Things To Do This Week in Toronto (May 19-25)

So… is it just us, or does May feel like it’s sprinting? One second it’s Mother’s Day, the next it’s fireworks and patio season. Now, with the long weekend behind us, this guide to things to do this week in Toronto (May 19-25) is your cheat sheet to not fall into the “What day is it again?” spiral.

Need an excuse to stay outside? Want to feel productive without actually doing much? Craving something random? Cool, because this week’s lineup has all that energy.

Event details and schedules can change. Please check the official website or contact the organisers for the most up-to-date info.

Things To Do This Week in Toronto (May 19-25) – Long Weekend’s Over, But the Fun’s Not

Eugene Onegin (Until May 24)

Unrequited love and emotional letters? It’s peak romantic chaos. Eugene Onegin hits all the dramatic notes with powerful music, tragic timing, and a love triangle you can’t look away from.

• Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.coc.ca
• Best for: Classical music fans, date night, and drama lovers.

Jewish Music Week (Until May 25)

This week-long celebration brings together different Jewish music styles, including Yiddish, Cantorial, and Klezmer. From soulful recitals to lively concerts and film screenings, there’s a whole lot of culture packed into seven days.

• Location: Multiple venues 
• Admission: Free and ticketed.
• Website: www.jewishmusicweek.com  
• Best for: Families, music lovers, and community-minded folks.

Step Into My Shoes: An Exhibition (Until May 31)

These shoes have stories to tell. This striking photo series explores fashion, identity, and disability through bold high heels.

• Location: Clark Centre for the Arts (191 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto)
• Website: www.toronto.ca
• Best for: Art lovers, creatives, and social justice advocates.

OVO – Cirque du Soleil (Ongoing, Until June 28)

An acrobatic ladybug falls in love? Sure, why not. OVO brings a colourful insect world to life with impressive stunts and larger-than-life energy.

• Location: Under the Big Top (2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com
• Best for: Families, kids, and circus lovers.

Victoria Day Royal Race (May 19)

Running through scenic trails and past the greenhouse? You can choose between a 5K or 2K route and enjoy the fresh air, flat paths, and good company.

• Location: High Park (1873 Bloor St W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Best for: Families, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays (May 20, 21, 22)

It’s game time. So, prepare to head to the Rogers Centre and cheer on the Blue Jays as they swing for the fences.

• Location: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.mlb.com
• Best for: Sports fans, families, and casual weekend plans.
• May 20 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres 
• May 21 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres
• Mat 22 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Diego Padres

Scream Trivia (May 20)

DON’T ANSWER THE PHONE. Come test your horror movie knowledge at The Pilot with Scream-themed trivia covering all six films. 3 rounds, 15 questions each, and the top 3 teams will win a gift card.

• Location: The Pilot (22 Cumberland Street, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Best for: Movie buffs, horror fans, and friend groups.

Plaster and Prosecco – A Textured Art Workshop (May 21)

Want to try an art workshop this week? Grab a glass of prosecco and get messy with molding paste at this abstract art workshop. You’ll create your own textured masterpiece while learning from pros in an inspiring space.

• Location: PH1 Studios (401 Richmond Street West, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.ph1studios.ca  
• Best for: Artsy friends, solo creatives, and date night.  

Launch Party – Estonian Music Week 2025 (May 22)

Ever been to a party where glitz is combined with folk music? That’s what’s happening at the Gardiner Museum as Estonian Music Week kicks off its 5th edition. Sip, snack, and chat with artists while taking in a special concert set against the ROM backdrop.

• Location: Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.2025.estonianmusicweek.ca
• Best for: Music fans, artsy types, and culture lovers.

Estonian Music Week 2025 (May 22-25)

You’ll want to clear your weekend for this one. With over 17 live acts, from folk to avant-garde, Estonian Music Week is taking over Toronto with a lineup that spans cultures, languages, and genres. Plus, the Nordic Connect Conference keeps the convos going off-stage.

