Things To Do This Week in Toronto (May 12-18)
Things to do this week in Toronto (May 12-18) come right after Mother’s Day, so… how’s your wallet doing? Still recovering from brunch and flowers? Same. But the city isn’t slowing down, nor should your social calendar.
This week’s got options, including food events, low-key shows, and outdoor things. Feeling spontaneous? Grab a friend, pick a random street fest, and just go. Want something chill? There are new art exhibits and pop-ups that won’t break the bank.
Long story short? If your week needs a little fun or just an excuse to not rewatch the same series again—this list might help.
Event details and schedules can change. Please check the official website or contact the organisers for the most up-to-date info.
Top Things To Do in Toronto This Week (May 12–18) | Food, Fun & Festivals
The Threepenny Opera (Ongoing, Until May 17)
You won’t get jazz hands here, just sharp satire, messy criminals, and a scathing look at greed and survival. Set in the underbelly of Victorian London, you can expect music, moral ambiguity, and a whole lot of shade.
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- Location: VideoCabaret (10 Busy Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Instagram: @unbridledtheatrecollective
- Best for: Theatre fans who like things gritty and witty.
Mother’s Day Tea at Old Mill Toronto (Ongoing, Until May 18)
Still thinking of giving Mom a mug? Try tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones instead. This long-standing tradition at Old Mill brings a warm atmosphere and a Tudor-style setting that screams “I love you, Mom.”
- Location: 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto
- Admission: Book here.
- Website: www.oldmilltoronto.com
- Best for: Families celebrating Mother’s Day.
The Roof is Leaking (Ongoing, Until May 18)
You know those quiet sacrifices moms make? This play highlights them in a story set in a Canadian-Punjabi household. It’s moving, layered, and asks some tough questions, like how much do you owe tradition, and how much do you owe yourself?
- Location: Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs (26 Berkeley St. Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.pleiadestheatre.org
- Best for: Families and theatre fans who love emotional depth.
Eugene Onegin (Ongoing, Until May 24)
That feeling when you realise you messed up…years later? That’s Eugene’s entire arc. This moody Russian opera brings the drama—letters, duels, unrequited love, with sweeping music and major “oops, too late” energy.
- Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.coc.ca
- Best for: Opera lovers and fans of slow-burn heartbreak.
Step Into My Shoes: An Exhibition (Ongoing, Until May 31)
You’ll see more than high heels here. This bold photo series explores identity, disability, and self-expression with a striking style. So, expect runway-level looks paired with real stories and a serious soul.
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- Location: Clark Centre for the Arts (191 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto)
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Art lovers and advocates for disability inclusion.
OVO – Cirque du Soleil (Ongoing, Until June 28)
So, what happens when a bug falls in love? In this case, a ladybug. Between flips, flights, and a dash of awkward charm, this Cirque du Soleil show is bursting with colour, movement, and surprises.
- Location: Under the Big Top (2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Best for: Families, date nights, and fans of acrobatics.
Blockchain Futurist Conference (May 13)
You don’t need to own an NFT to attend, but it might earn you cool points. This massive Web3 conference returns with speakers, crypto installations, and non-stop networking.
- Location: Old Toronto Stock Exchange – Design Exchange (234 Bay St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here. Free tickets are available but limited.
- Website: www.futuristconference.com
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, investors, and Web3 fanatics.
ETHWomen (May 13)
This one’s for the women leading the Web3 space. ETHWomen is a free, female-led space where women can learn, build, and connect in Web3 without needing to know how to code… yet. Plus, you’ll get access to the Blockchain Futurist Conference too.
- Location: Old Toronto Stock Exchange – Design Exchange (234 Bay St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here. Free tickets are available but limited.
- Website: www.ethwomen.com
- Best for: Women in tech, students, and creative professionals.
MLB: Toronto Blue Jays Game (May 13-18)
There’s nothing like catching a ball game with the dome open. The Jays are back at it, and the crowd? Always loud. So, grab your peanuts, throw on a cap, and yell “Go Jays!” like you mean it.
- Location: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.mlb.com
- Best for: Sports fans and families looking for a casual outing.
