Justin Timberlake said it best… it’s gonna be May. This weekend we welcome the beginning of a brand new month and a whole ton of fun. There’s no end to the shenanigans we plan to get up to in the next few days. Following all the proper safety regulations of course. If you’d like to join us on the adventure, keep on reading.
Here are 10 socially-distant things to do in Toronto this weekend.
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.
EVERBLOOM VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Kick the weekend off with an insane virtual music festival. You can catch live-streamed performances from tons of incredible local hip hop and r&b artists. The best part? It’s completely FREE. We can’t complain about that!
Where: Check it out online
When: Friday, April 30th
HOT DOCS FILM FESTIVAL
North America’s biggest documentary film festival is underway with loads of incredible screenings happening all weekend long. 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 weekend
DANCE ONTARIO DANCEWEEKEND’21
Get up and dance this weekend with Ontario’s first virtual DanceWeekend. The online event will get you moving and shaking with dance film screenings, interactive workshops, and more. It’s a great way to get a little exercise while having a bit of fun.
Where: Check it out online
When: Happening all weekend
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 weekend
NEXT: THE FUTURE OF ART
Speaking of online art, this collection is crazy impressive. You can log on to explore a virtual collection of local works. 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 weekend
ACTIVETO
This weekend marks the beginning of one of Toronto’s most popular outdoor events. ActiveTO is back in business, baby. Beginning on Saturday, you can head to the designated blocked-off city streets to walk, bike, or run without any worry of vehicle interference. It’s a great way to get some fresh air while maintaining a safe physical distance from others.
Where: Check out the road closure map here
When: Launches Saturday, May 1st
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 weekend!
Where: Check it out online
When: Launches Saturday, May 1st
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: Launches Saturday, May 1st
LA PIZZA WEEK
Celebrate spring with a slice of the best pizza in town! Kicking off this Saturday, 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: Begins Saturday, May 1st
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 weekend
Have a great weekend, Toronto!