• Location: Multiple venues 
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.2025.estonianmusicweek.ca  
• Best for: Music lovers, cultural explorers, curious minds
• May 22 – Salakõrts aka Secret Saloon w. Now in Service (venue TBA)
• May 23 – Curly Strings, The Crosslegs, Les Rats d’Swompe (Revival, College Street 783, Toronto)
• May 23 – Official Estonian Music Week Afterparty: Dumai Dunai (DROM Taberna, Queen Street West 458, Toronto)
• May 24 – Estonian Voices, Countermeasure (Innis Town Hall, Sussex Avenue 2, Toronto)
• May 24 – Tuulikki Bartosik x Sander Mölder, Caracol (St. Anne’s Parish Hall, Dufferin Street 651, Toronto)
• May 24 – Mart Avi, Katie McBride (St. Anne’s Parish Hall, Dufferin Street 651, Toronto)
• May 25 – Ensemble U (Innis Town Hall, Sussex Avenue 2, Toronto)
• May 25 – Vox Clamantis (Trinity-St. Paul’s Church, Bloor Street West 427, Toronto)

Identity: Live at the El Mocambo (May 22-24)

How do you define yourself—through music, poetry, or maybe both? This genre-blending song cycle brings together jazz, Western classical traditions, and personal storytelling. It’s a powerful new work that digs deep into identity, emotion, and expression.

• Location: El Mocambo (464 Spadina Avenue, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.atgtheatre.com
• Best for: Theatregoers, music buffs, fans of new Canadian work

Spring Blooms (May 22)

Time to stop and smell the roses, or at least admire them. The Garden Club of Toronto is putting their green thumbs on full display with a spring floral celebration in downtown Toronto.

• Location: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto)
• Admission: Free
• Website: www.thegardencluboftoronto.ca 
• Best for: Gardeners, flower lovers, and fresh-air seekers.

Variety’s Casino Night (May 22)

Who needs Vegas when you’ve got Variety’s Casino Night? It’s glitz, games, and good deeds in one glamorous evening. Expect blackjack, roulette, and an open bar, plus live music and prizes. Also, you’re supporting kids across Ontario while you sip and spin.

• Location: Miller Tavern (3885 Yonge Street, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.varietyontario.ca
• Best for: Party people, casino enthusiasts, and charity supporters.

WeeFestival (May 22-June 8)

Celebrating 10 years of joyful noise and tiny audience members, WeeFestival returns with playful productions made for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The music, dance, shadow puppets, and more are designed to spark imagination and keep little ones giggling.

• Location: Multiple venues 
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.weefestival.ca
• Best for: Families with young kids.

CLMBR ARTS MRKT @ Hooptown Boulders (May 22)

Looking to mix climbing with cool local finds? This indoor vendor market brings together climbers and the community in North York.

• Location: Hogtown Boulders (238 Lesmill Road Toronto)
• Admission: Free. More info here.
• Website: www.clmbrartsmrkt.square.site  
• Best for: Friends, climbers, and shoppers.

Cavalleria Rusticana (May 23)

Drama. Jealousy. Betrayal. All in under 90 minutes. This Italian opera-thriller offers a steamy love triangle with gripping vocals and emotional depth.

• 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, drama fans, and date night.

Anime North 2024 (May 23-25)

This one’s for cosplayers, manga readers, and anime fans. Anime North is back with 350+ vendors, panels, and plenty of fan love. Stock up on merch, meet fellow otakus, and don’t forget to wear your best costume.

• Location: The Toronto Congress Centre (Dixon Road, Etobicoke)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.animenorth.com
• Best for: Anime fans, cosplayers, and pop culture lovers.

Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival (May 23-June 1)

2SLGBTQ+ cinema has its moment, and this is it. This festival screens the world’s best 2SLGBTQ+ films while celebrating bold voices and stories that matter.

• Location: TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West, Toronto)
• Website: www.insideout.ca 
• Best for: Film lovers, 2SLGBTQ+ community, allies

Billy Idol & Joan Jett and The Blackhearts – It’s a Nice Day To… Tour Again! (May 23)

Time to dust off that leather jacket. Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and The Blackhearts are teaming up for a North American tour full of rebel yells and classic rock anthems.

• Location: Budweiser Stage (909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.billyidol.net / www.livenation.com
• Best for: Classic rock fans, date night, and parents reliving their youth.

70’s BOOGIE WONDERLAND: Disco Video Dance Party (May 24)

Sequins? Funky beats? This Studio 54-inspired dance party brings back the 70s and early 80s with original disco videos and a massive dance floor. It’s your excuse to wear bell bottoms again.

• Location: Ground Control (1279 Queen St W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GroundControlToronto 
• Best for: Friends, retro fans, and dancing queens and kings.

Gaurav Gupta (May 24)

Sharp, witty, and back by demand—Gaurav Gupta is bringing the laughs with his mix of Indian middle-class chaos and household hilarity. If Being Baniya had you snorting with laughter, brace yourself. His new set is even wilder.

