Comedy, Cinema & Calligraphy: What’s On in Toronto (September 11–17)
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This week brings a little bit of everything: a comedy night for a good cause, TIFF screenings you’ll want to plan around, a bold new exhibition at the Aga Khan, a nostalgic Arabic music evening, and a big awards night celebrating some of Canada’s most exciting sounds.
Events This Week
Laugh It Forward: Comedy Fundraiser for Glia Equal Care
A feel-good stand-up night with Toronto comedians—come laugh, hang out, and support Glia Equal Care’s medical work in Gaza.
🌟 Performer(s): Local Toronto comedians
💬 Language: English
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, September 11, 2025 · Doors 7:00 pm, Show 7:30 pm
📍 Venue: Society Clubhouse, 967 College Street, Toronto, ON M6H 1A6
🎟️ Tickets: Paid ticket (Eventbrite)
TIFF 50: Eagles of the Republic
A gripping political thriller set in Cairo’s film-and-power circles—an Egyptian star is pulled into a regime-backed project and finds himself caught in something much darker.
🌟 Performer(s): Starring Fares Fares (with Amr Waked & Zineb Triki) · Directed by Tarik Saleh
💬 Language: Egyptian Arabic (with English subtitles)
🗓️ Date & Time: Multiple screenings: Fri, Sept 12 · Sat, Sept 13 · Sun, Sept 14 (see TIFF listing for times)
📍 Venue: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M6
🎟️ Tickets: Paid ticket (TIFF)
Hassan Hajjaj: The Arab Women’s Gym Exhibition
Bold, pop-art portraits that celebrate Arab women in sport—bright, defiant, and full of style. Easy to drop into anytime while it’s on.
🌟 Performer(s): Hassan Hajjaj
💬 Language: Primarily visual (minimal text)
🗓️ Date & Time: September 13, 2025 – May 31, 2026
📍 Venue: Aga Khan Park / Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
🎟️ Tickets: Public event (see venue details)
Love in the Time of Shadia and Layla Murad
A live music evening in Markham celebrating two legends—Shadia and Layla Murad—through stories of love, longing, and nostalgia.
🌟 Performer(s): Sounds from Damascus (Ruba Zouzou, Tamadur Alkhatib, Nour Khedder) + special guest Hadia Kamal
💬 Language: Arabic
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, September 14, 2025 · 7:30 – 9:30 pm
📍 Venue: Peoples Theatre for the Performing Arts, 22 Esna Park Dr, Markham, ON L3R 1E1
🎟️ Tickets: Paid ticket (Eveenty)
Polarise Music Awards 2025
A night spotlighting the year’s most exciting Canadian music—plus extra love for Toronto’s Arabic-speaking stars Mustafa and Nemahsis, both nominated this year.
🌟 Performer(s): Mustafa, Nemahsis, and more nominees
💬 Language: English
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025 · Doors 7:00 pm, Awards Show 8:00 pm
📍 Venue: Massey Hall, Toronto (see ticket page for full address)
🎟️ Tickets: Paid ticket (Massey Hall)
👉🏽 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 .