DAYTIME
Fall Cottage Life Show
When the leaves turn brown, most cottages are already closed down. But an annual trade show dedicated to repair, construction and design urges owners of second homes to start thinking about next year right now. And as for what’s on deck for those cottagers, how about that new deck? Or a new dock? Or a sleeping cabin? Experts on hand with advice on renovations and rural real estate will complement more than 200 exhibitors at an event for all seasons.
To Oct. 25. $8 to $15 (kids aged 12 and under, free). International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., shows.cottagelife.com.
NIGHTTIME
The Trouble with Mr. Adams
The trouble with Mr. Adams is that he’s a high school coach and he’s fallen for a volleyball star who is old enough to be his student and the inappropriate attraction threatens to ruin his life, family and career. From Tarragon playwright-in-residence Gord Rand, a new comedy about a man’s midlife crisis and an unacceptable impulse that should be spiked.
Oct. 28 to Nov. 29 (now in previews). $28 to $60. Tarragon Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827 or tarragontheatre.com.
ONE TIME ONLY
Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear
Is it acceptable for a son to perform acoustic folk-blues with his mother? Does a mama bear sing in the woods? The answers are affirmative when it comes to this year’s feel-good story of the folk scene, a mother-and-son duo from Kansas City who cause smiles, sways and endless humming with their effortless song craft and hereditary harmony. Their delightful album is called Skeleton Crew, a pleasing work marked by a simple approach that is its charm.
Oct. 30, 8:30 p.m. $25. Church of the Holy Trinity, 18 Trinity Sq., 855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.com.
FREE
Beach Studio Tour
The sidewalks in the small town in the city that had just begun to experience less foot traffic after the high season will again be thick with people this weekend. An annual self-guided event involves a crisp-air go-round to the studios and shops of the east-end neighbourhood which specialize in paintings, photography, printmaking, glass art, hand-woven fashion, ceramics and jewellery. At 13 locations, a total of 22 artists are to be encountered, each of them on hand to discuss their expertise and probably talk about the weather, too.
To Oct 25. Free. beachstudiotour.ca.
LAST CHANCE
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market
If you dare ask us if there’s street parking available at this monthly automobile-free affair, we’re going to shake our heads with extra meaning and purpose for sure. But if you ask us why this month’s outdoor event of art, music and street performers in the city’s funkiest quarter is so special, we’ll let you know that the free-spirited celebration of community, culture and ecology is the last of the year, and that the theme of the day is Halloween.
Oct. 25, noon to 7 p.m. Free. kensingtonmarketbia.com.