Creative Writing

🎶**🎭✨ Join Us for Our Monthly Musical Theatre Open Mic Night!** 🎶**🎭** Join us for this our monthly Open Mic Night **Musical Theatre Open Mic Night:** Toronto Cabaret Productions proudly invites you to an open mic experience **like no other** — a night where talent shines, voices soar, and community comes alive. 💖 This isn’t *just* an open mic… It’s a **life-changing, joy-filled, goosebump-making night of connection, courage, belonging, and pure musical theatre magic.** ✨✨✨ Whether you're a powerhouse vocalist, a nervous first-timer, a theatre kid at heart, or simply someone who loves being surrounded by creativity — **this space is for YOU.** A safe, welcoming, all-ages room where everyone is celebrated. 🌈🤝🎶 If you love to sing musical theatre or showtune songs then this is for you. Bring a friend, bring your sheet music, just come and listen, be inspired and just be you. **Diseny Theme Night!:** Come out and sing your favourit disney song or come out and listen! HOWEVER, you can sing any song you like from a show even if it doesn't fi the theme. ### 💫 What to Expect: • 💛 A warm, inclusive, community-minded environment • 🎹 Live piano accompaniment by the brilliant Gabriel QB • 🎤 A chance to perform your favourite MT number (or discover a new one!) • 🎶 Show tune sing-alongs that feel like instant friendship • 🌟 Wildly talented performers + tons of encouragement and applause • 🤗 A place to meet new people, make friends, and belong ### ⏰ Event Flow 📍**Doors Open and Sign Up:** 7:00pm ⏱️**Open Mic Starts:** 7:15pm **🎤 Ends:** 10:00pm 🎟️ **Cover:** $10 cash and there will be no Meetup fee! **Hosted By:** Mathew Mac Lean **Piano Accompanist:** Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair **Meetup Spot:** Mathew will be inside hosting the event **Please note:** **Please bring your own sheet music for the accompanist but we might also have your song.** **Leaving time:** Any time you like. It should take about 2hrs. **REMEMBER YOU CAN JUST SHOW UP OR JUST SHOW UP ON THE DAY OF IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT.** **NOTE:** Sometimes things happen and I might have to cancel so please keep a look out for that! *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** 📅 **Mark Your Calendar:** Next Open Mic — **Friday, May 8th, 2026**🎶✨

Pottery Night at Orkid Gallery! All tools included. No experience needed—just come create, connect & sip tea with us! 3-hour workshop.

**The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Buried bridges, old Lake Iroquois, Humewood Reach, Springmount Reach, Taddle Creek, stories from Toronto's pre-history. Travel back in time to a far different, and natural Toronto. And then move forward to the fascinating enclave of Little Portugal and the history of the area prior to 1974! The history of this beloved community is a story of heroism and heartache. This tour is an updated route of the separate Garrison Creek tour that was retired last year. Walk along a now hidden waterway and explore ravines in the heart of the city. Travel north on an adventure. Explore historic streets with a very different perspective, of what is beneath. An entire area of the city is buried, and I bet you don't know where. Put it this way in the heart of the city you can find homes that have been buried for over 100 years! Follow the city streets we walk on every single day and understand the geologic processes that have shaped Toronto. The rest as they say is history. This walking tour begins at the southeast **corner** of **Stanley Park** at King Street West and Walnut Street, north side, west of Niagara Street. It ends at Christie Subway Station on Bloor Street West. This walking tour is for all walking levels. Please dress for the season, and hope to see you there. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that has multiple benefits, including calming the mind, feeling relaxed, activating one's self-healing potential. OM Chanting''s powerful vibration contributes to send Peace . A participation of 5$ minimum is strongly encouraged to sustain the rent of the studio . \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

