Toronto's streets will come alive this weekend. Queen St. will be a sea of humanity for the MMVAs, College St. will be sizzling with delicious Italian eats, while Bloor St. will be lined with a car collector's fantasy.
Much Music Video Awards
When: June 15, 9 p.m. (but get there early)
Where: Around MuchMusic, 299 Queen St. W.
Details: As far as Toronto star-spotting ops go, if TIFF is numbero uno, the Video Awards definitely rank as a traffic-stopping, flashbulb frenzy red carpet. The wristbands for the performances have already gone out but if you're brave enough to line up on a first come first served basis by Queen and McCaul, you might still be able to land a good view. Lorde and Imagine Dragons will be performing, and presenters include Kellan Lutz and Chloë Grace Moretz.
Taste of Little Italy
When: June 13 to 15
Where: Bathurst to Shaw, along College St.
Details: Tummies are already rumbling for this annual tasting table gamut in the heart of Little Italy. In addition to the expected eats, the Taste is also behind a giant video wall that will show Italy's big World Cup match against England on Saturday. Most of the local restaurants will have some form of patio extention or tasting table and they include Bar Italia, Trattoria Taverniti, Red Sauce, La Carnita and many more.
Yorkville Exotic Car Show
When: June 15, 12 p.m.
Where: Bloor St. between Avenue Rd. and Bay St.
Details: So, you're a good son or daughter, but maybe Father's Day snuck up on you or gift ideas remain elusive. While I'm not suggesting you get your checkbook out at the car show, what Dad (okay, I know a few) wouldn't like to spend the day salivating over the hood ornaments of a car lineup that includes cutting-edge models such as the 2013 Tesla Model S, old school options like the '59 Impala, or the really old school with a 1932 Bucciali TAV-12?
Toronto Tango Festival
When: June 12 to 15
Where: Lithuanian Hall (1573 Bloor St. W)
Details: Ten years of tangoing is sure to leave you sore, but the Tango Festival is back to round out a decade. The four day-long affair is offering up workshops for all skill levels from instructors native to Argentina itself. There will also be DJs and live orchestras on hand to play your number as you stretch and sway to your heart's content. Tickets for the big two-day workshop run $125.
RISE Better Living Expo
When: June 13 to 15
Where: Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.)
Details: This weekend-long expo is designed to bring "brands with standards" to consumers who are looking to shape up and live the good life. You are what you eat, of course, so the focus seems to be on grub that is organic and held to a certain standard. There's a tapas market dinner, a clean community kitchen, motivational talks, as well as a verified market place and a 'flexitarian' food court. Big brands with preservatives need not apply, but you can for $25 here.
Breakthroughs Film Festival
When: June 13, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Al Green Theatre (750 Spadina Ave.)
Details: This film fest shines the light on emerging female directors of short films. It's designed as a breakthrough for young Canadian directors and there are no limitations on genre. Right now, there's a lineup of ten films, and tickets are $15.
