Date Ideas Events

Live Theatre!

Why not take in a show for your next big outing together?  Toronto is known for its live theatre scene and there is always a West End or Broadway show playing that you can usually grab a pair of tickets for. Mirvish is the big showstopper with 4 houses in the downtown core. There are also smaller companies staging more intimate productions but equally as enjoyable. The Musical Stage Company presents electric and cutting edge theatre and beautifully crafted musical productions. CanStage, Soulpepper, and Buddies in Bad Times are also fantastic theatre companies producing exciting content. Just remember most theatres are dark on Mondays and some are Pay What You Can for specific performances.

 

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Toronto, it’s your turn to #RiseUp! @hamiltonmusical begins performances tonight at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Drop a ⭐️ in the comments if you are excited!

A post shared by Mirvish (@mirvishproductions) on Feb 11, 2020 at 9:56am PST

For more National theatre listings check out our Arts & Entertainment Section.

Who Doesn’t Love A Farmers Market!

Saturday mid-morning meet-up at the market! Say that 3 times fast.

Stroll amongst the fruit & veg stands with your honey and choose some fresh ingredients to prep a meal together for later in the day. The market is always a great spot to pick up a lovely seasonal pie or delicious baked goods. A big bunch of fresh flowers can usually be had for a good price, and fresh homemade sausage is always a favourite for BBQ season, or just grab a few goodies and head over to the local park with a blanket and tuck in.

Festivals are Bestival!

Any season is Festival season! Typically Summer is best for music festivals and some food festivals. I highly suggest a date of sitting outside listening to your favourites bands or checking out some new music on a blanket under the stars.

Finger Lickin’ – Finger Pickin’

How about sampling some ribs and beer at the local Ribfest. Burlington Ontario claims the title of Canada’s Largest Rib Fest and with 150,000 lbs of ribs sold over 4 days, they just might be the rightful owners of that title.

There are also some great multi-cultural festivals like Caribana in Toronto. North America’s largest cultural festival happens over 3 weeks including Drake’s OVO Fest. For something smaller, I love Sunfest in London Ontario, a free 4 day festival of World and Jazz music and foods from around the globe. If you are in New Brunswick be sure to check out the Festival Acadien in early August. The music is fantastic and it’s a great party atmosphere to enjoy as a couple. I love the Edmonton Folk Festival. The multi-stage set-up allows for some intimate interaction between artists and the audience at the side stages with performers teaming up and holding song workshops. The main stage sits at the bottom of a hill and is magical at night when the headliners play.

Fun, Flicks & Fringe

Other types of festivals to consider for a great date idea are comedy fests like Just For Laughs out of Montreal, film festivals like Tiff, or Inside Out the LGBT film fest. Strolling around a book festival like Word On The Street is always a nice afternoon. And I can’t leave out the beloved Fringe Festival. Most major cities across the country host a Fringe Festival sometime during the year. A fringe show can be a good date choice for those interested in theatre as they are usually shorter than the average production coming in at around an hour. They are typically quite affordable so dinner and a show won’t break the bank and you’ll find some cutting edge productions.

There is something for everyone. Choose something you both enjoy or tailor it to your date’s interests to show your thoughtful nature. Be sure to check our listings for Festivals happening across Canada.

Fairs!

A fair, like a festival, is a nice way to spend some time with your special someone. Show off your skills and win that giant Sponge Bob plush toy! Hint…go for Duck Pond, you are sure to win something.

Enjoy a turn on the classic romantic ride, the Ferris Wheel or the thrill-seekers may want to take a chance on the Zipper or Mega Drop. I’m partial to the Polar Express. What’s better than being squished together at warp speed to the sweet sounds of 80’s hair bands?

Food is always front and centre, after the rides of course. With traditional corndogs, candy apples, blooming onions, and cotton candy always on offer. A lot of the bigger fairs like the PNE & CNE feature large food halls with the draw of outrageous & over the top offerings like Dill Pickle Lemonade, Mac & Cheese Pops, and Apple Fritter Fried Chicken Sandwiches.

County fairs often feature roast corn and baked goods from the recent harvest. Also, you can view the entries for best jams & marmalades, the largest pumpkin, and winning livestock. After that check out the Pet Show, Pie Eating Contest, Smash-Up Derby, and the cutest baby contest.

Whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed with this timeless classic.