There’s no denying that Toronto is festival crazy and with summer just around the corner (we promise!) the fun is just beginning. After your done shopping all of the best online weekend sales, get outside and explore a festival or five. Whether you love lies with brunch, art, classical music or fur friends, you’re sure to find a festival on this list that you fancy.
Woofstock
When: Sat. May 27 to Sun. May 28
Where: Woodbine Park
What: If you’re the type who goes straight to the dog at the party, this festival is for you. Dogs from around the city will gather for the 14th annual Woofstock, North America’s largest outdoor festival for four-legged fur friends. Visitors can expect main stage contests (think a Mr. and Mrs. Canine pageant, costumes and Canines Got Talent), celebrity dog meet-n-greets, live entertainment (dog races, stunt dogs and cooking tutorials to name a few), free dog surfing lessons and more. Get full details about the event here.
Brunch Fest
When: Fri. May 26 to Sun. May 28
Where: 99 Sudbury St.
What: If there’s one thing Torontonians love more than festivals, it’s brunch! For three days, a group of the city’s finest restaurants and food trucks will be gathering to serve up a bunch of good eats. Stuff your face with servings of eggs Benedict, waffles, breakfast poutine, pancakes and more, and wash it all down with Bud Light Radler (the event’s sponsor). Get full details about the event here.
Lobster Eggs Bennie by Buster’s Sea Cove for Brunch Fest (Image: Instagram/@cheflifetoronto)
Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival
When: On now until Wed. May 31
Where: Multiple venues across the city
What: If you haven’t heard, Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival is the largest North American festival of its kind. Now in its 20th year, the event has 20 primary exhibitions at major museums and galleries plus 20 public installations. Locations are scattered across the city at over 150 venues and feature over 1500 Canadian and international artists. Best part yet? It’s all free! Get full details about the event here.
Barbados on the Water Festival
When: Fri. May 26 to Sun. May 28
Where: Harbourfront Centre
What: Take a trip to the Caribbean without even having to leave the city! Taking over the Harbourfront Centre is the Barbados on the Water Festival, put on in partnership with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The three day festival will celebrate Barbadian culture with music, fashion, literary events and children’s activities, plus a rum tasting and epic dance parties. Get full details about the event here.
Barbados on the Water (Image: ToDoCanada.ca)
Toronto Bach Festival
When: Fri. May 26 to Sun. May 28
Where: St. Barnabas on the Danforth (361 Danforth Avenue)
What: Fans of classical music, more specifically Johann Sebastian Bach, will be excited to hear that this weekend will be jam-packed full of the composer’s greatest hits. Each day will feature a different concert. While festival passes are all sold out, you can still purchase single day tickets. It’s sure to be a Bach-in’ good time. Get full event details here.
Featured Image: Instagram/@Woofstock
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Things are heating up in the city and spring romance is calling!
Whether you’re in a committed relationship or single and ready to mingle, the warmer weather beckons us to break hibernation and explore all the city has to offer. This season, give your wallet a break and say no to bad dates. Take your significant other or potential lover out on the town without breaking the bank by using our list of the best cheap dates in Toronto.
Thank us later.
Get your bowl on
Most people aren’t aware that The Ballroom offers free bowling on Sunday nights after 5pm. While you still have to pay for shoe rental ($5 per pair), that’s a pretty low price to pay for a night of fun. Oh, and did we mention that bar rails are just $4, and caesars and wine are $5 all day on Sundays? You’re welcome.
Scribble, scribble, scribble
Every Thursday from 5-11pm, Gladstone Hotel hosts free adult colouring nights. Set to the tune of hip hop beats, impress your date and get your scribble on with the free adult colouring book-style photos and pencil crayons on hand. Drinks aren’t included, but there are easy-on-the-wallet specials on offer.
Give back together
Do things a little differently for your next date and give back to the community. National Volunteer Week takes place April 23rd to 29th and there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Show some compassion and give a little piece of your heart to the community (and your date) – it’s the perfect way to really get to know one another! You can find a full list of volunteering opportunities in Toronto here.
Take in some live music at The Drake Hotel
Music junkies will love this springtime date idea. The Drake Hotel hosts a number of bands during the week in their lounge, and these shows are totally free to the public! Perk up your weeknights with free live performances from bands like Parkside Drive and The Digs, just make sure you leave room in your budget for a couple of drinks. See The Drake Hotel’s event listings here – they also have other free and equally intriguing events (think pie and coffee, and coffee cocktails) on deck for the season.
Celebrate our hometown heroes at Bleeding Blue
Does your date love the Toronto Blue Jays? Take ’em to the Bleeding Blue art exhibit at Steam Whistle Gallery, which is free to the public and open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm until April 30th. The exhibit features Blue Jays themed pieces by Canadian artist Samara Shuter. And if you have some extra dollars to spare, add in a brewery tour, which is only $12 per person – Steam Whistle samples included!
Laugh the night away at Yuk Yuk’s Amateur Night
Looking for a guaranteed good time? Yuk Yuk’s hosts Amateur Night every Tuesday which consists of two shows: one at 7:30 pm featuring students from Humber College School of Comedy and one at 9:30 pm featuring Yuk Yuk’s regular amateurs. Tickets are only $4 and will get you access to both shows. Our tip for the most cost effective evening? Opt to share a bottle of Chardonnay ($29) instead of ordering individual drinks, which can add up pretty quickly.
Take in Canada’s finest photography on an tour across the city
Get cultured and celebrate the 21st annual Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the world’s largest photography event of its kind. From May 1-31st, a range of Canadian artists will be showcased in free public installations and open exhibitions scattered throughout the Toronto. We suggest making a day of it, creating your own walking tour with stops across the city. Learn more about the festival here.
