Brighter days on the horizon as first weekend of February arrives

January has come and gone, and everyone will be celebrating the arrival of February this weekend. This month, you can look forward to the Super Bowl, the Family Day long weekend, and Valentine’s Day, among other events and festivities.

First up, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Football fans will either be watching the game and halftime show at home while munching on snacks and drinking beer, or will head out to Super Bowl parties to watch it with other fans. Reminder: please drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

If you are not really into the Super Bowl, or are looking for something to do ahead of the big game, below are some events taking place around the city.

And if you are a TTC rider, you’ve been enjoying your weekends free of subway closures this month. But that all comes to an end this weekend.

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Events

Coldest Day of the Year Ride
Cyclists will brave the chilly air this weekend for Cycle Toronto’s annual Coldest Day of the Year Ride. The ride gets underway at noon on Saturday, taking off from Alexander the Great Parkette, at Danforth and Logan Avenues. The seven-kilometre bike ride will be followed by a social at Betty’s on King, where cyclists can warm up and mingle.

Toronto Tea Festival
The Toronto Reference Library is hosting its 6th annual Tea Festival this weekend. The two-day event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday and features a wide range of teas from traditional to trendy. Guests will be able to sample hundreds of teas, learn from industry experts, and shop for various tea-related products. The Tea Festival wraps up Sunday at 5 p.m.

Alzheimer’s walk
Many of us know someone who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is especially difficult when it affects a member of your family. This Saturday, lace up your sneakers and take part in an indoor walk at Sheraton Centre Hotel, to raise money and awareness for the disease. This is the 28th year of the walk, which brings together 2,000 people from across the GTA.
The event is from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Paint the Leslie Street Spit
If you like painting and being outdoors, then this event at the The Leslie Street Spit is right up your alley. First, take a walk along the spit, also known as Tommy Thompson Park, and get inspired by your surroundings. Then, head indoors to start painting your masterpiece. A local artist will help guide you through the process, and all supplies will be provided. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

Flashback Film Fest
Travel back in time this weekend at Cineplex’s Flasback Film Fest. The festival is bringing action, sci-fi and comedy favourites back to the big screen from February 2-8. This year’s line-up includes Back to the Future, Gremlins, The Terminator, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and more. Cineplex theatres across Canada are taking part. Here in the GTA, Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough, Yonge-Dundas and Winston Churchill will be screening the flashback films.

TTC closure

The first subway closure of 2018 is set for this weekend. Line will be 1 shut down between St. Clair West and Union stations for signal upgrades. Shuttle buses will be running between St. Clair West and Spadina stations, stopping at Dupont station only. There will be no shuttle bus service south of Bloor. Riders can use the Yonge side of Line 1 to access the downtown core. Click here for a full list of upcoming subway closures.