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

Science Fiction and Fantasy Events in Toronto, October 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.

Thursday October 6

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.

Friday October 7 - Sunday October 9

Creation Entertainment's Salute to SUPERNATURAL
Where: Sheraton TORONTO Airport Hotel and Conference Centre (810 Dixon Road, Toronto)
Cost: Varies by pass

It is indeed a great pleasure for us to bring Creation Entertainment's Salute to SUPERNATURAL to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, TORONTO! We're rolling out the red carpet to welcome fans from around the world to join in this first in the area celebration of television's hottest series and we're doing it up in major style by presenting the three sensational headliners that every fan will want to see: JENSEN ACKLES, JARED PADALECKI and MISHA COLLINS! If another TV show boasts better stars than these guys we want to know about it and we thank all three for being so supportive of our events and company over the last several years!

Saturday October 7

1. Toronto Screening of "Stiffs On The Green"
Where: Toronto Underground Cinema 186 Spadina Avenue, TorontoToronto, ON
When: 7-9 PM
Cost: $10

This is a crazy dark horror comedy about a killer on the golf course, murdering the pro players and anyone that gets in his path. It's all up to the staff workers at 'The Chip Off The Old Tee' Golf course to stop him before the big tournament.

Wednesday October 12

Toronto International Film Festival Light Box Presents:
Otherworldly Exhibit Special Talk:
From Concept to Reality: Creating an Extraordinary Creature Called “Dren”
Special guests Amro Attia and Alex Kavanagh
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox is located at Reitman Square on the north-west corner of King and John Streets (350 King Street West)
When: Wednesday, October 12 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 presents a rare, intimate salon-style session with creature designer Amro Attia and costume designer Alex Kavanagh, as they take audiences behind the scenes of Vincenzo Natali’s Splice and discuss the process involved in the development of its genetically altered protagonist, “Dren.”

Saturday October 15

Toronto SpecFic Colliquium
Where: Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Ave.)
When: 9 am - 11 pm
Theme: Modern Mythologies
Guest of Honour: Mike Carey
Ticket prices varry by age and purchase date.  Go here to buy online.

Monday October 17

Mike Carey talks at the Merril Collection of Science Fiction
Where: Lilian H. Smith Library, 239 College Street, basement
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Mike Carey, author of numerous graphic novel series including Lucifer, Faker, as well as the Felix Castor supernatural detective novels, will be the guest of the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, speaking in the basement of the Lillian Smith branch, 239 College Street.

Wednesday October 19

Toronto Public Library Author Talk
The Sky's Dark Labyrinth by Stuart Clark
When: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Runnymede Program Room

The first novel in a trilogy which brings to life those turning points in history which forever changed our view of the universe. Acclaimed astronomy writer Stuart Clark This is the story of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, two men trapped by human ignorance and irrational terror in one of the darkest, yet also enlightening periods of European history.

Thursday October 20 - 27

Toronto After Dark Film Festival
8 nights of horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies
Oct 20-27
Where: Toronto Underground Cinema (186 Spadina Ave)
single price tickets $13 ($15 for opening/closing gala screenings), 250 all access passes on sale for $139
screenings are for those aged 19 and older

Friday October 21

Daniel Clowes The graphic novelist is interviewed by Seth Mariko as part of the International Festival Of Authors.
Where: , Harbourfront Centre Brigantime Rm, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, 416-973-4000, readings.org
When: 8 pm
Admission: $18, stu free

Saturday October 22

9TH ANNUAL TORONTO ZOMBIE WALK
Where: Trinity Bellwood's Park (tentative)
When: 3 pm
cost: free! 
For all ages!  Please observe that there's a NO WEAPONS policy in effect

Get their early for a chance to win fiendtastic prizes, and the Henry’s zombie photo booth, plus a special scaremony, details to be announced soon!!!
The 2011 Toronto Zombie Walk route will be announced at a later date. So keep your eyeballs peeled.
Please register for the walk at:
http://www.torontozombiewalk.ca/2011_registration.php
It’s free!! There will be NO registration booth at the park, but save your registration slips for a chance to win spooktacular prizes.
After the walk, this year’s evening entertainment will be hosted by the the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. From 7pm onwards join us at the screening venue, the Toronto Underground Cinema, 186 Spadina Avenue, just north of Queen, for a double bill screening of two brand new zombie films, with a special discount for the undead! And then from 11.30pm until late, at Tequila Bookwork on Queen Street, stay feasting until the wee hours with the official after party! Please note evening events hosted by Toronto After Dark including screenings and after party are restricted to age 19+. Complete details on Toronto After Dark Film Festival, 8 Nights of New Horror, Sci-Fi, Action and Cult Movies, Oct 20-27, 2011 here:
http://www.torontoafterdark.com/
Drop by the Henry’s Tent at the 2011 Zombie Walk from 2pm on and get a professional 4×6 picture of you and your Zombie friends for a only $2 each.  All proceeds will go to the Connect Learning Centre.  Check out Henry’s online at www.henrys.com.
2011 Brain Drive
Once again we are running a brain drive to help cover the numerous costs of the walk such as permits and insurance.  Check it out here for a chance to win some fiendtastic prizes!
Weapons Policy
The Toronto Zombie Walk is a weapon free event. This is to avoid confusion and added stress for the city during the walk. We agree to no weapons when we apply for our permits.
Problems arising from weapons and prop weapons can put the walk and everyone’s enjoyment of the walk in Jeapordy, we therefore must stress that NO WEAPONS are permitted on the walk.

