This week, the city was plunged yet again into bitter sub-zero temperatures—your commutes were slow, you were swaddled in many layers, and you gave serious second-thoughts to going out again once you were safely inside. But rejoice! The weekend is very nearly here, and it brings with it a craft beer festival (and a beer and music festival), a design show, a film series, and more.
Come Up To My Room
When: Jan. 23 to 26
Where: The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W.)
Details: One of Toronto's biggest alternative design events, Come Up To My Room, is now in its 11th year, and will feature 25 cutting edge installations displayed all over the hotel. Rumour has it that there'll be mouse-sized hotel amenities and an interactive bathroom among the displays. General admission is $10.
Godard Forever: Part One
When: Jan. 23 to Feb.13
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox
Details: Godard Forever: Part One is the first in a two-season retrospective spotlighting the films of French New Wave director and screen-writer Jean-Luc Godard. Yes, the retrospective features Breathless and Une femme est une femme, but also the collective effort Far from Vietnam and a crop of short films. Existential, sexy, and largely black-and-white, his films are perfect conversation starters.
Midnight MRKT
When: Jan. 24, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: 2nd Floor Events, 461 King St. W.
Details: Midnight MRKT returns with its mix of music, food and drinks, and local retailers this weekend. Enjoy snacks from Le Dolci, feasTO, and Grub while head-bopping to tunes provided by Lucie Tic and others. An array of retailers will be on hand, from Crywolf Retailers to Emily Woudenberg. Admission is $5 (plus cash for any goods that catch your eye).
Winter Craft Beer Festival
When: Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Park (outside of 255 Bremner Blvd.)
Details: Drinking beer? Outside? Bear with us. The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival promotes beers from Ontario craft brewers, and celebrates artisanal and small-batch production. The festival features 18 different breweries, and food vendors such as Smoke's Poutinerie, Rashers and Boots 'n' Bourbon. They even sell their own sampling mugs! So put on a toque and embrace the cold—the beer will take the edge off. Please note that advance tickets are sold out, but "very limited" quantities will be available at the gate.
2014 Interior Design Show
When: Jan. 23 to Jan. 26
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building (255 Front Street West)
Details: This year, IDS14 returns to Toronto with a bang. The event will feature both emerging and established artists showcasing their work in the fields of interior, architectural, and industrial design. For the trend-hunters among you, this year's focus is on design elements such as lighting, modern Scandinavian and contemporary Canadiana, and cool materials. Suitable for design-fiends (and those who aspire to be).
Big Smoke Fest 2014
When: Jan. 24 to 25, doors at 5 p.m.
Where: The Garrison (1197 Dundas St. W.)
Details: This weekend, brews and bands take over The Garrison for Big Smoke Fest. Presented by Tallboys, the festival will feature beer from Hogtown Brewery, Nickelbrook, Duggan's and more, while CAI.RO, Adaline and others will provide the entertainment. Tickets are $15 and include a sampling glass and 2 drinks.
