October in Old Town Toronto is packed with live performances, cooking classes, Beer Fest and more! From affordable fall jackets, to pilates for breast cancer survivors, our retailers and service providers have you covered. Interested in African fashion, music and food? Well then book your tickets now to a very special event. This edition of Where To Support Local has a little bit of everything. Scroll on to learn more. Thanks for your interest in Old Town Toronto and for supporting local 😀.
If We Were Birds’ on the mainstage
at Alumnae Theatre until Oct. 7th.
This production of “If We Were Birds” at Alumnae Theatre breathes new life into the age-old narrative of “Tereus, Procne, and Philomela.” King Pandion’s act of giving away his daughter, Procne, to the war hero King Tereus, sets in motion a tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy.
This harrowing journey unveils the stories of a chorus of ravaged women, each echoing the pain of conflict from different corners of the 20th century.
When: Sept 22nd – Oct7th 2023
Where: Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkley St)
Tickets: 25$ for General Admission, PWYC Sunday, 2-FOR-1 Wednesdays
Length of Performance: 85 Minutes
Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkely St, 416-364-4170
www.alumnaetheatre.com/if-we-were-birds.html
Instagram: @alumnaetheatre
Building strength after Cancer
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that 28,600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. It is a disease that can leave you feeling like your body is not your own. At Rebalance Pilates, we are specially trained to work with breast cancer survivors; to help guide you back to your body and make it yours again.
Reach out today to learn more about how Pilates will support your post-breast cancer journey.
Rebalance Pilates
75 Sherbourne St, 416-894-8553
www.rebalancepilates.ca
Instagram: @rebalancepilatestoronto
By appointment only
African Fashion: Many Threads-One Cloth
Oct 27th – 29th, 2023
A 3-Day Celebration of African Diversity in Fashion, Fabric, Design, & Culture
African Fashion – Many Threads, One Cloth is a three day multi-faceted exhibit on Africa and the African Diaspora through the lens of fashion. The program includes 20+ expert speakers, storytellers, and musicians, as well as curated exhibits and a Gala Opening Night Fashion Show and Reception featuring a buffet of West African foods. Guests include Poet Laureate Dr. George Elliott Clarke, Juno Award Winning guitarist Adam Solomon and many more. Visit our website for details of this amazing event.
Where: St. James Cathedral Centre, 65 Church St. Toronto
When: Fri. Oct 27th evening, Sat. Oct 28th, Sun. Oct 29th afternoon
Tickets: Friday Oct 27th evening & all day Saturday Oct 28th
All events on both days are included with your ticket; including food & drink
Tickets are limited! Get yours now!
Tickets are $25 and $15 and are available in any of these ways
- at eventbrite.ca – search for “African Fashion Exhibit Toronto”
- e:transfer – to bookkeeper@stjamescathedral.ca (Please specify your phone number/email and add “African Fashion Exhibit” in the message).
- Front Desk of the Catherdral Centre (65 Church St. at NE corner of Adelaide)
- Cheque – payable to St. James Cathedral (65 Church St, Toronto, ON M5C 2E9)
Sunday, Oct 29th Afternoon Music Program – NO Tickets required
Free & Open to the Public
For more information and tickets visit us at: https://stjamescathedral.ca/africanfashionexhibit/
Cathedral Church of St. James
65 Church St, 647-232-6529
www.stjamescathedral.ca/africanfashionexhibit
Recline, Relax… & Kick Your Feet UP!
Do you remember when recliners were made of corduroy, stripes and a shiny vinyl that felt like a slide at the park? And two (or three) bodies could fit into one seat? Gone! The word “bubba” has left the planet!
Introducing the most sleek, comfortable recliner…with sizing to suit every body type, from tall to large, average to petite. Options like massage, lift, swivel, rocker and glide. Cup holders, USB ports and City-Size Seating™ to fit every space, nook and corner.
Come visit us today and HAVE A RECLINE!
Best- The Chesterfield Shop!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St. E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm.
Sun: 11am – 5pm.
FALL into our sale – 50% OFF!
Seasons change and so do we! At Stok Floral & Design we are offering 50% off of everything in store (except cards and flowers).
