22 FREE Toronto events worth checking out in April

It should come as no surprise that a city as vibrant as Toronto can get a little expensive.

Which is why we’ve put together a list of things to check out in the city this month that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to attend.

From foodie events to art installations, we’ve rounded up 22 free events happening all month long.

See also

• 20 adventurous food events to check out this April
• What A Bagel is giving out six bagels for FREE on April 2
• There's a FREE neon pop-up exhibit coming to the Junction this April

Winter Stations 2019

What: Winter Stations returns for its fifth year, welcoming international designers to bring public art installations to The Beaches. The installations, which run from February 18 until April 1, will be temporary structures that will be able to withstand our rigours winter weather.

When: April 1
Time: All day
Where: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. East
Price: Admission is free

Free Lunch Time Yoga

What: Spend your lunch hour stretching, twisting, breathing and add some calm to your Tuesday with this FREE yoga class.

When: April 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Admission: Free

Riverside Wine & Craft Beer Fest

What: The annual celebration returns to Riverside this month, featuring wine and craft beer pairings with local food and shopping. Wine and craft beer lovers can delight in tasting new and established Ontario wines and locally brewed craft beers, while getting to know Riverside shops, eateries and community spaces.

When: April 2 to 6
Time: Varies by day/event
Where: Riverside BIA, along Queen Street East between Davies and De Grassi Street
Admission: Most events are free

Condo Buying 101 Seminar by Fieldgate Urban & RBC

What: You can learn more about key steps in the condo buying process from RBC, including the basics of becoming qualified to buy, details on what monthly mortgage payments could look like for you, tips on saving effectively for a down payment, and much more.

When: April 2
Time: 6:30 pm, presentation begins at 7 pm
Where: The Poet Condos, 1170A Queen Street East
Admission: Free

Free Bagels from What A Bagel

What: What A Bagel, maker of fresh and delectable round doughy rings, will be giving out six packs of FREE bagels at all 11 of their locations on Tuesday, April 2.

When: April 2
Time: Varies by location
Where: What A Bagel locations across the GTA
Price: Free

Free Spoken World Poetry

What: Every Wednesday this April, the Toronto Poetry Project is hosting free spoken word poetry at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. No previous experience is required, just remember to bring your own paper and pens.

When: April 3, 10, 17
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Admission: Free

Mass Exodus 2019

What: The public is invited to explore the various forms of art and design executed by graduating fashion students from the School of Fashion at Ryerson University. The installation provides a glimpse into the future of fashion through various mediums.

When: April 4
Time: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
Admission: Free

CRAM Festival

What: CRAM features over 30 interactive events across a multitude of disciplines by researchers from OCAD University, Ryerson University, University of Toronto and York University, at their local campuses.

When: April 5
Time: 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Multiple venues
Price: All events are free, but space is limited. You can register here

Evergreen Brick Works Saturday Markets

What: The Evergreen Brick Works Saturday market has grown to become the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Here you’ll find a wide variety of local and seasonal food from local farmers and producers.

When: Every Saturday- April 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Admission: Free

Really Really Free Market

What: You read the event name correctly, everything is free. No money. No swapping.
If you do bring items to share, bring them before 3 pm and make sure they are clean and in working condition. During the Market, there is a limit to the number of items you can take, which is one large shopping bag per person (two bags for families of three or more people).

When: April 6
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue
Admission: Free

Slow Art Day

What: Slow Art Day is a global event with a simple mission: Help more people discover for themselves the joy of looking at and loving art. In Toronto, visitors are encouraged to look at art slowly, and then meet to talk about their experiences.

When: April 6
Time: 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: The Powerplant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Street West
Price: Free to attend

Free Cone Day

What: Ben and Jerry’s will be serving up scoops atop cones as per annual tradition on April 9. This year, they’ll be on campus at Ryerson University. If there’s ever a reason to head back to school, it’s when there’s free ice cream on the line.

When: April 9
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Ryerson University Pitman Hall – 160 Mutual Street
Price: FREE

Neon Pop-Up Gallery at Junction House

What: This free exhibit runs from April 12 to 14 at the Junction House and will feature a collection of neon signs, including the famed Hard Rock Museum guitar that’s over 12 feet and takes over the west end of Toronto. With plans for a permanent museum in downtown Toronto well underway, Neon Museum Toronto is partnering with Slate Asset Management and Neon Demon for this three-day exhibit.

When: April 12 to 14
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 2720 Dundas Street West
Price: Free entry

Fireside Tales: Year 6, Season Opener

What: The coziest storytelling show is returning for its sixth year. Come join hosts Helder Brum and Dan Galea around the fire as they bring together some of the best storytellers in the city. You bring the blankets, snacks and friends, and they’ll supply the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

When: April 16
Time: 8 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Dufferin Grove Park
Price: Pay-what-you-can

Record Store Day

What: This April, music lovers are invited to celebrate independent record stores all over the city with parties, in-store performances and special releases.

When: April 13
Time: Times vary by store
Where: Record stores throughout the city
Admission: Free

9th Annual Level Up Showcase

What: Ontario’s very popular annual Level Up Showcase returns to celebrate the best video games in class for 2019. This free event invites attendees to play games created by students from post-secondary schools across Ontario. This year there will be three-time slots available to ensure everyone has an equal chance to check out the games.

When: April 17
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm; 6 pm to 8 pm; 8 pm to 10 pm
Where: Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street
Admission: Free

Easter Eggstravaganza

What: Enjoy crafts, face painting, games, wagon rides, petting zoo, food trucks,
scavenger hunts, a charity cafe, an artisan market and more at this free Easter celebration. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the 360 Kids Food Bank, sip warm drinks and munch on snacks.

When: April 19
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Summit Community Church – 1750 Stouffville Road, Richmond Hill
Price: Free

420 Toronto

What: Now that weed is finally legalized in Canada, you better believe that Torontonians are going to be lighting up on April 20. The festivities in Toronto will be taking place at Woodbine Park and will feature vendors, music and a free farmers market.

When: April 20
Time: 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Admission: Free

Earth Day Festival at Downsview Park

What: This annual family-friendly event features an afternoon of free outdoor activities, including a vendors market, scavenger hunt, workshops, demonstrations, face painting, guided nature walks and much more.

When: April 22
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue
Admission: Free

Afro Caribbean Vegan Market

What: This not-for-profit event features plant-based products, art and services. Learn more about the benefits of introducing more plants into your day-to-day life through guest speakers, workshops and more.

When: April 27
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: 519 Community Centre – 519 Church Street
Admission: Free

MOCA Community Sundays

What: The Museum of Contemporary Art is offering the perfect way to escape the cold by offering free admission to all visitors on one Sunday each month so they can check out all the new exhibits.

When: April 28
Where: MOCA – 158 Sterling Road, Toronto
Time: One Sunday monthly from 10 am to 2 pm
Tickets: Available online

Kombucha Workshop

What: It’s officially spring, and that means it’s time for all the bright, fresh and fizzy drinks. Enter: Kombucha. It costs a pretty penny at the health food store, but with a little perseverance, you can make it for yourself at home. Learn about fermentation, how to brew, and how to flavour and store your sparkling delight.

When: April 30
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: 201 Cowan Avenue
Price: Free to attend