Ontario Renaissance, Pirates and Medieval Faires 2025

Looking for an opportunity to cosplay outside of a comicon? Renaissance or Medieval Faires are a perfect time to break out your historic costume, eat a smoked turkey leg and possibly see noble knights throw down a metal gauntlet and challenge the competition to a good joust.

Niagara Renaissance Faire, Niagara Falls May 17-18.
Wentworth Medieval Faire, Ancaster May 23-25.

Glengarry Renaissance Festival, Maxville May 30-June 1.
Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, Elmira June 6-7.

Maidens of the Mist West Niagara June 6-8.

Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek Dundurn Historic Site, Hamilton June 7-8.

Grey Highlands Renaissance Festival, Owen Sound June TBD. Might be pushed out to 2026?

Essa North Renaissance Faire Barrie June 20-22.
The Fergus Medieval Faire July 26.

Salty Dogs Pirate Festival, Goderich TBD - hopes to be back in 2026.

Royal Medieval Faire, Waterloo (cash only) September 20.

Oxford Renaissance Festival, near London September 26-28.

Ontario Pirate Festival, Guelph August 2-4.

Plus you can join a pirate ship at Pirate Life Toronto and sail the high seas of Lake Ontario from May to October. 

Also check out the beauty and pagentry of Indigenous Pow Wows in Ontario as listed at this site.

NASCAR Canada 2025 schedule

Drivers in the NASCAR Canada Series are undoubtedly right now practicing on winter tires as they await the start of the official race season beginning May 18, 2025. The Canadian national stock car race series will run on road courses, ovals and street circuits in five provinces with a few new tracks thrown in for good measure. Photo at top by Joe Hamilton.

“The 2025 schedule showcases the diversity and quality of Canadian motorsports, said Alan Labrosse, General Manager of the NASCAR Canada Series.” “With a strong combination of classic venues and thrilling new tracks, this calendar represents the very best of what NASCAR Canada has to offer, all while ensuring our teams and competitors can thrive.”

The Series opener remains in Canadian Tire Motorsports Park during the "May 24" holiday weekend while Calabogie Motorsports Park near Ottawa will hold its inaugural NASCAR Canada road course race in July. Twelve races are featured in the schedule, two to three races per month from May into September, finishing in Quebec on September 21.

"NASCAR Canada is thrilled to return to Autodrome Chaudière in May, where last year’s event drew a record-breaking crowd. The series also raced in front of a sold-out audience at Edmonton International Raceway, showcasing incredible support from fans. Following their resounding success, the NASCAR Canada Championship will conclude at Autodrome Montmagny, in front of thousands of passionate viewers."

2025 NASCAR Canada Schedule 

Date                      Track and Location

May 18                 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON 

May 31                 Autodrome Chaudière, QC

June 21                 Sunset Speedway, ON* 

June 28                 Riverside International Speedway, NS*

July 12                  Edmonton International Raceway, AB*

July 16                  Sutherland Automotive Speedway, SK*

July 27                  Calabogie Motorsports Park, ON

August 10             Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, QC

August 23             Complexe ICAR, QC

August 31             Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON

September 13        Delaware Speedway, ON

September 21        Autodrome Montmagny, QC

Driver Marc-Antoine Camirand completed the 2024 season as the Champion, his second consecutive title, followed by Kevin Lacroix and 3rd place in the standings, Andrew Ranger. The points count was pretty close and the drivers capable of taking the championship is fairly large so each race is highly contested and often full or racing drama like the one which resulted in anger management training that one driver was mandated to attend after an incident at an ICAR race.

KUUMBA February 2025 Black Futures Month Festival

February brings Black History Month and Toronto's Harbourfront celebrates with KUUMBA, a Black Futures Month Festival with plenty of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the festival. KUUMBA Festival is presented by TD Bank Group (with a 2025 theme of theme of healing through the arts) and complements the KUUMBA 365, a year-long exhibition of art at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery commissioned to focus on "the disciplines of literary, spoken word, dance and theatre arts."

From KUUMBA, "We look to transcend historical narratives of trauma and repression, uniting the community and sparking exchange around the creative and intellectual achievements of the Black diaspora. Cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that centres on meaningful dialogues and celebratory expressions, KUUMBA recognizes the paramount contributions of Black creators shaping the future of art, culture and society."