Located at the corner of King & Church, we have indoor plants and decorative pots of all sizes to get your home or office space all greened-up for the upcoming gloomy season. If green isn’t your thing – come and say goodbye to Amy before she takes her maternity leave for Baby Boy Brown.
Stôk Floral Design
54 Church St, 416-214-4664
www.stokfloraldesign.com
Instagram: @stokfloral
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm.
October Cooking Classes!
Looking for something fun to do now that the summer heat is fading? Join cooking classes! Whether a date night or a night out with your closest friends – do something fun while learning a few tips and tricks in the kitchen.
In October we will be offering a Thai Couples cooking class and A Night of Wines featuring wines from Burgandy. Want to know how to make a delicious pie? Join pie making on October 14th!
Cirillo’s Academy
118 The Esplanade, 416-901-3491
www.cirillosacademy.com
Instagram: @cirillos.academy
Tues – Sat
Enjoy a Family Theatre Experience!
Come and experience traditional Coast Salish and Sto:lo music, masks and imagery in Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish – a beautiful, multi-award-winning tale from Vancouver’s Axis Theatre.
This Kwantlen First Nations legend follows a cheese-stealing mouse (Kw’at’el) who must find and offer two children to the hungry ogress Th’owxiya, to make amends for a theft. With the help of Raven (Sqeweqs), Bear (Spa:th) and Sasquatch (Sasq’ets), the sly mouse embarks on a journey to trick the angry spirit and save their family from becoming the ogre’s next feast!
ON THE ADA SLAIGHT STAGE OCT. 28 – NOV. 6, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 5-8 | SK-GR. 3
RUN TIME: APPROX. 45 MINUTES
For show tickets or more info, visit https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/thowxiya/
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
Acuvue New Wearer Rebate
at St. Lawrence Eye Care
New to contacts? Book an appointment today to get fitted into contact lenses! With Acuvue, we offer new wearer rebates up to $200 with dailies and $60 for monthlies! The submissions are online and very easy to submit. Ask us today for more inform
ation!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues – Sat: 10am – 5pm.
We got you covered this Fall season!
Behind fitting room #1 you’ll see our store manager showing off his newest fall staple piece! Behind fitting room #2 you’ll see one of our sales associates absolutely brimming with joy over our new fall pieces coming out every day! Why break the bank when you can find unique, high-quality coats that not only keep you warm but also make a fashion statement? Whether you’re into bold patterns, earthy tones, or timeless neutrals, we’ve got you covered (literally).
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
10am – 8pm Everyday
Live Music Wednesdays
at Duke’s Refresher
Every Wednesday is Live Music Wednesday at Duke’s Refresher! Featuring great acts like The Full Tilt Duo, come grab a beer and a bite, kick back and enjoy some quality tunes to celebrate making it halfway to the weekend. With over 40 beers on tap, there’s never been a better time to come and get refreshed.
Duke’s Refresher
73A Front St E, 416-603-8826
www.dukesrefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
4pm – late weekdays, 12pm – late weekends
Holiday platters from AAamazing Salad
We just launched our Charcuterie board (promo price $195 for October, regular price is $240). We have also launched our Halloween candy platter! They are great for holidays or give them as gifts.
Please call to order. We are here to assist you! Available for pick up in our store or delivery.
AAamazing Salad
#C-82 Adelaide St E, 647-342-6888
www.aaamazingsalad.ca
Instagram: @AAamazingSalad
Mon – Fri: 11am to 4pm.
Sat: 12pm to 6pm.
Beer Fest 2023 at C’est What?
BEER FEST is back October 21 (time TBD)! What a great way to celebrate fall (now that we’re bummed summer is over)!
There will be sample stations of your favourite craft breweries! We are so excited and our staff can’t wait to serve you!
Scan the QR code or click here to keep up-to-date on all our events!
C’est What?
67 Front St. E, 416-867-9499
www.linktr.ee/cestwhatto
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Sun & Mon: 4pm-12am.
Tues – Thurs: 12pm-12am.
Fri & Sat: 12pm-1am.
Juicy and Fresh Burgers and Sides
Make your fall extra enjoyable by joining us with your friends and family. Order fresh gourmet patties and build your burger with different topping options (meaty, veggie or vegans.) Choose your side and drinks. Don’t forget our signature dips.
