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Feed50 Cheap Thrills
1. ROCK A FROCK
RENTFROCKREPEAT.COM
If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a designer summer dress, why not rent one? Owned by two Toronto gals, Rent Frock Repeat lets you borrow Badgley Mischka and Pink Tartan gowns without breaking the bank. www.rentfrockrepeat.com
2. SHOP YOUR CLOSET
YOUR OWN CLOSET
The Refinery’s Wendy Woods will help you whip your own closet into shape — and create 30 “new” outfits from what you already own. www.therefinery.ca
3. BE ONE OF A KIND
EXHIBITION PLACE
If “one of a kind” is your thing, you’ll love The Clothing Show. It features independent Canadian designers as well as vintage apparel and accessories. www.theclothingshow.com
4. DISCOVER DUNDAS
PENNY ARCADE VINTAGE
Take a trip to the trendy Dundas West strip and scope out some bargains at Penny Arcade Vintage. They specialize in unique, yet affordable, vintage clothing. 1177 Dundas St. W.
5. ANTIQUE YOUR ’HOOD
EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS
This one-of-a-kind market features unique pieces from a variety of antique dealers. A great out-of-the-norm summer market with many bargains to be had. ebw.evergreen.ca
6. WHISTLE WHILE YOU TOUR
STEAMWHISTLE BREWERY
Spirits are always high at the Steamwhistle Brewery. Visit the historic Roundhouse and see what the brewmasters have cooked up. Oh, and bring your ID! Why? Because they have samples. Delicious, delicious samples. www.steamwhistle.ca
7. TRAIN YOUR PALATE
LCBO LOCATIONS
If you’re not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on improving your vino-quaffing skills, you can part with a twenty dollar bill (and change) and allow the experts at the LCBO to let you in on the secrets of sipping. www.lcbo.com
8. COUNT TO FOUR, FIVE, SIX
BOEHMER
Bar-rail drinks for $4, pints for $5 and glasses of wine for $6? Yes, please! Boehmer’s after-work special is one we plan to enjoy … four or five or six times this summer. Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 93 Ossington Ave.
9. SAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
ONTARIO SAKE COMPANY
A cool beer on a hot day is nice … but a glass of locally brewed sake at the Ontario Sake Company just might be nicer. Stop in for a glass of the “Lucky 7” sake, pressed this June. www.ontariosake.com
10. SOAK UP THE SUN
MIDTOWN PATIOS
Midtown has some great sun-soaked patios. We quite like the $4 glasses of wine on the Duke of Kent’s street-side patio (spring and summer), the $6 martinis (Wednesday) on the rooftop patio of Pauper’s Pub, and $4.50 tall boys (Tuesday) on the perfect people-watching patio at Gabby’s Grillhouse.
11. BOP TO THE BOSS
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
The 905’s series of free outdoor concerts includes five free shows. We’re most looking forward to Glory Days — A Bruce Springsteen Experience. See website for event details. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Chancellor District Park.
12. ENJOY BOTANICAL BEATS
EDWARDS MUSIC SERIES
North Toronto’s very own Botanical Gardens will be the site of free Thursday night (7 to 9 p.m.) concerts throughout the summer. Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave. E.
13. PRACTISE JAZZ HANDS
BEACHES JAZZ FEST
A free, family-friendly festival that brings all kinds of jazz, Latin, Caribbean, reggae and rhythm and blues stars to the city? Sounds like a great summer prospect to us. www.beachesjazz.com
14. AMP UP YOUR SUMMER
EARL BALES PARK
Yet another free concert! (And this one runs all summer.) Check out the stage at Earl Bales’ Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre for free music and theatre on Tuesday nights. 4169 Bathurst St.
15. PARK IT
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
An institution in the area since 1975, this concert series includes blues, rock ’n’ roll, Celtic and country performances, among others. Every Thursday evening at Mill Pond Park and the occasional Sunday afternoon at Richmond Green Park. Bring your own seating if desired.
16. HOP AN ISLAND
CENTREVILLE
Where else can you visit an amusement park (on an island, no less) and not pay any admission fees? Roller coster–loving thrill-seekers know that Centreville is the answer to their budget-conscious prayers. www.centreisland.ca
17. WHIP IT
GTA ROLLERGIRLS
For a mere $20 a month (to cover insurance costs), you can lace up a pair of quad skates and give the GTA Rollergirls’ Fresh Meat roller derby training a try. Mouthguard not included. www.gtarollergirls.com
18. COMBINE YOUR SPORTS
BIKE POLO
Bike polo–loving, freebie-searching folks rejoice! Scadding Court hosts pickup bike polo Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. ’til dusk. Did we mention it’s free? www.scaddingcourt.org
19. SPIN YOUR PARTNER
FREE FAMILY WEEKEND
What could be better than free tennis? Free tennis and entertainment for the entire family! Besides the sports, look out for contests, games, music and much, much more from Aug. 6 through 7. www.rogerscup.com
20. DISC DRIVE
WARD’S ISLAND DISC GOLF
A short ferry ride to Ward’s Island brings you to Toronto’s best disc golf course, established in 1980, although you probably never knew it existed. This sport is taking off in popularity, and we are lucky to have such a scenic and challenging course available absolutely free of charge. There is also a course in Centennial Park.
