February is over and we’re not sad to see it go. While getting by during a regular month is sometimes tough, losing a couple of days from your pay period during a leap year is even tougher. Though it may seem trivial, to some of us that could mean our disposable income is lacking during the month of March or even worse… non-existent!!! But bear with us. Toronto has a ton of fun things to do this month that won’t cost you a dime. Take a look at 10 free events in Toronto and the GTA this March below:
Celebrate Toronto (March 5 & 6)
Toronto has a birthday coming up! Celebrate the city’s 183rd year with performances, shopping, food, interactive activities, skating and more at the 2-day festival in Nathan Phillips Square – basically everything you love about Toronto, all in one place.
Ban This Series (March 6 – 8)
Living under a 24-hour news umbrella is hard at times and in light of recent events, it’s more important now than ever that we stand together. The Ban This series happening at Hot Docs will bring you a whole new world of perspective as they showcase documentaries from each country that was banned entry to the US.
Image: Instagram/@hustarabim
Free Toronto Job Fair (March 9)
ATTN job seekers! A massive free Toronto Job Fair is taking place at the One King West Hotel on March 9. We’re talking thousands of job openings, career services, education, and training. Register to attend online and get your sh*t together – it’s time to be an adult!
Sugar Shack TO (March 12)
Sugar beach is about to get even sweeter with a ton of tasty fun! Sugar Shack TO will be serving up fresh maple taffy all weekend long with interactive entertainment like ice sculptures, giant ice Tic-Tac-Toe, food and live music. Plus hot chocolate also is included with free admission and the traditional cabane à sucre activities – nobody passes up on that!
Image: Facebook/@WaterfrontToronto
Toronto Green Market (March 12)
Start Spring off on the right foot and be friendly to the Earth at the Toronto Green Market. The eco-friendly gathering will be back in town on March 12 with a curated selection of Toronto’s best natural, sustainable, and organic health and wellness products and food. As always, admission is free since you can’t put a price on saving the world.
A Day of Puppies (March 18)
Possibly the cutest Saturday to occur in history, A Day of Puppies will be taking place at Lululemon on Queen West in partnership with Lilo Superfood Company and Save Our Scruff. The drop-in event will feature grab-and-go acai bowl samples, a photo booth, fitness classes, a DJ and more, along with lots and lots of puppies! And if your heart out-weighs your wallet, know that you might be leaving with a newly rescued furry friend.
Image: Instagram/@saveourscruff
Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Spring Break Edition (March 19)
Whoa, time flies! Winter is almost done and we’re not sad to see it go – neither is the Trinity Bellwoods Flea. Catch their Spring Edition on March 19 and join them for a day of local artisans, local food, and locally crafted cocktails. Once again, admission is free so happy window shopping… or bring a pal who can lend you a few bucks.
Bunz Flea Trading Zone (March 21)
Head over to the Gladstone on March 21 and get ready to barter until your face turns blue. Bunz Flea Trading Zone is back for the third time around and you can bet there will be a ton of good stuff! Fill out an application and for those who are unfamiliar with the concept, the market accepts both cash and goods as currency. Spring cleaning, anyone?
Image: Instagram/@eclipsevintage
401 Art Hunt (March 31)
Not your average scavenger hunt! The 401 Art Hunt will be hiding Artist Trading Cards all over the heritage building at 401 Richmond on March 31. Plus, finders keepers! Your newfound treasure becomes your ticket to a music and food event in the Urbanspace Gallery. Register here.
Lululemon Community Yoga (Every Friday)
Stretch out and break out of your winter habits at a free community Yoga class at Lululemon on Queen St West. Held every Friday during the month, the class will definitely have you feeling refreshed and out of your cold-weather slump. Find the weekly schedule to signup for a class here.
Image: Instagram/@lululemonto
Did we miss any of the top free events in Toronto and the GTA this month?
