14 free things to do this weekend in Toronto

Citizen Kane's Spade: Toronto's OG B-Boy

Organizer description: “Join us as we honour the three-plus decade career of Jeff 'Spade' Duke - Toronto's OG b-boy. Having mastered the elements of graffiti (as Crazy Roc of the Graffiti Knights), breaking (as a dancer for Canada's Queen of Hip Hop Michie Mee), and emceeing (as the legendary emcee Spade of Citizen Kane). To celebrate his legacy as an artist, innovator and entrepreneur, we will begin with a conversation moderated by Michele Geister - creator of MuchMusic's RapCity - and commentary from K-Cut (of Main Source) and Mathematik (of Down to Erf), and will close with a special screening of director Alison Duke's 'Raisin' Kane: A Rapumentary'.”

Click here for more info.

ArtWalk in the Square

Organizer description: “Join our outdoor fine art festival celebrating artists and community! Our event features over 80 established and emerging artists exhibiting painting, photography, mixed media, printmaking, drawing and sculpture. It is a dynamic and fun event, free and open to the public, visitors, and the community can experience art all in one area over three days. You're sure to find that perfect piece for your home — a piece that represents your personal style. This is a great opportunity to meet artists in person and learn about their inspiration. Spend a day outdoors and meet local artists!”

Click here for more info.

Harvest Fundraiser For The Common Table Farm

Organizer description: “Support a local farm while celebrating the first day of Fall! Our farm provides produce to residents experiencing food insecurity. Join us for a day will filled with a silent auction & raffle, farm tours by staff, kids table, music & entertainment, fresh appetizers from our very own produce made by our community members and much more!”

Click here for more info.

Nuit Blanche Toronto 2023

Organizer description: “Experience Toronto transformed by artists at Nuit Blanche – a dazzling all-night celebration of contemporary art. Explore neighbourhoods in Etobicoke, downtown and Scarborough and enjoy ground-breaking projects across the city by local, national and international artists. This year’s theme, Breaking Ground, invites artists to explore ideas centred around the natural world, change and innovation, through curated exhibitions, independent projects and installations by participating cultural institutions. Share your night by using the official event hashtag #NBTO23”

Click here for more info.

Queen West Art Crawl

Organizer description: “The Queen West Art Crawl multi-arts festival is back in full swing celebrating its 20th year and closing off your summer in the heart of downtown. As always, the festival centers around the Outdoor Art Exhibition, featuring artists and artisans from across Ontario, allowing patrons to meet the artists and buy their work. These one-of-a-kind pieces can provide an excellent head start for anyone’s holiday shopping. By the Beer Tent provided by Steam Whistle Brewery, is the Main Stage where QWAC offers its free concert series. Our Kids Zone is a queer-friendly space where all families are invited!”

Click here for more info.

An Evening of Kirtan

Organizer description: “You are warmly invited to join us for an evening of interactive musical mantra meditation (kirtan). Kirtan is a call-and-response form of meditation, utilizing ancient eastern mantras, traditional instruments and our very own voices. This event will take place at The Yoga Lounge, located in downtown, and will present an opportunity to explore your sacred heart space through the power of music and mantras. The practice of kirtan can tap into deep states of consciousness but can also invoke exciting feelings of joy and energy. Presenting this special workshop will be members of the Kirtan Culture Initiative who have been sharing kirtan in various capacities throughout Toronto for close to 15 years. We hope to see you there!”

Click here for more info.

The Musical McCoy

Organizer description: “This hour-long developmental presentation from The Musical McCoy highlights the most vibrant material from this new musical theatre work. Watch Elijah McCoy, an iconic Canadian inventor from the 19th century, innovate in an America that did not expect solutions from someone whose parents escaped slavery. See him fall in love with Mary Delaney, a Detroit activist who envisioned the day when all women could vote. Watch them both strive to the limits of their lives. The tale is propelled by an original, beat-based electronica score, bridging Elijah and Mary's innovative spirits with our own age.”

Click here for more info.

From Weeds We Grow: Community Ground Mural Paint Days

Organizer description: “A new placemaking mural is coming to Toronto’s Rowntree Mills community and we need your creative hands to make it happen! Join STEPS Public Art and Park People to co-create the new Heart Berry Mural led by Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe, in the heart of the Rowntree Mills community! Over 2 full days, paint with community members to animate the important entrance to the Rowntree Mills Ravine and Humber River Trail.”

Click here for more info.

Bloorcourt Nuit Nuit

Organizer description: “Join our night market and art event to support local artists, artisans and businesses during Nuit Blanche! Market Place | Snacks | Live Music | Art Installations Visit some artisans, sample some snacks, enjoy some zero alcohol cocktails by @zero_cocktails and live music by @jays2smooth. Visit the one-night art installation created by Casey Watson and view the glow-in-the-dark sidewalk art! More surprises to come too!”

Click here for more info.

Mount Pleasant Village Harvest Fair

Organizer description: “The Merchants of Mount Pleasant Village are thrilled to present the 11th annual Harvest Fair! Come kick off autumn with us! The Harvest Fair will transform Mount Pleasant into an autumnal wonderland, complete with hay bales and pumpkins galore! This family-friendly event will see the return of Harvest Fair much loved activities, such as pumpkin carving and bouncy castle, as well as new and exciting additions! Many businesses will be offering samples, sales, and workshops, so get ready to explore all that Mount Pleasant Village has to offer!”

Click here for more info.

Open House & Free Concert

Organizer description: “Experience the magic of music and join us for an extraordinary day of free musical experiences designed for newcomers and symphony fanatics alike! Starting at 10:00am, enjoy lobby performances with Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians and friends, and discover the joy of music with our all-ages activity stations. At 2:00pm, your Toronto Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for a captivating performance of familiar favourites and new discoveries. Tickets will be required to enter the hall for this free performance. This event is in high-demand, so be sure to secure your free general admission performance tickets early!”

Click here for more info.

Learning In NatureTO: Mushroom Tour

Organizer description: “One hour, free, mushroom exploration tour with artist and fungi enthusiast Morgan Zigler. For all levels of learners with a curiosity and interest in the natural world! You’ll go on a mushroom hunt, learning about where to look and what species you could expect to find, and about the ethics and practices around foraging.”

Click here for more info.

Nature Connection: Fall bird walk

Organizer description: “Let’s celebrate the fall migration season with a walk through the Park’s forests and meadows! Please note that participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not permitted at this program. Service animals are always welcome.”

Click here for more info.

Long Branch Tree Fest

Organizer description: “Join our family-friendly educational celebration of trees and nature, including live music, children’s activities, educational walks, and activities that highlight the importance of trees and biodiversity in our environment! Our event will have more than 50 vendors and exhibitors, including food vendors and educational and community awareness. Additionally, we have a number of local musicians to entertain you, yoga and nature walks to explore the trails in Marie Curtis Park and enjoy the beauty of the park, and story-telling and face painting for the kids!”

Click here for more info.

Tree planting with NDG

Organizer description: “The community is invited to join Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag (Anishinaabemowin for “flooded valley healing”), a program for Indigenous youth offering employment, mentorship, and pathways to postsecondary education at the University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. The program provides hands-on ecological learning opportunities to address a growing intergenerational gap in traditional environmental knowledge.”

Click here for more info.