What to do in Toronto this weekend Feb. 10 to 12

Power Plant Contemporary Art exhibitions

On now until May 14, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery at 231 Queens Quay W. has three free simultaneous exhibitions touching on critical issues such as generational trauma, intimacy and the lasting effects of colonialism.

“In the comfort of Embers” showcases the work of U.K.-based visual artist Amartey Golding. Raised as a Rastafarian and influenced by his Anglo-Scottish mother, Ghanaian father, and Jamaican stepfather, Golding uses sculptures, film and 2D work to explore the portrayal of Black masculinity in the media and homophobia within Black British communities.

Cree artist Brenda Draney’s exhibit, “Drink from the River,” features work that examines the complex nature of intimacy and the layered meanings embedded in everyday situations.

The third exhibition, “in parallel,” brings together six artists from Toronto and surrounding areas. Each explores how, despite colonialism, visual documentation and cultural practices can reclaim the narratives of their respective communities.

Find out more about the artists and exhibitions at thepowerplant.org.

Black Excellence Walking Tour

Let’s Hike T.O. is hosting a walking tour celebrating the lives of prominent Black Canadians who worked in fields as varied as law and the arts, to show participants of their impacts on Canada that can still be seen today.

Starting at Balzac’s, 122 Bond St., and ending at 10 Draper St., the four-kilometre walk will be happening no matter the weather, so dress accordingly. Registration is $5, though there is complimentary registration based on certain circumstances. Email [email protected] for more info.

Pop-up Market and Changemaker awards

This weekend, the Scarborough Town Centre and BlackOwnedTO are hosting a market and awards ceremony.

On Saturday at noon, an event will be held recognizing Maame De Heer, the founder of Power of Love Foundation Canada, and Coach Kamshuka, a survivor of the Ugandan civil war and author, as changemakers in their communities.

The Black History Month Market will feature different vendors each day. For more information, visit scarboroughtowncentre.com.

CelUPbrate Winter

The Uptown Yonge BIA is hosting a free winter festival at St. Clements-Yonge Parkette and surrounding streets this weekend.

The festivities run from noon until 5 p.m. both days and include carnival games, a skating rink, a DJ, face-painting, slime-making, a caricature artist, and live ice-carving, as well as hot chocolate and popcorn.

Visit uptownyonge.com for more information.

Puppy Love

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your dog this Saturday at Society Clubhouse, 967 College St.

For singles and couples, this 19-plus event includes mingling with other dog lovers (wrist bans optional to signal you’re single and interested), dinner, including turkey meatballs for the four-legged patrons, music, a cash bar and local small business vendors.

Dogs must be leashed and show proof of rabies certification. Follow @weenandco on Instagram or email [email protected] for ticket information.

Giant Maze Pops Up

Check out a 14,000-square-foot maze — purported to be the largest of its kind in the country — this Saturday until March 19 at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave. The walls of the winter-themed maze are constructed of reusable wood that stands seven feet tall.

Admission includes access to the maze, unlimited train rides, marshmallow fire pits, a scavenger hunt with prizes, kid-friendly axe throwing, giant Jenga, cornhole toss, warming stations, food vendors and music.

General admission tickets are $20 for participants ages 13 and up; $16 for ages three to 12 and free for children two and younger. Visit thegiantmaze.com for more information.

Other winter activities this Saturday at Brick Works include skating, a farmer’s market, and the Children’s Garden.

Concerts

French pianist Richard Clayderman is playing this Friday at the Meridian Hall. On Saturday, Mr. Vegas is holding live concert at the incoming Jungle Caribbean Restaurant that will open soon in Mississauga. On Friday and Sunday, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra is playing symphonies of Haydn and Mozart at 427 Bloor St. W.

SHARE: