24 things to do in Toronto this weekend: April 21 to 23

Apr 17 2017, 7:39 am

No plans for the weekend? Perfect!

You’ll be struggling for a few free hours once you’ve taken a look at our guide for things to do in Toronto this weekend.

From our selection of the hottest concerts and the best Earth Day activities to Raptors and Leafs playoff tailgates, this guide will help you make the most of your 48 hours of freedom.

High Park Cherry Blossoms

What: Earlier this week, the Sakura Cherry Blossoms in High Park website announced that the recent warm weather in the city has accelerated the buds’ development to “the point where all the trees are now in a clear stage 5 of development.”

When: All weekend long
Where: High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West

iHeartRADIO Fest

What: iHeartRadio Fest 2017 crowns Canadian Music Week with a stellar lineup including Big Sean, James Arthur, MAGIC!, The Strumbellas, Massari, Scott Helman, Alyssa Reid, Mia Martina, and Michelle Treacy.

When: April 21, 6:30 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street

AGO Creative Minds at Massey Hall: Art and Nationhood

What: After a sold-out launch last fall, AGO Creative Minds at Massey Hall returns to address Art and Nationhood through the eyes of four acclaimed artists. Architect Sir David Adjaye, visual artist Christi Belcourt, author Junot Díaz and filmmaker Paul Gross will be hosting an evening of inspired conversation on the nation-state and its impacts.

When: April 21, 8 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street

Laidback Luke

What: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party until the sun rises as EDM icon Laidback Luke will be taking over the UNIUN Nightclub decks on for a special edition of Factory Fridays.

When: April 21, 10 pm to 4 am
Where: UNION Nightclub, 473 Adelaide Street West

Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5

What: The Toronto Maple Leafs might be facing the Capitals in Washington, but Toronto fans can catch the away game at the tailgate party in Maple Leaf Square. So, grab those jerseys and get ready to cheer on your city. Puck drop is 7 pm.

When: April 21, 7 pm
Where: Maple Leaf Square

Salon 21: CeramiX

What: Come and explore the intersection of music and design in this immersive walking performance by Toronto composer Germaine Liu. Performed by percussionists Tomasz Krakowiak, Joe Sorbara, and Mark Zurawinski, the evening will feature a sneak peek of a brand new collaboration between Germaine and ceramist Chiho Tokita.

When: April 21, 6:30 pm
Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park

Niagara Food & Wine Expo

What: This might be a bit of a stretch from downtown, but we promise this event will be worth the drive! The expo will feature wine, beer and spirits from around the world and regional wines from the Niagara area. While you’re here, you can sample local cuisine from Niagara’s top chefs while taste testing your way through all the amazing wine. It’s a great way to discover a (few) new favourites.

When: April 21 to 23
Where: Scotiabank Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue

My Arm

What: My Arm is an elegantly simple work that confirms UK theatre artist Tim Crouch’s insistence that interesting effect of theatre occurs in the minds of the audience.

When: Now until April 22, check site for performance times
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 231 Queens Quay West

Fashion Art Toronto

What: Toronto Fashion Week might have wrapped up in March, but there’s still one more fashion-forward event to check out. Fashion Art Toronto returns with its annual, five-day celebration of provocative, avant-garde and cutting-edge fashion and art. With over 45+ runway shows and performances, photography exhibits, art installations, and fashion films planned audiences will definitely leave inspired.

When: Now until April 22, 5:30 pm to 12 am
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East

See also

Spring Beach Cleanup

What: Take spring cleaning to a new level, as you join Stop Plastics for an afternoon of cleaning up one of the city’ beloved beaches. Make sure to bring your own gloves and wear suitable footwear for a sandy (and possibly wet) beach.

When: April 22, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Marie Curtis Park, 2 Forty Second

Toronto Raptors Game 4

What: The MLSE will also be hosting a tailgate party for Raptor’s away playoff games. The tailgate begins two hours before tip-off so make sure to claim a good spot in front of the big screen early. Let’s hope we have a little something more to cheer for than in Game 3.

