Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of July 11–13
In this edition of The Weekender, a night market, outdoor theatre and three other things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Night it Up (FREE!)
Going north of Steeles isn’t always easy (if you don’t live there, that is), but fans of Asian street food may want to make the effort this weekend when Night it Up returns to the Markham Civic Centre. As live musical performances happen in the background, vendors will be serving up treats in a traditional Hong Kong–style night-market setting. Newbies can sample relatively tame snacks like fried quail eggs, but fearless eaters may want to take the rare opportunity to try some stinky tofu—which, if possible, is even more foul-smelling than it sounds. The event’s proceeds will benefit Unity Charity. July 11–13. Admission FREE. Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., nightitup.com
We Are Pan Am (FREE!)
Toronto will be hosting the 2015 Pan Am Games exactly a year from now, but so far there hasn’t been much enthusiasm in the press, or from the public. This weekend’s We Are Pan Am festivities probably won’t change that, but they definitely can’t hurt. Visitors will see demonstrations of sports like trampoline, volleyball and basketball, followed by musical performances in the evenings. This is a perfect opportunity to meet Pachi, the official mascot for the games, who looks terrifying but is a good hugger. July 11–12. FREE. Nathan Phillips Square, toronto2015.org
Slutwalk Toronto (FREE!)
Anyone who didn’t get their fill of empowerment from WorldPride may want to check out the resurrected SlutWalk Toronto, a march against victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence. Wear whatever you want (except perfume; the event is designated “scent free”). July 12. FREE. Meet at Nathan Phillips Square, facebook.com
Festival of India (FREE!)
The 42nd-annual Festival of India will begin with a colourful parade down Yonge Street, where onlookers can join in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. The festivities will continue on Centre Island, with a South Asian bazaar, traditional face-painting and outdoor yoga. Until July 12–13. FREE. Various locations, festivalofindia.ca
Shakespeare in High Park
Hot summer days are too precious to waste in air-conditioned auditoriums, but fortunately Toronto theatregoers have another option. This year’s Shakespeare in High Park lineup from Canadian Stage consists of Titus Andronicus (tragic, violent) and As You Like It (light, comedic, kid-friendly). Premium seats are already almost sold out, but it’s pay-what-you-can at the door for spots on the hill. Bring a picnic dinner to distract you, in case the Elizabethan diction flies over thine head. Until August 31. PWYC–$25. High Park Ampitheatre, 1873 Bloor St. W., canadianstage.com
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/food/weekender-july-11/&title=Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of July 11–13&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/weekender-july-11-featured.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_281890" align="alignnone" width="656"] Canadian Stage's Titus Andronicus. (Image: David Hou)[/caption]
In this edition of The Weekender, a night market, outdoor theatre and three other things to do in Toronto this weekend.
FOOD
Night it Up (FREE!)
Going north of Steeles isn't always easy (if you don't live there, that is), but fans of Asian street food may want to make the effort this weekend when Night it Up returns to the Markham Civic Centre. As live musical performances happen in the background, vendors will be serving up treats in a traditional Hong Kong–style night-market setting. Newbies can sample relatively tame snacks like fried quail eggs, but fearless eaters may want to take the rare opportunity to try some stinky tofu—which, if possible, is even more foul-smelling than it sounds. The event's proceeds will benefit Unity Charity. July 11–13. Admission FREE. Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., nightitup.com
SPORTS
We Are Pan Am (FREE!)
Toronto will be hosting the 2015 Pan Am Games exactly a year from now, but so far there hasn't been much enthusiasm in the press, or from the public. This weekend's We Are Pan Am festivities probably won't change that, but they definitely can't hurt. Visitors will see demonstrations of sports like trampoline, volleyball and basketball, followed by musical performances in the evenings. This is a perfect opportunity to meet Pachi, the official mascot for the games, who looks terrifying but is a good hugger. July 11–12. FREE. Nathan Phillips Square, toronto2015.org
ACTIVISM
Slutwalk Toronto (FREE!)
Anyone who didn't get their fill of empowerment from WorldPride may want to check out the resurrected SlutWalk Toronto, a march against victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence. Wear whatever you want (except perfume; the event is designated "scent free"). July 12. FREE. Meet at Nathan Phillips Square, facebook.com
FESTIVAL
Festival of India (FREE!)
The 42nd-annual Festival of India will begin with a colourful parade down Yonge Street, where onlookers can join in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. The festivities will continue on Centre Island, with a South Asian bazaar, traditional face-painting and outdoor yoga. Until July 12–13. FREE. Various locations, festivalofindia.ca
THEATRE
Shakespeare in High Park
Hot summer days are too precious to waste in air-conditioned auditoriums, but fortunately Toronto theatregoers have another option. This year's Shakespeare in High Park lineup from Canadian Stage consists of Titus Andronicus (tragic, violent) and As You Like It (light, comedic, kid-friendly). Premium seats are already almost sold out, but it's pay-what-you-can at the door for spots on the hill. Bring a picnic dinner to distract you, in case the Elizabethan diction flies over thine head. Until August 31. PWYC–$25. High Park Ampitheatre, 1873 Bloor St. W., canadianstage.com ){kind=link}