This weekend's main event is really the beginning of March—even though it's still brutally cold. Thankfully, Toronto is also serving up Mexican black bean soup, pot pie, and if you're lucky enough, a slice of dulce de leche cake, while a bike show hints at the warm weather ahead. And for those looking to forget about the chilly week past, booze and a dose of laughter is your best bet, or maybe watching the Academy Awards with fellow film fans.
Amulets: Knaves Kitchen at Videofag
When: Feb. 28, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: Videofag, 187 Augusta Ave.
Details: Dinner and a movie at its finest. A fitting, Mexican-inspired menu consisting of black bean soup in a homemade sour bread bowl ($10), chipotle brownies ($4) and vanilla atole (a traditional Mexican hot drink, $3) to complement Guillermo del Toro's first feature feature film Cronos. Entrance is PWYC.
BeerProv
When: Feb. 28, 10:30 pm
Where: Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. West
Details: If you're a sucker for improv and you're a sucker for beer, BeerProv's for you. Known to be one of the most hilarious shows in the city, improv up-and-comers battle it out for a sip of beer from the champion's mug (and bragging rights, of course.) Hosted by comedian and Second City vet Jim Robinson, get ready to laugh your socks off. Tickets are $15.
Feast in the East 35: Dildoniks, Sasha Chapin, Newsman
When: Mar. 1, 8 pm
Where: Gerrard Art Space, 1390 Gerrard St. East
Details: This all ages east end music and food extravaganza will have you chowin' down on a warm pot pie while swayin' to Dildoniks, Sasha Chapin and Newsmen—a line up fitting for garage jammers, bedroom folk followers, and power pop nerds alike. Purchase tickets in advance for $8 (this includes a free dinner) at Circus Books & Music, The Film Buff, Cask Music, Soundscapes and Grasshopper Records. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Momofuku Milk Bar: An Afternoon of Cake Walks
When: Mar. 2, 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: 190 University Ave., 2nd floor
Details: Stop by Momofuku Milk Bar for a tradition that includes music, dancing, and oh yes, free cakes. But you have to earn it: This cake walk involves signing up, strutting, shuffling and shaking with the music. When the music stops, you stop. Take a look under your chair and you might find the magic ticket. Your prize? A scrumptious dulce de leche cake. All you have to do is show up with your game face, and of course, your best cake walk.
Toronto International Bike Show
When: Feb. 28 to Mar. 2
Where: Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
Details: Say bye bye to Bixi. Pick up your own street bike from Toronto Bicycle Show where 150+ exhibitors will show a massive selection of bikes, accessories and apparel. For the cycling connoisseurs, there's a special manufacturers showcase area and for the adventurists, an array of shows from freestyle mountain bike riders on the ramps to the "Great Lakes Winter Classic," a bike polo tournament event. One day admission is $13 for adults and $9 for kids aged 6 to 12.
2014 Academy Awards Parties
When: Mar. 2
Where: Several locations around Toronto
Details: Who says that you have to stay at home to watch the Oscars? Step out on the red carpet and enjoy the film industry's biggest night at one of Toronto's Oscar parties. For those feeling the Hollywood vibe, hit the Drake Hotel dressed in your favourite old Hollywood get-up, or "dress to impress" at the Big Picture Cinema. Meanwhile, at the Bloor Cinema you'll get a chance to see all the action on the big screen for free (but take note that advance tickets are sold out) And for the real party animals? Wayla will host a red carpet, while Bambi's will feature cocktail specials.
