FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
Now that spring is in full bloom, there’s certainly no shortage of fun events taking place in Toronto, especially this weekend.
From the best Cinco de Mayo parties to food festivals, concerts and cultural events, these are the 24 biggest events taking place in Toronto this weekend.
Hot Docs
What: North America’s largest documentary festival is wrapping up this weekend and will be playing a series of films from across the globe in theatres all over the city. Screenings will be held at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Scotiabank Theatre, Aga Khan Museum, Toronto Centre for the Arts, Innis Town Hall, Isabel Bader Theatre and Hart House Theatre, so make sure to visit the Hot Doc’s website for times and locations.
When: Now until May 7
Where: Venues throughout the city
Cinco de Mayo at Steam Whistle
What: This is nacho ordinary party! This fundraiser event promises margaritas, DJs, pinatas, tequila, and brewery fresh-Pilsner all in support of The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer.
When: May 5, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: 255 Bremner Boulevard
Cinco De Mayo at Barrio
What: With an incredible patio and the promise of live mariachi music, DJs, sangria, tequila flights, Mexican beers, and plenty of margaritas, this might be the hottest party on the east side. Food is included with cover!
When: May 5, 2 pm
Where: 884 Queen Street East
Cinco De Mayo at Milagro
What: Find some friends because Milagro is serving Cantina Platters this Cinco de Mayo. The feast fit for four is priced at $61 and includes three choices from selections such as Cochinita Pibil, Lamb Mixiotes, Roasted Chicken in Our house Mole Poblano or Carnitas, served with arroz and refritos, sides, salsas, pickled jalapeños & lots of fresh corn tortillas. Look forward to drink specials on tequilas and Mexican beers too.
When: May 5
Where: 5 Mercer Street and 783 Queen Street West
Sew Hungry
What: Billed as Canada’s largest curbside food truck festival, this Friday event is a good excuse to play hooky from work and take a day trip to The Hammer. Look forward to over 25 food trucks, a live music stage, kids zone, and beer garden.
When: May 5, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Ottawa Street, Hamilton
Cinco De Mayo at Tortería San Cosme
What: The Mexican sandwich shop in Kensington Market will be serving up handheld fiestas. On special for the big day, Torta de Pollo al Pastor ($9.90) featuring chicken in tangy pasilla adobo, grilled pineapple, pickled serrano onions and melted Oaxaca cheese all loaded atop a griddled telera.
When: May 5
Where: 181 Baldwin Street
Sausage Party: Vegetarian Hotdogs
What: Laneway Pop-ups presents this vegetarian Sausage Party and pop-up restaurant at The Steady Cafe and Bar this month. On the menu, Ballpark Dogs loaded with fried onions, ketchup and mustard, Seoul Food Dogs topped with spicy Kimchi and Wasabi Mayo, the Fleetwood Mac and Cheese, a hot dog topped with creamy mac and cheese and parsley crumb, and more.
When: May 5, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Steady, 1051 Bloor Street West
See also
- Where to find the biggest Cinco de Mayo fiestas in Toronto
- Jane's Walk will give you plenty of reasons to stroll around Toronto this weekend
- We interview the Halal Guys before their big Toronto opening tomorrow
- Toronto considering evacuation of Islands due to rising water levels
Cinco de Macho
What: This Tex-Mex joint in Cityplace is advertising an epic fiesta in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. You’ll want to start this party as early as possible to secure a seat on the patio, plus from 5 pm to 6 pm, you’ll get a free frozen margarita on arrival.
When: May 5, 5 pm to 2 am
Where: Macho Radio Bar, 92 Fort York Boulevard
Father John Misty
What: The extremely vibrant and charismatic Josh Tillman, known to his fans as Father John Misty, returns to Toronto for two shows in May at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The former Fleet Foxes drummer is touring his upcoming third studio album, Pure Comedy.
When: May 5 and 6 at 8 pm
Where: Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King Street West
Cinco De Mayo at El Local Loco
What: The Mexican taberna keeps the celebrations straightforward with the essentials: Tacos, Margaritas, and Tequila. In the evening, find a mariachi band and DJ for those that want to dance.