21. STITCH ’N BITCH
THE WORKROOM
The Workroom offers two monthly sewing sessions on the house: a Stitch ’n Bitch on the second Tuesday of each month, and Quilt Sundays on the last Sunday of each month. www.theworkroom.ca
22. GET MEDIEVAL
MAKE YOUR OWN MEAD
Making your own wine is always a thrifty option. But making your own mead? Well, sure, that’s a budget-friendly move — and it’ll also make you the coolest guy at the party when you cart along your homemade medieval brew. www.fermentations.com
23. REPAIR YOUR OWN WRECK
BIKE PIRATES
Bike Pirates (1292 Bloor St. W.), a great not-for-profit shop, provides low-cost bike parts to cyclists, and teaches customers how to make their own repairs. Bike Pirates reuses old parts and keeps costs low for budgeting bike owners. www.bikepirates.com
24. DO THE DEVIL’S WORK
THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP
Not nearly as sinister as it sounds, the Devil’s Workshop is a DIY space for the crafty type. Check out their wedding band and enameling workshops. www.thedevilsworkshop.ca
25. GROW YOUR OWN GREENS
T.O. COMMUNITY GARDENS
Do it the old-fashioned way and plant a veggie garden. If you’re lacking in backyard space, secure a plot in your own ’hood, courtesy of the Toronto Community Garden Network. Nominal fees for plots usually apply. www.tcgn.ca
26. CAVORT WITHOUT CARS
PEDESTRIAN SUNDAYS
Draw up that shopping list, grab a few shopping bags and head over to the Kensington Market. If the bustling market isn’t enough of a draw on its own, you might enjoy the “car-free” freedom of the area’s Pedestrian Sundays. www.kensington-market.ca
27. BUSK A MOVE
BUSKERFEST
Clowns, jugglers, daredevils, magicians: you name it, they’ll probably be at Buskerfest. The largest busker festival in North America, it attracts the most talented street performers from across all corners of the earth. www.torontobuskerfest.com
28. HAVE AN ARTVENTURE
ARTFEST
Artventure brings you this Historic Distillery District art show focused on Ontario and Quebec artists. Works include paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints and mixed media, coupled with live music and food. www.thedistillerydistrict.com
29. HAVE A TASTE OF THE ____
MARKHAM RIBFEST
Sure, we like Taste of the Danforth (and we love those honey-dipped loukoumades pastries!) and Taste of Little Italy, but there are other food-forward street festivals that boast some pretty tasty treats. For something a little closer to home, check out the Markham RibFest, featuring great music and BBQ fare, on July 8, 9 and 10. www.markhamribfest.com
30. ENJOY FRINGE BENEFITS
FRINGE FESTIVAL
A not-to-miss summer theatre event, Toronto Fringe Festival brings you a variety of “fringe” plays, penned and performed by a mix of stage veterans and newcomers. See if you can spot the next Drowsy Chaperone! www.fringetoronto.com
31. CURE THE THURSDAY BLUES
TASTY THURSDAYS
A great opportunity to try inexpensive, fresh cuisine from across the globe for under $7. Look for offerings from the Wine Bar & Hank’s Great Burger Kitchen, Coco Rice Thai Cuisine and Kathmandu Restaurant. Located at Nathan Phillips Square.
32. GO TO MARKET, TO MARKET
LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS
What’s more thrilling than one farmers’ market? Three! The Bayview area is home to the Evergreen Brick Works’ Saturday farmers’ market (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Mel Lastman Square’s Thursday farmers’ market (8 a.m to 2:30 p.m.) and Fairview Mall’s Friday farmers’ market (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
33. MEAT YOUR MATCH
CAPLANSKY’S MOBILE DELI
For those who can’t get enough of Caplansky’s smoked meat, soon it will come to you — via a smoked meat truck. Their bicycle delivery service also brings food right to your door for a carbon-footprint-free $5. www.caplanskysdeli.com
34. GET FRESH
THE VILLAGE MARKET
With several dozen vendors setting up shop each Saturday morning, Village Market–goers can pretty much pick up their weeks’ groceries — while chatting with the farmers, bakers and butchers who produce these items. Look out for fresh, organic peaches ‘n’ cream corn. Toronto Waldorf School, 9100 Bathurst St.
