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Whoever said that the best things in life are free, couldn’t have been more correct.
And, if you’re looking to have some fun this month without breaking the bank, we’ve rounded up 26 free events that are taking place throughout the city this May.
Enjoy!
See also
- Toronto is getting an experiential art maze on June 1
- OCAD is having a huge FREE art show featuring its up-and-coming grads
- Free Comic Book Day returns to Toronto on May 4
It Happened Here
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What: You can celebrate 25 years of Budweiser Stage magic at this interactive pop-up exhibit on Queen West. Check out dozens of photos from some of the biggest names to perform at the iconic music venue, enjoy live music and experience a little bit of history.
When: On now until May 4
Where: 950 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend
This is Tiffany T Experience
What: Shoppers and Instagram fans alike need to check out North America’s first Tiffany Infinity Mirrors-inspired pop-up space. The “This is Tiffany T” experience features reflective surfaces and showcases the infinitely brilliant world of Tiff.
When: On now until May 15
Time: Mall hours vary by day
Where: Yordale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin Street
Admission: Free to attend
GradEx Art Show
What: This May, you’ll have the chance to ogle at work by Canada’s next generation of artists and designers… completely free of charge. OCAD University will showcase the work of the Class of 2019 at the Annual Graduate Exhibition (GradEx) from May 1 to May 5.
When: May 1 to 5
Time: Wednesday, 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm; Thursday and Friday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Saturday, and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: OCAD University – 100, 113 and 115 McCaul Street
Admission: Free
CONTACT Photography Festival
What: Back for another year is Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the largest annual photography event in the world, which showcases works from hundreds of photographers at locations all over the city.
When: May 1 to 31
Time: All day
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Free
Free Yoga Classes
What: The Sony Centre offers free yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. No experience is required but bring your own mat and water. Registration is usually available online ahead of the class.
When: May 2,7,9,14 and 16
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts – 1 Front Street East
Tickets: FREE – register in advance online
INLAND Canadian Designer Pop-Up
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What: Treat yourself to some locally made fashion this weekend at INLAND, Toronto’s premier shopping event featuring 70 fashion, apparel and accessory brands from across the country.
When: May 3 and 4
Time: Friday, 3 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: QRC West, 134 Peter Street
Admission: Free
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 3 to 5
Time: Varies by day
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: Free to participate
Free Comic Book Day
What: Comic fans both young and old, from Marvel to DC, will be able to rejoice as this year’s Free Comic Book Day is coming to Toronto this month. On Saturday, May 4, anyone will be able to take home a free comic book by simply walking into a store
When: May 4
Time: Varies by location
Where: Various comic book stores throughout the city. Full list of locations here
Admission: Free
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: May 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free
Really Really Free Market
What: Whether you’re looking to clear up some space in your closet or find some new one-of-a-kind treasures, the Really Really Free Market is the place to be this weekend. Taking place at Campbell Park, everything you see at the market is absolutely free. Seriously, no money is required, and there’s no swapping involved.
When: May 4
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue
Price: Free
SW: May The Fourth Be With You at Fork Public Library
May the Fourth (Shutterstock)
What: If you’re looking for some kid-friendly stuff to do on this May The Fourth, then head on over to Fork Public Library for a Star Wars Day like no other. Dress up as your favourite character from the franchise so you can take a picture with a certain ominous figure. If you head there early enough you’ll be able to catch a fun Star Wars story time!
When: May 4
Time: 12 pm to 3:30 pm (10:30 am for Star Wars storytime)
Where: Fort York Library — 190 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Admission: Free
Cambie Wedding Collection Preview
What: Cambie founder Camille Byrne is celebrating the launch of the first-ever wedding collection of Cambie blankets. Come and enjoy refreshments and light fare and shop for special treasures for your big day from local-based makers. Guests will also leave with a gift bag and a complimentary flower arrangement.
When: May 4 and 5
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Cambie
Price: Free to attend
48th annual Forsythia Festival
What: Every May, Cabbagetown residents gather to welcome spring at the annual Forsythia Festival. The spring festival is Cabbagetown’s official welcoming of the new season, and like every year, there will be a parade and a dress code that includes the colour yellow.
When: May 5
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Wellesley Park, 500 Wellesley Street East
Price: Admission is free
Toronto Flower Market
What: Now in its seventh year, the Flower Market will kick off the season just in time for Mother’s Day weekend on May 11. This season’s vendors are prepped and ready to share all of their locally grown spring blooms such as daffodils, hyacinth, muscari, ranunculus, and oh so many tulips. Plus, there will be seedlings and spring bulbs for planting in home gardens.
When: Kicks off Saturday, May 11
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West
Admission: Free
Spring Into Parkdale
What: The seventh annual outdoor street festival promises over 100 vendors, live entertainment, and free family-friendly activities in addition to a massive night market showcasing local chefs and more.
When: May 11
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Parkdale Village, along Queen Street West from Roncesvalles Ave to Dufferin Street
Price: Admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for food dishes
Toronto Comic Arts Festival
What: This two-day exhibition is a celebration of comics and graphic novels and their creators and features hundreds of comic creators from around the world.
When: May 11 and 12
Time: Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
Price: Free to attend
Toronto Pug Grumble
Toronto Pug Grumble /Facebook
What: Bring your pugs to the Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park this Sunday for a Toronto Pug Grumble. Get ready for lots of snorting, rolling, and grumbling.
When: May 11
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl, 790 Queen Street West
Price: Free
Leslieville Flea Mothers Day Market
What: The Leslieville Flea is heading to The Broadview Hotel this Mother’s Day. Shop with your mom or for your mom at the Mother’s Day Market in Lincoln Hall; also enjoy a BBQ and beverages on Lincoln Terrace while you’re here.
When: May 12
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Avenue
Price: Admission is free
Rib Fest
What: Ribs, BBQ chicken, burgers, blooming onions, funnel cakes, and more! This four-day Rib Fest takes place in the heart of downtown and Yonge-Dundas Square.
When: May 16 to 19
Time: Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Admission is free
ROM 3rd Monday Nights Free
What: On 3rd Monday Nights Free, ROM guests will be able to explore the museum’s galleries and collections, free of charge. With complimentary access and extended hours, visitors are invited to explore art, culture, and nature in the museum’s 40 permanent galleries.
When: May 20
Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Price: Free to attend
Toronto Poutine Fest
What: A caravan of poutine purveyors will land in Toronto this spring for a three-day festival devoted to the fries, curds, and gravy at Yonge-Dundas Square!
When: May 24 to 26
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Admission is free
Trinity Bellwoods 50th Anniversary Bed In
50th Anniversary Bed-In
What: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the one-day “Bed-In’ of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in Toronto on May 25, 1969 at the King Edward hotel. In honour of this occasion, you can bring your blankets, pillows, picnics, art and drums and enjoy a wonderful afternoon filled with entertainment in the park.
When: May 25
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Price: Free to attend
Doors Open Toronto 2019
What: This year, during the 20th annual event, the city will celebrate some of the most architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city by opening their doors to the public.
When: May 25 and 26
Time: All day
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Admission is 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: May 26
Where: MOCA – 158 Sterling Road, Toronto
Time: One Sunday monthly from 10 am to 2 pm
Tickets: You can reserve your free tickets online
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Spring Market
What: This month, the Trinity Bellwoods Flea is hosting its annual Spring Market, where you can shop local from a range of vendors and artisans for locally made eats and delicious spring sweet treats. Four-legged friends are also welcome!
When: May 26
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Price: Admission is free
Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday
What: The 16th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this over the coming months. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday.
When: Kicks off on Sunday, May 26
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Price: Free
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