Enter the haunting dreamscape of “Everything Must Go” at the Opening Reception tonight at 6:00pm. Curated by the WARD 9 collective, this group exhibition reimagines the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery as a nostalgic retail-inspired environment, with artworks unfolding through fragmented vignettes and themed ‘departments’ inspired by shopping malls and department stores. Through these installations, “Everything Must Go” invites viewers to consider how the decline of mall culture has reshaped modern social life and our relationship with public space, asking what is lost as these spaces disappear. The exhibition runs until May 14, 2026.

Learn More

Explore personal experiences shaped by migration and resettlement within the Julian-Dalmatian immigrant community on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30pm. These stories are drawn from “The Other Half of the Apple: Conversations with Julian-Dalmatian Immigrants in Canada, the USA, and Italy”, a book by Rosanna Turcinovich Giuricin. A Q&A with Professor Konrad Eisenbichler will follow, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last. Presented in partnership with the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto.

Buy Tickets

The wine from last autumn’s traditional grape pressing is ready to taste! Join us on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00pm for a free community wine tasting event, happening alongside our popular Ballo Liscio evening. Sample the latest vintage produced during last year’s traditional grape pressing demonstration while enjoying live music by DJ Bruno Nesci and complimentary cake, courtesy of Villa Charities.*

*First-come, first served, while supplies last.

Learn More

Welcome spring with an evening of live music on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30pm, featuring the Columbus Concert Band, the Columbus Jazz Band, and special guest soprano Taylor Frisina. Under the direction of Annamaria Mazzaferro, this special performance will showcase a lively program of popular band classics, including selections from “West Side Story,” music by The Beatles, and works by Giuseppe Verdi. Don’t miss this delightful and uplifting musical evening, perfect for all ages and sure to brighten your spring. Presented in partnership with the Columbus Concert Band.

Buy Tickets

Follow the powerful immigrant story behind “Neapolitan Ice Cream: The Musical” on Friday, April 17 at 7:30pm. Inspired by true events, this two-person jukebox musical blends soaring soprano, live guitar, and beloved Italian classics to tell the story of Caterina, a young woman whose journey unfolds through music and narration. Audiences travel from the sun-washed streets of Naples to the storm-tossed Atlantic as her courage, longing, and heartbreak resonate across generations. Presented in partnership with Loreworks Ltd.

Buy Tickets

Engage with the richness of stories—both the ones we’ve lived and the ones we’ve heard—in “Cantastorie: A Storytelling Workshop” on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30pm. Guided by Toronto-based storyteller Mariella Bertelli, this introductory, hands-on session invites participants to explore the narratives that shape who we are through shared anecdotes, ditties, proverbs, memories, poems, and more. This intimate workshop is interactive and participatory, welcoming anyone curious about discovering or deepening their voice as a storyteller.

Buy Tickets

Gain fresh insights into the creative vision of Italian filmmaker Francesco Pasinetti as Prof. Alberto Zambenedetti presents his unpublished and unrealized works on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00pm. These works are featured in the new critical edition “Francesco Pasinetti: Soggetti e Sceneggiature” (Scenarios and Screenplays). Edited by Zambenedetti, the collection brings together previously unpublished scenarios, screenplays, and film projects preserved at the Archivio Carlo Montanaro in Venice. The evening includes a screening of Pasinetti’s short documentary “Venezia Minore” (1942), followed by a Q&A and light refreshments. Presented in partnership with the University of Toronto Department of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese & Latin American Studies.

Buy Tickets

Celebrate the publication of “Transformations: The Italian Canadian Experience”, two commemorative anthologies that explore the experiences, challenges and accomplishments of Italian immigrants across Canada. Angelo Bolotta, project lead and editor, associate editor, Dr. Gina Valle, and other guest speakers will share extracts from this national collection and reflect on how these powerful stories stand as a lasting historical record—capturing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Italian immigrant spirit. Join us on Monday, April 27 at 7:00pm to be part of the conversation and discover the stories that have shaped Italian Canadian history.

Buy Tickets

Join us to honour the Italian Fallen Workers on Tuesday, April 28 at 3:00pm, as we mark the 10^th anniversary of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project. On the National Day of Mourning for injured and fallen workers, we will remember the thousands of Italian workers who lost their lives in workplace tragedies across Canada. The event will include a special screening of “Caduti” followed by a moment of reflection to honour their memory and sacrifice. Villa Charities is proud to be the home of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall, which was unveiled in 2016 in partnership with the Committee for the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project.

Learn More

Back by popular demand, Jazz at the Columbus Centre returns with a five-concert series from April 30 to December 3, celebrating the richness, diversity and enduring appeal of jazz. The series opens with “Jazz’s Greatest Hits” on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm, celebrating International Jazz Day with drummer and arranger Daniel Barnes leading an all-star ensemble performing music made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and more. Bundle all five concerts with the Jazz Series Package and save up to $50!

