A Weekend in Culture

VANCOUVER

Grey Cup Festivities
Nov. 24 — 27
The 99th Grey Cup Championship is in town this weekend and the entire city of Vancouver is celebrating. A range of jam-packed activities are happening this weekend, including a massive street festival on Robson Street, a spectacular gala, and even a parade featuring an appearance from Glee Star (and B.C. native) Cory Monteith. Prepare for a weekend of non-stop festivities happening within blocks from each other.

For more details and ticket information, visit 2011greycupfestival.ca

TORONTO

Cavalcade of Lights
Nov. 26
Join the city of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square as they kick off the start of the holiday season with the official lighting ceremony of city hall’s Christmas tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Enjoy a live concert with performances from Jarvis Church, Kellylee Evans, JRDN, Justin Hines and Victoria Duffield. Afterwards, lace up your skates and hit the ice for a huge skating party. Keep your eyes peeled for champion figure skater, Jamie Salé. She will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.

For more information, visit toronto.ca/special_events/cavalcade_lights/2011/index.htm

One of a Kind Show
Nov. 24 — Dec. 1
Where can you find Kimono silk baby shoes or a smart-looking pea coat for your lovable pet? At the One of a Kind show, of course! The eight-day show is back at the Direct Energy Place at Toronto’s Exhibition Place with thousands of holiday gift ideas from over 800 Canadian artisans. The show will also feature DIY workshops, designer seminars and fashion shows. Get all your holiday shopping done early at one place, at one time at the One of a Kind Show!

For more details and ticket information, visit http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/tickets.php

QUEBEC

Expozine
Nov. 26 — 27
Books, magazines, graphic novels, you name it — Expozine has got it. In its 10th-year running, Expozine is one of North America’s largest small press fairs with over 270 publications showcased with tens of thousands of people flocking to Montreal each year to expand their book collection and support the underground alternative literature.

For more information, visit expozine.ca/en

NOVA SCOTIA

Blessing of the Fleet: Dumping Day
Nov. 28
This event falls on a Monday after this weekend, but it marks a very special day for Nova Scotia as it signifies the start of the six-month lucrative lobster season. Fishing crews will set sail from the wharves in search of the best lobster waters and “dump” their traps. Set your alarms bright and early because the send off starts at 5 a.m. with a continental breakfast in support of the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society. Make sure you bring your flashlights to light the fishermen’s way.

For more information, visit http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/thingstoseeanddo/festivalsandevents/listingdetails.aspx/blessingofthefleetdumpingdaythestartoflobsterseason/19982?fe=c29ydD1TdGFydERhdGUmZGlyPTAmcGc9MiZwcz0yMCZzY3A9MA


— April Lim