Toronto is alive for the real May 2-4 weekend with an array of attractions to behold. The city's doors are open all weekend and we get a status update on the cutting edge of Japanese anime culture. There's two different film festivals offering intriguing lineups and you can stock up on LPs in mid-town. Oh, and be sure to take old rover for a walk to the beaches so she can network at Woofstock.
Doors Open Toronto
When: May 24 to 25
Where: Various locations across Toronto
Details: Doors Open Toronto is celebrating its 15th year. This weekend, you can tour 155 of the city's most intriguing buildings and explore the theme of the weekend, which is Secrets and Spirits. Aside from access to locations such as Bloor Hot Docs Cinema and the Canada Life building, there are walking and ghost story tours to get you in the mood. It's a great way to peek into those interesting buildings you pass all the time, and see the city with fresh eyes. No charge for this one.
Anime North
When: May 23 to 25
Where: Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road)
Details: Cosplay enthusiasts are likely already shrieking in delight at the prospects of the annual Anime North. But if you're not one for the dressing-up business, there's still a bevvy of collector events, including a Comic Market and Dealer's Room to expand your anime and manga libraries. You can also pick and choose between autograph sessions, panel discussions on Japanese pop culture, and, of course, "geeky" speed dating. At this point, advance tickets are sold out, but you can still get day passes for Friday and Sunday at the door.
Toronto Mid-Town Record Show
When: May 25, 10 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Greenwood College School (443 Mount Pleasant Road)
Details: Whether you're a vinyl veteran, a seasoned revivalist or just a budding LP collector, this 30,000+ record show is worth the stop. Wander around and enjoy those big splashy covers from country-wide vendors and hear the needle drop on some of the greatest records ever.
Inside Out: Toronto LGBT Film Festival
When: Starting May 22 (until June 1)
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox (443 Mount Pleasant Road)
Details: This festival aims to change attitudes (while also changing lives), and it kicks off at the TIFF Bell Lightbox today. General admission tickets are $13.00 and are available here. If you're looking to get a celeb fix, there's a special screening of The Normal Heart, with White Collar's Matt Bomer in attendance. In addition to a full program of screenings, stop by galas throughout the festival at various hot spots including Media Bar, OCADU and the Gladstone Hotel.
Toronto Smartphone Film Festival
When: May 22, 6:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St. W)
Details: You don't have to lay down a manifesto to be a believer in a cinema of the people. This festival, the first under the current moniker, gives burgeoning video content creators a chance to show what they can do without expensive gear and equipment. There'll even be a red carpet held outside the Scotiabank Theatre prior to the event. And hey, it's free.
Woofstock
When: May 24 to 25
Where: Woodbine Park (The Beaches)
Details: Bring out the bow-wows for Canada's largest canine festival. This year, the festival has moved to Woodbine Park because the expected number of pups in attendance (not including those people walking them) is in the tens of thousands. While your furry best friend may not be a show dog, you can both still enjoy a slew of events during the two-day fest, including dachshund races, a fashion show and cirque du canine.
