We like to party, evidently
Issue #6 • Thursday, July 2
I’m not sure what it is about this weekend, but the stars have aligned somehow to have some of the world’s biggest DJs doing shows in Toronto over the next few days. Paul Oakenfold has a show on Saturday at the Mod Club, an incredibly intimate venue for one of the legends of electronic music. That same night across town, at Woodbine Park, two-thirds of Keinemusik, &Me and Adam Port, will be spinning. Apparently there are still tickets left (!), but even if they aren’t, hang out at the edges of the park and you’ll be able to hear and enjoy the show (you didn’t hear that from me). And on Monday (a school night!), South African DJ Black Coffee is hosting a major party in the Port Lands. Looks like additional tickets were just made available.
If you hear rhythmic bass this weekend, chances are it’s coming from one of these events. Let the rhythm move you, I say.
The Weekend
Throwback 80s Party with Old School Request Party & Forever Young
Fri, July 3 • Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St E • Leslieville • 6–11pm • Free (RSVP)
Leg warmers optional, singing along to the lyrics mandatory (ok that’s optional too, but why hold back?) Old School Request Party and Forever Young crews take over Jimmie Simpson Park on Friday spinning 80s anthems, deep cuts, and crowd requests until 11pm. Think Prince and Whitney, Michael and Madonna, and more. Free, all ages, pet friendly, too. There’ll be a beer and spirits garden on site for refreshments to keep you cool.
RSVP here »
Taste of Downtown Yonge Food Tours
Sat, July 4 (and weekly Saturdays through September) • Qishr Coffee, 21 Dundas Sq., Downtown Yonge • 1-3pm • $20
The Downtown Yonge BIA runs an excellent subsidized food walking tour series – capped at 15 people, led by the Tour Guys (Toronto’s original walking tour outfit), hitting four to five restaurants per walk with tastings and neighbourhood storytelling along the way. The summer edition, Street Eats, focuses on the diverse and constantly evolving culinary scene along the Yonge corridor. Get intel on the area’s best patios, how the neighbourhood is rapidly changing and where to find the best meal for your next trek to the Eaton Centre.
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Sunday Bliss Patio Party
Sun, July 285 • Paradise Grapevine Winery, 218 Geary Ave • Dovercourt Village • 2–11pm • Free (19+)
Been looking for a day party? Found one for ya. Garden Disco teams up with Paradise Grapevine for a Sunday afternoon house music party on the patio of the bar’s Geary location. Natural wine in hand, five hours of dancing from late afternoon into evening. An excuse to visit the increasingly cool Geary strip, named by Time Out one of the coolest streets in the world.
Learn more »
The Final Kick Block Party
Thurs, July 2 • 15 Denison Ave • Queen West • 4–11pm • Free
Happening today! The World Cup has been the city’s unofficial backdrop all month, and this block party on the edge of Queen West sends us into the weekend for Canada’s game against Morocco. A parking lot is transformed for the night: live music curated by Drom Artist Collective, DJs, a food and artisan vendor market, vintage shopping, a beer garden, a live mural activation, and soccer-inspired activities throughout.
Learn more »
Hot Tip for the Week Ahead
Hot Summer Night: A Romance Panel at Book Bar
Thurs, July 9 • Book Bar, 600 Markham St. • Annex/Mirvish Village • 7-9pm • Ticketed
Book Bar, a beautifully designed new bookstore-cafe-bar hybrid that just opened its doors this past weekend in Mirvish Village, is already filling its event calendar with community building focused on books, literary trends and a well-mixed drink. A panel of Canadian authors dive into the romance genre, something we seem to do partculaly well (I mean, have even really left the cottage since December?) If you haven’t been in yet, this is a good first reason to go.
Get tickets »