Nightlife in Vaughan

With the glow of neon, the sound of dance beats, and the scent of buttery pierogies, Extaz Lounge fuses the glamour of a nightclub with the rustic refinement of an Eastern European eatery. Beaded chandeliers cast a magenta and azure glow across the lounge's interior, where images of scantily clad models surround diners savoring plates of pan-fried chicken, salted herring, and savory puff pastries. At night, live DJ's urge bodies and sound-activated robots onto the dance floor, while karaoke on Wednesday and Sunday evenings grants guests their 15 minutes of fame.

Second-year music director Danielle Lisboa leads the volunteer-based Orchestra Toronto, which has been wooing ears with tightly spun symphonic works for nearly 60 years. The 80-piece ensemble reassembles in February, providing concertgoers respite from cold-weather blues and panhandling snowmen with "Winter Tales," a collection of fiery, accessible compositions from several legendary composers. Lars-Erik Larsson's The Winter's Tale sets the show in motion before giving way to a quartet of classics, including Chris Meyer's In Memoriam Henryk Gorecki and Sergei Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet Suite no. 2. To start the afternoon, attendees can pop into a pre-concert chat, where Clasical 96.3 FM personality Alexa Petrenko will discuss the day's set and explain how violins maintain such curvy physiques. Recognized among Canada's elite venues, George Weston Recital Hall creates an acoustical cocoon with painstakingly insulated walls and retractable curtains and panels that can be rearranged for optimal sound.

In 1913, Arthur Brooks Webster had a problem: he had just been issued a permit to build his theatre, but the local residents were already content with the two theatres just down the road. However, by promising a moviegoing experience unlike any other and rallying his friends to spread a petition door-to-door, Webster gained the support he needed to break the earth on his vision. Though the theatre’s first reel spun in 1914, it took years of cycling through names such as The Pastime and Prince Edward before it finally received its current, more svelte moniker in 1937. Fast-forward to the present day, and the Fox Theatre stands as the longest-running cinema in Canada. First- and second-run films flicker to life on the big screen as enamoured audiences watch on from rows of plush red seats. Aside from the classic moviegoing experience, the theatre may be rented to seat up to 248 spectators for parties, corporate events, and screenings of independent documentaries about the funding channels for independent documentaries.

Wanting to fuse Mediterranean hospitality with modern elegance, the owners of Zemra Bar Lounge took design plans into their own hands, opening their walls and stage to local artists and musicians. Subdued light bounces off red and goldenrod walls dotted with paint, highlighting the friendly wait staff as they bustle between the dining room and kitchen. Inside the culinary chemistry lab, chefs Ghandour and Brunke prepare pastas, steaks, chops, and seafood from a menu of fine Pan-Mediterranean fare. To compliment the cuisine, the chefs recommend a variety of wines or one of the bar master's signature cocktails. Events such as the open mic on Wednesdays and live music on Fridays create a festive atmosphere while reflecting the local community, their talents, penchant for creativity, and ability to whistle in Italian.

Meet Market Adventures propels singles out of the grocery aisles or from behind the computer screen to help them interact with like-minded individuals during a slate of social events and getaways. Throughout Canada and the United States, participants embark on interactive outings such as pub-crawls, horseback riding, and sushi-making classes that encourage mingling and casual conversation. Clients can also head out on longer adventures to the Grand Canyon, the Costa Rican jungle, or to a dude ranch, which, in spite of its name, is not only for surfers.

In addition to attending in-person events, members can also take advantage of free online services such as online dating, personal matchmaking, and advice and articles from dating experts.

Bartenders lean over the illuminated bar, pouring beers from the tap or tipping bottles into ice-filled glasses. Inside Seneca Pub, flat-screen TVs overhead broadcast local sporting events, and the smells of battered fish and chips and rich poutine fill the air. The snap of a cue ball breaking a rack resounds across the large, open space, where theme nights feature stand-up comedians or lying-down tragedians.