Can you believe that March Break is already here? From March 11th to March 15th, schools are closed in Ontario! March Break is the perfect time to spend extra quality time with family, explore the city, and embark on some fun activities. While vacationing somewhere warm and tropical is always a delight, there are plenty of fun (and free) things to do right here in Toronto to keep you and the fam entertained.
Since it’s been record-breaking warm this winter, outdoor rinks may not be the best option for your skating endeavours, but that’s what indoor rinks are for! Luckily, there are a ton of indoor skating rinks in Toronto that offer free entry, so you can get your last skate in before spring. Click here to see details on Toronto’s Drop-In Skating programs.
Skating isn’t your thing? Don’t fret. Pretend you’re somewhere tropical and go swimming at one of Toronto’s many rec centres. For March Break, city pools are offering free swimming.
Entry is free at both High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm, which are home to an array of animals worth visiting. High Park Zoo is open daily from dawn to dusk and has domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle, and yaks. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where visitors can see domestic farm animals such as pigs, horses, and sheep.
Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, Toronto Island Park is a great place to walk, cycle, explore, and enjoy the city skyline with the family for a day trip! If the weather is nice, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you’re there!
Looking to kill some time and learn something new? Visit one of Toronto’s 10 History museums over the March Break! Fun fact: They all offer free admission.
Check out the art installations at Winter Stations while they’re still up! For over ten years, Winter Stations has been an international design competition held annually in Toronto, reimagining lifeguard stands. You’re sure to be impressed and entertained while walking alongside the lake.
Sugar Shack Toronto is back on Toronto’s Waterfront on March 9th and 10th! Sugar Beach will be transformed into a maple-filled, Canadiana Extravaganza with plenty of exciting things to do that the whole family can enjoy. From maple-infused food to a Circus Lumberjack show, you don’t want to miss this free-to-enter event.
When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to get out and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a long, challenging hike that will get your heart pumping or just want to get out for some fresh air and great views, we have a list of the best hiking trails in Toronto for you to enjoy.
Just in case the March Break weather isn’t as nice as we all hope it is, you can still get around some nature and greenery during the break in one of the 6 greenhouses that Allan Gardens has to offer! It’s a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of plants from all around the world, in Toronto.
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If you’re starting to feel the Christmas spirit already, then you’ll want to head to CF Toronto Eaton Centre to watch its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities are always stellar and you might even catch a glimpse of Toronto royalty, including tennis star Bianca Andreescu.
“Our goal at Cadillac Fairview is to create memorable and share-worthy holiday experiences for our community,” said Sheila Jennings, General Manager, CF Toronto Eaton Centre in a release. “This year, we’re taking our tree lighting tradition to new heights, where we’ll leverage the power of the community to come together and light the tree with new interactive elements. We can’t wait to meet you there!”
However if you want to meet the tennis star, make sure you show up early. Newswire reports that Bianca is set to arrive at 5:30 p.m. Rumour has it that Andreescu will be taking photos with fans for an hour!
This year, Cadillac Fairview has partnered with Starbucks Canada as a presenting sponsor to promote holiday cheer and goodwill.
“We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of CF Toronto Eaton Centre’s highly anticipated Tree Lighting event for the second year in a row,” said Peter Furnish, Vice President, Marketing at Starbucks Canada. “Over the years, Cadillac Fairview has built an inspiring tradition that aligns with our commitment to our communities and we can’t wait to help ignite the joy of the holidays for everyone!”
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to CF Toronto Eaton Centre for the tree lighting ceremony because another ceremony will be taking place at CF Markville on Friday, November 15.
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With Halloween (just) behind us, it seems we’re all starting to switch our gears over to all things holiday. Shopping for gifts, decor, and food can get pretty pricy so if you’re looking to save where you can, then you won’t want to miss out on these super fun and free events happening this November in Toronto.
Celebrate Mexico on Day of the Dead at Stackt Market this weekend on November 2. Not only can you catch one of two screenings of the movie Coco, but you can also watch live Lucha Libre wrestling. Kids can get their faces painted, while adults can enjoy live music from Viva Mexico Mariachi and live DJs. There will be food from La Brea Street Food, Frisaca, ConMiTaco, and more, plus make sure to stop by the Jarritos booth for a bevvy.
Attention all gamers! Head to The Berkeley Bicycle Club on November 2 or 3 to check out Canada’s first Nintendo Switch Playhouse. Across multiple rooms, you’ll experience the Nintendo Switch family of systems and some of the brands hottest new releases for the holiday season, including The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and the brand-new Nintendo Switch Lite.
Head to Hudson’s Bay on Queen Street on November 7 for a discussion with Color Me Courtney’s Courtney Quinn and Bumble’s Emily Ramshaw as they talk all about the inspiration behind Hudson’s Bay’s new playful collection. In addition to free gift wrapping, you can even bring your pup for a great photo op!