• Location: The Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Instagram: @gaurav_comic / www.livenation.com
• Best for: Comedy fans, friend groups, and anyone who loves smart stand-up.

Jason Aldean – Full Throttle Tour (May 24)

Jason Aldean is rolling through with some Southern grit and a whole lot of chart-toppers. From “Dirt Road Anthem” to “The Truth,” expect a night of country music.

• Location: Budweiser Stage (909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.jasonaldean.com  
• Best for: Country fans, road trip buddies, and couples’ night out.

Macrame Pendant Light Workshop (May 24)

Looking to give your space a glow-up? Join a hands-on macrame workshop and create your own pendant light. You’ll walk away with a unique piece, plus, everything’s included: rope, bulb, cord, and even the bracket.

• Location: The Wright Spot (1495 Gerrard St. E, Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.indiebohostudio.com
• Best for: DIY fans, crafters, and design lovers.

Party 4 Paws Pet Fair (May 24-25)

Cute animals, giveaways, and a pet photo booth? Say no more. This free two-day pet fest supports local and international rescues, with adoptable pets, interactive booths, and local vendors.

• Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park (790 Queen St. W., Toronto)
• Admission: Free. More info here.
• Website: www.guardiansbest.com 
• Best for: Families, pet lovers, and rescue supporters.

Plant Fair 2025 (May 24)

Need plants? Or advice about your dying basil? This event’s got you. Stock up on natives, herbs, and veggies, and talk to garden pros for free. Plus, there’s a flea market and plant giveaways.

• Location: Roncesvalles United Church (214 Wright Ave, Toronto)
• Admission: Free
• Website: www.parkdaletorontohort.com
• Best for: Gardeners, plant parents, and balcony growers.

The Great Kids Stuff Sale (May 24)

This massive sale has thousands of gently used items for kids (newborn to 10 years). You can choose from books, clothes, strollers, and toys. Moreover, proceeds support local families.

• Location: Eglinton St George’s United Church (35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto)
• Website: www.greatkidsstuffsale.com
• Best for: Parents, bargain hunters, and community-minded shoppers.

Urzila Carlson – Just Jokes Tour (May 24)

Three Netflix specials and a global fan base later, Urzila is still one of the funniest humans around. Her no-filter comedy blends Kiwi-Aussie chaos with deadpan truth bombs.

• Location: The Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.heritagetrust.on.ca / www.urzilacarlson.com
• Best for: Comedy fans, adults, anyone needing a laugh

SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival (May 24 – June 1)

Forget instruments because this festival highlights the power of the human voice. From pop and jazz to barbershop, gospel, and beatboxing, this week-long a cappella celebration hits every note. With concerts, workshops, and free shows, your vocal cords might get jealous.

• Location: Multiple venues 
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.singtoronto.com  
• Best for: Music lovers, choir geeks, and harmony hunters.
• May 24 – SING! Free: Concerts in the Park, Kew Gardens
• May 24 – SING! in Concert: Estonian Voices with Countermeasure, Innis Town Hall
• May 25 – SING! in Concert: Black Umfolosi, Royal Ontario Museum
• May 26 – SING! Free: Preview in Nathan Phillips Square, Nathan Phillips Square
• May 29 – SING! in Concert: Beatsync EP Release, Royal Ontario Museum
• May 30 – SING! in Concert: 2025 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, Royal Ontario Museum
• May 31 – SING! in Concert: Soundcrowd with Deke Sharon, Isabel Bader Theatre
• June 1 – SING! In Concert: The Kinsey Sicks’ Dragappella with opener On That Note, Royal Ontario Museum
• More events to ne announced.

Murder Mystery Dinner & Show (May 24)

Someone’s been murdered… and your dinner might depend on solving it. Join the action as suspects roam the room, clues unfold, and tension builds (in the best way). Don’t worry, the only thing dying here is the mystery.

• Location: Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard Street West Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.mysteriouslyyours.ca
• Best for: Couples, friend groups, and anyone who loves Clue.

TOFW Fashion Week S/25 (May 24-25)

Fashion takes over the Toronto Reference Library in a two-day celebration of local designers and creative expression. You’ll enjoy runway shows, an art gallery, and stylish folks strutting like it’s a lifestyle (because it is).

• Location: Toronto Public Library – Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street Toronto)
• Admission: Get your tickets here.
• Website: www.tofw.ca 
• Best for: Fashion lovers, creatives, and curious onlookers.

More…

• https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/events/page/19
• https://www.blogto.com/events
• https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar