25 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, May 4

The weekend continues.

Make the most of your Saturday by checking out some of the cool events happening throughout the city.

From Free Comic Book Day to a special evening with Michelle Obama, here are 25 events to check out in Toronto today.

See also

• Wet'n'Wild water park announces its opening date for 2019 season
• There's a huge movie wardrobe sale in Toronto on May 4
• Canada's Wonderland opens today with one (very) exciting new attraction

It Happened Here

 

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A post shared by Budweiser Stage (@budweiserstage) on May 3, 2019 at 9:36am PDT

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
Time: Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: 950 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert

What: For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix while a live symphony orchestra performs Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score and Harry Potter soars across the big screen in high-definition.

When: On now until May 4
Time: Every performance is at 7:30 pm
Where: 1 Front Street East, Sony Cente for the Performing Arts
Price: From $55

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: On now until May 5
Time: Varies by day
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: Free to participate

HotDocs

What: North America’s largest documentary festival returns to Toronto this month bringing an outstanding selection of over 200 films from Canada and around the world to Toronto audiences.

When: On now until May 5
Time: Various screenings each day
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Price: Tickets vary by screening

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: On now until May 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

Mejuri Walk-Out

 

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A post shared by Mejuri (@mejuri) on May 1, 2019 at 6:33am PDT

What: If you’re still thinking about what to get your mom for Mothers’ Day, Toronto-based jewellery brand, Mejuri, is holding a special ‘walk-out’ that kicks off this weekend. This means that customers are able to walk out of the Toronto showroom with their purchase. With Mejuri being a direct to consumer, digitally-native brand, leaving with your purchase is not a regular occurrence- perfect timing. And if you really want to win this Mother’s Day, book a personal styling appointment for you + mom. See your favourite pieces, styling advice and get your fingers sized all while sipping on champagne. Book yours, here.

When: On now until March 11
Time: Monday to Friday, 12 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Mejuri Toronto Showroom, 906 Dundas Street West

Toronto Jewish Film Festival

What: The Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF), showcases the best feature films, documentaries and shorts from Canada and around the world, on themes of Jewish culture and identity. TJFF heightens awareness of Jewish and cultural diversity around the world to audiences of all cultural backgrounds, and presents films in their original languages, with subtitles, in an effort to break down racial, cultural and religious barriers, and stereotypes.

When: On now until May 12
Time: Screenings vary by day
Where: Multiple venues
Price: From $15

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

CONTACT Photography Festival

What: Back for another year is the 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: On now until May 31
Time: All day
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Free

HideSeek pop-up Toronto

What: You can awaken your inner child at Toronto’s brand new and unforgettable pop-up, HideSeek this spring. Occupying a 7,000-sq-ft vacant retail space in the Dundas West neighbourhood, the pop-up invites you to escape reality and relive the days of childhood. Explore multi-sensory elements throughout the space and marvel at epic floor-to-ceiling installations.

When: On now until June 2
Time: Thursday and Friday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Dundas West neighbourhood — 1305 Dundas Street West
Price: $25 (plus taxes and service fees) — Tickets available online

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

Anthony Ricciardi DREAM SPACE Exhibit

What: DREAM SPACE is a 2,500-sq-ft immersive pop-up museum featuring Ricciardi’s original canvas work and sculpture series. The gallery acts as an entry point to a “secret and hidden” pop-up experience filled with 15 large-scale interactive installations and multi-sensory immersive spaces inspired by Ricciardi’s creations, including a pool of gold coins. Visitors will also have the chance to take one of Ricciardi’s pieces home with prices starting at $100, up to $7,000.

When: Open now until July 2019
Time: Mall hours vary by day
Where: Yorkdale Mall. 3401 Dufferin Street
Admission: Admission to the gallery is free with a $15 admission fee to access the pop-up art installation and immersive space

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
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

Spring Movie Wardrobe Sale

What: Hosted by the Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design (CAFTCAD), the Spring Movie Wardrobe Sale will be happening in Toronto on May 4 and will feature many vendors who are affiliated with the industry as well as costume professionals with items from shows they have worked on.

When: May 4
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, 33 Manitoba Drive
Tickets: Entrance is $7

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

Toronto Coffee & Tea Expo

What: Taking place at the CF Shops at Don Mills, Town Square, the two-day event celebrates the buzz of café culture in Toronto. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore exhibitors, savour endless free samples, learn industry secrets and participate in hands-on programs.

When: May 4 and 5
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: CF Shops at Don Mills, Town Square
Price: Tickets are available online

INLAND Canadian Designer Pop-Up

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 4
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: QRC West, 134 Peter Street
Admission: Free

SW: May The Fourth Be With You at Fork Public Library

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

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

Uncle IRL

 

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A post shared by Uncle Studios (@unclexstudios) on Apr 19, 2019 at 12:07pm PDT

What: This weekend, you can get an exclusive look at Toronto-based Uncle Studios IRL. During this two-day pop-up you can shop exclusive pieces from the brand and check out a series of activations including a panel featuring a number of boss ass women, workshops, wellness sessions, and more.

When: May 4 and 5
Where: 434 College Street, 2nd Floor

Star Wars Trivia: Episodes 1—6

What: Who doesn’t love a good trivia night, am I right? This May the Fourth, Hemingway’s Restaurant is hosting an epic trivia event all revolving around episodes one to six of the Star Wars franchise! Best of all, 25% of proceeds from this event go towards the Christchurch Shooting Victims’ Fund.

When: May 4
Time: 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Hemmingway’s Restaurant —142 Cumberland Street, Toronto
Tickets: $9

Star Wars Day Toronto 2019

What: Back again for another instalment of Star Wars Day. Ajay Fern hosts this epic event which includes a costume contest (with prizes in 3 different categories) as well as some amazing Star Wars trivia (which also will give out some pretty great prizes). And if that isn’t enough, stick around late enough for the Far Far Away after-party with performances by Brigit O’Regan, Epic Game Music and more!

When: May 4
Time: 6 pm to 2 am
Where: The Rec Room Toronto — 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Tickets: $25