Another year, another Valentine’s Day, another empty wallet. Just because you’re young and in love doesn’t mean you have to be young and reckless. Think like an adult this year and remember, it’s always the thought that counts – not the budget, even when we’re talking about Valentine’s Day so to speak. Lucky for you, whether it’s a new found romance you’re not quite ready to invest in, you’re frugal AF or you’re just broke, there are a ton of romantic and affordable activities happening in the city. Take a look at the top cheap dates for Valentine’s Day in Toronto below:
Grown Games Night (February 10)
Grown a** adults can have fun too! Grab your boo and get in touch with the kid inside at Grown Games Night on February 10th at the United Steele Workers Hall. Try your hands at Jenga, Soca Twister and so much more during the Anti-Valentine’s Day games night. Shhhh! They don’t have to know it’s a date. Get tickets for $5 here.
The Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair (February 11)
Don’t miss the sexiest fair of the year – The Erotic Arts & Crafts Fair will be spicing things up at The Gladstone Hotel on February 11th from 10 am to 4 pm. Browse a wide assortment of erotic-inspired objects created by knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types for a truly saucy Valentine’s Day.
Image: The Gladstone Hotel
Love Struck Karaoke (February 11)
The Melody Bar at The Gladstone will be hosting their weekly Fameless Karaoke night but this one’s a little different… In light of Valentine’s Day, attendees are encouraged to pick a song from a curated list of love ballads. So stare your boo down and sing your heart out, cuz even if your voice sucks your lover will only have eyes for you. Remember, love is blind, so the saying goes – or deaf in this case.
Beer Mine? A Night of Brew-mance (February 11)
Will you beer mine? Fall in love at first sip during A Night of Brew-mance at Mill St Beer Hall. From 6 pm to 1 am, get hopped up on love to soulful beats, and live music by Jeremy De Freitas and DJ Humble Mike, while you down some smooth brews. No cover, no worries – just love!
Image: Instagram/@millstreetbrew
Heart Opening Yoga (February 11)
Stretch it out and open your hearts! Lululemon will be holding a special 75-minute heart opening yoga class so that you and your S.O. can melt away any tension and feel peaceful AF. Plus you’ll also be feeling super limber which will come in handy for later activities if you know what we mean. Register for $10 here and bring a towel, along with an open heart (mats provided).
Milk Bar Pop-up (February 12 & 13)
Make this Valentine’s Day as sweet as can be – literally and figuratively. Chef Christina Tosi, founder and owner of Milk Bar, will be popping up with her award-winning desserts at The Drake Hotel for a delicious meet and treat. Think souped up White Russians and dessert cocktails that you and your S.O. can lovingly share. Call or email host@thedrakehotel.ca to make a reservation.
Image: Instagram/@itscamilleco
Romance Short Film Festival (February 13)
If you or your S.O. are hopeless romantics, head out to the Romance Short Film Festival at Carlton Cinema for sweet, sappy, and moving films about love. Prepare to be all doe-eyed as you watch this year’s flicks, which we might add are free to see or by donation – it’s up to you. Be inspired and then live out your own picture-perfect romance IRL.
Skating at Nathan Phillips
If you still haven’t skated yet this winter, now’s your chance! Pretty soon the snow will be melting, so why not make your last skate one for the books?! Hold hands and look all coupley and cute as you shimmy on down the ice with your beloved. For details on skate rentals, head here.
Image: Instagram/@yesica_so
Ever Green Brickworks Winter Village
FYI: It’s the last month of Ever Green Brick Works’ Winter Village – one of our favourite winter outings! Eat, shop, and play as you explore the different markets, then cozy up near a fire pit with your boo. It’s the perfect winter getaway you can take, without actually leaving the city.
A Cheap Dinner Date
If food is the way to your lover’s heart then woo your boo (and your bank account) with a cheap dinner date. Remember, just because it costs less, doesn’t mean it isn’t freakin’ delicious, plus food that doesn’t leave a huge dent in your wallet always taste a little sweeter. Take a look at some cheap dinner date suggestions here.
Image: Instagram/@deeeeeeeeeeeeeegs