The middle of any month can easily feel like you’re going through a slump, but this month you can get your hands on a free slice of tasty Pizzaiolo pizza to shake things up. On November 13, all 40 of the GTA’s Pizzaiolo locations will be offering a free slices of gourmet pizza from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. While the pizza is free, donations will be accepted in support of Feed Ontario.
While admission to the Toronto Christmas Market is charged on weekends, if you go during the week, you can get in for free! Don’t miss out on experiencing all the fun including great photo ops, indulging in all the tasty treats, shopping for holiday prezzies, and of course, spending quality time with the fam. The Christmas Market is a Toronto icon and its light display and giant Christmas tree make the holidays feel so magical.
Come together and take in the magic that is the Eaton Centre tree lighting ceremony. Kick off the holiday season and watch the iconic 108-foot-tall Christmas tree come alive with spectacular lights. This is the mall’s fourth annual Tree Lighting event and it marks the unofficial start to Toronto’s holiday season. The tree lighting ceremony takes place at James Street entrance on Level 2 and runs from 6:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.
On the third Monday of every month, the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) blesses us with a night of free admission. This is a great chance to take in some culture in the museums 40 permanent galleries. Bring the whole family in from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If you thought wellness practices had to cost you an arm and a leg, think again because on November 16 and 17 at Detox Market on Spadina, you can take part in a wellness weekend. Take part in a free yoga class thanks to Yoga Tree on Sunday, November 17th at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition to the yoga, you can also sample and shop natural health supplements from Niyama Yoga Wellness, browse collections by good hYOUman, and even have the chance to win prizes all weekend long.
The famed Santa Claus Parade comes back to Toronto for it’s 115th year and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The parade is taking a new route this year that’ll begin at Parliament Street and will travel south on University Ave before ending at St. Lawrence Market.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday November 23, celebrate the festive season in Bloor-Yorkville with a light ceremony, and a live performance by Ruth B., who won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2017.
Nothing feels more like the holidays than getting your skate on at a skating rink, right? Head to Union Station on November 29 until January 4th to go for a skate. This is the first time that Union Station’s Sir John A. McDonald Plaza on Front Street will be home to a free outdoor skating rink in Toronto, that’s approximately half of the size of an NHL ice rink. What’s even better is that even skating lessons, skate rentals, and helmet rentals will also be offered by TD and Union for free.
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Thanksgiving weekend is finally here! It’s time for a much needed long weekend and everything else the Thanksgiving holiday brings, usually including tons of food and quality time with the people around us. It seems we all spend Thanksgiving doing different things and having different traditions. No matter how you usually spend your Thanksgiving, there thankfully is tons to do in Toronto over the long weekend (and they’re free!)
Where: 70 Canuck Ave, North York
When: October 12 – 14, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Toronto Pumpkinfest is running all Thanksgiving weekend long, with activities to do for all ages! The festival has tons of fun things to do whether you’re spending time with your family, having a fun day out with friends, or want something to do with your SO, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you. Pumpkin Fest features a pumpkin patch, different rides, plenty of food and other vendors, contests, and of course the Big Pumpkin. This festival is sure to spice up your Instagram feed with all the fall vibes!
Where: 1150 Queen Street West
When: October 13, 10 p.m.
If you’re looking for something to do to celebrate having Monday off, check out All Vinyl Everything that’s happening at Drake Underground. Featuring DJ Darrel, DJ Agile, Mista Jiggz, and Mensa, it’ll be a vinyl-tastic evening. If you’re in the mood for some great music and a good time, you can join in on all the fun for free, but just make sure you RSVP first!
Where: Evergreen Brickworks – 550 Bayview Ave
When: October 14 – 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Brewer’s Backyard – Torontober Fest is a fun beer festival happening this Thanksgiving Monday! This fest is featuring multiple different breweries, 9 to be exact, so you’ll have tons of great brew options to try. The festival will even have some amazing food choices and we’re betting that there’ll be something for everyone! If you love beer and a good time, it’s totally worth checking out.
Where: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
When: October 12 and 13, 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
While the AGO is closed Thanksgiving Monday, but is open the Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. The AGO offers free admission to those who have an annual pass, and to anyone who is 25 and under and to Indigenous folks. This Thanksgiving weekend, the AGO is debuting the exhibit: Early Rubens. Visiting the gallery is a great way to occupy your time and also experience some great art, history, and conversation with the whole fam!
Nature walks and hikes are a simple and quite refreshing activity you can do over the long-weekend. Toronto is the home of some great scenic trails – and they’re all free to check out! If you’re looking for something to do this Thanksgiving weekend, you should definitely take some time to visit a local trail. After all, fall is a great time to appreciate the nature and beauty we are surrounded by! Plus, it’s a great way to walk off a heavy and rich meal.
