22 Best Things to Do in Toronto This Week (May 18-24)
Did the long weekend sneak up on you? It happens every year. Suddenly everyone is looking for things to do in Toronto this week, the weather finally cooperates, and the city starts feeling a little more alive. Victoria Day weekend tends to kick off the unofficial start of outdoor event season.
In this guide to things to do in Toronto this week (May 18–24), we’ve gathered festivals, local events, and a few activities around the city that are actually worth adding to your plans. There are also a couple of nearby ideas if you’re thinking about getting out of Toronto for a quick day trip.
Note: Always confirm event details on official pages, as schedules can change. Note that free entry often requires an RSVP and doesn’t typically include the cost of food, drinks, or optional activities.
Your Ultimate Victoria Day Guide: Things to Do in Toronto This Week
Free Fun Things To Do
Ashbridges Bay Park Victoria Day Fireworks
May 18, 2026丨Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto丨Free to watch
Want to end the long weekend with a classic Toronto tradition? Head to Ashbridges Bay Park for the annual Victoria Day fireworks display along the waterfront. You can arrive early with blankets and snacks to grab a good viewing spot near the boardwalk before the 14-minute pyrotechnic show lights up the sky over Lake Ontario.
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Third Tuesday Night Free – Royal Ontario Museum
May 19, 2026丨100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Looking for a cultural outing that doesn’t cost a thing? The Royal Ontario Museum opens its galleries for a special evening of free admission, giving you a chance to explore the museum after hours. You can wander through exhibits, discover fascinating artifacts, and enjoy a relaxed evening with friends or family.
Since entry requires advance tickets, it’s best to visit the Royal Ontario Museum’s page to reserve your spot. Afterward, you might enjoy grabbing dinner nearby along Bloor Street.
SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival
May 19–June 1, 2026丨Various Venues丨Some events are ticketed
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Now, how about an entire concert powered only by voices? This annual festival celebrates a cappella music, bringing together talented vocal groups performing everything from pop and jazz to gospel, folk, and world music.
Along with ticketed performances, the festival also includes workshops and several free community events. If you’re curious about the performers or venues, you can explore the festival page to see the full schedule.
BMO Free Wednesdays – Aga Khan Museum
May 20, 2026丨77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
Midweek plans looking a little quiet? The Aga Khan Museum offers free gallery access during extended evening hours, giving you the chance to explore exhibitions focused on Islamic art, culture, and history. It’s a fun option if you’re searching for things to do in Toronto this weekend with family.
The museum’s architecture and tranquil gardens also make the visit worthwhile on their own. Before you go, you might want to check the museum page to confirm current exhibitions and gallery hours.
Rugby In The Square
May 21, 2026丨Nathan Phillips Square丨Free to attend
This year, 32 teams will hit the pitch to help raise funds that keep youth rugby accessible and inclusive, turning the downtown space into one huge mix of competition, teamwork, and community spirit. You can stop by to watch the matches, cheer from the sidelines, and enjoy the lively atmosphere while office workers take rugby very seriously for the afternoon.
Annual Pillow Fight Toronto 2026
May 23, 2026丨Berczy Park
Ever wanted to join a giant pillow fight in the middle of the city? This playful outdoor gathering invites everyone to bring a pillow and jump into a lighthearted, laughter-filled battle in Berczy Park. The idea is simple: show up, swing your pillow, and enjoy a few moments of spontaneous fun with strangers who quickly become teammates.
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check Pillow Fight Toronto’s event page for participation details and timing.
Asian Heritage Market at The Well
May 23, 2026丨486 Front Street West, Toronto丨Free entry
A slower weekend plan that still keeps things fun? The Asian Heritage Market fills the day with handmade goods, fashion, artisan products, performances, workshops, and food vendors celebrating Asian culture and creativity. You can browse artisan products, support local creators, and catch performances starting at 3 PM in one lively space.
Doors Open Toronto 2026
May 23–24, 2026丨Various Locations
Ever wondered what’s inside some of Toronto’s most fascinating buildings? This city-wide event gives you rare access to spaces that are usually closed to the public, from historic landmarks to cultural venues and architectural gems.
You can wander through unique buildings, learn about Toronto’s design history, and explore parts of the city you may never have noticed before. It’s one of the most exciting festivals in Toronto this weekend.
MINISO’s First-Ever Hello Kitty and Friends Pop-Up
April 25-May 24, 2026丨Scarborough Town Centre
A full Hello Kitty setup in the middle of your mall visit sounds like a good plan. MINISO’s Hello Kitty and Friends pop-up experienceat Scarborough Town Centre brings over 500 items to explore. Exclusive merchandise, character appearances, and limited drops make it stand out. The Racing Club Vinyl Plush Pendant Surprise Box is also a pop-up exclusive, so it’s worth stopping by while it’s there.
CONTACT Photography Festival – 30th Edition
Until May 31, 2026丨Multiple Locations
Love photography or visual storytelling? This city-wide festival transforms Toronto into an open gallery with exhibitions, installations, and talks happening across neighborhoods. You’ll discover works from Canadian and international artists exploring themes like migration, identity, memory, and activism through powerful lens-based art.
If you’re planning to explore several exhibits, you may want to check the festival’s official page for the full list of venues and schedules. It’s one of the most creative Toronto events May 2026 for art lovers.
