29 things to do in Toronto this weekend: May 26 to 28

May 24 2017, 9:15 am

From the hottest concerts to the most mouth-watering food festivals and free events, we’ve got your next 72 hours planned for you.

Have a great weekend, Toronto!

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21C Music Festival 2017

What: This year’s 21C Music Festival marks Canada 150 and will feature some of our country’s most innovative composers and musicians. There’s a variety of performances taking place over the weekend from Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà, Cinq à Sept, and Claudia Chan with Benjamin Bowman to name a few!

When: May 24 to 28, 5 pm to 10 pm
Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West

Inside Out

What: Inside Out, Toronto’s very own LGBT film festival, is back for another action-packed season and will feature a hefty mix of world premieres, local features, industry programs and a festival lounge. Make sure to check out the event website, as there’s a ton of screenings throughout the weekend.

When: May 25 to June 4
Where: Check the website as there are events happening throughout the city

Mariposa Cruises

What: Experience the excitement of Mardi Gras from the comfort of Toronto’s harbourfront aboard a Mariposa Cruise. Onboard this three-hour cruise, guests will enjoy a spicy NOLA inspired dinner buffet, a fun photobooth with takeaway photos, a colourful costume contest, and a DJ playing a mix of New Orleans-style music to set the mood.

When: May 26, doors open at 6:30 pm and cruise goes until 10 pm
Where: The ship will board at Pier 6, 207 Queens Quay West 

2017 Toronto East Coast Festival Gala Dinner

What: Come and support the Rotary Club of East York as you dine on oysters and hor ‘d oeuvres from Rodney’s Oyster House. Finish the evening with dancing, a silent auction, and plenty of aprés dinner cocktails.

When: May 26, 6:30pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Steam Whistle Pilsner, 255 Bremner Blvd

Toronto Tech Summit 2017

What: Immerse yourself in Toronto’s rapidly growing tech community as you spend the afternoon focusing on revolutionizing, modernizing, and crafting incredible experiences through technology. With a focus on customer experience, the summit’s innovative and knowledgeable speakers will give you the scoop about the latest and greatest happening in the Toronto tech space.

When: May 26
Where: MaRS Discovery District (Auditorium), 101 College Street

The Weeknd

What: Toronto’s very own The Weeknd comes home this weekend. The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling music artist, kicked off his Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour earlier this year, and he finally lands back home.

When: May 26 to 27 at 7:30 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

Norah Jones

What: Everyone’s favourite jazz artist, Norah Jones is back in Toronto with her smooth voice and Grammy Award winning songs. She plays two shows in the city this weekend.

When: May 26 to 27 at 8 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

Woofstock

What: Calling all dog lovers: The largest outdoor dog festival in North America is taking place in Toronto this weekend! From toys and fashion lines to accessories and treats, there’s something for every four-legged friend.

When: May 26 to 28
Where: Woodbine Park

Anime North 2017

What: Toronto’s largest fan-run anime convention is back! This three-day event will celebrate all things anime, manga, and Japanese Culture boasting a multitude of events including costume masquerades, dances, contests, gaming opportunities (including Live Action Role Playing, CCG Games, and video gaming), panels, workshops, and Nominoichi, a fan-run night market.

When: May 26 to May 28
Where: 
Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Mississauga; International Plaza Hotel, 655 Dixon Road

Brunch Fest

What: It’s no secret that Torontonians are obsessed with brunch, which is why we’re pleased to share that there will be a festival solely devoted to our favourite foods. Come and enjoy brunch-time staples, such as bagels, pancakes, eggs Benedict, bacon and of course, plenty of booze.

When: May 26 to 28, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: 99 Sudbury

Barbados on the Water Festival

What: Get a head start on your summer vacation by checking out the largest festival of Barbadian culture in Canada. Here you’ll find fashion shows, literary events, and children’s activities, comedy nights, rum tastings, and plenty of music to dance your nights away.

When: May 26 to 28
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

CBC Music Festival

What: Celebrating its fifth year, the CBC Music Festival will proudly showcase an all-Canadian lineup featuring co-headliners Serena Ryder and Walk Off The Earth. CBC Music Festival brings a diverse roster of artists from across Canada to Toronto for a one-day event.

When: May 27
Where: Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West

Motionball’s Marathon of Sport Toronto

What: This Saturday, Canada’s Motionball Marathon of Sport is back for its 16th exciting year! This year’s event is set to break a Guinness World Record for most high fives given in one minute by a mascot. There will also be more than 850 participants playing in an 8-hour, multi-sport round tournament and raise $330,000 for Special Olympics Canada.