- May 13 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- May 14 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- May 15 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- May 16 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
- May 17 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
- May 18 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Detroit Tigers
The Peak of Migration: High Park Walks with Mark Peck (May 13-15)
Up early? So are the birds. Join Mark Peck for relaxing, sunrise walks through High Park as the spring migration peaks. Meet at 5:55 a.m., grab some binoculars, and let the birds do the entertaining.
- Location: High Park Nature Centre (375 Colborne Lodge Drive in High Park, Toronto)
- Admission: Free. Register here.
- Website: www.highparknaturecentre.com
- Best for: Bird lovers, nature fans, and early risers.
Toronto Lucha Palooza (May 14)
Wrestling meets theatre and maybe a few flying chairs. Lucha Palooza hits the Phoenix with masked fighters, loud cheers, and big energy. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new favourite wrestler.
- Location: Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.thephoenixconcerttheatre.com
- Best for: 19+, wrestling fans and anyone who loves live-action.
Consensus 2025 (May 14-16)
Toronto’s taking the Web3 stage with one of the biggest tech conferences of the year. So, expect thought leaders, crypto talks, and serious networking. Bonus points if you actually understand what blockchain does.
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St W Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.consensus2025.coindesk.com
- Best for: Developers, entrepreneurs, and tech industry insiders.
Jay Shetty – On Purpose Podcast Live (May 14)
Jay Shetty is stepping off your screen and onto the stage for his first-ever live podcast tour. Expect life lessons, meditations, and a few deep questions that hit harder than you’d think.
- Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.jayshetty.me
- Best for: Wellness fans, podcast lovers, and curious minds.
New Tricks (May 14-17)
Christopher House brings 44 years of choreography into one performance and it’s not what you might expect. This show plays with time, identity, and memory using dance, ritual, and movement.
- Location: The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance (304 Parliament St, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.citadelcie.com
- Best for: Contemporary dance fans and creative thinkers.
Second Harvest Truck Pull Challenge (May 14-17)
Think your squad can pull a truck across Nathan Phillips Square? No, seriously—this 20,000-pound beast isn’t moving itself. Round up your crew and join this massive team challenge where every tug helps provide meals for people in need.
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.secondharvest.ca
- Best for: Work teams, gym buddies, and anyone who loves a good challenge.
Vocal Workshop with César Alejandro Carrillo (May 14)
So you sing in the shower, now what? Take it up a notch with this workshop led by celebrated Venezuelan composer César Carrillo. It’s a crash course covering vocal production, Venezuelan music, and choral arrangements.
- Location: Grace Church on-the-Hill (300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.uppercanadachoristers.org
- Best for: Choir enthusiasts, vocalists, and music students.
Venus in Fur (May 14-17)
Things get steamy and smart in this one-act comedy that plays with power, passion, and a whole lot of leather. A director and actress go head-to-head (and toe-to-boot) in a wild audition that blurs the line between reality and roleplay.
- Location: BMO Incubator at The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen Street West, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.theatrecentre.org
- Best for: Theatre lovers and open-minded date nights.
Alessia Cara Live (May 15)
Alessia Cara’s back and she’s bringing all the feels. From heartbreak bops to soul-searching ballads, the Grammy winner pours it all out on stage.
- Location: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.alessiacara.com
- Best for: Fans of pop, singer-songwriter lovers, and sensitive souls.
The Adam Growe Quiz Show (May 15)
Trivia night, but how about making it theatrical? Join comedian Adam Growe for a live game show with laughs, prizes, and audience participation. You might win something or at least giggle until your sides hurt.
- Location: Leah Posluns Theatre (3488 Bathurst St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.adamgrowe.com
- Best for: Friends, trivia teams, and fans of smart comedy.
Halal Bites Festival (May 16-18)
Feeling snacky? Head to Nathan Phillips Square for a halal food fest stacked with biryani, burgers, churros, and more. There’ll be cooking demos, live music, and enough sweets to send you home in a food coma (worth it).
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Free (pay per food item)
- Website: www.halalbitesfestival.com
- Best for: Foodies, families, and groups of friends.