35. CHILL OUT
TI AMO GELATO
For a very reasonable $4.50 for a medium-sized cup, you can enjoy two flavours of Ti Amo’s sinfully good gelato. The Tahitian vanilla is a favourite, and their fruit flavours rock. 10255 Yonge St., Richmond Hill.
36. WING IT
ST. LOUIS
True, it can be difficult to find a seat, but Tuesday evenings at St. Louis Bar and Grill are sublime. Why? Because you can eat as many sauce-smothered wings as you’d like — for half the regular price. Best washed down with a pint or two. www.stlouiswings.com
37. CATCH A MOONLIT FLICK
MOONLIGHT MOVIES
What’s not to like about watching a movie, in the park, after dark? Take in a free Moonlight Movie at Richmond Green on Aug. 3, 17 and 31. And if it starts to drizzle, fear not: Rouge Woods Community Centre serves as the “rain location” for the movie night. 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. E.
38. REEL IT IN
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
If the Moonlight Movie series at Richmond Green doesn’t provide you with enough free film fun, check out the Hollywood hits screened every Friday at Downsview Park this summer.
39. TOUR DE COUPLAND
OUTDOOR ART TOUR
Über-cool artist Douglas Coupland has created a lot of intriguing and fun outdoor artwork. Spend a day touring the sites, including the clock tower at Shops at Don Mills, the giant canoe and fish bobbers at Canoe Landing Park and Monument to the War of 1812 at Bathurst and Fleet Streets.
40. GET DRAMATIC
WILD ABANDON
Watch a one-man show about a lonesome fellow who believes he is all alone in the world. The play is penned by the very talented Daniel MacIvor. The Curtain Club, July 15 and 16, 8 p.m.
41. GET YOUR STREET ART FIX
GREAT GRAFFITI SITES
Street art is a hot topic these days. Spend a day immersing yourself in the best the city has to offer at “graffiti alley,” just south of Queen Street West between Portland and Spadina, before heading to the Brick Works to check out their graffiti revitalization project with new works from Toronto’s own Faux Reel.
42. ASK AND RECEIVE
HOLT RENFREW
We know what you’re thinking: how can Holt Renfrew be on this list? Well, they offer a small selection of free services, including eyebrow touch-ups, false eyelash applications, introductory facials and makeup applications. No, seriously! www.holtrenfrew.com
43. LAUGH WITH YOGIS
LAUGHTER YOGA
It is common knowledge that laughter has healing powers. Ditto, yoga. Find out more about the power of laughter, yoga and meditation at this free session at the McConaghy Community Centre on July 4, at 7 pm. www.laughteryoga.org
44. GET YOUR BROWS DONE
TOONIE TUESDAYS
It’s almost too good to be true: Rhythm Spa offers a variety of $2 services on Tuesdays — including eyebrow threading and nail polish application. Prices are pretty reasonable anyway … but a single toonie? That’s a steal. (We suggest tipping at least 100 per cent.) www.rhythmspa.ca
45. MAKE IT UP
VARIOUS M.A.C LOCATIONS
If you’re willing to forgo booking an appointment, professional makeup applications at stand-alone M.A.C stores in the GTA are completely free. No product purchases are necessary at this Canadian cosmetic fave. www.maccosmetics.com
46. STRETCH YOURSELF
YOGA IN THE PARK
Those yoga classes sure can add up. That’s why we love Riverdale Park’s free outdoor classes on Saturdays, 10 until 11 a.m. Just bring a mat and make sure you’re wearing something comfy. Broadview and Gerrard.
47. MEET MINI STROMBO
MY KID’S CBC DAY
Visit the CBC Broadcast Centre this July for a fun-filled kiddie-friendly event. Kids (and parents) even get to watch their favourite CBC TV stars perform live. 250 Front St. W.
48. PET A COW
RIVERDALE FARM
We’ve seen our fair share of petting zoos, and this one — with horses, cows and chickens — is a perennial fave. Be sure to check out the farmers’ market on Tuesdays between May and October and the seasonal wading pool in July and August. www.friendsofriverdalefarm.com
49. LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION
CSI LIVE
While Horatio Caine will not be making an appearance, kids over the age of eight will still enjoy this hands-on, crime-solving experience. Just don’t tell them it’s educational. Free with admission to the Ontario Science Centre. www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
50. MONKEY AROUND
THE MONKEY BUNCH
This Juno-nominated rock ’n’ roll band for kids is going on tour — in Ontario. If you didn’t catch them at the Drake Hotel in the spring, check out a free show at the Stouffville Strawberry Festival on July 1. www.themonkeybunch.com
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