Reading week is approaching, and for many students, it means being stuck in Toronto with nothing to do. Luckily Toronto is a major hub for entertainment and activities for all to enjoy between studying for midterms.
Here are eight things to do in Toronto over this reading week:
1. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Down by the waterfront is The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, home to many exhibits by Canadian artists nationwide. Guests are welcome to walk around the gallery and read stories connected to beautiful artworks.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is located at 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto, Ont., open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. KUUMBA
KUUMBA is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival, which has programs all of February celebrating the Black arts, cultures, and societies. From art exhibitions to spoken word and film screenings, the Harbourfront Centre is working with Black artists to get their stories out for people to hear.
It is situated at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, Ont., open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Graffiti Alley
Graffiti Alley is a notorious area in the Fashion District with alleyways connected by various graffiti artworks to create a beautiful mosaic of individuality. While it has been around for many years, the artwork is always changing, with new artists leaving their mark. Taking a walk down the route is a sight to see, especially when the city warms up.
Graffiti Alley is located on Queen St. W and Spadina Ave; open all hours throughout the day.
4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The ROM is known for its many artworks and historical artifacts that it holds within its walls. With familiar and new exhibits, anyone can expect a fascinating experience.
The ROM also has a monthly event they call After Dark, where attendees ages 19 and up can experience the museum at night, with alcoholic drinks, a DJ, and dancefloor, and many Instagrammable photo-ops. This after-hours event is only on Feb. 16, but the other exhibits are open six days a week.
Royal Ontario Museum is located at 100 Queens Park, Toronto, Ont., open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5. The Bentway Ice Skating
The Bentway has had ice skating all season, and it’s closing soon! With cheap skate rentals and free access to the rink, people can enjoy skating under the highway with their families, friends, and significant others. Watch out for the free skate rental or free hot chocolate nights!
The Bentway Skating Rink is located at 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ont., open all week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 9.m. on weekends.
6. Absolute Comedy
Looking for a bit of laughter? Look no further than Absolute Comedy. With nightly show ticket prices as low as $20, you can bring friends for a fun and affordable night out with new headline comedians weekly.
Absolute Comedy is located at 2335 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Local Theatre Productions
Beyond the infamous Mirvish productions in Toronto, there are many smaller theatres with affordable tickets.
Tarragon Theatre is playing Guilt: A Love Story. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is showcasing The Rhubarb Festival. And Soulpepper Theatre is showing De Profoundis: Oscar Wilde In Jail, to name a few.
Many local theatres and actors deserve the public’s support, which you can do by going out with some friends to a show.
Soulpepper Theatre is located at 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON., with showtimes from Tuesday to Sunday at 2 p.m. or 8 p.m.
8. Trivia Nights
What better way to keep your brain turning than a trivia night? Many restaurants and cafes host trivia nights where you can go out and test your knowledge against other teams. Places like Hugs and Sarcasm, Snakes and Lattes, Stout Irish Pub and Kramer’s Bar & Grill are just some places you can visit. If you look hard enough, you can find one for every day of the week!
Hugs and Sarcasm is located at 859 Queen St W, Toronto, ON., and is open Thursdays to Sundays, with trivia nights on Thursdays and Fridays.
From theatre to skating to museums to fun nights out with friends, Toronto has a lot to offer students on a budget who are looking for something to do during reading week. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!