Concerts & Events in Toronto

As the American Hockey League affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies take to the ice with a roster of young skaters on their way to an NHL career. Named after a legendary (but since dissolved) Junior A team, the Toronto Marlboros, the Marlies have had their share of success since their move to the city in 2005, including a 2011–2012 campaign in which they captured the Western Conference title and nearly hoisted the league's hallowed Calder Cup. Crowds of up to 8,200 fans cheer the Marlies on from their home at Ricoh Coliseum, where team mascot Duke the Dog—his own name an homage to the Duke of Marlborough—dances in the stands.

Now in its 60th year, Remax's expansive National Home Show is North America's largest yearly home and garden convention, attracting more than 800 exhibitors. Attractions include the environmentally efficient Dream Home—a 3,600-square-foot monument to "sustainable luxury"—and a slate of home savvy entertainers on the HGTV celebrity stage. Visitors trust their design sense to guide them from booth to domestically themed booth while running into famed home and garden savants such as interior design wizard Janette Ewen and master contractor and Builder Boss television host Jim Caruk. As an official charity of the benefit, the March of Dimes Canada will host pro wrestler Bret "Hitman" Hart at its booth to engage fans with an autograph session and share his method of getting stains out of upholstery with sofa-cushion sleeper holds.

Though the Toronto FC franchise is young, especially compared to European clubs, the Reds have found success in Canada, winning the Amway Canadian Championship four years in a row from 2009 through 2012. Toronto FC's staff and athletes set out to do more than just compete against rival MLS clubs; they help the sport grow. Players and coaches both can be found teaching young athletes the ins and outs of competitive play in grassroots events and programs. BMO Field, which the Reds share with the Canadian National teams, is the first soccer-specific stadium in Canada.

When the students in Kelly Smith’s middle-school classroom wanted an extracurricular outlet for their volleyball skills, the educator was quick to oblige. He founded the nonprofit Pakmen Volleyball Club in response to the kids' request, personally devoting 30,000 hours to the cause and asking his crew of volunteers, including a former coach of medal-winning volleyball team the Sheridan Bruins, to help out with their own pro bono labor. As Kelly expanded the club to include year-round leagues and lessons as well as summer programs on the beach, his seasoned coaches began breeding champions at the provincial and international levels. With teams that range from recreational squads of beginners to die-hard groups of competitors, the club has something to offer every age, skill level, and shoe size.