21 Black Futures
If you missed Obsidian Theatre’s historic presentation of 21 short shows looking at the future of Blackness last year, they’re all still streaming at the CBC Gem site. Organized by Obsidian’s artistic director, Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu, the shows – including Cheryl Foggo’s The Sender, starring Sort Of’s Amanda Cordner – are timely and urgent, perfect isolation viewing.
Available for a limited time. Free. gem.cbc.ca
Feel Good Friday With DJ Blush
Miss dancing? Well, you can’t do the real thing in-person now, but DJ Blush hosts an online dance party with R&R, soul, funk, pop, hip-hop and more. So clear out your living room furniture and get ready to feel good.
January 7 at 9 pm. Pwyc. mixcloud.com/live/djblushto
Cavalcade of Lights
It’s your last chance to see the Nathan Phillips Square spectacle of lights, with installations inspired by cultural festivals around the world. The Cavalcade was designed with guidance from Toronto Public Health, so as long as you keep your distance this is a safe Omicron event that will get you out of your apartment – and maybe even into a pair of skates.
To January 7, 5-11 pm. Free. toronto.ca/cavalcade
The Bentway skate trail
The figure-8 skate trail under the Gardiner is back this year. No reservations are required, but you do need to wear a mask, and capacity is limited. There will be skate rentals and sharpenings, but skating lessons have been cancelled. Inuvialuk artist Maureen Gruben’s large-scale installation of sculptural sleds, Moving With Joy, will also be on display. The work depicts how sleds are used by Arctic communities.
To February 21. 250 Fort York Blvd. Free. thebentway.ca
Snow Magic
The producers of this seasonal drive-thru are playing fast and loose with the winter theme. Snow Magic is basically a tour of Burning Man-style sculptures – think pyrotechnics, optical effects and Tim Burtonesque trance music. The laser tower gives strong Jennifer Lopez Waiting For Tonight video vibes.
To January 16. Ontario Place (955 Lake Shore West). $45-$65 per vehicle. DriveThruFunCo.com
The Silk Road: A Living History
Galleries and museums may be closed, but the Aga Khan Museum’s outdoor exhibition featuring photographs by Christopher Wilton-Steer is on for a couple of months. Just be sure to bundle up if it’s extra cold outside.
Runs to March 7. Free. Aga Khan Park (77 Wynford). agakhanmuseum.org
