Festivals

Each year, there are many festivals and events that happen in Toronto or surrounding area. Over the years we have had the opportunity to explore many of them. Below is my list and rating.

***** Exceptional fun! MUST GO!!!
****  Well organized and enjoyable. Should go at least once.
***    Meet expectation. Should go if you have a chance.
**      Below expectation. Can go or miss.
*       A total waste of time.


For a complete list of Ontario events, you can download an electronic copy guide here: http://www.ontariotravel.net/TCISSegmentsWeb/gn/travelGuides/attractions.xhtml?_nfpb=true&_nfls=false&language=en

For a complete list of Toronto events, you can view here: http://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/

January Picks

Twenty Valley Winter Winefest & Winterfest in Market Square (Part of the Niagara Icewine Festival)
Date: January 14-15, 2012
Location: Niagara region (1.5 hrs SW of Toronto)
Rating: ***
Type: Food and wine sampling
Costs: Admission is free but you need to buy tokens for each sampling. Tokens are around $3 each.
Description: 
- Unique and tasty treats (some uses icewine as part of the ingredient) and wine
Recommended activities: Food and wine sampling
Website: http://www.icewinefestival.com/ (browse for many other icewine tasting opportunities), http://www.twentyvalley.ca/

The Wedding Co. Show
Date: January 14-15, 2012
Location: Toronto
Rating: *** 1/2
Type: Wedding info exhibition
Costs: Admission fee $18 with coupon, $20 without coupon
Description: 
- Stylish and unique wedding related vendors and displays
- Must try free sampling of pastries and appetizers
Recommended activities: Wedding info seeking, food sampling
Website: http://www.theweddingco.com/

Polarfest
Date: January 27-February 5, 2012
Location: Lakefield and Ennismore (2 hrs NE of Toronto)
Rating: ***
Type: Winter outdoor activties
Costs: Free
Description: 
- Guided night hike, hot air balloon rides
- Winter activities such as ice sculptures, skating, snowshoeing, ice hockey, curling, polar paddle and plunge race
Recommended activities: Winter activities, photography
Website: http://polarfest.ca

Wintercity Festival & Winterlicious
Date: January 27-February 9, 2012
Location: Toronto
Rating: ****
Type: Special events and fine dining
Costs: Wintercity events are free; Winterlicious lunch and dinner vary from $15-$45
Description: 
- Toronto’s top restaurants offering a 3-course prix fixe menus (many restaurants to choose from!). Early reservation highly recommended!
- Not sure if it’s happening this yr, but in the past, Wintercity Festival consisted outdoor multi-media events and performances that wow-ed the audience
Recommended activities: Special performances like magic shows or acrobats, fine dining, photography
Website: 

http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious/2012/index.htm



Interior Design Show
Date: January 26-29, 2012
Location: Toronto
Rating: ***
Type: Design exhibition
Costs: Admission fee is $22, $3 off if buying online
Description: 
- Lots of contemporary design ideas and latest trend in interior design
- Offering unique products
Recommended activities: Browsing for latest design and ideas, photography
Website: http://www.interiordesignshow.com/