Science Fiction and Fantasy Events in Toronto, November 2011

These events are from the science fiction & fantasy calendar I run.  If you have an event that's not listed, email me (jessica.strider@gmail.com) and I'll put it on the calendar and add it here.  While I try to get the details correct, always check the links to confirm event information. I'll be updating this post as I learn of more events.

Wednesday November 2 

William Shatner Signing his new book, Shatner Rules: Your Key To Understanding The Shatnerverse And The World At Large.
Where: Indigo Manulife, 55 Bloor W, Toronto
When: 7 pm
Admission: Free - wristband policy in effect (the Indigo website did not have the details for the policy up, so call the store for more details: 416-925-3536)

Thursday November 3 

Dr Who Information Network (DWIN) Pub Night

There is a regular Doctor Who Tavern/Pub gathering in Toronto on the first Thursday of each month
Where: Paupers Pub, 539 Bloor Street West (near Bathurst). We meet up at the back near the dartboards.
When: People usually start to arrive around 8:00pm.


Saturday November 5

CZP and Bakka-Phoenix Books launch Caitlin Sweet's THE PATTERN SCARS!
Where: Bakka-Phoenix Books 84 Harbord Street
When: 3 - 6 pm
Come join ChiZine Publications (http://chizinepub.com/) and author Caitlin Sweet as she launches her latest novel, THE PATTERN SCARS, with a special appearance by the illustrator Martin Springett.

Readings! Prizes! Snacks! Fortune Telling with special guest Sephera Giron! Plus, it's Guy Fawkes Day--which works out nicely, since Caitlin's book is EXPLOSIVE!


Saturday November 12

4th Annual Dotcon

Where: Days Hotel & Conference Centre (185 Yorkland Boulevard)
When: 11 AM - 2 AM

Cost: $25
Guests: BLOOD, Omega Zero, Jody Rodier, Cliff Goodman 

Monday November 14

Toronto International Film Festival Light Box Presents:
Otherworldly Exhibit Special Talk:
The Reality of Fantasy

Special guest Monique Prudhomme
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox is located at Reitman Square on the north-west corner of King and John Streets (350 King Street West)
When: Monday, November 14 at 7:00 pm
Cost: Ticket Sales and booking information for the special events will be available at tiff.net in late September 2011.

TIFF welcomes Academy Award®-nominated costume designer Monique Prudhomme (nominated for her work in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) to present the keynote talk for Otherworldly: The Art of Canadian Costume Design, which will focus on the process of creating fantastical costumes by finding, adapting and transforming elements from contemporary fashion, vintage pieces and specially selected materials.  Prudhomme will also address Ontario post-secondary students and faculty at a Higher Learning session on November 15.

Wednesday November 16

Toronto Public Library Author Talk
Umberto Eco 
When: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Toronto Reference Library The Appel Salon

Cost: Free, but an advance ticket is required (details below)

In a rare visit, Umberto Eco discusses his latest novel, The Prague Cemetery, which takes readers through 19th century Europe, from Turin to Prague to Paris.

The philosopher, critic, and bestselling author of The Name of the Rose will also speak about writing intellectual mysteries that combine semiotics in fiction, biblical analysis, medieval studies and literary theory.

Note: Doors open at 6 p.m. Join us for a drink at a cash bar reception starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets are required for admission to all Appel Salon events. Tickets are free, and are available online at torontopubliclibrary.ca/appelsalon, starting four weeks before the event, unless otherwise noted.

As most Appel Salon events are free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a full program, your free reservation may not guarantee admission. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby customers ten minutes prior to the start of the program. We recommend that you arrive early.

Thursday November 17 

1. Toronto Public Library Author Talk
John Scalzi and Gardner Dozois at the Merril Collection of Science Fiction
Where: Lillian H. Smith
When: 7:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Science fiction writer and blogger John Scalzi and editor Gardner Dozois will talk at the Merril Collection of Science Fiction on Thursday, November 17. The appearance is co-sponsored by SFContario and the Friends of the Merril Collection. For more information phone 416-393-7748.

2. Toronto Public Library Author Talk
Black Holes are like Kinder Surprises and Other Short Stories from the Universe 
Whre: Gerrard/Ashdale Branch, 1432 Gerrard Street East

When: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Hear stories of the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy,
extra-dimensions, parallel universes, quantum computers, and more. Join us as we host the very engaging Johannes Hirn from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto.


Friday November 18 to Sunday November 20

SF Contario 2
Where: Ramada Plaza Hotel (300 Jarvis St.)
When: Friday 6 - 11 pm, Saturday 9 am - 11 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Cost: Weekend $65, Friday $25, Saturday $40, Sunday $35

Sunday November 20

Fan Expo Canada Premium Pass holders are admitted FREE!

All children 12 and under admitted FREE with adult admission.
Regular admission only $8 tax included!

[Note: I could not find a website for this event.  The banner and information are from an email I was sent.]

Monday November 21

Robert J. Sawyer, Free Public Talk: Humanity 2.0
Presented by the Literary Review of Canada and TVO's Big Ideas
Where: The Gardiner Museum (111 Queen's Park)
When: 7:00 p.m.
Light snacks, cash bar
It is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to: rsvp@reviewcanada.ca

Sunday November 27

Space-Time Continuum Discussion Group
Where: Bakka Phoenix Books, 84 Harbord Street
When: 1pm
Discussion Topic: Old Man's War by John Scalzi