Hubby and I and our two best friends are planning a trip to T.O. in November. Thanksgiving weekend to be exact, are there any big festivals or events going on at that time? Hubby and I went to T.O. this past summer and some Caribean fest was happening and we didn't enjoy the city as much as we usally do and didn't want to be surprised again.
Thanks for any help

I can only think of the Santa Claus Parade in November but if you check at www.toronto.com and www.nowtoronto.com - the Daily Events section - you'll see what else is on that month - eventually.

Interested to read that you didn't care for Caribana ... what about it bothered you?

The intense police presence and the hoochie mammas

What are "hoochie mammas"????

women who dress like "loose" women

Caribana has been celebrated for literally decades now. It's a huge west Indian festival, like carnival in Trinidad, Rio, etc. It's always held the first weekend in August.

If you didn't like Caribana, you probably wouldn't like the big gay pride parade either - not 'hoochie mama, but lots of nudity.

But I digress - I agree with Sally Canuck, check out toronto.com or nowtoronto.com.

If your holiday can be ruined by the way other people dress, you'd better stay home (or at least wait until January when everyone in Toronto will be bundled up to the tops of their heads to protect against the cold).

I think the Royal Winter Fair happens in November too, doesn't it? But that's confined to the Exhibition Grounds. It's a fun event though.

I don't think there will be anything to compare with Caribana happening in late November. Remember too that Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October, so American Thanksgiving is not a holiday here (and it could be rather chilly here that time of year).

I don't think you have to be around during Caribana to see hoochie mamas.

Came upon a young girl on my way to work Friday, she was about 14, changing from what her mother likely made her wear to school to a pair of shorts that barely covered her bum. And not the least bit concerned that I was witnessing this.

I also think you don't have to be in Toronto to witness this!

November/December is a great time for theatre and shows... Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, Sound of Music...Second City... Concerts... Jazz Clubs... Galleries... Museums... fine Dining ... there is no shortage of fun things...

OH..NO! I'm not puting the city down because of the hocchies, I always say that Toronto is my absolute favorite city...love it to death!

Hoochie mamas is my new favourite expression!

Despite some prior comments, visting Toronto during Caribana is not recommended, unless you are specifically attending to participate in it. The reality is that many people from Toronto head out town that weekend and, if not, certainly avoid downtown (though it's not politically corrrect to admit such). So do not feel bad about not enjoying Caribana.

Gee, everyone I know lives in the city, works in the city, and does stuff downtown. I don't know anyone who leaves town during Caribana. I don't go to the parade but I wouldn't hesitate to live my normal life here during the festival. Sure, there's a lot of visitors but since I'm not looking for a hotel room, that's fine with me.

I'm like the previous poster - I also live in the city, and while it's been about 20 years since I last went to the parade, I also don't leave the city on the August long weekend.

But hey, I'm glad the the OP is coming back to Toronto, even if she didn't enjoy her last experience in the city!

Unless you have been downtown on Friday or Saturay night of Caribana weekend you won't understand why mrsd2fan did not enjoy her most recent stay in T.O.