When: April 22, 3 pm
Where: Maple Leaf Square

Legends of Motown

What: Relive the golden days of Motown at this must-see musical event. This performance is complete with a 15-piece cast of singers and musicians performing live look-a-like/sound-a-like tributes to The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Jackson 5, Martha and the Vandellas and more and features all your favourite songs of the Motown era.

When: April 22, 7:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

Earth Day Clothing Swap

What: This Earth Day, swap your gently used clothing and accessories for some sweet new finds. Clothing swaps are a great way to downsize your closet and give life to pre-loved items by shopping sustainably in an eco-friendly and socially conscious way.

When: April 22, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

Toronto March for Science

What: The March for Science is a call to scientists, educators, students, engineers, parents, children, science communicators, and science enthusiasts of all backgrounds to support and safeguard the scientific community.

When: April 22, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West

Earth Day

What: Earth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22 this year, and there will be plenty of events to participate in to show your support for environmental protection in the city. Whether you’re interested in filling your home with eco-friendly items or planting a tree or picking up some plants for your condo, there are more than a few ways to go green this Earth Day.

When: April 22
Where: 
Various locations throughout the city

Record Store Day

What: While many of us celebrate vinyl every day of the year, April 22 is a day to celebrate and local record shops in Toronto. During this day, you can find special edition vinyl deals and releases, performances, and sales for vinyl enthusiasts to take advantage of.

When: April 22
Where: Various record shops throughout the city

Canadian Music Week 

What: Calling all music lovers, Canadian Music Week is back for the 35th year and will feature over 800 performances over the course of five days in more that 40 music venues throughout the city. Can’t make it to your favourite musician’s concert? You can still get in on the action by checking out the music showcase, conference, or film fest.

When: Now until April 23
Where: Various venues throughout the city

Grow Op 2017

What: In honor of Earth Day, Grow Op at the Gladstone Hotel will be celebrating its fifth year this month. This exhibition will feature art and design that cultivates ideas across a broad range of disciplines, examining how humans and other species live within and without natural systems of growth, change, abundance, scarcity, decay, and life.

When: Now until April  23
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

Downsview Park Earth Day

What: In celebration of Earth Day and Canada 150, Downsview Park is hosting a series of exciting activities, including their annual Earth Day tree planting. Earth Day 2017 will be in support of Highway of Heroes. While participation is free, pre-registration is required and a non-perishable food item is requested for donation in support of a local food bank.

When: April 23, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road

Leslieville Flea Market

What: Embrace the spring weather and head to Leslieville’s outdoor flea market. Here you’ll find vintage goods, antiques, collectibles, and work from local artisans.

When: April 23
Where: Fermenting Cellar, 28 Distillery Lane

Drop, Swap & Shop

What: This bi-annual (spring and fall) event invites Torontonians to drop their old electronics off, pass on things they no longer use and pick-up one-of-a-kind items. On Earth Day weekend you can contribute to the sharing economy and connect with your community at this cool event.

When: April 23, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: 
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave

Gladstone Flea Goes Green

What: End your weekend by stopping by the Gladstone Flea Market to search for goods from local, ethical, environmentally sustainable makers and then check out over 30 thought-provoking works that respond to environmental responsibility and sustainability, public spaces and landscape urbanism on the second floor.

When: April 23, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

What: The images Festival is Canada’s largest on and off screen showcase of innovative contemporary art, featuring eight days of screenings, events, performances and exhibitions.

When: Now until April 27
Where: Venues across the city

National Volunteer Week 

What: There are few things more rewarding than giving back to your community and from April 23 to 29 you can give back in various ways every day of the week. Make sure to visit the official website to find out what organizations near you are looking for extra hands.

When: April 23 to 29
Where: Various locations throughout the city

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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