π¬ In This Week | December 18β24
ππ½ Ahlan / Hello
π Five Events Worth Checking Out
π«Άπ½ Letβs Bring Our Communities Together
Distillery District, Toronto | Photo by Kiah OFlanagan-Tasse
ππ½ Ahlan / Hello
As we get closer to Christmas, there are fewer events, which is giving me some room to focus on something new. Iβm always drawn to storytelling, and this newsletter is my way of telling the stories of whatβs happening right now in our communities. That βsomething newβ is a project that looks back at our past stories. Iβll share more as it takes shape, and you can watch what unfolds in 2026.
π Five Events Worth Checking Out
π€ Kulture Shock Comedy Presented by Oussama Tabbara π±π§
A monthly stand-up night hosted by comedian Oussama Tabbara, bringing together immigrant comics to share hilarious culture shock stories about moving abroad, love across cultures, and juggling multiple languages in Toronto.
π Oussama Tabbara with a rotating lineup of immigrant comedians
π¬ English
ποΈ Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 Β· 7:30 pm
π Comedy Bar Bloor, 945 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L5
πΆ Makam Nights: Rhythms with George & Suzanne Sawa πͺπ¬
Labyrinth Ontario closes the year with an intimate Makam Nights in Toronto, celebrating the launch of George Sawaβs new book on classical Arabic and Persian rhythmic cycles, with live teaching, and demos. Percussionists are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring instruments.
π Labyrinth Ontario with George Sawa & Suzanne Meyers Sawa
π¬ English
ποΈ Thursday, Dec 18 Β· 8:00 pmβ9:30 pm
π Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7
πΆ Retro FM: Timeless Arabic Pop Classics
Retro FM is a high-energy concert bringing back iconic Arabic hits from the β90s and 2000s for a nostalgic night of singing, dancing, and memories in the GTA.
π Majd Sukar & the SHAM Blues
π¬ Arabic
ποΈ Friday, Dec 19, 2025 Β· 7:30
π Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9
ποΈ Discount code: VIP1
ποΈ The Calligraphy Art Experience: Creative Workshop & Fundraiser π΅πΈ
Immerse yourself in Arabic calligraphy in Oakville, designing your own script and turning it into a custom gold or silver name necklace while creating charm bracelets, sharing Middle Eastern snacks and mocktails, and gathering in community to support Palestine.
π Ustora Inc with Fatima Sughra and Monabella Jewelry
π¬ English & Arabic
ποΈ Saturday, Dec 20 Β· 1:00 pmβ3:30 pm
π USTORA, 150 Oak Park Blvd Unit 1 & 2, Oakville, ON L6H 3P2
π€Έπ½ββοΈ Calisthenics & Handstand Charity Workshop (Two Days)π±π§
Two workshops while raising vital funds for Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian families living in Lebanon through Human Appealβs relief work.
- Level up your pull-ups, pushups, and full-body strength in this all-levels calisthenics workshop.
- Learn how to handstand for a cause at this three-hour workshop that blends strength training, mindset coaching,
π Soliman El-Hamarnah with ISA coaches, featuring Saman Munir & Hamza Hayder
π¬ English & Arabic
ποΈ Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 Β· 4:00β7:00 pm
ποΈ Sunday, Dec 21, 2025 Β· 4:00β7:00 pm
π I.S.A Calisthenics Gym β Indomitable Spirit Academy, 3345 Laird Rd #3, Mississauga, ON L5L 5R6
Donβt miss out on 9 more events this week!
With the community events calendar, you can see the latest events happening this week, share an eventβs link with a friend, and get instructions on how to get there from where you are.
π‘οΈ Weekly Vibes Check
π«Άπ½ Letβs Bring Our Communities Together
ππ½ Have something cool happening? Share it with me, and we will get the word out together with a free listing or a sponsorship.
ππ½ If youβd like to support this work directly, you can buy me mint tea so I can keep curating and sharing these events.
Iβll see you on Thursday, December 25 for the next issue. Until then, salaam / peace!