28 things to do in Toronto over Family Day weekend: February 16 to 19
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Toronto, the looooonnngggg weekend is finally here!
Make the most of your Family Day weekend by checking out some of the awesome events happening in the city.
From fun family activities to free outdoor festivals and attractions, here are the top events happening in and around Toronto over the long weekend.
Progress Festival
What: Progress is an international festival of performance and ideas presented in partnership by SummerWorks Performance Festival and The Theatre Centre. The festival will feature a series of performances including MDLSX, Race Cards, LOST in Trans, and many more.
When: Now until February 18
Where: Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen Street West
Ice Breakers
What: Now in its second year, temporary winter art exhibit Ice Breakers is returning to Toronto’s waterfront. Organized by Winter Stations and The Waterfront Business Improvement Area (WBIA), Ice Breakers will provide the city with five temporary wintertime art installations that are 100% free to the public.
When: Now until February 25
Where: Queens Quay from Harbourfront Centre to the Toronto Music Garden
Toronto Light Fest
What: For the second year in a row, the historic Distillery District will be home to the Toronto Light Fest this winter. Designed to entertain and inspire, the free to attend light festival will feature curated light installations and illuminated sculptures created by a number of local and international artists.
When: Now until March 4
Where: Distillery District
Chinese New Year
What: This Friday, celebrate the Year of the Dog surrounded by family and friends in Toronto. The Lunar New Year (AKA Chinese New Year) kicks off on February 16. Not sure what to do, check out our guide on where to feast in the city.
When: February 16
Where: Venues throughout the city
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
What: The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival features FREE movies, amazing guests and Q&A sessions, industry workshops and panels, and the 24-Hour Film Challenge.
When: February 16 to 18
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival
What: This all-ages, winter music festival will feature the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music. Come and enjoy more than 150 artists will be performing at 5 venues over 3 days.
When: February 16 to 18
Where: Various venues
Wavelength Winter Festival
What: Wavelength Winter Festival will be taking over the Garrison for the Family Day Long Weekend, giving Toronto an epic lineup of music all weekend long.
When: February 16 to 18
Where: The Garrison, 1197 Dundas Street West
PetSmart National Pet Adoption Weekend
What: This weekend, more than 200 Canadian animal welfare organizations will bring thousands of adorable, adoptable pets into nearly every one of PetSmart’s 130-plus stores across the country.
When: February 16 to 18
Where: PetSmart locations across Canada (Check website for full list of participating locations)
Winter at Ontario Place: Family Day Weekend
What: All Family Day weekend, Ontario Place will be hosting a number of family-friendly events. Here you’ll find outdoor skating, a bonfire, light installations, and indoor areas and concessions with warm food and beverages.
When: February 16 to 19
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Kitchen Stuff Plus Warehouse Sale
What: Starting this Friday, Kitchen Stuff Plus, Ontario’s leader in affordable housewares, kitchen gadgets, and cookware, will be hosting a huge warehouse sale where you can find all your kitchen needs at up to 90% off.
When: February 16 to 19, various times
Where: 135 Wendell Avenue, North York
Canadian International Auto Show
What: Experience the total automotive experience with over 600,000 square feet of dazzling displays, big prize giveaways and engaging exhibits.
When: February 16 to 25
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Frank and Oak Warehouse Sale
What: Starting this Friday, Frank and Oak will be hosting 10 days of incredible shopping and pieces for men and women at up to 80% off.
When: February 16 to 26
Where: 950 Dupont Street, Toronto
Toronto Glow Party
What: Hosted by Boss Club, this epic party will feature a light and laser show, a heart-pumping sound system, a spacious dance floor, and a stellar lineup of DJs playing the hottest Hip Hop, Top 40, House, Mash-Ups, and Dancehall tracks.
When: February 17, 10 pm to 3 am
Where: Boss Club, 10 Esna Park Drive, Markham
The Wizard of Oz Live in Concert
What: The 1939 film will be hitting the big screens in Toronto for a very special performance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra this Family Day weekend. The TSO will bring the Oscar-winning score to life like never before, as you can watch it performed live to picture at Roy Thompson Hall.
