From Big Laughs to Big Screens: What’s On in Toronto (September 18–24)
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This week’s lineup is all about big feelings and big community energy — a hilarious Arabic comedy play, live fusion music, a beloved jam night fundraiser, acclaimed Arabic theatre from Beirut, and a powerful opening night at the Toronto Palestine Film Festival. Whether you’re going out with friends or showing up solo, there’s something here to help you connect.
Events This Week
What if? (ماذا لو؟) — Arabic Comedy Play
A feel-good Arabic comedy that dives into marriage, relationships, and all the everyday “what if” moments — expect big laughs, warm storytelling, and very relatable chaos.
🌟 Performer(s): Rania El Helou & Karim Hamdy
💬 Language: Arabic
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, September 19 · 8:30 – 10:00 PM
📍 Venue: Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9
🎟️ Tickets: Paid tickets (Eveenty)
Hikaya presents: Arabian Fusion حكاية خليجية
A night where Gulf sounds meet Toronto jazz — Hikaya Band reimagines music from the Arabian Peninsula with an all-star lineup of local talent and plenty of storytelling energy.
🌟 Performer(s): Hikaya Band with Illarra, Rima Telmun, Brenna McLane, Hiro Suzuki, Kareem Eltyeb
💬 Language: Arabic / English
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, September 20 · 8:00 – 11:00 PM
📍 Venue: DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Tickets: Paid tickets (Eventbrite)
The Grand Arabic Jam Vol. 9: Ziad Rahbani Tribute
Toronto’s legendary jam night returns with a tribute to Ziad Rahbani — a community-driven night of music and celebration that also serves as a fundraiser for the Lebanese Red Cross.
🌟 Performer(s): Grand Arabic Jam crew + Toronto’s Arabic music community
💬 Language: Arabic / English
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, September 21 · 6:00 – 10:00 PM
📍 Venue: DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Tickets: Paid tickets (Universe)
Venus in Fur: Toronto Debut (2 Shows)
An internationally acclaimed play arrives from Beirut for a one-night Toronto debut in Arabic — a sharp, award-winning story about power, passion, and intrigue (with two showtimes).
🌟 Performer(s): Badih Abou Chakra & Rola Beksmati
💬 Language: Lebanese Arabic
🗓️ Date & Time: Tuesday, September 23 · 2 shows (6:00 – 7:30 PM & 9:30 – 11:00 PM)
📍 Venue: Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9
🎟️ Tickets: Paid tickets (Eveenty)
TPIFF Opening Night: Once Upon a Time in Gaza
Toronto Palestine Film Festival opens with a moving double-bill: the feature Once Upon a Time in Gaza (two friends hustling through 2007 Gaza) plus the short Sounds of Gaza — a powerful night of storytelling, resilience, and community.
🌟 Performer(s): Directors Tarzan & Arab Nasser (feature), Ahmad Ghrouz (short)
💬 Language: Palestinian Arabic (with English subtitles)
🗓️ Date & Time: Wednesday, September 24 · 7:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
🎟️ Tickets: Paid tickets (TPFF)
👉🏽 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 .