The Weekend To-Do: TIFF spends summer in France, Vancouver has a Tokyo-style night market and Best Coast brings Californa to Toronto and Montreal

Date July 20, 2012

Staycation may be the annoying buzzword of a dreary recessionary summer of 2008, but this weekend it takes a turn for the exotic. Tokyo, Bombay, France, California and Gotham City are all coming to our doorsteps through movies, art, clothing and music. No need to pack your bags, but be sure to wish yourself a bon voyage—at least until Monday.

Find out what to do this weekend »

The Dark Knight Rises

Christopher Nolan’s final instalment in the Batman franchise is without a doubt the most highly anticipated blockbuster of the summer. Details of the movie have been as closely guarded as Batman’s identity, but we do know that the gruff-voiced Christian Bale and unlikely Prada darling Gary Oldman welcome a few newcomers to Gotham City, most notably Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman.

In theatres across Canada July 20

Summer in France

Throughout the summer months, TIFF is taking a cinematic tour de France with screenings of the greatest flicks of the French film canon. See some of your favourite fashion movie moments on the big screen, including an Yves Saint Laurent (and not much else)–clad Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour and Jean Seberg sporting that famous striped shirt in Breathless.

On now to Sept. 2
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., Toronto

Norblack Norwhite and We Are the People Pop-Up Shop

Bombay goodness is landing in Toronto today at Miracle Thieves for a seven-day pop-up. Scoop up some art, accessories, zines and clothing, all curated and created in Bombay, including pieces from the super-colourful NorBlack NorWhite Spring 2012 collection and exclusive items from Bombay Electric, India’s first concept store.

Opening night July 20, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford St., Toronto

Fourth Anniversary Party for Textstyles.ca

Stylish Torontonians have been following Stefania Yarhi’s fashion adventures on her blog since 2008. This Saturday, she fetes four years of beautifying the big bad Internet with—what else—a live art happening/dance party DJ’d by Diego Armand.

July 21, 9 p.m. to midnight
Daniel Faria Gallery, 188 St. Helen’s Ave., Toronto

Michael Snow: Objects of Vision

Ever wonder where those geese flying through downtown Toronto’s Eaton Centre came from? That would be Michael Snow, one of Canada’s most important living artists. Sculptures made over the course of his prolific career, which dates back to the 1950s, are on display now until December 9 at the AGO.

Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto

Best Coast in concert

Californians are known for being pros at lazy summers—see any tabloid-teasing Hollywood actor—and dreamy L.A. pop duo Best Coast is no exception. Close your eyes and pretend the surf’s up, dude, at their shows in Montreal and Toronto.

Le National, Montreal, July 20
Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, July 21

Blim Night Market and New Tokyo Fashion Show

Fifty local artists, designers and artisans are transforming a Mount Pleasant alleyway into a Tokyo-style night market where they’ll be selling jewellery, vintage, accessories, clothing, art and more. Take in performances by Myths, House of La Douche and Ultimate Lover and a fashion show at 8 p.m. featuring designs by Rukus New Edge and Blim.

July 21, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In alleyway west of Main between 8th and Broadway, Vancouver