Looking for things to do in Toronto this month of love? Want to play tourist around Toronto or simply participate in interesting activities? Whether you are looking forward to spending time with your family, friends, partner, or even by your lonesome, the Big Smoke has something for you.
For Gearheads: The Canadian International AutoShow
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto
When: February 14 to 23, 2020
Cost: $7 to $25
The Canadian International AutoShow is the largest car expo and consumer show in the country: the exhibit will span more than 650,000 sq ft. Enjoy the company of other car enthusiasts, as the AutoShow annually draws around 360,000 people. Displaying the best of the automotive industry and technology, it will showcase more than 1,000 cars, from electric and self-driving ones to SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, and trucks.
This year’s theme is “Transformative Times,” celebrating the great innovative strides being made in today’s automotive industry.
A special installation called Future Tech Hub will be featuring a number of the most novel and inventive technologies redefining transportation.
Jason Campbell, general manager of the AutoShow, explains, “The car is no longer just something to get us from point A to point B. They are intelligent computers where we potentially spend a significant portion of our day. We are seeing automation potentially easing some of gridlock with new ways to deliver packages and goods, and we are getting more efficient and environmentally aware.”
Commencing on Valentine’s Day 2020 and located in the main showroom on Level 800 of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s South Building, the special installation will display products from some of the Canadian automotive industry’s leading figures:
- Drove Delivery Canada, specializing in shipping and delivery systems through drones
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, to show off their newly launched concept car, Project Arrow, which is environment-friendly with zero-emissions and entirely equipped with all-Canadian parts and technology
- FLO, recognized in the transportation industry as a charging network for electric automotives, with 25,000 charging stations all over North America
Take yourself for a drive on an electric car, as the AutoShow will also include an EV Test Drive program, courtesy of Plug‘n Drive and the EV Discovery Centre. Cara Clairman, president and CEO of Plug‘n Drive, says, “The growing line up of electric vehicles available in Canada is well represented at the AutoShow. The EV Test Drive program is an excellent tool for consumers to learn more about the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles while gaining an understanding about the benefits of electrification versus the traditional combustion engine.”
For Thrift Lovers and Vintage Collectors: Leslieville Flea: Winter Market
Where: The Fermenting Cellar, 28 Distillery Lane, Toronto
When: February 16, 2020
Cost: Free
The Leslieville Flea is a curated market established in 2013 by Brigid Elmy and Christine Roberts. It’s a space created especially for Canadian artists, vendors, and collectors. The Flea humbly began in the parking lot of Duke Tavern and now spans the Ashbridge Estate, Distillery District and many other spots where you can find vintage vendors and artisans.
The market offers you a chance to get to know up close and personal the creators of unique products and goods, learn about their production process, and strike up interesting conversations with collectors about their rare and vintage item hunts.
This February 16 Flea will display an array of goods made ethically, locally, and responsibly, including vintage and pre-loved clothes. Buying secondhand clothes is an eco-friendly choice, as it extends the life of these products, making them more useful and lowering the demand for newly mass-produced goods. It is also a great way to make a fashion statement, since most of these clothes are one of a kind, rare finds.
The market also displays furniture, accessories, houseware, and many more. You can go on a rare item hunt, buy matching clothes with a friend or your partner, or dine at some of the must-visit restaurants in the heart of Toronto while showing your support for local small businesses. You might also want to stick around until the evening to catch the Toronto Light Festival, also to be held around the premises.
For the Art Aficionado: Artist Project
Where: The Better Living Centre Exhibition Place, 195 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
When: February 20 to 23, 2020
Cost: $0 to $35
Visit the Better Living Centre Exhibition Place, and delight in the works of over 300 contemporary artists from Canada and abroad.
In its 13th year, the Artist Project features:
- Art Chats – Listen to the leading experts in the art and design field with Art Chats, a series of hour-long talks and panel discussions on various creative subjects.
- Art Walks – Explore the exhibits with a guide and learn about each artists’ influences, inspirations, and creative process through Art Walks.
- Art Battle – Watch the thrilling Art Battle, a live painting contest where participating artists are given 20 minutes to create a masterpiece. Viewers can vote for their favourite artwork and get a chance to purchase the competition pieces in a silent auction.
In addition, you might discover your next favourite art prodigy in the Untapped Emerging Artists Competition presented by DeSerres. The contest provides a space for current and fresh graduate art students and self-taught artists to showcase their works and make connections with established professionals in their industry, jump-starting their careers. A select jury will award 20 new artists the chance to participate in an exhibit for free.
Celebrate Black History Month at Kuumba
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
When: February 1 to 29, 2020
Cost: Free with ticketed events
Spearheaded by Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, Kuumba takes on this year with a “silver lining approach,” inviting contemplation on what is worth celebrating on the 25th year of the festival.
In its 25th year, Kuumba is Toronto’s longest running Black History Month festival. For the entire month of February, immerse yourself in black history and culture through events including:
- Photo Exhibit – Witness Nigerian-Canadian artist Adeyemi Adegbesan envision an afro-futurist world in a photo exhibit called “Yung Yemi: Ascension Tech”. His work will highlight narratives of curious and intriguing coloured characters. Adegbesan aims to demonstrate the importance of embracing the past through the use of ancient symbols and myths that were once made inaccessible to black communities. His exhibit runs from the 8th to the end of the month.
- Film and Theatre – From the the 12th to the 15th, Crossfield House Productions presents A Seat at the Table, an event featuring:
- “1994”, a theatre performance that tells a coming of age story that explores the friendship of two friends through the music, politics, and culture of the era.
- “A Little White Lie”, a drama that follows the life of a successful CEO navigating through childhood trauma and personal conflict brought by the impending death of his mother.
- Other festival highlights:
- Sneaker design workshops by legendary footwear designer D’Wayne Edwards
- T.W.O.S: The Welcoming of Synergies, a showcase of Toronto performance artists
If you don’t want any of the hassles of the Toronto public transport while getting to these February events, we’ve got you covered. Parkinson Coach offers comfortable and spacious coaches perfect for large groups. Check out our Toronto transportation services, which include sightseeing tours and pick-up/drop-off at the airport. Quality in-transit accommodations are at your disposal while you take in the sights, sounds, and the crisp winter weather in Toronto.