Support local charities with each bite! This month we are spotlighting our Burn to brie good charity Burger, which features beef, chicken or veggie patties, with sautéed mushrooms, brie cheese, and crispy bacon. Pairs well with our famous long island and a side order of sweet potato fries, and chipotle mayo dip. $1 from every charity burger purchase makes a difference!
Not sure what to order? Ask our friendly staff for a recommendation.
The Works Craft Burger and Beer
60 Wellington St E, 416-594-9675
www.worksburger.com
instagram: @Works_burger
Sun – Thurs: 11am -10pm.
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm.
Swan Lake Workshop with Sarahi Cardenas
at The Fifth Dance
Experience the timeless beauty and captivating story of Swan Lake in this ballet workshop. Based on a folk tale, Swan Lake tells the story of the beautiful princess Odette and her companions, cursed by the evil magician Von Rothbart to live their days as swans and their nights as maidens. Learn about the enchanting story and dance selections based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa
This workshop will include a warm-up ballet class, choreography and context within the dance history. The workshop is open to all levels*. Gentlemen are welcome. Pointe shoes are optional.
When: Sundays, Oct 15th-Nov 19th
Where: The Fifth’s Main Studio
366 Adelaide East | Unit 120 | Inside parking lot
Time: 2:00-4:30 pm
Investment: $200+HST
The Fifth Dance
366 Adelaide St E, 647-746-5355
www.thefifthdance.com
Event Page: www.thefifthdance.com/workshops/swan-lake-with-sarahi-cardenas2023
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog.php?owner=17494380&action=addCart&clear=1&id=1575665
Instagram: @thefifthdance
Seasonal Spa Specials That Will Relax Your Body, Spirit, and Mind
Relax your body, spirit and mind with one of our seasonal spa specials.
Receive a complimentary scalp massage and paraffin foot treatment when you book a 90-minute Swedish Massage. Value of $50
Receive a complimentary Knesko Neck Mask when you book a Skin Perfect Facial or Babor Facial. Value of $50
JLO Beaty Glow Hydrafacial – Limited Offer (Until Quantities Last)
45 Minutes $275 | $295
Tighten, brighten, and hydrate with our new booster and glow with confidence. When you look your best, you will feel your best and your inner glow shines through. The new JLO Beauty Booster was created to help you feel confident in your skin, and delivers fresh, dewy results you will see and feel instantly. Take it from Jennifer Lopez herself.
These promotions are valid all week. No substitutes, no cash value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Promotion expires October 31, 2023.
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/spa/hydrafacial-treatments
October Happenings at Novotel Toronto Centre
DCFA x Novotel Toronto Centre
Starting October 7, explore the latest exhibit entitled Nature’s Palette, an art exhibit featuring Doris Pontieri’s Forest Whispers and Raynald Leclerc’s Charlevoix Dreams.
Misfit Method Residency
Join us at Novotel Toronto Centre with Misfit Method for elevated movement experiences that will transform your energy, shift your chemistry and alchemize your body to create wellbeing and vitality! October Classes:
Thursday, October 12 | 6 PM
Friday, October 13 | 6 PM
Saturday, October 14 | 9 AM
Memories of the Sea: Acrylic & Mixed Media with Neerja Trehan
On Wednesday, October 11, join us for an immersive Art & Wine Paint Night workshop where you will dive into the vibrant world of beach painting.
Pumpkin Carving Madness with Rick Jacobson
On Friday, October 27, pumpkin carver extraordinaire Richard Jacobson shares his secrets in creating incredible 3D Pumpkin carvings just in time for Halloween. Guests should bring a medium to large pumpkin. If you require us to pick up a pumpkin for you there will be a $10 charge.
Learn more about our events: www.novoteltorontocentre.com/events
Novotel Toronto Centre
45 The Esplanade, 416-367-8900
www.novoteltorontocentre.com/events
Instagram: @novoteltorontocentre
Want More?
Discover more local businesses in our Business Directory by clicking here. Everything from sushi to pet care, fitness gyms and tranquil massages… we have it all!
Submissions:
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto / St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please email stephenm@stlawrencemarketbia.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. You will need to provide the name of your business, email, and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
What is a 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.)
