MONTREAL
Wednesday June 6, 9:30pm – 12:30am, Strip Spelling Bee: Revolution Edition, MainLine Theatre, 3997 boul. Saint-Laurent, $10 + $2 Fringefest fee
Come watch clever exhibitionists try and spell impossibly difficult words while doffing their garments bit by bit. This is a popular and riotous event that must be experienced to be believed. The event is queer, straight, senior and trans-friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and extremely encouraging. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to independent student television coverage of the ongoing protests in Quebec. Click the link above to check out the rules and perks, and even volunteer as a contestant…if you dare.
Brought to you by the folks behind the Strip Spelling Bee, Goth Slow Dance is part of a series of themed events bringing back the art of slowdancing in Toronto and Montreal. Re-watch The Craft for inspiration and don your favorite blacks, and come out to sway and sigh to the magnificently morose new/dark wave tunes by The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order and others. As one participant says, “I really like hugging people, and this is just like a five-minute hug.” Find the love in your black little heart and join in.
TORONTO
Monday June 4th, 8:00pm, Trampoline Hall Lecture Series, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas Street West, $6
Blocks Recording Club impresario Steve Kado curates the latest edition of this public lecture series, where participants speak on a topic outside their area of expertise. This installment features Amelia Erhhardt on “The Megabus and Time,” Guy Halpern on “The Forthcoming Tide” and Chris Boni on “Slo Mo.”
Saturday June 9th, 10am, Shameless Magazine Garage Sale, 862 College
The venerable feminist magazine for young women and trans youth holds its annual garage sale fundraiser on a fine Saturday afternoon. There will be baked goods along with the yard sale stuff, and back issues/subscriptions will be available too. Our mouths are already watering at the thought of the mound of books that will undoubtedly be up for grabs. Do not miss!
Derby, glorious derby. Come watch Chicks Ahoy go up against the Death Track Dolls at 6pm, followed by the Gore Gore Rollergirls vs. The Smoke City Betties at 8pm. Bring blankets, folding chairs, beers and there’s even PIZZA. What a perfect night for a fight.
Join Dave Cave for the launch of his aforementioned (and hilariously-titled) zine about internet addiction. The event will also feature readings by Maranda Elizabeth and Clara Bee Lavery, plus zines for sale and baked goods!
The monthly Sunday Slam event features poets this time around, with each contender getting 4 minutes and ten seconds per round. Hosted by Valentino Assenza and featuring Chris Masson.
HALIFAX
Got a pesky secret weighing you down? Stop by this north end art gallery and scrawl your burdensome lie on the walls via typewriter, Twitter, sharpies, or – for the more ritualistic among you – take a chance on a private confessional.
Saturday June 9th, 2:00pm, World Naked Bike Ride Halifax, Ecology Action Centre, 2706 Fern Lane
Much like the Strip Spelling Bee, the title of this event speaks for itself. Meet up, doff your duds and paint yourself up, and then take to the streets, bare as the day you were born. Be prepared to wave jauntily at confused/titillated motorists as you cruise by.
VANCOUVER
Aspiring artists both young and old get a chance to try something new and shake off those anxious “I can’t draw” shackles during this fun all-day event. There’s a host of free activities, including a collaborative mural, still-life drawing, sidewalk chalk art sessions and free exhibitions at the gallery.