November is here, and it’s time to dive into cozy flavours, vibrant culture, and early holiday events. Catch free lunchtime concerts with Sound Break at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (select Thursdays starting Nov 12), experience Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert at Meridian Hall (Nov 27–28), or take in the multisensory Celestia light show inside St. James Cathedral. Craving a seasonal bite? Join the $15 Cozy Bites Food Tour brought to you by Old Town Toronto with Eat More Food Tours (Nov 19–21), try the Cocktail of the Month at Duke’s Refresher, or celebrate Diwali at Bindia Indian Bistro (Nov 7–8).
Looking to try something new or do a little shopping? Find your dream dress at a Sash + Bustle bridal trunk show, hunt for second-hand treasures at Jamii’s Thrift Market (Nov 26–29), or keep your cycling legs strong at 10,000 feet with Altitude Athletic Training.
And that’s just the beginning! We’ve stacked this issue with late-fall features, holiday deals, and neighbourhood favourites. Keep scrolling below to discover more reasons to visit our historic neighbourhood of Old Town Toronto!
🆓 Free Lunchtime Concerts at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (Nov 12, 26 & Dec 10)
TO Live Presents Sound Break, a free weekly concert series every Thursday at noon, featuring incredible Toronto-based artists. Sound Break alternates weekly between St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts downtown and Meridian Arts Centre uptown. Bring your lunch and stay for the full performance, or stop and listen as you pass through. It’s free, no tickets are required, and every Thursday offers a new way to discover Toronto’s vibrant music scene.
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts performances:
Thursday, November 12, 2026: 12 pm
DJ Dopey · Turntablism – live vinyl manipulation & sound design | St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Bluma Appel Theatre lobby
Thursday, November 26, 2026: 12 pm
Tichaona Maredza · Zimbabwean contemporary and traditional music fusion | St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Bluma Appel Theatre lobby
Thursday, December 10, 2026: 12 pm
Diar (دْيَار) · Arabic music infused with flamenco | St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Bluma Appel Theatre lobby
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
27 Front St E, 416-366-7723
www.tolive.com
Instagram: @tolivegram
🍲 Food Tour: Cozy Bites in Old Town Toronto (Nov 19, 20 & 21)
Grab Your Tickets: Fall Food Tour through Old Town Toronto!
📍 Method: Guided Walking Tour
🗓️ Dates: Nov 19, 20, & 21, 2026
⏰ Times: 11:30am – 2pm & 3:30pm – 6pm
🎟️ Special Pricing: Only $15 (Food samples included. Regularly $110, now generously sponsored by the Old Town Toronto BIA)
Take a delicious detour through Old Town Toronto this fall! Presented by Old Town Toronto BIA, Eat More Food Tours invites you to explore this historic neighbourhood through its local flavours, fascinating stories, and seasonal charm.
Wander along a charming, walkable route through streets awash in autumn colour. Stop to sample local flavours and culinary treasures at the iconic St. Lawrence Market, explore the wonders around St. James Park and find some new hidden gems along Richmond and Adelaide. From savoury bites inspired by global cuisines to freshly baked treats from a local institution, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds along the way!
Between bites, your guide will bring Old Town Toronto to life with stories of its cultural roots, historic landmarks, and the people and businesses that continue to shape this vibrant corner of Toronto.
Bundle up, bring your appetite, and join us for a fall outing filled with cozy bites, captivating local stories, and delightful discoveries that reveal a new side to Old Town Toronto!
👰🏽♀️ Trunk Shows at Sash + Bustle (Nov 5-8, 12-14, & 26-29)
Discover your dream dress at Sash + Bustle during our upcoming Truvelle, Aesling, and Laudae bridal trunk shows! For a limited time, explore an exclusive selection of gowns from these beloved Canadian designers, featuring romantic details, modern silhouettes, and bold, fashion-forward styles.
Whether you’re a minimalist bride or love a little drama, there’s something special waiting for you. Book your appointment to experience these stunning collections with our expert bridal stylists!