When: May 27, 8 am to 4 pm
Where: Downsview Hangar, 75 Carl Hall Rd

Wavelength at Doors Open Toronto

What: As part of the can’t miss event, Doors Open, Toronto’s heritage R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant will be opening its doors for an epic day filled with non-stop music and good times. Throughout the day there will be three free concerts followed by a DIY after party hosted by the Bike Pirates.

When: May 27, 12 pm to 12 am
Where: R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, 2701 Queen Street East

Wellness Exhibition & Fair

What: For one night only, Toronto’s beautiful Bata Shoe Museum will be transformed into a wellness fair. Come and enjoy an evening filled with wellness speakers, vendors, energy healing sessions, holistic workshops, healthy snacks, aromatherapy and so much more!

When: May 27, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West

Future Islands

What: Synth-pop faves Future Islands return to land to play in our city after their latest release The Far Field. Get ready to sing out loud, especially during their hit track “Seasons (Waiting on You).”

When: May 27 at 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue

Scarborough Food Truck Festival

What: This east side food festival returns for its sophomore year and is promising 15 trucks in attendance. Among the participating curbside eateries on the bill, look forward to seeing Crispy Craves, Dairy’s Best, Food Cabbie, Mustache Burger, Alijandro’s Kitchen, The Corn Cowboys, and more.

When: May 27, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Parking Lot H, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), 1265 Military Trail

Food Truck Frenzy Whitby

What: Over 30 curbside kitchens are getting all fired up for the fourth annual food truck festival organized by the Rotary Club of Whitby. In addition to street eats, look forward to artisan vendors, live musical performances, and family-friendly activities.

When: May 27, 11 am to 11 pm; May 28, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Iroquois Park Grounds, 500 Victoria Street West

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

Gluten Free Garage

What: Toronto’s OG (and only) gluten-free pop-up marketplace returns this month, for an afternoon filled with mouthwatering gluten free snacks. There will be more than 60 vendors in attendance and will feature local favourites like Almond Butterfly, The Basil Box, BGood, Cock-A-Doodle-Do, SteamBox, and more.

When: May 28, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street

Brunching In the Streets of Vietnam

What: Sparkling La Marca Prosecco kicks off this culinary journey from Hanoi to Saigon. Chef Jane Tran of “Chau” recreates favourite breakfast meals including Smoked Chicken Pho, Banh Mi Op La, and Viet Fried Chicken.

When: May 28, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Rush Lane & Co., 563 Queen Street West, Toronto

Trinity Bellwoods Drum Circle Sundays

What: Trinity Bellwoods Drum Circle returns for another epic year of music and dancing. Bring your instruments and dancing shoes and get ready to dance the afternoon away.

When: May 28, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen Street West

Soul Sunday Street Party

What: Nothing screams summer like a Toronto street party. Get down to the sweet sounds of Soul, enjoy beers and food by Trinity Common, and a  carnival-like atmosphere that’s perfect for the entire family.

When: May 28, 2 pm to 7 pm
Where: Trinity Common, 303 Augusta Ave

Christie Pits Art Crawl

What: Come and get a taste for local culture this Sunday as you check out the work of 60 Art Crawl artists. There will also be food vendors, a beer and wine tent, a musical parade and all kinds of community organization pop-ups to check out as well.

When: May 28, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West

Pedestrian Sundays

What: Torontonians can spend the afternoon in Kensington Market car free this Sunday, as it’s the first Pedestrian Sunday of the season. Kensington streets filled with cars will be replaced with food, performers, vendors and plenty of happy locals.

When: May 28, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market

Artlet: The Sketch & Flow Edition

What: Come and enjoy an afternoon of mindful movement (yoga and meditation) followed by creative expression (sketching). Experience creative bliss, adventure, and the best (hangover-free) weekend release there is!

When: May 28, 3 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Lululemon, 318 Queen Street West

Armin Van Buuren

What: Trance heavy hitter Armin Van Buuren is no stranger to Toronto. Having played in multiple venues in the city, Van Buuren is back for a daytime pool party to kick off summer.

When: May 28 at 1 pm
Where: Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson Street

Sigur Rós

What: The Icelandic rockers are on the road promoting Kevikur, their first album to not feature founding member Kjartan Sveinsson. But Sigur Rós are doing just fine as a threesome; the band was featured on an episode of Game of Thrones, and their live shows continue to stun fans globally. If you missed their show in the fall, this is your chance to see them live.

When: May 28 at 8 pm
Where: Echo Beach, 909 Lakeshore Blvd West

Animal Collective

What: End your weekend with an epic performance by Animal Collective at Toronto’s one and only Danforth Music Hall. Hosted by Collective Concerts and Indie88Toronto, this Baltimore crew’s unique sound will have you dancing all night long.

When: May 28, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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