31 things to do in Toronto this Family Day weekend: February 17-20
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Happy long weekend, Toronto!
Family Day is all about… family. So be sure to check out these events in the city with your beloved friends and family. Keep in mind, banks, beer stores, and the LCBO are all closed on Monday. As well, the TTC will be running on holiday schedule on Family Day.
Enjoy your weekend!
See also
- Toronto just got a brand new public skating rink downtown
- Toronto's first Sustainable Dim Sum Festival is happening next month
- There's a magical Harry Potter yoga experience in Toronto this month
- Big Feastival: Jamie Oliver’s massive food fest coming to Burl’s Creek this summer
Beauty and the Beast Exhibit
Nobody is going to be cursed this month when Casa Loma welcomes you into an interactive Beauty and the Beast exhibit that’s sure to be nothing short of beautiful Belle. The Family Day weekend event will feature exclusive costumes from the upcoming film starring Emma Watson, as well as “themed activities and… special performances.”
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
When: February 17 to 20
The Motorcycle Show
Meet tons of experts, check out the latest gear and apparel, and get all-revved up for your next adventure. Whether you’re a hardcore rider or a recreational enthusiasts, a curious fan or just tired of the cold winter weather, The Motorcycle Show has got you covered!
Where:Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.
When: February 17 to 19
Japandroids
Vancouver band Japandroids are back in Toronto, and will be playing two back to back shows at the Danforth Music Hall.
Where: The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue
When: February 17 and 18
Jerry Seinfeld
America’s premier comedian Jerry Seinfeld will return to Toronto to perform his signature stand-up routine live at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss your chance to see this comedy legend perform.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
When: February 17 and 18 at 7 pm and 9:30 pm
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
Free movies. Special guests. A full day of industry talks and workshops. The 24-hour Film Challenge (sleep is for the weak). Battle of the Scores. Free WiFi in the building. A fort to hang in between movies. Oh, and did we mention the movies are FREE? What’s not to like?
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
When: February 17 to 19
Tove Lo
Swedish artist Tove Lo is in town this weekend. The electro-pop singer released her second studio album Lady Wood, featuring lead single “Cool Girl,” and you’ll probably “Stay High” during her upcoming show.
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
When: February 17 at 7 pm
Canadian International Auto Show
Experience the Total Automotive Experience with over 600,000 square feet of dazzling displays, big prize giveaways, and engaging exhibits.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
When: February 17 to 26
Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival
Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival is an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music , emulating a multi-stage rural summer festival.
Where: Venues throughout the city
When: February 17 to 19
Black Atlass
Black Atlass takes his Haunted Paradise album on the road for the first time ever with a series of intimate North American live dates kicking off right here in Toronto. The Montreal-based artist is signed on Fool’s Gold Records.
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
When: February 17 at 8 pm
City of Stars Ballroom Soiree
Are you one of the seemingly endless number of people (including nearly all of Hollywood) who fell in love with La La Land? Well, now’s your chance to spend a night in the City of Stars. Toronto’s Gladstone Hotel will be holding a City of Stars Ballroom Soirée featuring live jazz music and a DJ spinning the “old-soul Sebastian’s always going on about.”
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: February 17 at 9 pm
The 38th Rhubarb Festival
Canada’s longest-running new works festival returns for a 38th year. Rhubarb transforms Buddies into a hotbed of experimentation, with artists exploring new possibilities in theatre, dance, music, and performance art. Rhubarb is the place to see the most adventurous ideas in performance and to catch your favourite artists venturing into uncharted territory.
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
When: February 17 to 26
The GTA Home & Reno Show
Head to Mississauga this long weekend and check out the GTA Home & Reno Show for innovative products and great advice from real pros including Damon Bennett. Looking to scratch a few things off your to-do list, update the kitchen perhaps? Not to worry, all the advice and inspiration you need are waiting for you at the show.
Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga
When: February 17 to 20
5th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival
Celebrating Black History Month, The Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. A dynamic, refreshing and audacious Festival whose ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.
Where: Various theatres
When: February 17 to 19
Mary Poppins
Everyone’s favourite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure! One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical.
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Avenue
When: February 17 to 19
Thank You For Being A Friend: The Ultimate Golden Girls Experience
Prepare for an evening of laughter, spectacular put-downs and familiar friends as Miami’s four favourite Golden Girls – Dorothy, Sophia, Rose and Blanche – reunite in puppet-form for this lovingly hilarious live tribute show!
Where: Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street
When: February 17-19
Big Wreck
Platinum-selling rock giants Big Wreck are on a massive North American headline tour with Ascot Royals. The 36-cities tour coincides with Big Wreck’s release Grace Street, their fifth full length album.
Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
When: February 17 and 18 at 8 pm
Family Fun Fest
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Toronto for Family Day weekend, this is it! Superior Events Group transforms over 30,000 square feet at Downsview Park into a large INDOOR FUN Zone just for Family Day weekend! Family Fun Fest features an indoor amusement park with over 30 rides, activities and attractions including Kiddie Rides, Jumping Castles, Giant Slides, Interactive Games, Fun Foods, Arcade and Carnival Games. Strolling entertainers also make appearances daily.