Sash + Bustle
111 Berkeley St, 647-340-5850
www.sashandbustle.com
Instagram: @sashandbustle
🎵 2 Extraordinary Events from Music Toronto (Nov 15 & 24)
MUSE: What Makes It Great?® with Rob Kapilow – Mendelssohn Octet — Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Explore the youthful genius of Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Octet through engaging commentary and live musical examples, followed by a complete performance featuring Jonathan Crow, Annalee Patipatanakoon, Sharon Wei, Roman Borys, and the Dior String Quartet, plus audience Q&A.
Illia Ovcharenko, piano — Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Acclaimed Ukrainian pianist returns to Toronto with a program exploring fantasy and virtuosity, featuring Beethoven, Schumann, Ukrainian composer Viktor Kosenko, and Liszt’s electrifying Dante Sonata.
Music Toronto
27 Front St E, 416-366-7723
www.music-toronto.com/2026-27-concerts
Instagram: @music.toronto.concerts
🎄 Festive Season at The Omni King Edward (Nov 28 – Jan 10)
Magical Memories Await
Celebrate the festive season at the Omni King Edward with holiday traditions, seasonal dining and Nutcracker-inspired experiences in the heart of Toronto.
🎄 Nutcracker Tea Service
November 28, 2026–January 10, 2027 | Fridays–Sundays
12:30 & 2:30 p.m. | $89* per person
✨ Sugar Plums & Pirouettes
December 13 & 20 | 12:30–5:00 p.m.
$125 per person | An elevated afternoon tea experience featuring a special ballet performance.
🥂 Yuletide Cocktail Atelier
December 1 & 15 | 4:00 p.m.
$110+ per person | Cocktails, canapés & festive mixology
🍽️ Holiday Dining
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet | December 24 | $159*
Christmas Day Brunch | December 25 | $155*
Christmas Day Dinner | December 25 | $175*
🥂 New Year’s Day Brunch
January 1, 2027 | 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | $149*
For reservations: 416.945.3323 or To-Festive@OmniHotels.com
*Prices subject to applicable taxes and service charges.
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @omnikingedward
🎭 Hunger at the Alumnae Theatre (Nov 11-22)
A timely drama about currency in a time of conflict. In an isolated farmhouse during a time of war, Johanna and Max attempt to hide two persecuted individuals, Isaac and Rivka, in an alcove behind their walls. When the money runs out, they are forced to take in a third refugee, Helen, whose father is willing to pay very well for her safety. But the alcove isn’t big enough for three, and as the war outside reaches its climax, hunger reduces the protectors and the protected alike to a surreal state of desperation.
Hunger was a finalist for the BMO Winterset Award in 2022.
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley St, 416-364-4170
www.alumnaetheatre.com
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
✨ Celestia Light Show & Music at St. James Cathedral (Ends Jan 31)
Celestia is a seated, multisensory arts experience that transforms St. James Cathedral in Toronto into a living canvas through a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative of light, projection, and music.
Using cutting-edge technology, Celestia highlights the architectural grandeur of the cathedral with a spectacular visual narrative and an evocative orchestral music score, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to a dazzling celebration of creativity and community that leaves you inspired, energized, and connected!
St. James Cathedral
106 King St E
www.celestiaexperience.com/toronto
Instagram: @celestia.experience
🛋️ What We’re Loving at The Chesterfield Shop Ltd.
It’s November, definitely a month to embrace! The Holidays are around the corner!
Black Friday Savings! And why not start it on November 10th this year?
Meet the Elise – a gorgeous contemporary sofa. You can order it in multiple configurations, fabrics and leathers – we can design it to fit your specific room space and decor.
Made in Canada, supporting our best craftspeople.
Come meet Stephan and his amazing team at 275 King St. East.
Open 7 days a week, check website for details.
The Chesterfield Shop Ltd.
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
🎵 Indiana Jones in Concert at Meridian Hall (Nov 27 & 28)
TO Live Presents Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert. Originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to legendary status. Experience the complete film on the big screen accompanied by a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live.
