Culture and Entertainment in Toronto, ON

Known as a cultural enclave, Little Portugal is home to one of the most ethnically vibrant communities in Toronto. This neighbourhood resides in the west end of the city stretching from Bathurst to Dufferin Street. A neighbourhood in transition, here is a list of some additions to Little Portugal that have been creating waves in the city, adding to the colourful life here. [Feature image: Souvenir]

If you’re hungry to take in some Toronto culture – perhaps of the visual persuasion – the city’s rich community of independent art galleries is a great place to start. These west end spots host innovative curators and eye-catching artwork worthy of your Saturday stroll. [Image credit: iStock.com/1001slide]

Yes, Toronto's is flooded with darling cocktail spots and charming dives from east to west. But this weekend, why not check out one of the city's more uncommon spots, the kind that do things a little differently. We've got the goods on where to sample a low-lit sake cocktail in a Japanese rockabilly bar or catch an evocative circus act in a ritzy supper club.

Toronto’s most vivid experiences come from the diversity of its neighbourhoods. The area around Yonge and Eglinton used to be a part of the largest cattle grazing space in Upper Canada. Now it’s the grazing area for urbanites from the 6ix. What follows is a guide through a day in the Yonge and Eg neighbourhood, where to eat, energize, and pick up a few new threads. [Image credit: iStock.com/olaser]

Lauded and loved Toronto music festival North by Northeast (NXNE) hits the the city for its 21st consecutive year of music, art and film programming of all shapes and sizes. The crowds sometimes get big and the line-ups sometimes long, but the huge energy that invades the city during this five-day stretch keeps spirits high and bodies moving. Check out which venues are on our YP City Editor’s radar this year.

The Doors Open festival returns to Toronto on May 23-24, 2015. Now in its 16th year, the free citywide event invites locals and visitors to take a sneak peak inside more than 150 architecturally, culturally and socially significant buildings. Grab your walking shoes and get ready to explore Toronto’s hidden history at these hotspots across the downtown.

Evening meals can be so blah sometimes, so why not jazz them up with a spot of theatre? These Toronto dinner theatre companies have perfected the art of delivering a good show and a fine meal. Next time you’re looking for a new twist on dinner, try this.

No use in sitting alone in your room – come see the comics play! You can lighten up any spring or summer night and beat the fall and winter doldrums with raw and exciting comedic talent at a price that’s hard to beat.

Whether it’s Tuesday night or the middle of the weekend, there is always something going on in one of Toronto’s most charming neighbourhoods. Little Italy has plenty of options for your next girls’ night out.

The ACC, Massey Hall and Molson Amphitheatre aren’t exactly known for freebie concerts, but Toronto’s a big enough city that there are plenty of alternatives. Next time you want to check out some live music where the only cost is refreshment, head to one of these local venues.

Maybe you were the class clown in school or the one always cracking up your friends. If you think you’ve got a serious funny bone, put your money where your mouth is by signing up for improv classes. These comedy places can help whip you into shape.

There’s no denying that Toronto can be a pretty expensive place to live and play, but there are also a number of ways to enjoy the city’s unique cultural offerings without spending a dime. Save your pennies and enjoy these free activities in the 416.