It's the long weekend (and the weather seems to be co-operating), so get out there and enjoy what the city has to offer. On the docket this weekend: pulled pork poutine and live music on King St., brews at Evergreen Brick Works, a day of well-deserved veneration for the art of vinyl, an all-ages festival, and (the pièce de résistance) a cat video festival. Happy Easter, everyone.
Lou Dawg's Celebrates 5 Years on King
When: April 17, 12 pm to 2 am
Where: Lou Dawg's, 589 King St. W.
Details: What better way to ease into the holiday weekend than with a day of Southern BBQ, live music (New Orleans jazz, blues and country tunes), and free Loutine—that's pulled pork poutine to the uninitiated—with purchase of Pistonhead Kustom Lager between 12 pm and 12 am.
Brewer's Backyard: Great Friday
When: April 18, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Koerner Gardens or Young Welcome Centre (depending on weather) at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave.
Details: The Brewer's Backyard returns this long weekend, with a menu that includes brews from Mill Street, Double Trouble, Cheshire Valley and Junction Craft. There'll also be tasty sandwiches (featuring BBQ smoked tritip) and mac 'n' cheese from Bricks and Mortar. Admission is free.
Record Store Day 2014
When: April 19
Where: Various venues
Details: For those who still appreciate the sound of vinyl (and the experience of trolling a store for that perfect find) Record Store Day returns this weekend for its seventh year at various venues across the city. Talk shop with the city's friendly record store employees, stock up on new (or vintage) tunes, and stop by the Annex location of Sonic Boom for an all-day live music affair.
Harbourfront Centre Spring Fling
When: April 18-20, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Details: Celebrate the coming of spring with this family-friendly festival. Enjoy the comedic clown stylings of Morro and Jasp (in Go Green), explore the Discovery Garden, or settle in for the musical storytelling of Heather Whaley.
Just for Cats: Internet Cat Video Festival
When: April 17, 7:30 pm and 9 pm
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W.
Details: Prepare to swoon from sheer cuteness overload: TIFF has partnered with the Toronto Humane Society for an evening of cat-themed YouTube videos, preceded by—wait for it—a red carpet swarming with cats. Expect the finest in feline cinema, including Kittens Inspired by Kittens, and, of course, Grumpy Cat. The red carpet, held in TIFF's atrium, will act as an adopt-a-thon. Get your tickets through TIFF and see below for a tantalizing (and conceptual) preview.