The photo at top is a screenshot of some of the programming for the festival, including a special anniversary edition highlighting Bob Marley's musical contributions on February 6 with a tribute concert by JUNO Award-winning artist Jay Douglas and the All Stars on the late musician and cultural icon's birthday.

"Through the TD Ready Commitment, we're proud to support Harbourfront Centre's KUUMBA, which shines a light on the richness of Black culture and the incredible contributions of Black communities," said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, TD Bank Group. "Together, we're helping foster spaces that showcase Black talent, share stories that reflect Black lived experiences and inspire meaningful connection through community programming." 

Other KUUMBA programming highlights feature a two-day Breaking Canada’s Rock Harder dance competition, a Pause and Expand Wellness Series to improve your well-being through workshop experiences, contemporary dance performances. Harbourfront Centre is hosting the festival and there will be a combination of free events, pay-what-you-wish events and ticketed performances.

Fun things to do in Toronto November & December 2025

It's the leadup to the holidays and that means there are plenty of things planned to keep you occupied as the weather really starts to cool down. Fun in Toronto will keep you warm even as you spend hours outside for events like the Santa Claus Parade and the Kensington Market Winter Solstice celebrations, just kidding, keep bundled up.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Royal Horse Show Fri to Sun, Nov 7-16.
Remembrance Day Ceremony Tue, Nov 11.
Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District Wed, Nov TBD - Wed, Dec 31, then finishing Jan TBD.
Toronto Santa Speedo Run Sat Dec TBD. The run took time off in 2016 but it came back for 2017 as well as 2018 and 2019!

Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic: Tree lighting and concert Sat, Nov TBD from 5-7pm with the magic continuing until Dec 31.

Union Winter Roller Express at Union Station Nov TBD - Feb TBD.

Cavalcade of Lights Sat, Nov TBD. Music and the City lights up Nathan Phillips Square and sets off some fireworks.
CPKC Holiday Train Fri, Nov TBD from 8:30pm to 9pm at 750 Runnymede Road, Toronto, Ontario. Performances by Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish.

Toronto Santa Claus Parade Sun, Dec TBD.

Winterfest Toronto at Harbourfront continuing from Nov TBD to Jan TBD. Includes Donut Festival Dec TBD, a Hot Chocolate Festival Dec TBD and New Years Eve fireworks.

Winter Glow at Sankofa Square (Yonge-Dundas) Thurs to Sun, Dec TBD.

Kensington Market Winter Solstice/Festival of Lights Sun, Dec 21. A parade and a fire show.

The Bentway Polar Bear Skate Sun, Dec 28 To be Confirmed. It's an underwear skate event at noon.
New Years Eve Celebration Wed, Dec 31 from 8 pm to midnight with Toronto's largest dance and skating party. You can find fireworks down along the inner harbour (none at City Hall).

And the next day is the Toronto Polar Bear Dip noon on Thurs, Jan 1, otherwise known as the Sunnyside swim and the Record Breaker World Record Cold Plunge at Woodbine Beach at 1pm.

One of the first events in the new year will be the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, North America's Largest Motorcycle Show being held at the International Centre on January TBD, 2025.

Comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan in Toronto

Comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan make it to Toronto for a two night show at Scotiabank Arena Thursday and Friday, January 9-10, 2025. The two famous comics are on a 10 show arena tour and we caught them on Thursday night.

Tom Poppa gets the laughs going

Jim Gaffigan's Instagram account shows "I’m super excited for my shows with @jerryseinfeld in Toronto (Tomorrow and Friday) Ottawa (Saturday) and Montreal (Sunday). Hope you can make it. Link in bio."

I was wondering who was the headliner and was very pleasantly surprised that comedian Tom Poppa joined the show as the opener, followed by Jim and the Jerry closed out the show.

Scotiabank Arena is the home of both the Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors and the seats remain a little too tight and uncomfortable for an evening of entertainment. The bonus is that the arena is very close to Union Station for the GO Train and the TTC.

Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan share a stage at the beginning, even doing a bit about simultaneous comedy, however it was too confusing so they parted company and Jim took centre stage.

