Shisha, Stand-Up & Screenings: What’s On in Toronto (September 4–10)
NassarShare
TIFF season is in full swing — and this week’s picks mix live music, big-screen premieres, community dinners, and a free outdoor festival. Whether you want a warm night of Syrian songs, a solidarity supper, or a powerful film screening, there’s something here to anchor your plans.
Events This Week
Syrian Music Night with Diar & Friends
A live set of Syrian and Arabic songs — from beloved ballads to lively folk — with a flamenco touch. Great for anyone craving a sing-along night and warm community vibes.
🌟 Performer(s): Diar with Rula, Asser Abdo, Anas Raslan, Tarek Ghriri & Nour Kdn
💬 Language: Arabic / English
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, September 4 · 8:00–10:00 pm
📍 Venue: DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite
TIFF50: Palestine 36 (World Premiere at TIFF)
An ambitious period drama set in 1930s Palestine under British rule, exploring resistance, ambition, and identity at a pivotal historical moment. Catch it at TIFF for a standout premiere.
🌟 Performer(s): Director: Annemarie Jacir | Cast: Karim Daoud Anaya, Wardi Eilabouni, Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbass, Jeremy Irons
💬 Language: Arabic & English (with English subtitles)
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, September 5 · 1:30–3:30 pm | Sunday, September 7 · 9:15–11:15 pm
📍 Venue: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5
🎟️ Tickets: TIFF
Supper for Sweida by Rahaf Alkabani
A special supper in solidarity with Sweida, hosted by Syrian cook and Newcomer Kitchen alum Rahaf Alkabani. Proceeds support families under siege with essentials like food, medicine, and clean water.
🌟 Performer(s): Rahaf Alkabani, presented by The Depanneur
💬 Language: English / Arabic
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, September 5 · 6:30–8:30 pm
📍 Venue: Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina, 192 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 3A4
🎟️ Tickets: The Depanneur (use 15% discount code SEPTEMBER)
The Egyptian Coptic Festival (2 Days)
A big, family-friendly celebration of Egyptian culture with food, vendors, kids’ activities, and live performances — including headline shows across two nights. Easy pick for a fun festival outing.
🌟 Performer(s): Headline shows by Mahmoud El Lithy, Nawal El Zoghby & Samo Zaen
💬 Language: Arabic / English
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, September 5 · 3:30–11:00 pm | Saturday, September 6 · 1:00–11:00 pm
📍 Venue: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
🎟️ Tickets: Free public event
TIFF50: The Voice of Hind Rajab (North American Premiere at TIFF)
A devastating, urgently told film that blends real emergency call recordings with re-enactments to honour Hind Rajab and the first responders who tried to save her. A powerful watch for TIFF week.
🌟 Performer(s): Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
💬 Language: Arabic & English (with subtitles)
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, September 7 · 8:45–10:45 pm | Monday, September 8 · 3:30–5:30 pm
📍 Venue: TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
🎟️ Tickets: TIFF
👉🏽 Looking for more events for this week? Browse the full khamsa community calendar .
Please note that event details can change, and cancellations are sometimes made by the organizers. It's always a good idea to double-check the event page before heading out.
Know about an upcoming event that should be featured? Submit it to the khamsa calendar here .