NYE at Nathan Phillip’s Square
Spending an extended period of time outdoors hardly seems appealing, given the blast of Arctic air Toronto is experiencing this week. But if one lineup could tempt us to bundle up and soldier through, it would be the city’s official New Year’s Eve party. This year’s lineup is heavy on adventurous electronic sounds and kicks off with early sets by experimental producer OBUXUM and Anishnaabe dance artist Nimkii Osawamick. Nino Brown of Yes Yes Y’All and Hamilton club auteur Jessy Lanza hit the decks before duo Bonjay (Alanna Stuart and Ian Swai) take the stage. The pair made waves internationally with 2010’s Broughtupsy EP and are releasing a debut album in the spring. NYE revellers can probably expect a taste of their new material.
Update December 31: Due to extreme cold weather, the city has scaled back the lineup to Jessy Lanza’s DJ set at 11:30 pm and a fireworks display at midnight.
December 31. 8 pm. Free. toronto.ca/newyearseve.
Teenanger, Prom Nite, Lee Paradise
Punk bands raise money money for Parkdale Food Drive.
December 29. The Baby G. 9 pm. $10 and one non-perishable food item. thebabyg.com.
Magnificent 70mm
Classic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Dark Crystal and The Thing screen in glorious 70mm at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
To January 3. tiff.net.
What’s In The Box
Boxing Week music fest at the Drake Hotel wraps up with Bambii’s Jerk party and Dizzy.
$5 at the door. thedrake.ca. December 29 & 30.
DJ Skate Nights
Local DJs spin house, funk, soul and pop at Harbourfront Centre from 8 to 11 pm.
December 30. harbourfrontcentre.com.
Dwayne Gretzky’s New Year’s Eve Infinity Ball
The cover-band supergroup upsizes its annual NYE ball. Check out a roundup of the best New Year’s Eve parties here.
December 31. Enercare Centre. 9 pm. $75-$89. infinityballnye.com.
Zen New Year’s Day Service
Buddhist service of contemplation at Zen Buddhist Temple.
January 1. 86 Vaughn. 11:30 am. zenbuddhisttemple.org.