.com/splash.cfm

For info on The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, visit http://humanrightsmuseum.ca/home

Author:  Habiba Ahmad