Cities/YYZ

The Al Yankovic Story, starring Daniel Radcliffe

Toronto International Film Festival
Thurs., Sept. 8 – Sun., Sept. 18
Some free events, $20+
Various theatres / tiff.net

TlFF, one of the greatest and final celebrations of summer, returns in full force with hundreds of in-person screenings, red-carpet events and outdoor performances. For 11 days, King Street West will become a pedestrian-only space for film buffs from around the world to catch a glimpse of leading actors and discover their new favourite director — and hear bands at the Slaight Music Stage. Highlights include The Woman King, starring Viola Davis and telling the true story of an all-female military regiment; Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, starring Daniel Radcliffe; Buffy Sant-Marie: Carry It On, I Like Movies, a doc about the Canadian icon; touching debut film from Toronto’s Chandler Levack, The Return of Tanya Tucker: Featuring Brandi Carlyle; and an adaptation of the delightful coming-of-age novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

Trevor Noah

Just for Laughs
Thurs., Sept. 22 – Sat., Oct. 1
$40 – $210
Various venues
toronto.hahaha.com

Just for Laughs adds a conference, free outdoor shows and more to some of the biggest names in comedy with some of the best up-and-comers for this year’s jampacked festival. Acts include iconic drag queen stars Trixie and Katya (Fri., Sept. 23), late night host Trevor Noah (Fri., Sept. 30 and Sat., Oct. 1) and multi-hyphenate Issa Rae (Sat., Sep. 24). For more laughs, check out ComedyCON for interviews, live podcasts and meet-and-greets.

Mean Girls the musical

Mirvish Fall Season
Fri., Sept. 23 – Sun., Nov. 27
$50 – $175
Various venues
mirvish.com

As the weather cools down outside, things are heating up inside with a new season of captivating plays and musicals! Mirvish Productions presents a packed fall lineup. The Tony Award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues its Canadian run at Ed Mirvish Theatre while London’s West End comes to the Princess of Wales Theatre with Singin’ in the Rain. The Shark Is Broken is a comedy based on the blockbuster film Jaws, and the musical adaptation of the 2004 hit film Mean Girls comes from Broadway to King West in a swath of pink.

Halloween Haunt
Fri., Sept. 23 – Sun., Oct. 30 / $59+
Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr.
canadaswonderland.com/events/haunt

If you’re looking for something spooky to do this fall, wander the transformed grounds at Canada’s Wonderland with the return of its infamous Halloween Haunt. Known for the thrilling rides, the park adds eerie haunted houses and mazes, creepy street performers and impressive live shows. Get dressed up and brave the Haunt at night!

Lexsoul Dancemachine
Fri., Sept. 23, 8 pm
$25
Axis Club, 722 College St.
estonianmusicweek.ca

Estonian Music Week partners with Tartu College to celebrate Estonian culture in the best way possible: with lots of music and dancing! Six-person groove band Lexsoul Dancemachine visit Canada for the very first time to share their funky beats, and they’ll be supported by Toronto jazz fusion band the Shuffle Demons.

Toronto International Festival of Authors
Thurs., Sept. 22 – Sun.,
Oct. 2 / Free – $20
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
festivalofauthors.ca

Canada’s longest-running literary festival welcomes readers of all ages to enjoy over 200 events and activities, including readings, book signings, interviews, live music and films. Guest writers include Vivek Shraya and CBC host Ali Hassan; performances include Kawpow!, a blend of hip hop and poetry readings and Indigenous storytelling from Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

Dance for Fall, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. Photo by Trudie Lee Photography

FALL FOR DANCE NORTH
Sat., Sept. 17 – Sat., Oct. 8 / $15
Various venues / ffdnorth.com

One of the city’s premier international dance festivals returns with its eighth annual event, featuring an exhilarating mix of dance performances, live music and film screenings. Hosted across the city in both indoor and outdoor venues (Median Hall, Evergreen Brickworks, the Theatre at the Creative School), immerse yourself in ballet, tap, Indigenous hula and contemporary circus.

imagineNATIVE FILM + MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
Tue., Oct. 18 – Sun., Oct. 30
Free – $150+ festival packages
Various venues and online
imaginenative.org

In a grand celebration of Indigenous art from around the world, imagineNATIVE Festival returns with over 100 short films and 17 feature movies screening both in person and online. Locations include TIFF Bell Lightbox and Artscape Sandbox, and special events include opening and closing galas and an art showcase.

NUIT BLANCHE
Sat., Oct. 1 – Sun., Oct, 2
Free
Various venues
toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/nuitblanche

From sunset to sunrise, Toronto transforms into one massive contemporary art gallery with the return of Nuit Blanche. Over 150 artists interpret this year’s theme, The Space Between Us, and bridge the gap between cultures, communities and the environment. Stand among giant sculptures, immerse yourself in virtual reality and hear sound installations.

Cell 7

REYKJAVÍK CALLING
Thurs., Sept. 22, 7 pm
Free
Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W.
Icelandairwaves.is

The Taste of Iceland is going global and making a stop in Toronto this September in a celebration of food, music and culture. The six-day festival runs from Sept. 22 to 27 and kicks off with an exclusive concert at the Horseshoe Tavern. Curated by Icelandic Airwaves, artists BSÍ and Cell7 share their different musical styles. BSÍ will rock the night away with their synths, guitars and feminist attitudes while Cell7 will prove why she’s a pioneer of the Icelandic hip hop scene. Admission is free but the show is firstcome, first-served, so get there early!