Pop-Ups, Freebies & Interactive Experiences
M&M’s HERO STUDIO POP-UP
May 21–31, 2026丨984 Queen St. W, Toronto
Want a fun excuse to escape your usual weekday routine? Head over to the M&M’s HERO STUDIO POP-UP and check out the interactive challenges, themed photo ops, and free M&M’s samples. The best part? Your wallet survives the outing because entry stays free.
Free Samples at Union Station
Shore Sakers (May 20)丨Cookie Pal (May 21)丨Purple (May 22)
If your commute already steals enough energy, at least let it feed you this week. Union Station turns snack breaks into a tiny event series with free samples featuring Shore Shakers on May 20, Cookie Pal on May 21, and Purpel on May 22. You know that tiny thrill you get when somebody says “free”? Yeah, this is that feeling three days in a row.
Marie Saint Pierre Pop-Up
May 20–23, 2026丨Le Germain Toronto
Need a break from staring at the same three outfits in your closet? Marie Saint Pierre’s pop-up gives fashion lovers a chance to browse the latest collections inside a private apartment suite setup. You can try on curated pieces while enjoying the intimate atmosphere designed for stylists, buyers, and fashion insiders.
Paid & Ticketed Events
Victoria Day Royal Race
May 18, 2026丨High Park
Feel like spending time outdoors while staying active? This scenic running event winds through the beautiful trails of High Park, offering participants a refreshing route through one of the city’s most loved green spaces.
The race welcomes runners of different levels, making it just as fun for casual participants as for experienced racers.
CTO Craft Con Toronto
May 19–20, 2026丨Arcadian Loft
For those working in tech leadership, this conference in Toronto offers a chance to connect with fellow CTOs and engineering leaders while learning about evolving technology strategies. Industry experts will share insights on engineering culture, leadership challenges, and building stronger tech teams.
Toronto Bach Festival
May 22–24, 2026丨Multiple Churches in Toronto
If classical music is your thing, this weekend celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach offers a chance to hear his music performed in beautiful historic venues across Toronto. Concerts range from chamber performances and organ recitals to powerful choral works that highlight the depth of Bach’s compositions.
Anime North 2026
May 22–24, 2026丨Toronto Congress Centre丨Ticketed
If your TikTok algorithm already knows your favorite anime opening song, Anime North belongs on your weekend plans. The convention returns with more than 350 booths, massive cosplay meetups, artist alleys, gaming spaces, and live events. Even casual visitors leave with photos, snacks, and at least one new obsession.
Bruno Mars – “The Romantic” Tour
May 23, 24, 27, 28 & 30, 2026丨Rogers Stadium at Downsview Airport
Global superstar Bruno Mars brings his highly anticipated “The Romantic” Tour to Toronto, marking his first large-scale global tour in nearly a decade. Expect a high-energy night packed with iconic hits and the kind of showmanship Mars is famous for.
If you’re planning to attend, you’ll want to check the concert page for ticket availability, showtimes, and venue information before the event.
Canada’s Wonderland Splash Works Opening
May 23, 2026丨9580 Jane St, Vaughan
Splash Works returns on May 23, bringing a full water park experience inside Canada’s Wonderland. From high-speed slides to the wave pool and Lazy River, there’s a mix of thrill and chill depending on your pace. It’s an easy way to spend a full day cooling off.
Carassauga Festival of Cultures
May 23–24, 2026丨Multiple Venues in Mississauga
If you enjoy exploring different cultures through food and music, this multicultural festival in Mississauga is worth adding to your weekend plans. Each pavilion highlights a different culture, offering traditional cuisine, live performances, and cultural exhibits. Free shuttle buses make it easy to travel between the different venues throughout the day.
ENAGB Cultural Festival and Competition Powwow
May 23–24, 2026丨Woodbine Beach
This vibrant event in Toronto celebrates Indigenous culture, leadership, and community through music, dance, and storytelling. Hosted by ENAGB Indigenous Youth Services, the festival highlights the theme “Honouring Youth Voices” and brings together performers, artists, and community members in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Vaughan Ribfest 2026
Until May 18, 2026丨Assembly Park
Feeling hungry? This barbecue festival gathers some of North America’s top rib teams serving smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and other crowd favorites. The event also features live music, festival foods, and a lively outdoor atmosphere perfect for a casual outing.
If you’re planning to go, you may want to explore the Ribfest’s page for performance schedules and vendor details.
Need a peaceful spot to get things done amidst the holiday buzz?
While the city is bustling with events, sometimes you just need a calm corner to catch up on emails or focus on a project. Finding a reliable, quiet workspace near the downtown core can be a challenge, but there are some hidden gems just steps away from the rush of the station.
A commuter with time to kill or a local looking for a fresh “office” for the day? These spots offer the perfect blend of good caffeine and focused energy. Check out our roundup of 16 Quiet Coffee Shops Near Union Station for Work to find your new favorite hideaway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Victoria Day weekend is packed with activities across the city. Many people spend the long weekend attending festivals, outdoor concerts, cultural events, or exploring parks and waterfront areas around Toronto.
Yes, Victoria Day is widely celebrated and marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Throughout the city, you’ll find special events, outdoor gatherings, and community celebrations happening during the long weekend.
Fireworks displays are often held at popular spots such as Ashbridges Bay Park, Canada’s Wonderland, and other locations across the Greater Toronto Area. It’s a good idea to check official event pages closer to the holiday for updated schedules and viewing spots.
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