Sunday October 23

The Word Doctors Are In A masterclass for aspiring authors is part of the International Festival Of Authors.
Where: , Harbourfront Centre Brigantine Rm, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, 416-973-4000, readings.org
When: 11 am
Admission: $18, stu free

Tuesday October 25

Lev Grossman/Erin Morgenstern/Simon Toyne Round table discussion on magic, myth and the forces beyond reason.
Where: , Harbourfront Centre Studio Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, 416-973-4000, readings.org
When: 8 pm
Admission: $18, stu free

Wednesday October 26

The Chemistry of Sex, Drugs and the Brain
Where: Toronto Reference Library Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium
When: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Professor William J. Pietro will provide an expose of how nerve cells communicate in the human brain through chemical messengers. He will show how molecules designed to mimic these natural substances can be used to treat depression, schizophrenia, and psychosexual dysfunction. Principles of drug discovery and pharmacology will be discussed using the action of street drugs as an example.

Saturday October 29

1. Toronto International Film Festival Light Box Presents:
Otherworldly Exhibit Special Talk:
Curatorial Perspectives Tour 
Where: Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox is located at Reitman Square on the north-west corner of King and John Streets (350 King Street West)
When: Saturday, October 29 at 11:00 am
Cost: Ticket Sales and booking information for the special events will be available at tiff.net in late September 2011.

Sylvia Frank, Director of TIFF’s Film Reference Library and Special Collections and curator of Otherworldly: The Art of Canadian Costume Design, offers an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition and an in-depth look at its creation, including its original conception, the selection process and design parameters.

2. Rue Morgue's Banquet of Blood, 14th Anniversary Halloween Party
Where: Revival (783 College St)
When: 9 pm
Cost: $25 advance / $30 at the door

Featuring Twitch Couvier as The Master of Ceremonies, MiMi Cherry as Countess Bathory, Bon Bon Bombay as The Strangled Bride, Mia Culpa in Flash Flood, the Rue Morgue Go-Go Ghouls, a Midnight Costume Contest and terror tunes courtesy of Manny G. Eric Von Eric and Tomb Dragomir

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must present a PRINTED COPY OF YOUR CONFIRMATION E-MAIL in order to pick up your tickets at the venue. No tickets will be issued without a printed confirmation.

Sunday October 30

8th Annual Canadian Action Figure Expo
Where: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel - Toronto Airport, 655 Dixon Road
When:10/11 - ? (website doean't give closing time)
Cost: Earlybird admission (10am) $20, Regular admission (after 11) $10, Children 5-12 $5, under 5 are free

Huge selection of vintage 80s toys and all the latest releases from today.
Costume contest.

Monday October 31

Halloween!!!

Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Events Calendar

I've started up a Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Events Calendar as one of my 'pages' (in the left menu bar).  At the moment it's experimental, as I discover how much time and effort inputting events and maintaining it is going to be.  I'm using a free online calendar and file sharing service called KeepandShare, which I'm trying out for the first time.

I know the majority of people who come to this blog aren't in the Toronto area, so the calendar is also to lessen the number of 'Event in Toronto' posts I do (not eliminate them, mind you, just reduce them).  And I've been hoping for a while that someone would do a calendar that includes all the SF/F events in the city as I hate hearing of things after the fact that I'd have loved to go to.

If you are in Toronto and know of an event that's not on my calendar, please email me the details (event title, website url, date/time, venue and cost).  Also email me if you notice a mistake on the calendar or with an event.  Please put 'calendar events' in the subject line and send the information to: jessica.strider@gmail.com


And now for the disclaimer.  I'm doing this on my own time because I like the idea of knowing what's happening so I can plan what to attend.  I can only add events I hear about, so I know not everything will make the calendar.  I also only know what I'm told or discover on websites, so mistakes are possible (either with data entry on my end or changes on theirs).  I'll link to websites whenever possible, so always double check the information. 

This is experimental so if it turns out to be too much work to maintain or the site I'm using starts giving me problems, I might have to let the idea go.  On the other hand, if everything goes well for the first few months of just doing Toronto, I might branch out and add larger events from areas around the GTA as well.