Jim Gaffigan takes over the stage for his comedy

I personally loved Tom Papa and Jim Gaffigan as I found Jerry sometimes too angry and a little too shouty, but no "what's the deal with that". Overall the night was great, laughed a lot and enjoyed the show immensely.

Interior Design Show Toronto 2025 starts Jan 23

Toronto is welcoming back the Interior Design Show (IDS) on at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 23-26, 2025. The event includes two days dedicated to Professionals (Thurs & Fri), the opening night party (Thurs night) as well as two days for the public's attendance (Sat & Sun). You can attend conferences, accredited seminars, industry vendors and keynote speakers as well as checking out the exhibitors on the giant floor of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building). Visit the online site for costs, tickets and show hours. My post of IDS 2024 can be found on this post.

The opening night party (Thursday, January 23, 7-11 PM) is a great chance to check out the show while enjoying the entertainment and the event is open to both the public and the professionals/trades. From the IDS website, "Toronto’s biggest design event is the 26th Interior Design Show Toronto Opening Night Party, presented by Anatolia, on Jan 23, 7-11pm. Bring out your best look and join the industry's best leaders and creative minds as we celebrate the Toronto Design Week in style. Opening Night Party entertainment features live music by Big Smoke Brass plus marquee performances including Canada's most acclaimed drag king HercuSleaze; live vocals by Regina Gently and more. Grab a drink and explore the show while enjoying the party ambience with DJ sets by Ace Dillinger, DJ Armandd, DJ Phillippe ."

Some features of IDS 2025 can be found in The District for shopping, Studio North and Prototype where products of the future or custom, one-off products are exhibited in gallery-like settings.

Toronto Motorcycle Supershow 2025 get your motor running

Christmas was so last year and as we head into our real Canadian winter it is time to keep busy and stave off the winter doldrums - time for the beginning of the year North American International Motorcycle Supershow, also known as the 'Big One near the Airport', from January 3-5, 2025 at the International Centre.

From their website, "If you’re into motorcycles and the lifestyle, then this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. Browse this enormous show and you’ll find new and used motorcycles, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Fashions.. You can also enjoy live bands, special guests, custom bikes, and much more!"

The 49th annual motorcycle show is on in all five of the Halls in the International Centre with entrances at Hall 1W, Hall 2W and Hall 5. Hall 1 has the Vintage Bikes, Hall 2 has the Yamaha Twin Stunts, Hall 4 has the MX Freestyle stunts, Hall 5 has the Custom Bike Showcase as well as the Wall of Death.

Weekend show schedule

Yamaha Twin Stunts rider pops a wheelie

Freestyle MX high in the air and upside down

Pouring onto the platform at the Wall of Death

As always I look forward to seeing the custom bikes in Hall 5. The imagination, artistry and skill that it takes to put one of these bikes together is phenomenal. Next up are the stunt shows followed by the motorcycles spread throughout the halls of the centre. And who could forget the live entertainment (Tres Hombres) or the free parking? Show hours are Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.

MX Freestyle Shows are set to take place:

Friday January 5th at 12:30pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

Saturday January 6th at 11:30am, 2pm and 7pm

Sunday January 7th at 12:00pm and 2pm.

See more photos after the jump.

Distillery District Illuminarium brings SPACE to life

I love when you can go outside and see the stars shining and I look up and try to find Orion's belt, then if you go up north sometimes you can see the cloudy Milky Way. In the Distillery District you can check out the Illuminarium which is putting on a couple of shows, like Lite-Brite, Journey to OZ and also SPACE where you can get a chance to see the moon and stars a little closer than usual.

The shows are projected in one big room, from the ceiling and onto the floor and some of it is interactive, you can stomp on meteorites or leave footprints on the moon.

After the New Year entrance into the Distillery District is free so you just have to pay for the tickets into Illuminarium. We went on a Thursday and saw Journey to OZ and SPACE and there were a lot of children and it looks like they had fun at both of the viewings.

Journey to OZ with the yellow brick road

Wander around the historic neighbourhood while it is free and a little less crowded after the holidays, enjoy the vendors booths and the restaurants before the Winter Village is finished (I think by the end of this weekend).

See more of the village after the jump.