Ontario Culture Days, an annual celebration of arts, culture, and heritage, launches on September 18 and runs through October 4, 2026. Ontario Culture Days at Villa Charities features multidisciplinary programs that invite the public to engage with and participate in a broad range of hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities. Join us for our FREE events and experience joy, pride and strong community connections through the power of arts and culture. Villa Charities is an Official Festival Hub of Ontario Culture Days. Event registration opens on Tuesday, September 8 at 12:00pm!

Learn More

Don’t miss “Altered States: Photography Transformed” on now at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. This exhibit brings together the work of nine artists who challenge traditional ideas of what a photograph can be. Through digital intervention, experimental processes, chance encounters, and physical manipulation of the printed image, the artists transform and expand the possibilities of the photographic medium. Sign up for an exclusive exhibition tour on September 17 with curator Flavio Belli.

Register Now

In recognition of the 25^th anniversary of September 11, 2001, join us on Friday, September 11, from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard for a special FREE screening of "You Are Here", an intimate documentary telling the remarkable story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who welcomed and cared for more than 6,500 stranded passengers in the days following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Featuring first-hand accounts, the film offers a powerful reflection on kindness, resilience, and the enduring strength of community. Presented in partnership with MDF Productions.

Register Now

Come out and celebrate the cherished Italian tradition of Festa del Pomodoro (Tomato Sauce-Making Festival) on Sunday, September 13, from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Enjoy a tasty plate of pasta, live entertainment by Gianni Mignardi, plus take home a complimentary jar of homemade tomato sauce. Don’t forget to stop by our new Market Square and discover a great selection of local vendors. Tickets are only $10 – buy yours today!

Buy Tickets

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Toddler Program for children aged 18 to 36 months, in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy. Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun-filled program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities – lead by a genuine Italian instructor with years of experience. Join us for 14 weeks of fun-filled learning from the week of September 14 to December 14, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

Learn More

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the traditional flavours of Veroli, Italy, with a special live demonstration of ciambelle - the beloved anise-flavoured bread from the Lazio region. The Veroli Cultural Society shares the art and tradition behind this classic Italian treat at this event on Sunday, September 20, from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Enjoy musical entertainment by Gianni Mignardi, along with wine, biscotti, and light refreshments. This special event is presented in partnership with the Veroli Cultural Society.

Buy Tickets

Explore the political ideas and experiences that shaped republicanism and democratic governance in Renaissance Italy. Join us on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00pm for “Republican Experiences in Renaissance Italy: Florence between Machiavelli and Guicciardini,”. Focusing on the turbulent period in Florence between 1494 and 1512, Giulio Leghissa will examine how violence, instability, and political upheaval shaped the republican experiences of the time, and how influential thinkers Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini developed their distinctive views on republicanism and democratic governance. This lecture is the third event in our “Democracy: Origins, Transformations and Global Legacies” series.

Buy Tickets

Villa Charities is proud to be the Venue Sponsor of Famee Furlane Toronto’s Italian Community’s 50^th anniversary celebration to honour the Italian-Canadian community for their tremendous support following the devastating 1976 Friuli earthquake. Join us on September 27, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm at Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery for an afternoon of remembrance and community as we celebrate five decades of gratitude and the lasting impact of those who helped rebuild lives and communities.    

Learn More

In the exhibition “Tentacles and Branches: Mystical Intersections of the Wild and Wired,” artist Mimmo Baronello explores the relationship between nature and the digital age. Through a series of richly detailed, baroque paintings, the exhibition considers how these two worlds can overlap, creating a relationship that is at once productive, uneasy, and constantly evolving. Mark your calendars now for this thought-provoking exhibition, which opens Friday, October 2 at 7:00pm and runs through Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Register Now

Celebrate the launch of Gianna Patriarca’s new book, “Ciociara/?/Canadese”, on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30pm. Through readings, conversation, and reflection, and with an introduction by Professor Bruno Magliocchetti, Patriarca will explore themes of identity, memory, belonging, and Italian and Italian-Canadian experiences, drawing from both her new work and her acclaimed collection “Italian Women and Other Tragedies”.

Buy Tickets

Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meetings will be held tomorrow, Friday, September 4 and Friday, October 2, 2026.  Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am, and must be scheduled in advance. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

Book Your Meeting

Join us on Thursday, October 15 at Montecassino Hotel & Event Centre for “An Evening with Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk”, in support of Villa Colombo Toronto. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music while helping raise critical early-stage funding to support the renovation of Villa Colombo Toronto and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of long-term care. Be part of this special evening and help build a stronger future for Villa Colombo Toronto.

Learn More

The Columbus Centre School of Music is happy to welcome returning and new students – children and adults - for the 2026/2027 season of music classes beginning September 14, 2026. Discover your musical passion and save 10% when booking for a full year of lessons (September 2026 – June 2027). Register by September 14, 2026.

Learn More

Our 10-week Artista Painting Workshop series begins on Tuesday, October 6, led by professional artist and multi-award recipient Sam Paonessa. These classes are ideal for students who want to further develop their oil and acrylic painting skills and techniques. The Less Defined Landscape Painting Workshop begins Wednesday, October 7, encouraging students to explore landscapes through abstract approaches, unconventional techniques and colour palettes, while inspiring creativity and imagination.

Register Now

Get moving in the water with Aquafit at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club! Led by certified instructors, our Aquafit classes are a great way to stay active, build strength and improve fitness—all while enjoying the benefits of exercising in our large indoor pool. Registration is now open for fall term Aquafit programs, including our new Water Mobility Training class, beginning the week of September 22. Whether you’re new to Aquafit or a returning participant, all ages and abilities are welcome.



Learn More

Looking for a fun and active way to build confidence in the water? With programs for children and adults, as well as lifesaving courses, there are options for a variety of ages and skill levels. Don’t miss the opportunity to improve swimming skills, build confidence, and develop essential water safety skills in a fun and supportive environment. To register, please visit our Membership Office in person beginning at 9:00am on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Learn More

Make the Columbus Centre Athletic Club your go-to destination for your health and wellness goals this fall season. With our Premium Fitness Programs, discover new ways to move, strengthen, stretch, and recharge through specialty classes led by certified instructors. Take your fitness to the next level with Judo for Children & Adults or find balance and focus with Mindful Meditation. Open to both Members and Non-Members. Registration for the fall term is now open!



Learn More