49 h. ago Massive fireworks show to light up Toronto skies for major festival next week

Toronto is gearing up for a huge celebration as Diwali - Festival of Lights returns to the city, complete with ethnic bites, a diverse lineup of vendors and artists, and, of course, an enormous fireworks display. This year, attendees can expect over 1,000 artists — both local and international — to grace the stage with live dance shows and musical performances. Although the international appearances are still under wraps, last year the festival featured Mumbai Troupers and Bollywood actor Omi Vaidya. So, if these appearances are anything to go by, then this year's special guests should be something to look forward to.Of course, a Diwali event also means an abundance of South Asian food. Street food vendors, such as Toronto Tikki Co. and Uncle Omelet, as well as fusion food vendors like Fukrey Indian Bistro and Streetside Munchies, will set up shop at this two-day festival.    View this post on Instagram     ...

Events

6 d. ago Huge crowds line up for opening of Toronto's first Panda Mart

Crowds of shoppers descended on Toronto's first Panda Mart location on its opening weekend, queueing up to get their hands on the newest discount lifestyle and home goods items.Footage captured over the weekend shows long lines snaking from the entrance, extending well into the parking lot, and store aisles completely packed with shoppers for the store's debut.So, what's all the hype about? For the unversed, Panda Mart opened its first Canadian and North American location in Toronto on Sept. 26, to much fanfare.The mammoth South Africa-based discount retailer offers a wide range of goods, including furniture, household items, food, beauty products, and more.@mopemope10 not really temu or SHEIN on crack but still a very interesting store #pandamart #toronto #fyp #foryoupage ♬ WE CANNOT ESCAPE WE CANNOT COME OUT - Emile MorganOpening-day traffic and the long lines suggest strong demand for the first Canadian Panda Mart. Some shoppers were seen with thei...

Culture

8 d. ago Huge $5M Toronto estate with saltwater pool and private creek is basically a resort

With almost 3 million people living in an increasingly cramped Toronto, huge acre-sized estates are almost mythical — unless you're Drake-level rich and living in the Bridle Path.But one of the last remaining estate-sized properties in Etobicoke just hit the market, and surprisingly, it's listed for under $5 million.Sure, it isn't exactly pocket change, but it's a far cry from the $50-million mega-mansions in the Bridle Path — and this one actually comes with more land.The front of the house and driveway leading up to the property. Sitting on an incredible 1.676-acre lot, 19 Lorraine Gdns. feels worlds away from the city despite being just minutes from Sherway Gardens and Pearson Airport.A home office. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a lot this size so close to everything in the city," says realtor David Bradica, who notes that the home has only ever had two owners since it was built in 1954.The saltwater pool ...

Economics

2 w. ago Another huge block party is hitting Toronto streets next weekend

The close of summer doesn't mean Toronto's outdoor parties are coming to a grinding halt just yet, and the West of Spadina Block Party is a big event new for this fall that you'll want to get out and enjoy before the deep freeze arrives later this year.Happening in the city for the first time, the West of Spadina Block Party promises a specialty that's "built with the neighbourhood, for the neighbourhood." CRUEL is collaborating with a select group of businesses for the event to bring a variety-packed experience to the party-goers. Rhythm, Waterworks Food Hall, Civil Works Cocktail Bar, Downtown Colibri Tattoo & Piercing, Island Oysters Restaurant & Bar, Scooped By Demetres, Pizzeria Popolo, Spirit of York, Casa Del Rey, and Sapporo Canada are all on the roster of vendors coming together to make this block party possible.The party is taking place on Sept. 26, with doors opening at 4 p.m. Admission is...

Culture

2 w. ago Toronto neighbourhood is throwing a huge block party to close out summer

A bunch of spots in one of Toronto's most restaurant-dense neighbourhoods are joining forces to put on an epic block party this weekend.Summer might be winding down, but with a late-season heat wave bearing down upon the city and citizens' social batteries not yet drained by the incoming onslaught of holidays, there's no time like the present to get a little extra partying in.There are a ton of events happening in Toronto this weekend to celebrate the last weekend of Summer 2025, from the ever-popular Picklefest Toronto to Thai Festival YYZ, but in the case of Bloor West, it'll be the second-annual instalment of its neighbourhood block party.Taking place in Bloorcourt Village, the stretch of Bloor Street West between Crawford Street and Gladstone Avenue, the block party will see a slew of the neighbourhood's hottest restaurants team up for a day of friendly neighbourhood vibes and epic eats.A neighbourhood that's utterly packed with g...