Venezuela Viva: Choral Music from Venezuela and the Caribbean (May 16)
The Upper Canada Choristers join powerhouse guests for an evening of rich harmonies and cultural storytelling. You can expect folk songs, piano solos, and special guest musicians bringing rhythms from Trinidad to Caracas.
- Location: Grace Church on-the-Hill (300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.uppercanadachoristers.org
- Best for: Music lovers, choirs, and Latin culture fans.
Refractions: Mungo’s HiFi w/ Eva Lazarus (May 16)
Let the bass shake your bones. Dub, bass, and reggae fans, Mungo’s HiFi are flying in from Glasgow, with Eva Lazarus on the mic. This isn’t your average Friday; this is full-on sound system therapy.
- Location: Secret Location, Toronto (TBA)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.reflectionsfest.com
- Best for: Bass lovers, dance crews, and night owls.
Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience (May 17)
This week, catch 23 Marvel films but make it orchestral. A live symphony plays the renowned music from the Infinity Saga, from Iron Man to Endgame while the action unfolds on the big screen.
- Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.tolive.com
- Best for: Marvel fans and families.
Beyond the Line with Francisco-Fernando Granados & Vessna Perunovich (May 17)
Artists Granados and Perunovich team up for a show exploring identity, power, and resistance through visual storytelling. It’s bold, smart, and worth seeing.
- Location: Onsite Gallery (199 Richmond Street West, Toronto)
- Admission: Free. More info here.
- Website: www.ocadu.ca
- Best for: Art fans, creatives, and anyone up for thoughtful conversation.
Astronomy in Action Planetarium Show (May 17)
Ever watched galaxies swirl from inside an inflatable dome? This show gives you the universe, and no telescope needed. With 4K projections and comfy seats, you’ll get closer to the stars, black holes, and everything in between.
- Location: 1585 Yonge St, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.astronomyinaction.com
- Best for: Families, space fans, and curious kids.
Babbu Maan: The One Maan Show (May 17)
If Babbu Maan’s on stage, you know it’s going to be a night. He’s bringing his Punjabi hits and signature energy to Toronto, and the fans are sure to show up loud and proud.
- Location: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.scotiabankarena.com
- Best for: Punjabi music lovers and Maan diehards.
Electric Island – Summer ConcertSeries (May 17-18)
You, a park, a sunset, and bass you can feel in your bones. Electric Island turns parks into dance floors over four weekends, with a stacked DJ lineup and picnic-party atmosphere.
- Location: Fort York (250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.electricisland.to
- Best for: Friends, dance crews, and music lovers.
- Other dates: June 28-29, August 8-9, August 30-31
Sistas Calling Freedom Fashion Show (May 17)
An average fashion show? Nope, it’s a runway meets purpose, with music, food, and head-turning looks. And it supports programs that empower women and uplift communities.
- Location: Bluffer’s Restaurant (7 Brimley Road South, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.drrozshealingplace.com
- Best for: conscious fashion fans and supportive friends.
Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party Toronto 2025 (May 17)
You haven’t danced until you’ve done it under the stars on a two-level boat with 500 strangers-turned-friends. DJs on deck, skyline views, and all-white fits make this one the talk of the weekend.
- Location: River Gambler (176 Cherry St, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.torontoboatparties.com
- Best for: Party people, long weekend crews, and night owls
PIAZZOLLA & TANGO (May 18)
Need a night that’s full of passion and rhythm? Join an evening of live tango with dancers and music celebrating Astor Piazzolla’s iconic Argentine sound. Let the melodies and moves transport you to the streets of Buenos Aires.
- Location: Lawrence Park Community Church (2180 Bayview Avenue Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567302299061#
- Best for: Couples, dance lovers, music fans.
Jewish Music Week (May 18-25)
One week, a variety of events, and genres you didn’t expect. This is your chance to hear Jewish music in ways you’ve never heard before. From Klezmer to Yiddish, this city-wide festival keeps things fresh and full of heart.
- Location: Multiple venues
- Admission: Free and ticketed.
- Website: www.jewishmusicweek.com
- Best for: Music lovers, culture seekers, and curious minds.
More…
- https://www.blogto.com/events
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
- https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/events/page/19
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