20 Things to Do in Toronto this Weekend

The weekend approaches, and there are many reasons to cheer-up. The summer breeze passes us by, and outdoor events and activities are just starting to pick up the pace in Toronto. As such, you have a vast assortment of choices before you for the weekend ahead.

So whether you are looking for things to do with your family, festivals in Toronto this weekend or things to do in Toronto this weekend for free, we’ve got you covered. This guide will explore the top things to do in Toronto this weekend, ranging from theater, cruise, festivals, parties, and more. Let’s get straight to it.

Things to do in Toronto this Weekend for Free

Feeling like having a good time with the gang without splurging too much money? Take a look at the top activities in Toronto this weekend that you can do for absolutely free:

1. Portugal. The Festa

Celebrate 70 years of Portuguese immigration to Canada with food and music. The fiesta will take place at Nathan Phillips Square and is a free-to-attend event for all ages. Catch renowned international artists like Pedro Abrunhosa and Barbara Bandeura perform during the festival, along with many other local artists as well. Enjoy Portuguese delicacies ranging from custard tarts to Sopa da Pedra and pamper your taste buds. This daytime event begins at 11 am at Nathan Phillips Square on 14 May 2023.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1

When: Sunday, 14 May 2023

Tickets: Free Admission

2. Toronto Artisan Market

The beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park is hosting an artisan market to support local artisans in the community. Bring your family and friends for a fun weekend of community-based experiences. Shop and gift unique handmade jewelry, ceramics, home accessories, and other artisanal goods. The market is pet-friendly and free to attend for all ages.

Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada.

When: Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Tickets: Free Admission

3. TRCA Spring Bird Festival

The 20th edition of the annual TRCA Spring Bird Festival is back at Tommy Thompson Park. Organized by The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), this free-to-attend event will highlight the importance of migration and bird conservation with a flurry of activities like bird walk, community outreach booths, community planting, and bird-themed games and activities for kids.

Where: 1 Leslie Street, Toronto.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

Things to do in Toronto this Weekend with Family

Take some time out with the family at these fun activities for the weekend in Toronto:

1. Visit the Toronto Zoo

Catch a glimpse of over 3,000 animals from 324 species at the Toronto Zoo. The zoo’s beautiful grounds invite all for a leisurely stroll amidst majestic lions, Arctic Bears, Arctic Wolves, and much more on display. You can also treat your family to brunch at the Tundra Trek restaurant for the complete family experience.

Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7.

When: Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

2. Mother’s Day Cruise

Celebrate Mother’s Day by treating the most special woman in your life with a special day brunch cruise on Lake Ontario. Enjoy chef-inspired holiday brunches and cocktails while creating unforgettable memories of the amazing Toronto skyline with your mom. Dance off to live music on the outdoor deck and treat your mother to something exceptional this Mother’s Day.

Where: City Experiences By Hornblower, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto.

When: May 14, 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

3. The Canine Circus

Watch the solemn bond between dogs and their handlers at The Canine Circus. The show features world-class performers and their pets doing incredible stunts and illusions. The show is hosted by international illusionist Aaron Mathews. Watch the pooches do amazing feats of tail-wagging with their masters at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theater Center.

Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theater Center, 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4, Canada

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023

Tickets: Book Now

4. Family Dance Party: Year of the Rabbit

Get the family together for an epic dance-off at the Family Dance Party that’ll be hosted at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Celebrate the year of the Rabbit at this rabbit-inspired dance party that’ll get your whole family moving. Participants will wear bunny ears and tails to commemorate the year of the rabbit, as foretold in Chinese traditions. Bring your kids to the remarkable story session on May 13 to learn more about the Chinese Zodiac.

Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada.

When: 6-27 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

Live Music Concerts this Weekend in Toronto

In for a blast of live music? Want to watch the top international artists and local performers take the stage to elevate your weekends? Here are the ultimate live music and headliner concert events in Toronto this weekend:

1. Yaeji

This weekend’s headliner concert definitely goes out to Brooklyn-based singer, DJ, and producer Kathy Yaeji Lee, more popularly known as Yaeji. All individuals over 19 years can attend the concert and watch Yaeji perform Hip-hop and House music with English and South Korean lyrics at the Danforth Music Hall.

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2, Canada.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

2. Doug Paisley

Local boy Doug Paisley is due to perform at the TD Music Hall. The alternative country music artist has earned accolades in the past for his unpretentious and self-reflective style of music. He has also collaborated with some of the most prominent artists in Canada, including Leslie Feist, Garth Hudson, and more. Paisley takes the stage once again with the release of his new record ‘Say What You Like,’ which experiments with a unique sonic landscape. Catch him live at TD Music Hall on Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Where: TD Music Hall, 178 Victoria Street Toronto, ON M5B 1T7.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

3. Grand Voyage: French Baroque

Experience Orchestra at its finest with renowned violinist Leila Schayegh’s masterful French Baroque. Explore the fine intricacies of Orchestra music that won a JUNO award and landed a Grammy nomination. The performance is an ode to the Enlightenment idealism of 18th century France and includes various orchestral selections reflective of the era.

Where: Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St W

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023, and Sunday, 14 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

4. The Legendary Downchild Blues Band

The Legendary Downchild Blues Band returns to Toronto this Saturday with special guests joining them on stage. A celebration of 19 albums, countless awards, and enthralling audiences for over half a century, the platinum-selling artists and Juno award winners are excited to take the stage once again at Massey Hall.