Meridian Hall
1 Front St E, 416-366-7723
www.tolive.com/Meridian-Hall
Instagram: @tolivegram
🚲 Off-Season Cycling Training at Altitude Athletic Training
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, outdoor cycling season begins to wind down. But your training doesn’t have to! The off-season is the perfect opportunity to maintain fitness, build strength, and prepare for an even stronger season on the road — all while experiencing the added challenge of training at altitude.
At Altitude, you can keep riding all winter in our specialized training environment at 10,000 ft above sea level. Whether you’re logging miles on Zwift, tackling intervals, building your aerobic base, or complementing your rides with strength training, our facility has what you need to stay consistent and keep progressing.
Our premium Technogym bikes feature both SPD- and Delta-compatible pedals, so you can clip in with your preferred cycling shoes. They also connect directly with platforms like Zwift and TrainingPeaks, making it easy to follow your training plan and track your performance.
Start your off-season with a clear understanding of your current fitness and a baseline to track progress throughout the winter and into your next cycling season. Our Cycling Performance Assessment is a comprehensive 90-minute evaluation featuring on-bike VO₂ Max testing, cycling-specific force plate analysis, and an InBody body composition assessment. You’ll receive a detailed report with personalized heart rate training zones and actionable insights to improve efficiency, build strength, and optimize your performance.
Book your Cycling Performance Assessment here to get your indoor training season started!
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
🛍️ Jamii’s Thrift Market is back! (Nov 26-29)
Jamii’s Thrift Market is back at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade), with four days of second-hand shopping featuring clothing, accessories, home items, and other like-new treasures.
Admission is free, with items available for suggested donations from $1 to $50, or more for rare finds, all supporting Jamii’s free arts programs.
Have items you no longer use? Drop them off on Wednesday, November 25, from 11 AM to 7 PM (donations only), or bring them while the market is open on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday, November 28, from 9 AM to 7 PM. The market continues on Sunday, November 29, from 9 AM to 4 PM, for shopping only.
No need to donate items to shop, so come browse, find something special, and support a good cause in your neighbourhood!
Jamii
264 The Esplanade, 647-504-2703
www.jamii.ca
Instagram: @jamiiesplanade
🍹 Brewery & Cocktail of the Month at Duke’s Refresher
Did you know we have a Brewery & a Cocktail of the Month?!
November’s Brewery of the Month is Elora Brewing; purveyors of beautiful beers like their Elora Borealis Pale Ale and Lodestar Sour. We’ll have more beers from them on rotating all month too!
Our Cocktail Of The Month is the Pineapple Pie; a beautiful blend of Jameson Whiskey, Fireball Whiskey, Pineapple Juice & Ginger Ale – sweet & fiery for a crisp fall day, and only $5 during Happy Hour from Sunday – Monday.
Drop by in November and give ’em a try!
Duke’s Refresher
73 Front St E, 416 603-8826
www.DukesRefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
🎵 Cavalcade of Lights Celebration (Nov 27)
Presented on behalf of our local businesses, come kick-off the holiday season with lights and live music in Berczy Park, 35 Wellington Street East in Old Town Toronto on Friday, November 27th from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
The Old Town Toronto Cavalcade of Lights welcomes everyone to Berczy Park, known for its beloved fountain featuring dogs and one saucy feline. Come enjoy a whimsical holiday light display perfect for an Insta-worthy memorable experience. Free admission!
Please note the fountain dogs, with help from the City of Toronto’s Parks Department, have been sent to the spa for a new coat of paint and will return sometime in spring 2027. (Oh and the cat has joined them too!)
🐩 Dog Grooming Now Available with Megan at Atlas Paws Corktown
In addition to our daycare services that you’ve grown to love, Atlas Paws Corktown has now added grooming services. Please help us in welcoming Megan to our team! With many years of dog care experience under her belt along with five years of professional grooming, your dog will be treated with kindness and respect and leave looking fabulous! We hope to see you soon.
