By Mariah Siddiqui
With every semester, the time comes where students get a week off to study, or rather attempt to. For those of you who have been counting down the days until reading week, it is finally here!
If you find yourself with some time to spare while cramming for midterms and are in need of a break, here are some fun things you can do.
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
The sixth annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival will be from Feb. 17-19. The festival includes a Battle of the Scores competition, a Young Creators Co-Lab, free films for anyone under 25, a captivating movie marathon, and a whole lot more. If you are a big film junkie this is definitely the event for you.
Museum of Illusions
The end of the museum will have you doubting reality as the room twists and turns when you walk through it. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)
You will not believe your eyes when you walk through the rooms and observe each installation at the Museum of Illusions in Toronto. The tour includes a collection of holograms, optical illusions, and many more rooms that will be sure to drive your brain crazy trying to figure it out. Tickets can be bought here.
5th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival
This festival showcases outstanding, powerful black films and creates a safe space to discuss major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues. This festival celebrates Black History Month and gives unique voices in cinema a chance to express new and refreshing ways of viewing the world. It runs from Feb. 13-18.
Toronto Light Festival
The striking lights glow and catch your eye as soon as you walk through the entrance. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)
This event will run until March 3 and will catch your attention the moment you arrive. You will see the Distillery District transformed into one of the largest open-air galleries in North America. Local and international light artists show off their innovative ideas in a visual journey. Walking through the brightly lit up neighbourhood will surely be unforgettable.
The Bentway Skate Trail
The Bentway sign can be seen when you walk under the Gardiner Expressway and onto the rink. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)
Whether you’re a pro-skater or the absolute opposite (like myself), I’m sure you wouldn’t mind falling once or twice on this amazing figure-8 shaped skate trail. It is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. on weekends and from 5 to 9 p.m. during the week. They offer skate rentals and skating lessons and you can even grab a snack or drink when you’re all done. The trail will be open until Feb. 18.
The Rec Room
The Rec Room building stands tall across from the Rogers Centre. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)
Good Drinks? Tasty Food? Fun Games? Say no more, The Rec Room is the place for you. If you have a competitive side and like to have a good time with friends, this is the place to suggest when your group can’t decide on what to do. Between eating, the arcade games, and the various live acts, time will fly by. This classic venue is also hosting a Raptors vs. Spurs watch party on Feb. 22, so if you were going to watch the game you might as well do it here.
Denthreesixty
Denthreesixty, the GTA’s very first video game console arcade opened on Feb. 18. They offer dozens of games on game consoles or on classic arcade machines. If you are a video game lover make sure to check out this spot with your friends for a day of fun and some friendly competition.
Ice Breakers 2019 Art Exhibition
“Tripix” by Ryerson University stands out as a staple installation along the Harbourfront. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)
Go check out the five art installations along Queen’s Quay West from Harbourfront Centre to HTO West but make sure to bundle up! The theme of the exhibition is “Signal Transmission” and the installation, “Tripix” is by our very own Ryerson University.
Enjoy your reading week and make sure to check out some of these fun spots.