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T7, Canada.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023

Tickets: Book Now

Live Theater Events in Toronto this Weekend

A roundup of the best live theater and related events in the city this weekend:

1- Canada’s Largest Indigenous Performance

Watch 250 indigenous student dancers from 13 communities team up with professional choreographers to take part in Canada’s largest indigenous youth performance. Be part of the celebration of indigenous cultures and empowerment expressed through the art of dancing. The show will also include performances by Logan Staats, Mattmac, and Boogey the Beat, three indigenous musicians who have carved a niche for themselves in the Canadian music scene.

Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2, Canada.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

2. Macbeth

Watch Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy opera in action, brought to you by the Canadian Opera Company. The ongoing theater act renders an operatic vision of one of Shakespeare’s most renowned plays. Watch blind ambitions, power lusts, and spine-chilling violence accompanied by a musical score by Guiseppe Verdi that gave us a tingling sensation.

Where: Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1, Canada.

When: Sunday, 14 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Your favorite wizard story is back with a masterful set and an immersive experience unlike any other. Don’t miss the Broadway-acclaimed play that brings the wizarding world to life with stunning theatrical magic on stage. The Ed Mirvish Theater presents an experience that brings nostalgia with an amazing live theater experience.

Where: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1V8

When:

It ends on July 2, 2023

Tuesday – Saturday: 7 pm

Wednesday & Saturday: 12:30 pm

Sunday: 2 pm

Tickets: Book Now

4. Rock of Ages

Another one in Broadway’s long list of hits! Rock of Ages is an ode to the top rock platinum-selling artists of the 80s who popularized the genre beyond borders. Watch this jukebox musical performance that features hits from Bon Jovi, Europe, Styx, Poison, and many other metal bands of the era. This is the second last weekend of the ongoing theater act before it makes its way to a world tour.

Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario

When: February 23 − May 20, 2023

Tickets: Book Now

Top Things to Do in Toronto Today

In need of a quick fix this evening? Read through our compilation of the things to do in Toronto today:

1. Best Damn Stand-up Comedy Show

Watch one hilarious show consisting of three headliners. Head to Danforth Avenue to watch the best Canadian comedians perform at this bone-tickling stand-up comedy show in Toronto. Go out with your date, family, or your group of friends as the show explores the right mix of absurdism and thought-provoking comedy by headliners Marlon Palmer, Luke Lynndale, and Bob Rubin. If you’re looking for an impromptu plan for today, Comedy Nuggets brings you a hilarious experience.

Where: SoCap Comedy, 154 Danforth Ave 2nd floor, Toronto, ON M4K 1N1, Canada.

When: Friday, 12 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

2. IEEE Toronto Jazz Night

This one’s for the jazz lovers out there. If you’re looking for a jazz event today, head to Ripley’s Aquarium for a night of unhinged jazz. IEEE Toronto invites its members, family, and friends to their monthly jazz nights at Ripley’s Aquarium. Drink underwater and enjoy a live jazz band with the crew.

Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada 288 Bremner Boulevard Toronto, ON M5V 3L9 Canada.

When: Friday, 12 May 2023.

Tickets: Book Now

Festivals in Toronto this Weekend

A list of festivals this weekend in Toronto that you can attend and participate in:

1. Toronto Storytelling Festival

Celebrate live storytelling like never before. Toronto brings its live storytelling festival where people share traditions, values, and cultures. The 10-day festival will see the gathering of world-famous storytellers and other esteemed guests as they share their personal stories and unique experiences. Dive into the emotional depths of true storytelling with a number of workshops and kid-friendly activities at the festival.

The festival also features a free family storytelling day at Theater Passe Muraille on Saturday, 13 May, with a Teddy Bear picnic, puppetry, and a storytelling session by individual artists.

Where: 16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3, Canada.

When: Saturday, 13 May 2023

Tickets: Book Now

2. The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

For the shutterbugs out there – it’s time to rejoice, because the world’s largest photography event is back in multiple venues across GTA, with more than 200 exhibitions. Watch the work of acclaimed artists, photographers, and photojournalists who present their work on a range of topics, including climate change, racism, colonialism, and history.

Where: Various Venues.

When: 1 May to 31 May 2023

Tickets: Book Now

Top Parties in Toronto this Weekend

Looking for a fun night out with the gang? Take a look at the best party taking place in the city on 13-14 May 2023:

1. Barcode Saturdays

Join the most epic party in town at Barcode Saturdays. Located at the vibrant College Street, Barcode Saturdays dazzles with the glamor and sophistication of a modern celebrity nightclub, where food and drinks are delivered with world-class entertainment. We host iconic parties every Saturday night with some of the hottest Canadian headliners and in-demand international DJs.

At Barcode Saturdays, expect an ode to everything luxury and indulge in upscale entertainment throughout the night. You’ll be enchanted by our decor, drinks, service, and ambiance while the pumping Hip-hop beats keep you and your crew on a lively tone. Sign-up on our guestlist or reserve a bottle booth to be part of an upscale clubbing ritual in Toronto.

Where: 423 COLLEGE STREET

TORONTO, ONT. M5T 1T1.

When: 13 May 2023.

• Reservations

Bottle Service: Book Now

Guestlist: Book Now