Whoever said that the best things in life are free, couldn’t have been more correct.
Seriously.
If you’re looking to save some dough this May, you better check out our curated list of all the free Toronto events taking place in the city this month.
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
What: The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival kicks off this year at the Ryerson Image Centre. Throughout the month of May, CONTACT takes over the city with more than 200 exhibitions and events.
When: Now until May 31
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Lansdowne BrewHaHa
What: Come and enjoy a laughter-filled evening, that includes stand-up, improv and sketch comedy in the west end.
When: May 2, 9 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Lansdowne Brewery, 303 Lansdowne
Fashion Your Future
What: Calling all fashionistas, fashion fans aged 20 – 29 can get qualified for a $3000 grant and free fashion entrepreneurship training where they can start their own accessory business at this must-attend FREE event.
When: May 2, 5:30 to 6:30
Where: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
Free Yoga Classes
What: Toronto’s Sony Centre will be hosting FREE weekly yoga sessions! Spend your lunch hour stretching, twisting, breathing and add some calm to your day.
When: May 2, 9, 23, 30, 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Star Wars Day Toronto
What: Star Wars fans rejoice! May 4, also known as Star Wars Day, will see celebrations taking place at Toronto’s Hard Rock Cafe downtown. This is the one day of the year that it’s socially acceptable to rock your storm trooper, Yoda, or Princess Leia gear all day long. Admission is FREE with a charity donation, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Canada. There will be a costume contest and a trivia game show with over $500 worth of prizes.
When: May 4 at 6 pm
Where: 279 Yonge Street
TOJam: Toronto Game Jam
What: Calling all gamers! Toronto Game Jam is a FREE, annual, open-to-the-public event where the craziest game makers in the world gather for a 3-day game making binge.
When: May 5 to 7
Where: GBC Library Learning Commons, 341 King East
Jane’s Walk
What: Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. Explore your city, share stories about your community and connect with your neighbours on any of the hundreds of Jane’s Walks taking place across the GTA
When: May 5 to 7
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Pampered Pooches T.O.
What: This is a FREE fun-filled event for you and your dog(s) that dog lovers definitely don’t want to miss. With 45 vendors, this one-day event features food, fashion, pet health, grooming and so much more. This one-stop-pooch-shop offers a unique shopping and infotainment market geared for the urban dog lover.
When: May 6, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Liberty Village
Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market
What: The Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market is back to support and increase the city’s access to fresh, local, sustainable, naturally grown and certified organic agriculture. Spend the afternoon learning about the different local suppliers and where and how your produce comes from.
When: May 9, 3 pm to 7 pm
Where: Dundas and Shaw, northwest end of the park
Free Pixilation Animation Classes
What: Have you ever wanted to learn about the world of pixilation animation, but never knew where to start? Torontonians of all skill level are invited to learn the basics of pixilation, which is a fun stop motion technique where live actors are used as subjects for an animated film. Each week will include an introduction/tutorial, demonstration, and a unique challenge for participants to create their own short story using themselves as the main prop for the animation.
When: May 9, 16, 23, 30, 530 pm to 630 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
See also
- There's a massive foam festival in Toronto next month
- 21 Toronto food events worth checking out this May
- Doors Open Toronto releases full list of participating buildings this year
Spring Into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival & Market
What: The 5th Annual Spring Into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival is back with the largest free outdoor event, attracting thousands of local and neighbouring visitors to the heart of Parkdale Village. Be a part of this vibrant event and help support the arts, community, culture, diversity and shopping local.
When: May 13, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Parkdale Village
The Toronto Comic Arts Festival
What: With over 400 cartoonists from more than 20 countries, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival celebrates the very best in comics, graphic novels, bandes dessinées, and manga. Prepare yourself for non-stop readings, launches, and art events culminating in a massive, FREE two-day exhibition at Toronto Reference Library.
When: May 13 to 14
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Artfest Toronto
What: Artfest Toronto celebrates painting, photography, sculpture, fine craft, live music and more from Canada’s top artists. Set throughout the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto.
When: May 20 to 22, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
Waterfront Artisan Market
What: Back for its second year, the Waterfront Artisan Market will make Toronto’s waterfront come alive every Saturday from May 20 until October at HTO Park. Here you’ll get to explore a curated mix of 75 artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers. Admission is free.
When: May 20, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay West
International Museum Day
What: Since 1977, Museums around the world have been celebrating International Museum Day on May 18. Enjoy FREE admission to the museum all day long.
When: May 18
Where: 14732, Woodbine Ave
The Leslieville Farmers’ Market
What: The Leslieville Farmers’ Market is back for its second year, and will host two dozen vendors selling a range of vegetables, meat, dairy and prepared food. On some weekends the market features live music and family-friendly activities including a Kids Corner, DIY projects for all ages, and a cookbook swap.
When: May 18 to 21, 9 am to 2 pm (Every Sunday)
Where: Jonathan Ashbridge Park
Rib Fest & BBQ Bash
What: May is BBQ month and what better way to celebrate your favourite way to cook food than with a massive BBQ at the heart of downtown Toronto for FREE? Come out and celebrate the launch of Toronto’s newest annual summer kick off!
When: May 21, 1030 am to 10 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square
Doors Open
What: The 18th annual Doors Open Toronto returns to Toronto, offering free and rare access to 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.
When: May 27 to 28
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Toronto Bike to Work Day
What: As part of Bike Month, Bike to Work Day invites all Torontonians to leave their car keys at home and bike to work instead. Downtown participants can converge at Yonge and Charles and ride to Nathan Phillips Square for a free breakfast.
When: May 29, 7:30 am
Where: Various starting points throughout the city