With a full-fledged spring underway, folks in Toronto are wondering how to fill their time. Well, wonder no more, people! We’ve got all the answers. This week there are tons of great ways to stay entertained. From online shows to activities to the occasional in-person (but distanced) affair, there’s no end to the fun these next few days.
Here are 10 socially-distant things to do in Toronto this week.
Editor’s Note: Due to ongoing developments in COVID-19 restrictions, upcoming event schedules are continually changing. Please double-check all events and activities before attending.
BLACK SHEEP COMEDY
Laugh the night away on Friday with this hilarious virtual comedy event. The Black Sheep Comedy Show features a headline performance from none other than Christophe Davidson. This funny man has performed for the Just For Laughs Festival and toured Canada, so we think he’s got to know what he’s doing. You can also catch sets from the other performers, Cindy Rivers, Amar Singh, and Elisabeth Bailey.
Where: Check it out online
When: Friday, May 7th
HOT DOCS FILM FESTIVAL
This week is your last chance to check out North America’s biggest documentary film festival. There are incredible screenings happening every day. Head online to catch virtual movies, talks, and panels from some of the top documentary filmmakers. It’s a wildly popular event in normal times and this virtual version stands up to the test.
Where: Check it out online
When: Happening all week
JANE’S WALK TORONTO FESTIVAL
Every May since 2007, Toronto has come together for a walking festival in memory of urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs. This amazing Toronto resident dedicated her life to championing a community-based approach to city development. Beginning this Friday, you can walk from a distance or catch panel talks and online screenings for the occasion.
Where: Check it out online and all over Toronto
When: Kicks off Friday, May 7th
IN THE PICTURE: PORTRAITS OF THESE TIMES
This next pick is a sign of the times. Literally. You can explore a collection of portraits centred around the theme of, you guessed it, current events. We don’t need to tell you that these days have been trying, so expect to see some pretty interesting stuff in this collection.
Where: Check it out online
When: Happening all week
NEXT: THE FUTURE OF ART
Speaking of online art, this impressive collection is coming close to its end. You can log on to explore a virtual collection of local works this week. In partnership with TO Live and VIBE Arts, the showcase is all about promoting and celebrating Black futures. You’ll catch great works from tons of incredibly talented folks.
Where: Check it out online
When: Happening all week
CITY HALL LIVE SPOTLIGHT
The city has been supporting local musicians in a major way and all that continues this month. Tune in every Thursday for live-streamed performance from some of Toronto’s best. These amazing musical acts will be performing from safe social distances, which you can enjoy from your very own home. This week you’ll catch the musical stylings of none other than Exco Levi at Reggae Cafe.
Where: Check it out online
When: Every Thursday this May
MAYWORKS FESTIVAL
This amazing community-based festival is all about sharing new works by a diverse and broad range of local artists. They take on art and activism, with programming centred around bold and insightful takes on current issues. They’re not afraid to shy away from anything when it comes to the intersection of art with social justice, labour, and politics. Check it out online all week long!
Where: Check it out online
When: Events happening all week
SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL
Another great online art festival to hit is the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. This amazing virtual event is showcasing, you guessed it, photography from a ton of Canadian and international artists. Similar to Mayworks, they’re not afraid to tackle the big issues with bold and beautiful pieces of work.
Where: Check it out online
When: Explore the collection all week
LA PIZZA WEEK
Celebrate spring with a slice of the best pizza in town! The week-long event is all about showcasing delicious local restaurants. There are tons of creative pies up for grabs that we know will make your mouth water. Pizza AND supporting local? What more could you ask for?
Where: Check out Toronto’s participating pizzas here
When: Ends Friday, May 7th
CASA LOMA IMAGINE DRAGONS LIGHT FOREST
Dreaming about fighting dragons in a faraway fairytale land? At Casa Loma, you can come pretty close to that. They’re running the popular Imagine Dragons Light Forest right now, with loads of insane displays in full view. Catch gorgeous lights, Medieval theatre, and more as you explore the grounds and tunnels of this historic destination. It’s all happening online for now but is set to open in person as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Where: Check it out online
When: Any day this week
Have a great week, Toronto!
