It’s the calm before the Halloween storm, and these social and wellness events in Toronto are kicking off ahead of the spooky chaos.
Now Toronto has compiled a list of nine things to brighten up your weekend this Oct. 16-18. Here’s what you need to know.
FRIDAY
Candlelight Yin + Sound Bath
Location: 539A Mount Pleasant Rd
After a long week at work, take a moment to detox at a candlelight yin and sound bath class. From 6-7 p.m., Yoga Kawa is hosting a workshop designed to help your body soften and calm through long-held yin postures, creating space through the hips, spine and shoulders as you move through a meditative pace. Calm your nervous system through the relaxing sound healing instruments as you end your week.
Mats are provided, all you need is water and comfortable clothes. The event costs $50 plus fees on Eventbrite.
CHOCOLATE Painting Open Studio
Location: 25 Liberty St
There’s no sweeter way to end your week, but with sweets. Check out Quest XO’s chocolate painting workshop from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a tasteful sugar rush evening. During the two-hour workshop, use your art skills with edible paints to decompress and paint a tasty creation – to enjoy after the workshop – or keep as home decor.
Your ticket includes a 5×5” handcrafted chocolate canvas, edible cocoa butter paints, paintbrush set, disposable apron, gift box for your finished edible art, and a choice of tea, sparkling water or seasonal sips. Choose from milk, vegan dark or white chocolate for $30 plus fees and tax, or ruby or caramel chocolate for $41 plus fees and tax on Eventbrite.
Queer Speed Dannecting
Location: 32 Lisgar St
If you’re casually looking for a relationship – without the pressure of finding “the one” at a speed dating event, check out this Queer Speed Dannecting: dating and connecting – without the pressure.
From 8-10:30 p.m., engage in eight-minute conversations with eight different people, then choose organically who you’ve connected with. Cards, colouring books and puzzles will be available, plus sober drinks and snacks. The event costs $9 plus fee on Eventbrite.
SATURDAY
Ink & Matcha: Write Your Name in Kanji + Whisk Your Matcha Latte
Location: 215 Madison Ave
Fall might bring Pumpkin Spice latte season, but matcha never goes out of season. From 1-3 p.m., learn how to whisk your own matcha latte and how to write your name in Kanji at Gleam & Sip. Take home your name in kanji on fine paper and printed on a cloth cup, and your matcha latte. Enjoy this relaxing Saturday afternoon activity for $80 plus fees and tax on Eventbrite.
Hips in Motion | Afro-Caribbean Dance Fitness Class
Location: 524 Oakwood Ave
Get ready to move your body at an Afro-Caribbean fitness class for an active Saturday afternoon. From 2-4 p.m., blend island rhythms and aerobic energy to build strength, mobility and freedom.
Beyond learning choreography, this class will allow you to reconnect with your body, build confidence, connect with others, and build hip mobility. Bring a rag, yoga mat and water bottle for the Pay What You Can PWYC event. Register on Eventbrite.
Paint & Sip Workshop – Abstract Acrylic Paint Pouring
Location: 2229 Kingston Rd, Unit A
Chill at this paint and sip workshop from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday. This gem and geode acrylic paint pouring workshop will teach you fluid art techniques such as the dirty pour to mimic gems on a geode.
In this workshop, you will be provided premium materials, a 10-inch round canvas, all as you sip and socialize with non-alcoholic drinks. The event costs $55 plus fees on Eventbrite.
SUNDAY
Sunday Sip & Paint Brunch | Bottomless Mimosas
Location: 244 Adelaide St W.
If you’d rather a boozy sip and paint event, join in on bottomless mimosas while painting during a fun Sunday brunch. No matter if you’re coming with friends or alone wishing to have an entertaining Sunday afternoon, get ready to paint, sip and enjoy.
The brunch costs $25 plus fees on Eventbrite, but the bottomless mimosas are an additional purchase.
Chrysalis: A Menopause Ceremony
Location: 177 McCormack St
Ahead of menopause day on Oct. 18, join a ceremony that honours the menopausal journey. This circle is dedicated to peri/menopause, focusing on the spiritual transformation that comes alive alongside the hot flashes and brain fog – an opportunity to embrace your mid-life awakening. You’re encouraged to wear red if you’re still bleeding – or white if you’ve entered menopause. Bring a seat cushion or yoga mat, a journal, and a pen.
In the circle, participate in a grounding practice, red thread journey meditation, reflections and discussions about your cycle, ritual craft honouring what you’re releasing, an embodiment practice, and end with tea. The event runs from 1-4 p.m. and costs $55 plus fees on Eventbrite.
Flash Class: Fall Bruschetta
Location: 55 Bloor St W.
If you can’t get enough bruschetta in Italian restaurants, then get ready to learn how to make it on your own. This 45-minute crash course at Eataly Yorkville will teach you two versions of Fall bruschetta, how to assemble it, and taste it for yourself. Here’s the menu:
- Bruschetta con Zucca, Ricotta e Miele al Tartufo Nero – Bruschetta with pumpkin, ricotta, and black truffle honey
- Bruschetta con Pesto di Carciofi – Bruschetta with artichoke pesto spread
Enjoy a glass of prosecco as you observe how the chef prepares the dish to later devour the meal. At the end, you get to take home a recipe to replicate the dish in your own kitchen. The event runs from 3:30-4:15 p.m. and costs $55 plus tax on Eventbrite.
