Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Contact
May 1-31. North America’s largest annual photography exhibition showcases the work of big hitters and local talent (such as shining star Edward Burtynsky); founded by Canada’s leading photography dealer (and local gallery owner) Stephen Bulger. www.contactphoto.com
Hot Docs
April. International documentary festival features more than 100 films from Canada and around the world; post-screening Q&A sessions with directors give the film festival an intimate and interactive appeal. www.hotdocs.ca
International Festival of Authors
Late October. “Pico Iyer wrote that Toronto has the richest literary culture of any North American city. This is one of the reasons it’s so rich.”—Alec Scott, arts columnist, Toronto Life magazine. Ten-day festival, celebrating 28th year in 2008, features lectures, readings, and round-table discussions with renowned authors. www.readings.org
Nuit Blanche
Date varies annually. Fantastical all-night celebration of contemporary art; nearly 200 venues (from churches and museums to squash courts and alleyways) pose as shadowy prosceniums for music performances, bedtime readings, video projections, and art displays. www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
Pride Toronto
Last week in June. Week-long celebration of the city’s diverse sexual and gender identities; recognized as a “Signature Event” by the city. Includes arts and cultural activities, annual Pride Parade and Dyke March, massive crowds, fabulous costumes, and outrageous floats. www.pridetoronto.com
Toronto International Film Festival
Early September. It’s unseated Cannes as the largest and most important film festival in the world. Features 300-400 screenings in more than 20 theatres across town; considered the official launchpad to the Oscar race. Ten-day festival begins the Thursday after Labor Day. Tel. +1 416 968 3456; fee. www.tiff07.ca