Culture

2 w. ago Toronto's new direct train to Muskoka just passed a huge milestone

Ontario will soon be home to a fast, reliable and affordable connection between downtown Toronto and cottage country thanks to the return of the legendary Northlander train, which just took another huge leap toward opening.City dwellers looking to access the countless natural wonders and other gems that lie around Muskoka and beyond have been without a direct transit option for more than a decade since the rail line, which had carried passengers under various names for more than a century, was pulled from service in 2012.But, stakeholders have since decided to revive it to meet demand, with a draft plan created in 2020 now coming to fruition ahead of an expected 2026 launch.Yes, that's right: you should be able to grab your favourite book and your duffel bag and get to Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville or even further north, no car required, within the coming months.The line will run 16 stops between Toronto'...

Transport

3 w. ago Huge harvest market to take over Toronto park for two weekends this fall

Fall is officially slowly creeping in on us, and with that comes pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters galore, and events in the city like the free Fall Harvest Market taking over Toronto's Queens Quay later this month.If an autumn-themed market is something you're looking forward to experiencing during the upcoming season, then mark your calendars and get ready to explore a specially curated vendor market, live music, delicious food, and more to celebrate the arrival of fall.Presented by Street Eats Market and the Waterfront BIA, festival highlights also include a pumpkin patch (cue aesthetic photo opps for your socials), a fire pit and s'mores zone to please your sweet tooth, and an apple bobbing competition (a seasonal staple).A complete list of things to do at the market is available on the event website.Part of the Water/Fall Festival — an attraction that presents art installations, entertainment, food markets, and more, over a span of two weekends in the c...

Other

3 w. ago Property Watch: This stunning Coal Harbour penthouse is swimming in luxury

Three-floor residence with exceptional views, a private glass-bottomed pool and glass elevator is a 'trophy showpiece to Vancouver'

Other

3 w. ago How to save on tickets to see Canada's top music artists in Toronto this month

Some of Canada's biggest music artists and rising stars are coming to Toronto this month for a huge concert. And we've got details on how you can save on tickets to the show.The highly anticipated Polaris Concert and Award Ceremony is taking place on Tuesday, September 16, at Massey Hall.Music lovers won't want to miss the event, as the lineup features nine of the Polaris Music Album Prize shortlisters.Polaris Music Prize"We're thrilled that for 20 years, Polaris has been celebrating music as art, and not a product, highlighting the best Canadian Albums each year, and now, new this year, the best Canadian songs," said Amber Still, Polaris Music Prize Executive Director."We're happy to share a discount with Toronto to attend the must-see event where nine incredible Canadian artists will perform from their shortlisted albums, and the winners will be crowned."In celebration of Polaris Music Prize's 20th Anniversary, fans can get 20 per cent o...

Culture

3 w. ago Nuit Blanche returns to Toronto next month with huge lineup of all

The fall season wouldn't be complete without Toronto's largest contemporary arts festival, Nuit Blanche 2025. This year, it returns on October 4 for a full night of galleries, installations, and exhibitions spread across the city.Now in its 19th year, Nuit Blanche attracts more than one million visitors annually, drawing art lovers from across the GTA. The festival is concentrated in three different areas of the city — Downtown Toronto, North York, and Etobicoke — where public spaces are transformed into extraordinary art venues. For 2025, over 85 works will be on display.Each year, the festival explores a unique theme, and this year's is Translating the City. Paying tribute to urban life and concrete jungles, the City of Toronto notes that the displays will examine "how art can translate the complexities of cities."The Bentway - Seeing Celcius, Nuit Blanche 2025. Photo by Mila Bright Zalatnovic. Highlights include Diatomic State...

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