Where: Square One, Mississauga
When: October 7 – 13
If you’re willing to track a little bit outside Toronto, FUJIFILM is holding an exhibit at Square One to showcase prints of those who entered its print contest. The exhibit ends Thanksgiving Sunday, so if you want to check out the cool prints, now is the time!
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Even though spring still hasn’t really sprung in the city quite yet, don’t let that stop you from getting outside and experiencing all the fun events that Toronto has to offer. This month, there are so many events that won’t cost you a single penny to enjoy. From meditation classes to taking in a gorgeous fireworks display, it’s all here!
Instagram/@canadianopera
This free concert series takes place in the Four Seasons Centre For The Performing Arts right at Queen and University. From September to May, you can discover new artists and experience the joy of live performance. These artists are from around the world and are sharing their talent and passion in six different series: vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber, and world music.
Instagram/@focusmindspace
From April 29 – May 12, take a breather and head over to Toronto’s newest meditation hotspot, +focus mindspace for free classes. Located at Queen and Ossington, this bright and airy space is ultra soothing and is sure to bring some calm into your day.
Instagram/@contactphoto
If photography is your thing, then make sure you check out the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival happening from May 1 – 31. With over 200 exhibitions, this is the largest photography event in the world. Founded in 1997, CONTACT is a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to celebrating fostering the art of photography.
Discover one of Toronto’s greatest time capsules that is Galleria Mall. Part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Festival, artist Shari Kasman spent lots of time there and is exhibiting the mall’s memorable past. Having been maintained authentically since 1972, it’s like taking a step into the past!
It’s back! From May 3-4, shop and support 70 local Canadian designers and makers at the 10th edition of INLAND. Admission is free but we’re not responsible for the damage you do. This fashion pop-up is a fave among Toronto’s most stylish and it’s becoming more and more important to support our own.
Instagram/@parkdalevillage
One of the coolest neighbourhoods in Toronto is Parkdale and this festival is the perfect way to experience all it has to offer. On May 11, head to the west end to take in the 1.4km sidewalk sale and shop the night market but don’t forget to taste all the delicious eats that are also available, if you purchase a food ticket. Entry to the market is totally free so bring the whole fam!
Instagram/@torontoartisan by @saradianaphotography
Stroll on over to Trinity Bellwoods Park to celebrate local arts, crafts, and the community at Toronto Artisan Market happening on May 12 from 11 A.M -5 P.M. The market takes place every second Sunday from May to September.
Enter the brilliant world of Tiffany with this immersive Infinity Mirrors-inspired pop-up at Yorkdale. The Tiffany T pop-up celebrates the iconic brand and is located right in front of Holt Renfrew! How cool, right?
Instagram/@northernheatribseries
Love ribs and beer? Do yourself a favour and check out Northern Heat Rib & Craft Beer Fest happening May 16-19 at Yonge Dundas Square. Admission is free but if you want to eat, bring a few bucks with you. Take a quick look over at the website because it can get you $3.00 of ribs, skip the line passes, and even a chance to win free ribs!
Instagram/@arjsun
Ring in the first long weekend of summer with a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridge’s Bay. This amazing pyrotechnic show will feature approx. 2,000 fireworks plus a show-stopping finale at the end!
Featured Image: Instagram/@mindz.eye
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If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably already seen a ton of stylish pictures taken in front of a mysterious construction in Toronto. The construction called “Unzipped Toronto” is located on King West and represents the neighborhood’s future.
This massive interactive installation was designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) as part of an annual architectural program at the Serpentine Galleries in London. The structure has been made of 1,802 fibreglass ‘blocks’ that create a wall at the top, which undulates to the bottom.
“Unzipped” stands at 14 metres (46 feet) tall, 12 metres (39 feet) wide, and 27 metres (88.5 feet) long and represents large-scale models of 10 Westbank projects.
The temporary exhibit is free to the public and will stay open until November 2018. Book free tickets at unzippedtoronto.com and don’t forget to bring your camera.
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Featured image: Instagram/ @devasia.renju
Make the most out of every last second of summer with these 6 free events taking place in Toronto this weekend!
Every weekend this month, the Waterfront Artisan Market will feature incredible food from spots like The Mighty Cob, Booyah Inc, AIRY Bakes, and more of your favourite vendors. There will also be local artisans selling their crafts.
Location: HTO Park (339 Queens Quay West)
Date: September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 (check website for times)
Experience Ukrainian culture and hospitality at its best with non-stop entertainment, including dancers, vocalists, musicians, and a special youth segment. Vendor kiosks will offer delicious, authentic Ukrainian food and beverages, beautiful crafts and collectibles to shop.