Atlas Paws Corktown
529 Richmond St E, 647-370-7444
www.atlaspaws.com/pages/corktown
Instagram: @atlaspawsclub.corktown
🍂 Totally Pumpkin at Au Pain Doré
Pumpkin spice latte: the most popular Fall classic drink is back! Hot or cold. Great with our pumpkin/cream cheese danish or our pumpkin tartlet. Dive into the comforting flavours of fall … A golden, crispy crust serves as the foundation for a creamy, spiced filling made from freshly pureed pumpkin, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Come try these must-haves for the season!
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
👟 Old Town Walking Tour with Toonie Tours (Daily 10am)
The Toronto Walking Tour is more than just a sightseeing stroll — it’s your personal invitation to fall in love with Canada’s largest city, one story at a time.
Simply show up and let a friendly local guide lead you through the lively heart of downtown. From its early days as a humble fur-trading post to the glittering skyline of today, Toronto carries a rich, layered story best experienced on foot. With nearly half its residents arriving from every corner of the globe, walking these streets feels like a mini world tour.
Your guide will bring the city’s past and present to life, taking you past iconic, photo-worthy landmarks while sharing the culture, quiet lore, and must-try recommendations that make Toronto special. By the end, you won’t just be looking at the city — you’ll feel part of its ongoing story.
This is a pay-what-you-feel tour — you decide the value at the end based on how much you enjoyed your guide’s stories and care.
Toonie Tours
37 King St E, 647-490-1812
www.toonietours.ca
Instagram: @toonietours.toronto
💆♀️ $90 Massage Sale at Ludabello Salon (Ends Dec 31)
BIG HOLIDAY DEAL! SAVE UP TO $70 ON ALL MASSAGES!
Enjoy any massage service for just $90 instead of up to $160 at LudaBello Salon in Toronto!
Meet Nelya, our specialist Aesthetician with 17+ years of experience!
Choose from full-body massages, facial massages, head, neck, shoulder massages, and more!
Offer ends December 31, 2026!
Check out Nelya’s Instagram to see her work and services.
Ludabello Salon
179 king St E, 647-600-2787
www.ludabello.ca/services
Instagram: @nelya_aesthetics
🧀 From Street Eats to the World Cheese Awards with Olympic Cheese
photo credit: Andrew Reimer
Olympic Cheese was proud to partner with MountainOak Cheese and Stonetown Cheese at Fred Victor’s 10th annual Street Eats at Daniels Spectrum on October 7, showcasing Ontario artisan cheeses at an event that raised more than $236,000 for food and meal programs across Toronto.
Guests enjoyed MountainOak Gold and Black Truffle alongside Stonetown’s Lavender Rose and Wildwood, with Wendy Furtenbacher joining Nick Tsioros to share the stories behind the cheeses.
Pictured with Nick in their World Cheese Awards aprons, Wendy represented both cheesemakers and is also a cheese educator in George Brown’s Continuing Education program.
This November, Nick will once again join the international judging panel at the World Cheese Awards in Córdoba, Spain. Organized by the Guild of Fine Food, the competition brings together cheese professionals from around the world to assess thousands of cheeses, with organizers expecting more than 5,000 entries this year.
Olympic Cheese
93 Front St E, 416-363-7602
www.olympiccheese.com
Instagram: @olympic_cheese
🧬 Nutrigenomix Testing at 6S Fitness
This November, 6S Fitness and its in-house dietitian team, Food For 6S, are launching nutrigenomic testing through Nutrigenomix, a company founded at the University of Toronto.
One simple cheek swab is analysed for 45 to 70+ nutrition-related genes, covering nutrient metabolism, heart and metabolic health, food intolerances, weight and eating habits, and fitness.
Results show how your body is likely to respond to different foods and nutrients, and the test doesn’t diagnose or screen for disease or deficiency. It’s open to everyone, not just 6S members, and makes a thoughtful holiday gift.