Where: Downsview Park, 40 Carl Hall Road
When: February 18 to 20
Britneyfied Dance Classes
Get your dance on this weekend! The iconic legend comes alive in this all access: Britney Spears… her most iconic moves, songs and choreographies! Immerse yourself in her world, wether you’re a die hard fan or just a dance enthusiast.
Where: 619 Yonge Street
When: February 18 at 11 am
Disney-Pixar “Ratatouille” in Concert
Calling all Disney fans, one of Pixar’s most entertaining animated films ‘Ratatouille’ will be coming to Toronto as the TSO will be playing the score from the film.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
When: February 18 at 11:30 am
Juno and MMVA nominated artist SonReal is on the road with his No Warm Up headlining tour. The Canadian-rapper’s approach to hip-hop has allowed him to sustain a loyal and growing domestic fan base, and it’s only the beginning for the young artist.
Where: Mod Club, 722 College Street
When: February 18 at 6 pm
Art of Time Ensemble: Northern Songs
Art of Time’s first ever festival, presenting the works of Canadian classical and jazz composers mirrored with the best of Canada’s popular music. The festival runs for the next few days.
Where: Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West
When: February 18 at 8 pm
DJ Skate Nights: 1 LOVE T.O. 10th Anniversary Party
Check out the season’s last skate night at Harbourfront Centre! Celebrate our city in all its winter glory with the whole family as 1 LOVE T.O. kicks off its 10 year anniversary on the Natrel Rink, spinning funk, hip-hop, R&B and house. Join us for a night on the ice with the sounds of DJ DLUX & YUKNODIS, alongside host Mr. 1 LOVE T.O. himself – Tyrone Tyrone ‘T-rex’ Edward.
Where: Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West
When: February 18 at 8 pm
Cultural rebellion and lyrical reflection come together in this world-premiere exhibition showcasing one of the most important collections of contemporary Iranian art. Encounter the works of 23 artists who have chosen self-expression over silence — men and women separated by generations but united in their desire to explore complex issues against a backdrop of political and social unrest.
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: February 18, runs until June
Black Owned Pop-up Market
The Black Owned event is a pop-up market in celebration of Black History Month that will feature black owned businesses. Come have fun, network and shop from young and up and coming entrepreneurs. Free admission for guests. There will also be performances, music, refreshments. Come out and support local black businesses.
Where: Culture, Arts, Media and Education, 918 Bathurst Street
When: February 19 at 2 pm
Quidditch Open Practice
Welcome to quidditch- the fastest growing, gender inclusive, full contact broom sport in the world! It’s been described as a combination of rugby, handball, dodgeball, basketball, and sprinting, but really, you should go and make that judgment for yourself. All equipment provided. Just bring some sports clothes, water, cleats, and you’ll be ready to go!
Where: Culture, Arts, Media and Education, 918 Bathurst Street
When: February 19 at 2 pm
Run The Jewels
American hip-hop group Run the Jewels are back in Toronto this weekend. The physical copy of their third album, Run the Jewels 3, was released in January, and the duo (featuring El-P and Killer Mike) are now on the road with Gaslamp Killer and Spark Master Tape.
Where: The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue
When: February 19 at 7 pm
Celebrate Family Day at the Hall
Try your hand at goaltending, shooting, play-by- play calling, and even hosting your own sports broadcast. Catch hockey’s first 3D film. Revel in the world’s greatest collection of hockey artifacts. Catch the Toronto Maple Leafs Centennial Exhibit in its final weeks.
Where: Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge Street
When: February 20 at 10 am to 5 pm
The Brewer’s Backyard
The Brewer’s Backyard is returning on Monday, February 20th with The Mother of all Beer Events as part of the Family Day festivities at the Evergreen Brick Works. This kickoff event for 2017 will be a great one, with a delicious lineup of breweries in attendance including Halo, Rainhard, Henderson, Great Lakes and Junction. On the food front we’ll be having Delight Bite, Los Vietnamita and Mustache Burger.
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
When: February 20 at 11 am to 5 pm
Strike a Pose
As integral figures of the record-setting documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare, her groundbreaking Blond Ambition tour, and the classic music video for Vogue (directed by David Fincher!)—it is difficult to overstate the impact Madonna’s dancers had on LGBTQ culture. But while they helped empower and encourage a generation, they were grappling with their own struggles. Just as quickly as they rose to fame, the limelight faded. Now, they share their stories of finding their own self-acceptance and courage. More than 25 years after the height of their fame, this inspiring group of dancers open up about their lives and in this intimate and touching Hot Docs hit.
Where: Hot Docs, 506 Bloor Street West
When: February 20 at 1:45 pm
The Monkey Bunch
Canada’s favourite children’s entertainers THE MONKEY BUNCH return to the Drake this February for their annual family friendly residency. This isn’t your typical children’s concert – it is not only a celebration of music, but of the planet, and sprinkled with some brilliant humour.
Where: The Drake, 1150 Queen Street West
When: February 20 at 3 pm
Family Day in the City
Celebrate Family Day with The City of Toronto! Enjoy free outdoor and indoor activities at locations across the city. There are 52 outdoor rinks or skating trails to choose from, and many of the City’s indoor arenas will be open. Swimming at indoor pools will also be available.
Where: Various locations
When: February 20
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