When: February 17, 7:30 pm; February 18, 3 pm
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
KidsFest
What: Round up the little ones and celebrate Family Day at Canada’s largest indoor inflatable event for kids, at the International Centre. This year there will be 30 themed inflatables blown-up and ready for action in addition to fun and educational activities and stage presentations.
When: February 17 to 19
Where: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Family Funday Weekend: One World
What: All Family Day weekend, the ROM will be hosting a series of family-friendly events including musical performances, special hands-on activities, story readings, arts and crafts, and much more.
When: February 17 to 19, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom
What: A new Justin Bieber exhibit is starting in February, in the singer’s hometown of Stratford, Ontario. Yes, not exactly in TO, but we can drive for the Beibs! The exhibit, which is called ‘Steps to Stardom’, was created with the help of Bieber and his family and will feature hundreds of the singer’s personal belongings.
When: February 18
Where: Stratford Perth Museum, 4275 Huron Road (Highway #8, just West of Stratford)
The Leslieville Flea Winter Edition
What: This February, come and enjoy this curated market selling vintage, salvaged, up-cycled goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and handcrafted goods.
When: February 18, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Inside the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District
Celebrating David Bowie
What: A concert celebrating legendary glam rockstar David Bowie will be taking place in Toronto this February at Danforth Music Hall. Celebrating David Bowie (CdB) features an all-star line up of artists who worked closely with the star.
When: February 18, 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue
Winter Jacket Sale
What: Running from February 18 to 20, a massive winter jacket sale will take place in Thornhill and will feature over 2000 designer winter jackets at up to 80% off.
When: February 18 and 19, 11 am to 12 pm; February 20, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Le Parc, 8432, Leslie Street, Thornhill
Winter Family Games at Casa Loma
What: Get your family ready, the inaugural Winter Family Games will be taking over the Casa Loma this Family Day. Come and participate in fun and interactive sports theme experiences, take in awe-inspiring performances of athleticism, meet and greet your favorite athletes and much more.
When: February 19, 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
AGO Family Day
What: This Family Day, the AGO will be hosting a family-friendly colour party. Visitors are encouraged to wear their favourite colours and enjoy the special colour-themed activities including making paintings without paint, the bubble wrap room, making an emoji face mask, kid-friendly films and the colourful selfie wall.
When: February 19, 10:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
Family Day Clay Activity
What: Celebrate Family Day by working together with your family on a clay collage. Create part of an object or picture with clay, then put them together to discover an exciting new work of art. Kids under 18 are free.
When: February 19, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park
Family Day at Evergreen Brick Works
What: This year, you’re invited to spend Family Day at Evergreen Brick Works. Celebrate indoors with Brewer’s Backyard, enjoy outdoor activities in the Children’s Garden, or grab a bite to eat from tasty food vendors with your loved ones. Admission is FREE!
When: February 19, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Family Day at Harbourfront Centre
What: Come and spend Family Day at the Harbourfront Centre! Here you’ll find plenty of family fun including free skating lessons on the Natrel Rink, rinkside dance breaks, emerging DJs, icy activities, a fireside outdoor lounge and more.
When: February 19, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Family Day at Fort York
What: This Family Day, bring your family to explore the history of Toronto and Fort York. Visit the Fort’s historic kitchen and sample some baking from the hearth, enjoy hot chocolate, the roaring fire, and plenty of activities for the little ones.
When: February 19, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd
The Bentway Skate Trail Family Day
What: This Family Day, lace up your skates and head to Toronto’s newest outdoor skating destination, The Bentway Skate Trail. Come and enjoy a special Family Day event that includes all-day skate rentals, family-friendly DJ sets by DJ Lucie Tic and
DJ Cozmic Cat, onsite giveaways, and much more.
When: February 19, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Below the Gardiner Expressway at 250 Fort York Blvd
Family Day at HotDocs
What: Spend your day off at HotDocs, where you can enjoy a number of films that are intended to inspire kids to follow their passions and stand up for others. The two films include Jane and Dolores, and they spotlight outspoken role-models and activists. Kids under 16 will receive free admission.
When: February 19, Jane, 1 pm; Dolores, 3:30 pm
Where: HotDocs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West