Sweater weather is approaching and what better excuse to head out in your favourite knit and enjoy one — or more — of a number of culture events in Toronto this coming week.
Visual Arts: Nuit Blanche
Oct. 5 at locations across the city
The 2024 edition of Nuit Blanche, the annual all-night art event spread across the city, is guided by the artistic theme of Bridging Distance: “Each piece will pose a question,” according to a statement by the event’s artistic director. “How does the impact of distance manifest in our bodies, the city and beyond? How might art physicalize and magnify different distances? How can art bring us closer to the thoughts, feelings and experiences of others outside of our immediate geographic, social and political realms?”
Running from 7 p.m. on Saturday until 7 a.m on Sunday, this year’s event boasts three exhibitions and more than 80 works made by local, national and international artists while also providing a series of talks, tours and workshops.
More info here.
Fandom: NostalgiaCon Vol. 1
Oct. 5, 12 to 7 p.m. at the Enercare Centre
Fans of the “Degrassi” TV series will have the chance to meet some of the original cast members from the hit “Degrassi High” at the first ever NostalgiaCon.
“Snake” and “Spike,” the onscreen couple played by Stefan Brogren and Amanda Stepto, respectively, are to attend Saturday’s convention alongside Caitlin and Joey (Stacie Mistycyn and Pat Mastroianni) and other celebrity guests. Fans can also explore a variety of vendors, play retro video games and win prizes through contests.
Tickets available here.
Theatre: Goblin:Macbeth
Until Oct. 27 at Tarragon Theatre
“Fair is foul and foul is fair.”
Co-created by Rebecca Northan and Bruce Horak, the “Goblin:Macbeth” musical is an irreverent take on the Bard’s classic play, according to Star culture reporter Joshua Chong. Drawing upon fantasy, tragedy and improvisation, it’s about three goblins who stumble across a copy of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and are eager to mount it in a theatre.
Tickets available here.
Music: Sofi Tukker
Oct. 11 and 12 at History
The playful electric pop-duo Sofi Tukker are to play two shows next weekend.
Limited tickets remain for the Grammy-nominated American duo, which consists of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. The New York City act, whose music has appeared in ads for Apple and Peleton, released their third LP, titled “Bread,” in August.
Tickets available here.
Movies: Greek International Film Festival
Until Oct. 31 at Imagine Cinemas Carlton Cinema
The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada takes pride in being the only film festival to be held in cities across the country: 11 in total, including Calgary, Vancouver, Hamilton and Winnipeg. The festival allows directors, writers, producers and actors of Greek heritage to share their craft.
Tickets available here.
Movies: Hellraiser
Oct. 11 at Revue Cinema
Get into the Halloween spirit nice and early this year by revisiting “Hellraiser,” the British horror movie that, since it was released in 1987, has spawned nine sequels. The repertory screening is presented in partnership between two indie programming groups: “Nightmare Alley,” which screens horror films, and “Dumpster Raccoon,” which features “trashy” cult films. Together, they invite fans to join queer film and horror enthusiasts for an “exquisitely spooky video preshow,” a live performance and special cocktails provided by the Shameful Tiki Room.
Tickets available here.
Music: Mdou Moctar
Oct. 9 at the Concert Hall
If you’re in the mood for a little shredding, grab a ticket to see Mdou Moctar, a Taureg songwriter and musician based in Niger, who in recent years has earned a reputation as one of the most thrilling contemporary guitarists in rock music. Moctar and his band’s latest record, “Funeral for Justice” — a politically charged blend of “desert blues” and psychedelic rock — currently ranks among the top five critically rated albums of 2024, according to Metacritic.
Tickets available here.
Music: Stephan Moccio
Oct. 6 at the Royal Theatre
St. Catharines-born, classically trained pianist and composer Stephan Moccio might not be a household name, but he’s worked behind the scenes as a composer of hit songs like Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” and The Weeknd’s “Earned it.” The Grammy- and Oscar-nominated artist has also written songs for megastars such as Dua Lipa, Avril Lavigne, James Blunt and Ne-Yo.
Tickets available here.
Music: Candlelight: A Tribute to Metallica
Oct. 9 at Paradise Theatre
Can’t wait until April to get your Metallica fix? Fret not (pun intended): the Paradise has got you covered.
On Wednesday, the theatre on Bloor Street West will host two performances by the Listeso Music Group, which will perform classical renditions of the heavy metal band’s greatest hits surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Tickets available here.
Dance: 2024 National Showcase of Canadian Blacks in Dance
Oct. 5 and 6 at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Described as “an exhilarating journey through diverse dance styles,” this national dance immersion showcase explores African diasporic expressions from across the country, including contemporary aerial dance, Krump, African street dances, hip-hop and contemporary fusion, tap dance, Afrofusion and contemporary African.
Tickets available here.