**Drop-In Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC** Come play one of the fastest-growing sports in North America — right in the heart of the Annex! Join us for friendly, active Pickleball at the Miles Nadal JCC, just steps from Spadina Station. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have some fun! *** **🏓 Event Details:** **Location:** 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through the Spadina doors) **Check-In:** Stop by security and check in at the front desk when you arrive. *** **🏓 Registration & Payment (Required in Advance):** **RSVP on Meetup does *not* reserve your spot.** To participate in Drop-In Play, you must register and pay in advance via our registration system. 👉 [Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=bN72AZE) 📞 Or register by phone: 416-924-6211 Space is limited to **18 players** on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, no additional participants can be accommodated. *** **🏓 Other Info:** * Paddles and balls are available for loan at the front desk with a **$20 cash deposit and valid ID** * This session is intended for **novice players and above** — participants should know basic rules and scoring * Courts are rotated regularly so everyone gets a chance to play * Welcoming, inclusive environment *** Come ready to rally, socialize, and have a great time on the court. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an afternoon of great photography, delicious food and Happy Hour drinks. Our adventure begins at the CONTACT Festival headquarters, at 80 Spadina. We will see Sin Wai Kin - CLOSER THAN IT'S EVER BEEN Be part of the art as you step into two-channel-video installation *The Time of Our Lives* presented at CONTACT Gallery, viewers can choose to sit or move around the space, their experience oscillating between lived and imaginary realities. https://contactphoto.com/festival/2026/core/closer-than-its-ever-been Then you can peruse the Women's Image Library by Artexte. The curators of *Women’s Image Library* activated its archives to reveal women photographers’ significant and often overlooked contributions to the Canadian art scene. https://artexte.ca/en/ At 3 pmish, we will head outside to see mural at 460 King St W Thandiwe Muriu - An Abundance of Plenty *An Abundance Of Plenty* references classical Renaissance portraits while praising the sisterhood between two women which allows each to become the best of herself. https://contactphoto.com/festival/2026/map#venue-460-king-st-w-north-facade Afterwards, we will cross Spadina to 401 Richmond ArtSpace to see more. Gallery 44 - Suite 102 Group Exhibition - Corpus Obscura Across black-and-white prints, photographic sequences, and material interventions, the works engage photography as a site of becoming. Urbanspace Gallery - Ground Floor Yann Pocreau - The Prefix Prize 6 YYZ Artists' Outlet - Suite 140 Hong Yu (Casey) Chan - Listening to the Pathways of the Dead Conservation + Culture Chloé Beaulac - Sanctuary At 4:30 pmish, we will head over to Waterworks Bar for some Happy Hour Social and refreshment. https://www.waterworksfoodhall.com/happy-hour 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 3G9 If you want to continue to explore the 401 Richmond Art Space, head to the basement to discover these gems. Museum of Toronto to see The 52 exhibit on women who influenced Toronto http://www.museumoftoronto.com/ Spacing Store, or as I like to call it the Toronto Store, where you can find upscale souvenirs. http://spacingstore.ca/ 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 3G9

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

🌸🌆 FLEURS DE VILLES VOYAGE – BLOOR-YORKVILLE FLOWER WALK 🌆🌸 **A Floral Trail, Daytime Stroll & A City in Bloom** For a few days each year, Bloor-Yorkville transforms into a living, walkable art exhibit — filled with flowers, colour, and creativity around every corner. Join us for Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE, a one-of-a-kind experience where top floral designers partner with local businesses to completely “flower-bomb” the neighbourhood. This daytime version is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace — giving us time to wander, explore, and really take in the details. Expect over 30 unique installations scattered throughout the area — from fashion-inspired mannequins to floral archways, window displays, and even edible creations popping up where you least expect them. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social walk — come explore, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere together. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll meet at the Toronto Reference Library and begin our walk through Bloor-Yorkville, following the floral trail and discovering installations as we go. There’s no rush — we’ll take our time, stop for photos, and enjoy the creativity throughout the neighbourhood. After the walk, we’ll head over to Jack Astor's for food, drinks, and a chance to hang out and connect. 🍔🍹 You’re welcome to join for food or head out whenever you like. \*\*\* 🌆 **Vibe & Expectations** This is an easy, relaxed city walk — no distance pressure, no intensity. Just: ✔️ Beautiful visuals ✔️ A lively neighbourhood ✔️ Good company Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about enjoying the experience and being social. \*\*\* **🧢 Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside the Toronto Reference Library 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Yonge & Bloor \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Comfortable walking shoes Camera or phone for photos 📸 Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: cash/card if joining for food & drinks afterward Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited. \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the flowers. Stay for the stroll. Leave feeling like the city surprised you — in the best way. 🌸✨

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!