NOW critics pick the best in-person and virtual things to do in Toronto on the weekend of August 20, including a bike rave, the virtual CNE, a free exhibition at the Gardiner Museum, Mixto Festival and more.
Matthew Wong: Blue View
The first solo museum exhibition by Toronto-born Chinese Canadian artist Matthew Wong opens at the AGO this weekend. The exhibition feature more than 40 melancholy paintings from the artist’s Blue Series, made between 2017 and 2019.
To April 18, 2022. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas West). ago.ca
Mixto Festival
Una Nota Culture’s multicultural music block party is back on the streets after a year in virtual-land. The festival features DJs, art installations, food trucks, children’s activity and, of course, live music. Catch Toronto rapper DijahSB, DJ Nino Brown, Moneka Arabic Jazz, John Orpheus and lots more.
August 20-22. Lynx Music (260 Emerson). Single day tickets $20-$25, full weekend pass $60. eventbrite.ca
Alice In Wonderland
Tyler J. Seguin directs David Savoy’s playful adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic, performed at the beautiful east end outdoor theatre.
To August 29. Greek Theatre, Guild Park & Gardens (201 Guildwood). 7:30 pm, some 3:30 pm matinees. $22.19-$32.79. guildfestivaltheatre.ca
Drive ‘N Queens
The final edition of the drive-in drag show series hosted by Toronto choreo-queen Tynomi Banks happens this Friday. The lineup includes Pythia, Miss Steak and Canada’s Drag Race album Ilona Verley and Anastarzia Anaquay.
August 20. CityView Drive-In (20 Polson). Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm. $140-$280 per vehicle. ticketmaster.ca
CNE Connected
The Canadian National Exhibition is cancelled this year, but organizers are continuing to offer programming online as part of a limited subscription streaming service. CNE Connected will feature exclusive programming and comes with a free general admission ticket to the 2022 fair. For the price of virtual admission, you get cooking lessons, Kemetic yoga, a mural competition, an esports tournament, the 100th Warriors Day Parade and a virtual concerts by iskwē. There’s also a free virtual concert by Toronto rocker Carole Pope.
August 20-September 30. $22, some events free. theEx.com
Courtyard Comedy – Tamara Shevon
Shevon headlines an afternoon of live comedy outside the historic Campbell House Museum, with Courtney Gilmour, Ben Sosa Wright, Arianne Tong, Hillary Vaas and host Robert Watson. An hour before show time enjoy tastings from drinks sponsor Cottage Springs Beverage Co.
August 21. Campbell House Museum (160 Queen West). 3 pm. $20. campbellhousemuseum.ca
Jarrett Campbell
The fast-rising stand-up headlines a set at Yuk Yuk’s, with MC duties performed by Marito Lopez.
August 21. 224 Richmond. 7:30 pm. $44.25 (for two). yukyuks.com
Hot Takes
In this panel show, comics Coko Galore, Aidan O’Loughlin, Tamara Shevon and Alessandra Vite present hot takes on everything from whether Pepsi is better than cocaine to whether Kelly Clarkson is the worst Idol winner. Tom Hearn hosts.
August 21. 945 Bloor West. 11 pm. $40.68 (for two). comedybar.ca
Forever (Bird-Botanicals)
A free exhibition of 500 clay birds is opening at the Gardiner Museum this weekend. Toronto-based sculptor David Constantino Salaza teamed with the organization Workman Arts to create the individually hand-sculpted pieces that invite viewers to contemplate the cultural symbolism associated with birds.
August 21-31. Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park). Free. gardinermuseum.on.ca
Toronto Bike Rave
If you’re missing the communal rave experience and not into the underground scene, a D.I.Y. event combining lights with synched music and bikes is happening this weekend. The Toronto Bike Rave was a pre-pandemic tradition that’s as much about cyclists claiming road space as it is lights and music.
August 21. 7:30 pm. Sliding scale donation. linktr.ee/bikerave.
Musical Bingo: Songs About Butts
DJ and promoter Dancing Phil’s raunchy bingo-meets-musical trivia party returns to Stackt Market on Sunday. This month’s edition is focused entirely on homages to the derrière. Study those Bootylicious lyrics and practice your twerking – there might be a test.
August 22. Stackt (28 Bathurst). 7 pm. $31.12-$180.97. eventbrite.ca
Love, Hope and Optimism – Celebrating The Layton Legacy
It’s been 10 years since late, beloved former NDP leader Jack Layton died, and this year he’ll be celebrated with a free, virtual concert. It’s filled with Canadian talent happy to spread Layton’s vision of hope and optimism: Steven Page, Raffi, Shad, Sarah Harmer, Ralph Donovan Woods, William Prince and more, plus non-musical bold names like David Suzuki, Rupi Kaur and Thomas King.
August 22. 8 pm. RSVP here.