Location: Bloor West Village
Date: September 14-16 (check the website for hours)
Looking to add someone new and cute to your family? PetSmart Charities of Canada has partnered with animal welfare organizations across the country to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores to give them a helping hand at finding a forever home. . Last National Adoption Weekend over 1,800 pets found forever homes from dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, small pets and more!
Location: PetSmart Locations (Across Canada)
Date: September 14-16
Sections of Yonge Street are car-free for the day, with lots of exciting activities going on.
Location: Bloor & Yonge Street
Date: September 16 (check website for hours)
If you’ve never seen a guinea pig red carpet surrounded by Piggie Paparazzi or a Piggie Pageant (yes, a pageant for guinea pigs) then you need to mark your calendar right now! Sponsored by PetSmart, this annual event welcomes guinea pigs, their pet parents, enthusiasts, and other small pets! You have the option to donate upon entry to support Helping Homeless Pets and Piggles Cares (formerly Piggles Rescue).
Location: Greenwood Park (11 am – 4 pm)
Date: September 15
The Evergreen Brick Works’ Saturday Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Come and enjoy good food from local farmers, food producers, and chefs.
Location: Evergreen Brick Works
Date: September 8, 15, 22, & 29 (8am to 1pm)
Featured image: Instagram/ @uptowncavies
August is the time to enjoy every last drop of summer, so don’t waste a single moment! Get outside, visit some of the best summer festivals, go to a concert… When it comes to Toronto, your options are endless. To help you make the most of the last weeks of summer 2018, we’ve rounded up the top events happening in the city this month. Check them out below!
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Caribbean Carnival’s Grande Parade is coming to Toronto on August 4 and bringing dozens of masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes. Come to Lake Shore Boulevard and enjoy the masqueraders and steelpan performers.
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Arctic Monkeys are coming back with a tour and a stop in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre! Tickets ranging between $49 and $280+ dollars.
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On Saturday, August 11, the inaugural Rosé Picnic will be taking over Hotel X Toronto for a day of pink and white attire, strolling fashion shows, make-up touch-ups with Lancôme, mini-manicures at the nail bar, a Peller Estates Flower Wall & Flower Crown station, food by celebrity Chef Mark McEwan, and of course, your favourite pink drink.
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If you’re looking for a high-energy dance party that goes all day and into the evening – complete with the view of the city – you’ll find it at Electric Island. The event offers a wide assortment of DJs, food vendors, some inevitable costume-clad guests and an excuse to hit the island.
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Arts in the Parks brings free, family-friendly arts events and activities to a park near you. Think theatre performances, light shows, dance classes, workshops, movies, festivals and all things glowing right in your backyard.
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Until August 19 Christie Pits Film Festival offers weekly series of outdoor film screenings. This month you will be able to see such movies as Amelie and Before Sunrise. According to the organizers, “The festival’s carefully curated programme includes a combination of popular and critically-acclaimed feature films alongside local and Canadian short and feature films that allow us to celebrate excellent homegrown talent.”
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Everyone’s favourite Ed Sheeran is coming back to Toronto at the end of summer for another pitstop. His shows are a must-see!
Featured image: Instagram/ @therosepicnic
There are a ton of things to do for this long weekend in Toronto but they most likely will cost you quite a pretty penny. We were able to find a few events going on that cost absolutely nothing to attend and are located right in the city. Here are our top 6 favourites:
Come to the waterfront to catch a little bit of that island soul and experience the rich legacy of Caribbean music heard through Canada and around the world.
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Date: August 3, 2018 to August 6, 2018
Arts in the Parks brings free, family-friendly arts events and activities to a park near you. Think theatre performances, light shows, dance classes, workshops, movies, festivals and all things glowing right in your backyard! Donations are gratefully accepted. Rain Date: August 18/19 at 6pm.
Location: Flemington Park
Date: August 4, 2018
Experience the warmth and hospitality that are the core of Middle Eastern culture while exploring unique food and vendors that are found in the heart of the city. Appreciate the vibrant art, music and dance that will surround you as you expand your palate and taste the 1001 Flavours that the Middle Eastern culture has to offer. Proceeds will give back to the largest food rescue charity in Canada, Second Harvest.
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Date: August 4, 2018
Enjoy Tommy Thompson Park’s vistas by bike, from city skyline to open lake views, you most definitely won’t be disappointed. Make sure to bring your own bike.
Location: Tommy Thompson Park
Date: August 4, 2018
The streets become the stage for the masqueraders and steelpan performers. It might be $10 – $20 to enter the exhibition place but most of the parade is held on Lakeshore Boulevard, which is free.
Location: Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard
Date: August 4, 2018
Choose between over 50+ different Indian cuisines to sample at this foodie heaven. This year vendors will have sample plates of their favourite dishes for under $10. Admission is free.
Location: Nathan Philips Square
Date: August 5, 2018
Featured Image: Instagram/@epic_carnival