Toronto
#1 Art & Design Event
The theme for 2014’s 10-day celebration of music, film, art, performance, and dance was sex—and lots of it. With men singing love songs to men, and senior citizens in frank conversations about sexuality, the L’Oréal-sponsored festival delivered on its theme. Highlights included a musical performance by Boy George and a tribute to Daniel Lanois. Next: June 19-28, 2015
Toronto
#2 Art & Design Event
Toronto’s overnight art party, sponsored by Scotiabank, expands to three new neighborhoods in 2014 and will include 110 contemporary art projects on exhibit for just 12 hours. More than one million visitors viewed exhibits by 500 Canadian and international artists last year. Next: October 4, 2014
Toronto
#3 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts Canada’s largest contemporary art fair again this year, with RBC Wealth Management as presenting sponsor. More than 100 galleries will be represented, and the event will include V.I.P. and stage programming. Next: October 24-27, 2014
Montreal
#4 Art & Design Event
In time for holiday season, visitors to Montreal’s Society for Arts and Technology souk—or bazaar—can check out and purchase the city’s best design creations at the society’s newly renovated downtown home. Next: November 27-30, 2014
Toronto
#5 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
Known as TO DO, the weeklong nonprofit festival showcases independent design across the city through immersive installations and unique programming. The festival culminates in the juried TO DO Awards, presented by design brand Herman Miller. Next: January 19-25, 2015
