14 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
From Doors Open Toronto to Word on the Street, there’s a ton to do on the cheap this weekend.
This is it: The true beginning of warm-weather events season. From now through the end of summer, Toronto will overflow with major weekend gatherings and activities. But here’s the hard part — you can’t go to them all.
To help you fill out your schedule on the cheap, we dove deep into the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s a list of 14 free things to do between Friday and Sunday, for all sorts of ages and interests.
Doors Open Toronto returns May 27 & 28. Explore Toronto's hidden architectural gems with free & rare access to 140+ buildings across the city.
— Doors Open Toronto (@Doors_OpenTO) May 20, 2023
Plan your #DOT23 weekend: https://t.co/SfivN9PwrI
Pictured: Daniels Building. Photo by Nic Lehoux@cityoftoronto | @culture_to pic.twitter.com/rQU5sIr7fF
Doors Open Toronto
Location: Locations across the city, 100 Queen St W
Date(s): Sat., May 27–Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Explore more than 140 of Toronto’s most architectural, cultural and socially significant buildings and sites for free during the Doors Open weekend. This year’s program includes a variety of talks, guided walking tours, musical performances and more, centered around this year’s theme – City of Sound.”
For further information about specific programming and physical site accessibility, visit toronto.ca/DoorsOpen.
Toronto MS Walk
Location: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON
Date(s): Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Seeing your excitement in person is always a great feeling, but if you register to walk in-person at 2023 Toronto MS Walk but decide later that you would prefer not to, that is totally ok. You are a part of the #MSWalk community, no matter where you walk! The MS community is built by the support and connections made by participating in MS Walk. However you choose to walk, know that your participation and fundraising moves us closer to meeting today’s challenges and finding tomorrow's answers for all Canadians living with MS.”
Click here for more info.
Catch FREE screenings of your fave movies right here at Films On Shortt, happening every Friday, starting on May 26th 🎥 Just bring your own chair/blanket, grab our free popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy!
— Fairbank Village BIA (@FairbankVillage) May 17, 2023
See you there 👋#FairbankVillageBIA #FilmsOnShortt #TorontoOutdoorMovies pic.twitter.com/walRplaFM8
Films on Shortt
Location: Shortt St and Eglinton Ave W, Shortt St and Eglinton Ave W
Date(s): Fri., May 26
Organizer description: “Films on Shortt is a monthly event on select Fridays during the summer months where we screen outdoor movies on Shortt Street near the Eglinton and Dufferin intersection. They are all family-friendly and completely free events. Join us monthly on Fridays from May 26th, 2023 to September 8th to watch a movie and get free popcorn. Don’t forget to bring your own chair or blanket.”
Click here for more info.
Looking to stock your shelves at #WOTS2023? Our official booksellers have got you covered! Find each of them marked on this festival map. 📚 @AnotherStoryTO: booth 30@BakkaPhoenix: booth 42@EllaMinnow: booth 66@HEA_books: booth 65@QueenBooksTO: booth 80 pic.twitter.com/ws6zS7YeY8
— The Word On The Street (@torontoWOTS) May 18, 2023
The Word On The Street Annual Book and Magazine Festival
Location: Queen’s Park, 110 Wellesley St W
Date(s): Sat., May 27–Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “The 34th Annual Word On The Street Festival returns to Queen’s Park! Hosted annually since 1990 in downtown Toronto, ‘WOTS’ is a free community street festival that celebrates the stories that connect us. Featuring Canadian and Indigenous authors, an outdoor marketplace for books and magazines, and dedicated children’s programming, The Word On The Street was voted one of the city’s Best Local Festivals in 2022. With 250+ authors and exhibitors, and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year, WOTS is Canada’s largest open-air book festival!”
For more information on the annual festival and year-round programming, visit the event website or follow @torontoWOTS.
It’s Ok* Studios Community Jam Sessions
Location: It’s Ok* Studios, 100 Queen St W. Toronto 6W
Date(s): Sat., May 27–Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Musicians of all ages come together for electrifying performances in the new It’s Ok* Studios, which until recently, was a vacant retail building in Queen West. Led by musical director Donny Milwalkee, each jam session features a curated set of contemporary hip hop, soca and jazz classics. Some of Toronto’s finest musicians will be jamming in this space throughout the day. All are welcome to enjoy the performances.”
Click here for more info.
Spring Bird Festival
Location: Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON
Date(s): Saturday, May 27
Organizer description: “The Spring Bird Festival at Colonel Samuel Smith Park aims to educate residents and park users about the importance of bird habitat and biodiversity, through live bird, reptile, and amphibian displays, guided bird walks, children’s activities, bird feeder building, bird-viewing stations, and a variety of educational displays.
