Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Toronto with your host Oly Bennet, globe-trotting champion of quirky fun! Today is Thursday, September 11, 2025, and Toronto is bursting with the kind of energy that makes you want to grab your sneakers—or maybe your red carpet best. Outside, it’s classic September in the Six: cooler mornings, summery afternoons, that perfect in-between weather where nobody knows whether to bring a jacket or sunscreen. If you feel a little spark in the air, blame the Toronto International Film Festival. The city is humming with film buffs, stargazers, and celebrity sightings—Angelina Jolie could be in front of you in line for a latte. Anything’s possible!

All right, folks—let’s tear into today’s top happenings, and trust me, there’s something for every flavor of fun.

First up, the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival is lighting up the city until September 14. A-listers are paintbrushing the town glitzy, and the buzz is louder than a Drake concert at Scotiabank Arena. Looking to hobnob with movie stars or just catch a world premiere? This is the spot.

If you fancy yourself a bit of a connoisseur—of beer, bites, or people-watching—swing by the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro at David Pecaut Square. That’s where festival snacks meet designer drinks, and if you’re lucky, you might snap a selfie with a big name while sampling aperitivo treats and dancing to DJ sets. Remember, it’s strictly 19 and older, so leave the kiddos with their popcorn.

Craving something fragrant and floral? The Toronto Flower Market is in bloom, giving you a noseful of Ontario’s lushest flowers and the chance to chat with local growers. It’s a bouquet bonanza for your eyes and Instagram.

Families, unite! The Toronto Ukrainian Festival kicks off in Bloor West Village and bills itself as North America’s largest Ukrainian culture bash. Expect parades, music, and enough pierogi to fuel a small army—all with free entry. Want to beast your wedding vision board? Canada’s Bridal Show is on at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, bringing hundreds of vendors and next-level dress inspiration.

Night owls, rally! Tonight, Lady Gaga shakes up the Scotiabank Arena with her MAYHEM Ball—a show so dazzling you’ll need sunglasses at midnight. For something cool and laid-back, folksy favorites Mt. Joy are at Budweiser Stage, serving tunes and sunset vibes down on the lakeshore.

Now, onto local news—hold on to your forks, foodies! The Well is welcoming the grand opening of MUJI tomorrow, so line up early if minimalist homewares are your thing. Big transit alert: TTC’s Line 1 is running smoothly today, with no scheduled delays, so exploring the city by subway just got easier.

Let’s talk can’t-miss adventures. Hit up St. Lawrence Market for the freshest bites from over 200 vendors (don’t leave without trying a peameal bacon sandwich—Toronto’s unofficial edible mascot). For thrill-seekers and architectural fans, the CN Tower remains the king of the skyline, but if heights aren’t your jam, explore the hidden tunnels of Casa Loma or get wild at Ripley's Aquarium. And don’t sleep on Toronto Island! Hop the ferry, rent a bike, and enjoy skyline views, beaches, and ice cream that, I promise, tastes extra epic with a breeze off Lake Ontario.

Here’s a pro tip: If you want to zip around the city, grab a day pass for Toronto’s extensive bike share system. It’s cheap, fast, and lets you feel like a local—wind-in-your-hair style. And for all festival-goers, keep an eye out for TIFF’s pop-up installations throughout downtown; some of the best photo ops are right out on the street, not inside the theatres!

Before I dash off: tomorrow is set to sizzle too. MUJI’s grand opening promises goodie bags for early birds. Plus, tomorrow night, the Arundhati Roy book launch lands at Convocation Hall for all you lit lovers. There’s always something around the corner in Toronto, and I’ll be here to hype it up.

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