Buy Tickets

Experience the artistic and cultural heart of Italy’s oldest carnival with “Cartapesta: Carnevale di Fano” on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm. This FREE screening features a documentary by acclaimed Fano-born filmmaker Andrea Lodovichetti, exploring the centuries-old tradition of creating massive papier-mâché floats and the craftsmanship, engineering, and creativity behind them. Framed through the eyes of the “Vulón,” Fano’s traditional mask, the film captures the parades, costumes, and community memory that continue to define this celebrated carnival. Screened in Italian with English subtitles.

Register Now

Build your Italian language skills with customized, one-on-one classes at the Columbus Centre. Working closely with the instructors to develop tailored classes, this new adult program offers customized, private sessions designed to meet your interests, learning objectives and requirements. Classes are also available online.

Learn More

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 on Friday, April 3 and May 1. 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

Villa Charities’ 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC, is happening on Sunday, May 24, and we hope you’ll register and ride with us! Giro is more than a community ride—it’s a vital fundraiser supporting programs and services that enrich lives and honour Italian culture and heritage. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to give our cyclists an amazing experience, and are excited to announce that all 2026 Giro participants who achieve the fundraising minimum will receive our limited-edition incentives.* Plus, when you raise $300, you’ll be entered into a draw for your chance to win a round of golf for four at Eagles Nest Golf Club, with bonus entries for every additional $50 raised.** 

Register Now

* Exact items may vary slightly. Villa Charities Foundation reserves the right to substitute incentives of equal or lesser value.

** Conditions apply. See website for full details.

Villa Charities Foundation is looking for friendly, energetic volunteers to support the 19^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 24 at the Veneto Centre. With shifts running from 6:30am to 4:00pm, volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming experience for all participants. Opportunities include greeting cyclists, assisting with registration, raffle ticket sales, food service, rest stop support, cheering on participants, and more. If you are interested, please email us by Friday, May 15.

Learn More

Make the Columbus Centre Athletic Club your go-to destination for your health and wellness goals this season. With our Premium Fitness Programs, you can elevate your workout through specialty classes led by certified instructors. Try our new Jiu Jitsu classes for ages 14+ and challenge yourself with a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and mobility. Open to both Members and Non-Members, spring term classes begin the week of April 6.

Learn More

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers Aquafit classes and swimming lessons in our large indoor pool. Led by certified instructors, these programs are open to children and adults of all ages and abilities in a safe and supportive environment. Aquafit classes offer a low-impact way to build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and stay active in the water. Group swimming lessons help participants build confidence, refine their technique, and progress their skills. Registration is now open for spring term Aquatics Programs, with classes beginning the week of April 6.

Learn More

Discover a world of creativity and imagination at Minecraft Redstone Development Camp at the Columbus Centre. Guided by instructors, campers ages 8–12 will take on new challenges, complete themed building projects, and work together to design imaginative worlds. Along the way, they’ll practice problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking while having an amazing time inside their favourite game. This camp is available the week of August 10–15.

Register Now

Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) presents their Spring Bingo Fundraising Event on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00pm at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets are $60.00 and include a buffet dinner, dessert, and three bingo games with a dabber. Additional cards are available for $5.00 each. Funds raised will support residents at Villa Colombo Toronto. Tickets must be purchased by April 2 via e-transfer to vcla@villacolombo.on.ca or by calling 416-789-2113, ext. 2260 to pay by credit card.

Learn More

March brought moments of celebration and reflection at Villa Colombo Vaughan as residents came together to mark special occasions throughout the month. On March 16, residents enjoyed a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration, where green waffles were served alongside non-alcoholic beer, creating a fun and lively atmosphere filled with laughter and cheer. The community also honoured St. Joseph’s Day on March 19 with a special Mass dedicated to St. Joseph. The celebration was particularly important for residents who share his name, as each received a statue in recognition of the day. Following the Mass, residents and staff gathered to enjoy traditional zeppoles, adding to the joy of this cherished tradition.

Italian-Canadian artist Christopher Webb is developing a major exhibition exploring memory, migration, and identity within the Italian diaspora, to be presented at CREA – Cantieri del Contemporaneo in Venice in late 2026. Through brief conversations with individuals of Italian heritage, personal memories of Italy are translated into atmospheric, memory-driven paintings. Those with any connection to Italian heritage are invited to take part. Contact Christopher at info@cwebb.ca for a chance to be featured in an upcoming exhibition in Italy. Participation involves a brief conversation of up to 10 minutes.

Learn More