“The festival is modeled after TRCA’s annual Spring Bird Festival at Tommy Thompson Park, however, over the past 13 years, this festival has developed its own unique identity. The festival has taken place on the last Saturday in May since 2010, to coincide with the timing of the whimbrel migration.”
Click here for more info.
Momiji Community Bazaar
Location: Momiji Health Care Society, 3555 Kingston Road, Scarborough
Date(s): Saturday, May 27
Organizer description: “Find great bargains and enjoy delicious food, all while helping seniors in the community. There will be a pink and white elephant sale, plants, jewellery, books (English and Japanese), clothing, a Japonica Pop-up and a Maker Space as well as a BBQ, Inari, Onigiri, Manju and much more!”
Click here for more info.
irie people: Jamaican and Caribbean micro-entrepreneurs in Little Jamaica documentary screening
Location: Toronto Public Library – Maria A. Shchuka Branch, 1745 Eglinton Ave W, York
Date(s): Sat., May 27
Organizer description: “A City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Signature Project, irie people is a documentary short film project that captures the dynamic stories of micro-entrepreneurs in and around Eglinton Avenue West. Through each story, viewers get to observe a different side of the micro-entrepreneur experience – one that illustrates the tenacity of industriousness of Jamaican and Caribbean men.”
Click here for more info.
Spring Celebration
Location: Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester St
Date(s): Sat., May 27
Organizer description: “Come welcome spring at Riverdale Farm at our Spring Celebration. There will be sheep shearing demonstrations throughout the day and other children activities happening in the Meeting House. The Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers will be doing spinning and weaving demonstrations in the Meeting House. Visit with the animals and check out a goat demonstration.”
Click here for more info.
Walking Tour: Old Chinatown, Perseverance and Activism
Location: Northeast corner of Yonge & Adelaide Streets, Yonge St and Adelaide St
Date(s): Fri., May 26
Organizer description: “This walk will explore the early settlement patterns of the Chinese community in Toronto. Specific focus will be given to Old Chinatown, located in Toronto’s Ward neighbourhood. We will acknowledge unshared histories of Chinese individuals and communities while celebrating Asian Heritage month. While acknowledging the struggles and resiliency of individuals within the community, we will look at the implications of municipal and national policies directed towards the Chinese community. Walk meets at the Northeast corner of Yonge and Adelaide Street.”
Click here for more info.
Masseygrove Park Tree Planting
Location: Masseygrove Park, 80 Kendleton Dr, Etobicoke
Date(s): Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Expand Masseygrove Park’s naturalized area. Meet north of the soccer field. Follow signs from the Elmbank Community Centre. Event site conditions vary. Contact us for more information on accessibility. If you would like to request accessibility support or accommodation, contact us as soon as possible.”
Click here for more info.
Party 4 Paws Spring Pet Fair
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dog Bowl, 790 Queen St. W.
Date(s): Sat., May 27–Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Party 4 Paws Spring Pet Fair is a family-friendly, and fully accessible event where you can start your animal adoption journey, support local businesses by shopping for your pets, and meet celebrity pets. Admission is free, and all donations go towards helping animals in need. There will also be other activities and attractions including doggie pools and tunnels, a photo booth, treats for pets, and displays of pet supplies, services, and goodies from an array of new and established businesses.”
Click here for more info.
Riverside C’mon Sundays - Local Market
Location: Riverside Common Park, 657 Queen St E
Date(s): Sun., May 28
Organizer description: “Join us for an exciting local market hosted by the Riverside BIA. This Sunday funday event promises a day filled with activities and fun for all ages that you won’t want to miss. Indulge in unique and one-of-a-kind artisan products and satisfy your cravings with delectable eats, all from local vendors! Enjoy the amazing talent of our local musicians with live performances, while the little ones have a blast with exciting activities in the Kiddie Corner.”
Click here for more info.
Plant Fair 2023
Location: Roncesvalles United Church, 214 Wright Ave
Date(s): Sat., May 27
Organizer description: “Amazing garden finds & plants of all kinds, all at the best prices in town! - with a focus on natives, organics, pollinators, herbs & veggies, & hard to find plants. Plus, gently used gardening materials, free garden advice, info tables, & giveaways! Announcing the return of this beloved community event!
This Plant Fair is the main fundraising event for our society, a recognized not-for-profit. So shoppers can take pride in knowing that the proceeds from every purchase will be going back into their very own community to nurture all sorts of greening initiatives that make for a more livable city. Looking forward to seeing you all there!”
Click here for more info.
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