It was an honour to be approached by BizBash last fall to consult on finalizing their list of Top Toronto Events of 2013. It was also exciting to win the Canadian Special Events 2013 award for Favourite Event Industry Blog (thank you all for your support!). Our own list of favourite events is below, but first here’s some exciting upcoming events very soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Here’s some upcoming big events and also keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page to stay updated.
The inaugural Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) gala
The inaugural Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards gala
Canadian supermodel Coca Rocha has just been announced to attend as well as Yasmin Warsame, Gerry Dee (taking on hosting duties), D Squared, Elisha Cuthbert and Guillermo del Toro among others. Click here for the list of CAFA nominees and visit www.cafawards.ca for more info.
Chefs Challenge 2014 with Giada de Laurentiis in support of Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary
Chefs Challenge 2014 with Giada de Laurentiis
Along with Giada de Laurentiis, there’s also Scott McGillivray, David Rocco and many more (full lineup here). The top 50 fundraisers get to compete alongside celebrity chefs for charity! Check out our coverage from the last Chefs Challenge with Guy Fieri.
MOTIONBALL 365 in support of Special Olympics
Taking place at the Liberty Grand on February 7th, this year’s annual Motionball gala (dubbed “THREESIXTYFIVE” this year) boasts Carmen Electra to co-host and an Under Armour fashion show. You won’t want to miss out on tickets for this. Photos from Motionball 2013
LOVE HER gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
Taking place at Liberty Grand on Tuesday, February 27th, this charitable gala in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada features a fashion show by Andrews and is hosted by Robert Herjavec (Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank) with Canada AM’s Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien. Click here for more details.
Interior Design Show opening party
Photos from last year’s IDS opening party
Advertising & Marketing Week’s AD BALL
Photos from the 2013 Ad Ball
DRAGON BALL 2014 gala in support of Yee Hong
Celebrating the 25th year of the signature gala for Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, the 2014 Dragon Ball gala is boasting an “X-Treme” culinary experience with internationally renowned 3-star Michelin Chef Alvin Leung from Hong Kong designing the dinner.
Check out Photos from Dragon Ball 2013: Year of the Snake
Casablanca Gala for Canada’s National Ballet School
Check out photos from last year’s National Ballet School 2013 gala: Monte Carlo Meets Gatsby.
Recipe for Change in support of Food Share
Taking place at St. Lawrence Market, this food lover’s event brings 30 chefs into one event for one night only with tasting plates and with 20 VQA wines, 6 local beers for only $125. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets for this charity event.
REEL ARTISTS FILM FESTIVAL (RAFF) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
See last year’s RAFF which celebrated it’s 10th anniversary.
Book Lover’s Ball 2014
In support of the Toronto Public Library Foundation, the 9th annual Book Lover’s Ball is set to take place on February 9th at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel again. The evening will feature decadent hors d’oeuvres by Chef Lynn Crawford, a seated dinner and book-themed entertainment. This charity gala is consistently regarded as one of Toronto’s top events according to BizBash. Among the 60 celebrated authors in attendance, there will be Michael Ignatieff, Olivia Chow, L. Marie Adeline, Kevin Kwan, Steven Galloway and Richard Peddie. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets to attend this book lover’s dream event in support of the Toronto Public Library Foundation. Check out our recap from last year’s Book Lover’s Ball 2013 here.
THE BIG GIVE (sold out, no tickets at the door)
Big Give was a fun party last year with a great vibe and everyone having a blast at Berkeley Church. But this year it’s being held at the new Ripley’s Aquarium! Best of all it’s only $70 including open bar and with the biggest swag bags given out to all guests (20lbs and $500+ worth). So ya, even though it’s sold out I’m still mentioning it. To all those lucky enough to attend, have fun! Check out the website at www.dothebiggive.com.
Here are our photos from last year’s The Big Give in support of the Look Good Feel Better charity.
BEST EVENTS OF 2013
It was very hard to choose, realizing we’re omitting a ton of other events that were also truly amazing but here just a few events (mostly charity) we were lucky to be a part of.
Let’s start off with what we’re calling the best charity gala of 2013: Three To Be Foundation’s 3rd annual Stems of Hope Gala with non-stop entertainment off the stage and on the stage including Salt-N-Pepa
Three to Be’s 3rd annual Stems of Hope gala ft Salt-N-Pepa
At the Power Ball: 15 Minutes of Fame party for The Power Plant Gallery
Hush, Hush party by the The Toronto Public Library Foundation
Photos from TIFF’s Cronenberg: Evolution opening party
The Carlu 10th anniversary: Decadence
The Seafood for Thought event at the Toronto Zoo delivers on good food and fun once again
At the Canadian Opera Company’s 10th Operanation gala
The unique Polo for Heart experience in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation featuring a gorgeous fashion show from Upper Canada Mall retailers
Servestock 2013 – A Backyard Charity Party featuring Suzie McNeil and K-Os
The Target store opening party with Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elisha Cuthbert
Luminato Festival’s Yves Saint Laurent opening night party
At the Venetian Ball 2013 featuring Paul Anka
The Curve Ball gala with the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre
Sharp Magazine F/W 2013 at the Ritz
Motionball 2013
Bud Light Sensation at the Rogers Centre
