“April showers bring May flowers,” so they say. While we’re still waiting on those flowers (and Spring in general) don’t let the rain dampen your spirits. Grab an umbrella and get out because there are a slew of awesome events happening in the city this month to occupy your time. Before you know it, the grey skies will be gone and you’ll be hanging out with your friends in the sun. Take a look a the top 10 things to do this May in Toronto and the GTA below:

The Halal Guys Toronto Grand Opening (May 5)

You may have heard that The Halal Guys are coming to Toronto! The grand opening is happening this Friday, May 5, and to celebrate the fast-casual eatery is giving the first 500 guests a chance to spin a wheel and win prizes including merch and discount vouchers. Better yet, sign up for their loyalty program and be entered to win one of five 1-month free food vouchers to the Toronto location.

Image: Instagram/@thehalalguys

INLAND Spring Pop-Up (May 5 – 6)

Here at StyleDemocracy we like to keep you informed on the best shopping in the city and what we like even more is supporting home-grown brands! Head out to the INLAND Spring Pop-Up on May 5 and 6 to shop over 70 Canadian fashion, apparel and accessory brands for both men and women. See the designer lineup here.

Cincofest 2017 (May 6)

Cinco de Mayo may be on the 5th, but Cincofest doesn’t want the fiesta to stop there! Join them in a barhop to Baro and El Caballito on May 6 where the tequila will be flowing and the music will be going. $25 tickets include two drinks and some awesome swag. The fiesta is over when we say it’s over!

Image: Instagram/@elcaballito

Mother’s Day Chocolate Tour (May 13)

Does your mom love chocolate? Then you’re looking at the best Mother’s Day gift you could offer! Go on and show your mom how “sweet” you can be and take her on the Mother’s Day Chocolate Tour by Tasty Tours. Tickets are $39 and include sampling of chocolate and goodies at six unique food stores, chocolate making demos and more.

Rib and Craft Beer Fest (May 18)

Rib and Craft Beer Fest is taking over Yonge-Dundas Square on May 18. Come with friends and come hungry – it’s BBQ Month after all! Along with the ribs and craft beer, bite into treats like funnel cakes and ice cream, savoury snacks like poutine and burgers, plus so much more. Not to mention, there will be a tonne of live entertainment too, so take a break when you’re feeling full, digest and then go back for round two (or three, or four).

Image: Instagram/@northernheattribseries

Toronto Foam Festival 2017 (May 21)

The Victoria Day long weekend is about to get sudsy! Join Orchid Entertainment Venue on May 21 for the wildest party of the year, Toronto Foam Festival 2017. The foam alone makes this party awesome – add in lasers, the hottest Top 40, dance hall, house and mashups, and you get a gathering that sounds epic. Grab tickets starting at $15 here.

Electric Island (May 22)

If foam parties aren’t your thing, but you feel like dancing your a** off head out to the Toronto Islands on May 22 for the first series of Electric Island. Taking place at Hanlan’s point, share your time between two stages and kicking back with your friends in the sun.  To see the full lineup of DJs this year and to grab tickets, head here and here.

Image: Instagram/@electricislandto

Chance the Rapper (May 24)

There’s a whole slew of notable artists coming to Toronto this month, Chance the Rapper being one of them! Catch him on that Budweiser stage on May 24, rain or shine. Regular tickets are sold out but don’t fret, there are a tonne of resale tickets available if you’re willing to pay slightly more.

The Weeknd – Starboy (May 26)

No one can deny that The Weeknd had a killer year! If your one of his many fans you’ll be excited to hear that the Starboy is playing in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on May 26. Same deal as with Chance the Rapper, regular tickets are sold out but you can still scoop up resale tickets here.

Image: Instagram/@theweeknd

Lift Cannabis Expo (May 27)

With weed legalization fast approaching, it’s no secret that the marijuana industry is a growing market. So if you’re a fan of the green stuff or just plain curious, you should definitely check out the Lift Cannabis Expo on May 27. Nearly 200 leading exhibitors from around the globe will be gathering together making this Canada’s biggest cannabis trade show. Grab tickets starting at $30 – it’s bound to be interesting!

Did we miss any of the top things to do this month in Toronto and the GTA?

Featured Image: Instagram/@theweeknd

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The extremely popular New York-based The Halal Guys have set their eyes on an ambitious expansion with the opening of their first Ontario location at 563 Yonge Street on May 5th, 2017.

The Halal Guys developed a cult-like following in New York city attracting massive lines and happy customers. The concept is simple,  give customers generous servings of delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in a fast-casual dining environment.

Doors will open at 11:00 am on Friday, May 5th and the first 300 guests will be treated to chances at winning prizes, discounts and The Halal Guys swag.

Get ready, there’s a new shwarma player in town!