To order, email info@6sfitness.ca, and book a No Snack Intro with the Food For 6S dieticians if you’d like your results explained and a nutrition plan to go along with it.
6SFitness
209 Adelaide St E, 416-518-5746
www.6sfitness.ca
Instagram: @6s.fitness
✨ Bindia’s New Look for Diwali
Bindia Indian Bistro has unveiled a newly renovated dining room on Market Street: crystal chandeliers, a brick gallery wall, a backlit onyx bar, and long tables for families and large groups.
The timing is deliberate. Diwali weekend falls on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, and the family-owned bistro across from St. Lawrence Market is welcoming families to celebrate together, or to order Diwali catering from its kitchen for gatherings at home.
Planning a holiday party or year-end team dinner? Bindia is now booking December groups. Reserve at bindia.ca or call 416-863-0000.
Bindia Indian Bistro
16 Market St, 416-863-0000
www.bindia.ca
Instagram: @bindiaindianbistro
🍨 An Evening in with Next-Level Gelato from Bomba Gelato
Your next night in deserves next-level gelato. Inspired by Italy and made in Muskoka with all-natural ingredients, Bomba’s take-home jars bring a little Italian indulgence to your freezer. Go rich with Maximum Chocolate or keep things bright with Lemon Unlimited, two flavours worth making room for.
Pick up a jar at Bomba in St. Lawrence Market and enjoy it after dinner, share it with someone special, or keep every last spoonful for yourself as you cosy up for a nice evening in at home.
Bomba Gelato
St. Lawrence Market, South Building, Lower Level, Market St. Side
95 Front St E, 647-348-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @bombagelato
👓 Special Offer: Autumn Multi Pair Sale at St. Lawrence Eye Care (Ends Nov 30)
We are offering a special multi pair promotion for the autumn season! Purchase 2 pairs and receive 15% off the first lenses and 50% off the second set of lenses. Our lenses are manufactured from Hoya, a Japanese lab that has been around for over 80 years! See better, look better, and feel better!
Offer ends Nov 30, 2026.
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
💆 Learn the Art of Touch at Bahn Thai Spa and School
Come learn the art of touch with us!
Join us at Bahn Thai Spa & School for two Thai Massage workshops this coming month:
Thursday, November 12 | 6–9 p.m.
Saturday, November 21 | 2:30–5:30 p.m.
Slow down, connect, and learn gentle Thai Massage techniques to share with someone you care about. Explore rhythmic pressure and assisted stretching in a warm, welcoming setting. No experience needed—just comfortable clothing and a willingness to learn.
Come with a partner or friend and discover a thoughtful new way to care for each other.
Spaces are limited. Contact Bahn Thai Spa & School to reserve your places.
Bahn Thai Spa and School
136 Adelaide St E, 4165943406
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispaschool
🍗 Winter Wingsanity is back at St. Louis Bar & Grill (Nov 6 – Dec 13)
Its the most wonderful time of the year … Winter Wingsanity is back!!! For only $25.99, you can enjoy an unlimited serving of our delicious wings (Original, Dusted, Boneless, or Plant-Based). Not convinced? This year we are also offering guests a chance to win a trip to Japan!
Stop by and ask a server for more details. Our All-You-Can-Eat promotion runs from November 6 – December 13, 2026. How hungry are you?
St. Louis Bar & Grill
92 King St E, 416-840-0268
https://order.incentivio.com/c/stlouiswings/locations/toronto92kingst/menu
Instagram: @kinge.stlouis
🏛️ What is Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
🗺️ What are the Boundaries of Old Town Toronto?
📥 How to Submit to this Newsletter
Do you represent a commercial property, or a business located within a commercial property, inside the boundaries of the Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area? If you are not currently receiving our Members Newsletter (which includes the monthly submission form for Where To Support Local), please subscribe by clicking here.
Am I a Member? All commercial property owners and businesses located within them, within the Old Town Toronto BIA boundaries, are automatically members of our not-for-profit organization and are eligible to submit one entry per publication of Where To Support Local.
