I know-- it's not 2012 yet. But I'm getting the jump on the new year, just to be productive.

The usual disclaimer:

This list doesn't include a lot of events I'd like to be at... for example the local underwear runs, flash mobs, matsuris, tattoo conventions, classic car rallies, bathtub derbies, and many other annual happenings across Ontario. I'll update it regularly as I hear more.

Legend

$ - 5 to 20 bucks: reasonable and good entertainment for the price of admission

$$ - 25 to 50 bucks: do it if you can afford it

$$$ - over 50 bucks: dammit I need a press pass... 

January

The Toronto NextStage Festival (little brosister of the Fringe Theatre Festival) turns out winter entertainment at a great value from January 4th through 15th. $

Jan 7-27 - the 3.11 Portrait Project is on display at the JCCC. This project documents survivors of the March 2011 Tsunami. www.jccc.on.ca

Jan 12 - Late Night with Mullet, 8PM, Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Avenue). You probly don't know Mullet. But he knows stuff about stuff. His first late night talk show in November was the best live comedy I've ever seen. Now he has a monthly late night talk show (2nd Thursday of every month) and this is the kickoff. There is no charge, although a floppy hat might get passed for starving clown school students. 19+. MeMullet.com

Jan 22 - Japanese New Year's Festival at the JCCC. All ages, $. www.jccc.on.ca

February

Feb 5 - Note to self: GANTZ & GANTZ II at the JCCC. Epic, or simply attractive because it rhymes with pants? www.jccc.on.ca

Feb 25-26 - Con-G convention in Guelph. The little fan run convention that could. All ages, $$. www.con-g.com

March

The GTA Rollergirls 2012 season starts. $, dates TBA.

April

April 15th - Weather dependent, Toronto's cherry blossom season begins right about now and runs through the first week of May. For the best parks to visit check this article out.

May

Early May: Keep an eye out for the Toronto Maker Faire to possibly return to the Brickworks. TBD. $

May 25-27, 2012 - Anime North. Pre-registration opens January 2nd. Note: attendance is capped this year, for the first time ever. Panic reg will ensue. All ages, $$. www.animenorth.com

June

June TBD: The Battle for Stoney Creek (at Battlefield House in Hamilton). An excellent re-enactment in the GTA. $, http://www.battlefieldhouse.ca/

Early June TBD: Cosplay Picnic on Centre Island. $ (Ferry). http://www.lelola.net/cosplaypicnic/

End of June/Start of July: Possible dates for Toronto Pride - TBD. http://www.pridetoronto.com/

June TBD - Fingers crossed that the Yorkville Exotic Car Show will return. www.yorkvilleexotics.com

July

July 6-8 2012 - Polaris 26. $$ www.tcon.ca/polaris

July TBD - Mississaugas of Scugog Island Pow Wow. $, all ages. www.scugogfirstnation.com

July TBD - Natsu Matsuri and O-Bon at the JCCC. $, www.jccc.on.ca

August

Early August, TBD. Taste of the Danforth. Nom noms for all ages.

August 10-11, 2012 is the 'Siege of Fort Erie' -- the largest reenactment in Canada. Details here closer to the date. $, all ages.

August  TBD - Otakuthon 2012 in Montreal. www.otakuthon.com

August TBD - Toronto Buskerfest. All ages, free. www.torontobuskerfest.com/

September

September 29th - the 7th annual Nuit Blanche. Oh you know I'm gonna rage. Then go anyway, because it's free, and sometimes weird shit happens. www.scotiabanknuitblanche.com

October

Early October, dates TBA: Wasteland Weekend. If you need me, I'll be in the desert. $$$, 19+. www.wastelandweekend.com

Oct. 12-14, 2012. The Battle of Queenston Heights -  Queenston, ON (Near Niagara Falls)

Late Oct - Toronto Zombiewalk 2011, date TBD.

Late Oct - Night of Dread, date TBD. http://www.clayandpapertheatre.org/

October 31st - Church Street Halloween. Free block party. Aww yeah.

November

*tumbleweeds, also recovery period*

December

Dec TBD (Saturday before Xmas) - probable date of Santarchy. Free, 19+. Use your powers of Google about a week beforehand and Santa will reward you with liquor filled chocolates. Or poling. You never know.

Dec 21st - Kensington Market Festival of Lights. An annual solstice event. Free, all ages. See Red Pepper Spectacle Arts for details closer to the date.

RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR TORONTO CALENDARS

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