Check out the cherry blossoms in peak bloom at High Park
This year, High Park’s Nature Centre is predicting peak bloom to be sometime between May 3rd and 10th. Of course, this all depends on Mother Nature, but when it happens, we definitely suggest checking it out. Start your date off by grabbing a coffee or cheap bite on Roncesvalles (this guide will help you out!), and then stroll over to High Park and sneak a kiss under the blossoms. You’re sure to score some major romance points, and probably an Instagram photo or two, too. Oh, and if the date’s going well, prolong it and mosey on over to High Park Zoo.
Catch a Doc at Dusk
Take your date for a film under the stars and check out Hot Docs’ Docs at Dusk series. The first screening takes place on Thursday, May 4th at Innis Courtyard (weather permitting), premiering Give Me Future, a documentary about how Major Lazer became the first American performer to put on a show in Cuba. The event starts at 8pm and there will also be live music. Best part yet, it’s 100% free. Just remember to bring your own snacks and arrive early to ensure you get spots. Get full details about the event here.
Check out Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
Make your date an all day event and head to Kensington Market on Pedestrian Sundays where cars are given the boot and pedestrians are given free range. The streets of Toronto’s most colourful neighbourhood will be flooded with food, performers, dancers, music and vendors. Best of all, it’s mostly free! You’ll just need a couple of bucks on hands for any extra noshing. Pedestrian Sundays return to Kensington Market on May 28th, and happen every Sunday onward from 12-7pm.
Did we miss any fun and cheap dates in Toronto? Share them with us in the comment section.
Featured Image: The Digs via TheDrake.ca
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Spring finally seems to be right around the corner and with the warmer weather comes an itch. An itch to get out and have fun. Although, when you live in a city as expensive as Toronto, more often times than not your spending allowance seems to remain in a deep freeze – nothing green and growing here, folks. But lucky for you, the city has a ton of FREE events happening this month so you can still get out enjoy yourself, bill-free and stress-free. Take a look at 10 free things to do this month in Toronto below:
Free Latin Dance Fitness Class (April 9)
If you hate the gym and/or have ever wanted to salsa your way to rock-hard abs, then don’t miss this free latin dance fitness class at Fusion Cardio Toronto. This low to medium impact class is a great way to kick-start your workout routine and be on your way to that bikini-ready bod. The best part? It’s FREE! Sign up for the class here or find similar classes here.
Image: Fusion Cardio
Queen Street Run with Lululemon (April 10)
Get your ass in gear and get ready to pound the pavement. The Queen Street Lululemon crew is back for another run on April 10. The 6 km run is free to join and will be happening rain or shine. Think 6 km sounds intimidating? FYI: running with a crew is easier than running alone. Your new pals will help you get through it. Learn more here.
Parkdale Flea (April 9)
Every second Sunday of the month marks the Parkdale Flea!!! If you’re looking to get out and browse a wide selection of vintage goods, succulents, candles, accessories and so much more, then head on over to the neighbourhood on Sunday, April 9 – the forecast for beautiful weather is excuse enough!
Home Opener at Steam Whistle (April 11)
It’s bat flip season – you know the drill! Welcome back our boys in blue during the Home Opener at Steam Whistle on April 11. The event will include a batting cage, human-sized beer pong, live tunes and game day specials. While the beer may not be free, it sure beats paying double for an overly-priced tall can from a seat in the Rogers Centre that’s far, far away. Plus did we mention there’s no cover?
Image: Instagram/@bluejays
Spring Midnight MRKT (April 14)
Shop late. Eat late. Dance late. Drink late. Party late. Hang late… you get the idea. The Midnight MRKT is back for their Spring Edition on April 14 and they’re ringing in the start of market season with a ton of awesome local brands. Come out and window shop free-of-charge, or go for the live DJ tunes and street food (we’re sure you have some change lying around).
Corktown Easter Egg Hunt (April 16)
If you’re looking for something fun, free and tasty to do with the fam on Easter Sunday, don’t miss the Corktown Easter Egg Hunt. As all easter egg hunts go, kids will be encouraged to get out and try to find them all, while there will be chocolate treats, cider, Redline Coffee and more for the adults. BYOB (B stands for basket not beer).
Board Games Night (April 20)
Adult life is hard and has many, many bills to pay but that’s okay because on April 20 you can drop the act and pretend you’re a kid again at Board Games Night at The Station co-working space. Fanatics and newbies are welcome to come join other creatives in a night of laughs, snacks and a variety of games. May the best man win!
Image: Pexels
Drop, Swap & Shop at Evergreen Brick Works (April 23)
Get ready for another Drop, Swap & Shop event at Evergreen Brick Works this April 23. If you’re not familiar with the event, attendees bring in gently used items like clothing, accessories, dishes (anything really) in exchange for a ticket per each item. Once you’ve gathered your tickets, now it’s time to shop!!! Seeing as it’s Earth Month we can’t think of a better time to “reduce, reuse and recycle.”
Trinity Bellwoods Flea – April Showers Market (April 23)
We’re pretty sure that by now the Trinity Bellwoods Flea needs no introduction. Head out to the Great Hall on April 23 to browse their Spring edition, the April Showers Market. Discover local brands and food, enjoy live music and soak up some good vibes all for free admission. See the full list of vendors here and if can’t buy now, add to your shopping wish list.
CONTACT Photography Festival Opening Party (April 28)
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is back and this year they’re kicking things off with an opening night party at Ryerson University, open to all. Learn about all of this year’s installations and exhibits and schmooze with like-minded creatives. Plus map out all the free exhibits you’d like to see out of the 200 projects and events happening across the city.
Image: Instagram/@contactphoto
Did we miss any of the top free things to do this month in Toronto and the GTA?
Featured Image: Instagram/@2ndfloorevents
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