When: May 5, 7:30 pm
Where: 9 Church Street
INLAND Spring Pop-Up
What: Attention fashionistas, this weekend there will be an incredible spring pop-up sale featuring men, women and unisex apparel and accessories from over 70 Canadian designers.
When: May 5 and 6
Where: QRC West, 134 Peter Street
TOJam: Toronto Game Jam
What: Calling all gamers! Toronto Game Jam is a FREE, annual, open-to-the-public event where the craziest game makers in the world gather for a 3-day game making binge.
When: May 5 to 7
Where: GBC Library Learning Commons, 341 King East
PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend
What: This weekend, come and find your new furever friend at PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend at all PetSmart stores across Canada. A majority of the pets looking for homes will be cats and kittens, along with many other furry friends.
When: May 5 to 7
Where: PetSmart stores across Canada
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 5 to 7
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Major/Minor: Bloordale Music and Arts Festival
What: Spring is in full bloom, so the moment has come to turn off the Netflix, get off the couch, and get cultured. The Major/Minor: Bloordale Music and Arts Festival is the prefect reason to head West for a weekend of eclectic events, including The Dupe Shop Mixtape Party, a workshop on how to decorate your bike, and a collage workshop too! Basically, this festival is the perfect crash course in how to be a hipster.
When: May 5 to 7
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Veggielicious
What: Come and experience the 6th annual Veggielicious, where you can share enjoy a prix-fixe menu or plant-based offering with the growing veg community during this two-week celebration of delicious and compassionate cuisine.
When: May 5 to 21
Where: Various restaurants throughout the city
Body of Colour
What: Body of Colour is an exhibit that features a collaboration between abstract painter, Callen Schaub and fashion photographer, Stef Eleoff. The exhibit focuses on the mixing and pouring of paint over the human form. Paint covered models are spun and photographed, captured in moments of elegance and wonder.
When: May 5 to 28, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Project Studios, 184 Munro Street (back entrance)
Pampered Pooches T.O.
What: This is a FREE fun-filled event for you and your dog(s) that dog lovers definitely don’t want to miss. With 45 vendors, this one-day event features food, fashion, pet health, grooming and so much more. This one-stop-pooch-shop offers a unique shopping and infotainment market geared for the urban dog lover.
When: May 6, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Liberty Village
Big Brunch Derby Day
What: It’s time to break out your biggest hat because Derby Day is fast approaching. This Prohibition era-themed event promises an afternoon of bubbles, brunch-themed appetizers and fundraising with special guests and raffle prizes in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto.
When: May 6, noon to 5 pm
Where: CC Lounge & Whisky Bar, 45 Front Street East
CincoFest
What: More like sexto de mayo, amirite? If you can’t satisfy your cinco experience in a single day, follow up on Saturday split between Baro and El Caballito. A single ticket includes access and a complimentary tequila cocktail at each venue, free swag, and a menu of festive $5 cinco foods.
When: May 6, 3 pm to 8 pm
Where: Baro, 485 King Street West, Toronto; El Caballito, 220 King Street West
Derby Day
What: Hosted by Woodbine Racetrack in the Northern Dancer Room, this race-day event promises food and drink including a whiskey bar, live entertainment, a nail bar, and a contest for the best dressed. Whether you care for horse races or not, Derby Day is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and drink a mint julep.
When: May 6, 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Boulevard
Leslieville Food & Drink Festival
What: Come and taste what the Eastside has to offer at this one-day food fest. In addition to eating and drinking, look forward to dancing, live music, and DJs along with local artists, food and wine pairing seminars, and an artisanal food market taking over the 9,000 square foot venue.
When: May 6, 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: District 28, 28 Logan Avenue
Lea Michele
What: Singer, author, award winning actress and former Glee star Lea Michele brings songs from her album Places to Massey Hall. In January, Michele performed three intimate sold-out shows in support of the new album, and due to fan demand announces this limited North American run of shows.
When: May 6 at 8 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
JoJo
What: Singer-songwriter JoJo, who sang the hit breakup track “Leave” will be hitting up Toronto with her Mad Love Tour. She released her debut album with Atlantic Records, Mad Love in 2016, which also happened to be her first LP in ten years.
When: May 6, 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Phoenix Concert Hall, 410 Sherbourne Street
Follow Channels and Categories