14 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, March 2

The weekend continues!

Bundle up and check out some of the awesome events happening throughout the city this lovely Saturday.

In case you don’t know what you’re in the mood for, Canada’s largest vintage and antique market, a winter beer festival and even a free donut event happening today.

See also

• 6 warehouse sales happening in Toronto this March
• One of Canada's largest developer conferences is happening in Toronto this April
• Toronto's largest book sale takes place this March at the Reference Library

Toronto International Bicycle Show

What: The biggest consumer bicycle show in the world is back in Toronto this month for its 32nd season. From March 1 to 3, test ride electric and pedal bicycles, practice on a mini-velodrome, and enjoy thrilling action events at the massive event.

When: Now until March 3
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: The Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
Admission: $15 for adults

Toronto Irish Film Festival

What: Now in its ninth year, the Toronto Irish Film Festival celebrates the very best of Irish cinema by promoting the work of Irish filmmakers to the Greater Toronto Irish community and the general public.

When: Now until March 3
Time: Showtimes vary by the day
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Admission: Ticket prices vary by screening

Toronto Light Fest

What: For the third 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 3
Time: After sunset
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free

Winter at Ontario Place

What: Following last year’s successful inaugural winter program, Ontario Place will once again come alive this winter season. Running from now to March 17, the West Island of Ontario Place will be home to the Winter Light Exhibition, free public skating and community bonfires. This year, visitors can also look forward to a series of DJ nights at the iconic waterfront venue and a range of beloved films at Cinesphere.

When: Now until March 17
Time: 6 pm to 12 am
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Price: Free to attend

The 7

What: Come and check out The 7 this weekend, a new pop-up that features eight unique, picture-perfect rooms. The concept is to help Torontonians beat the winter blues with fun out-of-the-box and Instagrammable rooms full of colour, art and 3D visuals.

When: Open now until the end of winter
Time: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 9:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Seventh floor Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street
Price: Free to the public

Skating at Harbourfront Centre

What: When the temperature starts to drop, it’s officially time to go skating. The Natrel Rink is complete with heated indoor change rooms and its own rink-side bar and grill for those interested in getting a snack post-skate. The best part? Skating at the Harbourfront rink is totally free. 

When: Now until the end of March (weather permitting)
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West 

Myseum: Intersections

What: The 2019 exhibition, revisits and re-imagines the dominant narratives that shape our understanding of the city through a festival of collaborative exhibits and events. This exhibition will explore lost or hidden Toronto stories that have been paved over and forgotten, and how we can reclaim those histories.

When: Now until March 31
Time: Varies by event
Where: Venues throughout the city
Admission: Free

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

Ai Weiwei: Unbroken

What: Ai Weiwei, one of the world’s most influential living artists and human rights activists, is bringing a collection of his ceramic works to Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. Called Unbroken, the exhibit will present an array of Ai’s ceramic works while highlighting “urgent global issues.”

When: On now until June 9
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park
Admission: $15 for adults

Flipside Donuts Grand Opening Celebration

What: Flipside Donuts recently opened in the Distillery District, and this weekend, they’re doing a free mini-donut giveaway to celebrate their Grand Opening. The first 100 customers to arrive at Flipside on Sunday morning will receive a bag of 10 mini CiNEs, the spot’s warm mini-donuts with a cinnamon sugar dusting.

When: March 2 and 3
Time: Saturday, 8 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm
Where: 12 Case Goods Lane, Distillery District
Price: Free!

March 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: March 2
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue
Price: Everything is FREE

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

What: Toronto’s Vintage Clothing Show is back this weekend, bringing the largest vintage clothing sale in the city to the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place. According to event organizers, this is Canada’s largest sale of vintage clothing and the massive sale will feature clothing from the twenties to the eighties plus accessories, handbags, jewelry and designer vintage.

When: March 2 and 3
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Enercare Centre, Hall C, Exhibition Place
Admission: $10 (includes entrance to both events)

Winter Brewfest

What: For its fourth year in a row, the two-day festival celebrating craft beers and the festive feelings they stir up will be landing in Toronto. Of course, there will be some mighty good eats on site too. With all that beer tasting, you can’t risk an empty stomach.

When: March 2
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm and 7 pm to 1 am
Where: Evergreen Brick Works – 550 Bayview Avenue
Admission: Packages start at $20.99

Toronto Storytelling Festival

What: Founded in 1979, the Toronto Storytelling Festival has grown to be one of the largest celebrations of the arts of voice and story. Visitors can enjoy concerts, live story readings, and workshops.

When: March 2 to 24
Time: Varies by event
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Free to the public