You know what they say! April showers bring May flowers. Which means literally and figuratively, we’ve got a lot to look forward to. As the weather warms and we say hello to springtime in the city, we’re lining up a ton of great stuff to keep us entertained. Sure, we’re still keeping a distance from others – we are still in the middle of a pandemic, after all – but that doesn’t mean we aren’t in for a good time. From at-home activities to socially distanced events, there’s plenty of ways to stay entertained this May.
Here are 25 socially distanced things to do in Toronto this May.
Editors Note: Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, provincial and city guidelines are continually changing. Please double-check business closures and restrictions before proceeding.
ACTIVETO
Speaking of spring, as the sun comes out we’re all looking for excuses to head outside. Thankfully, Toronto’s popular ActiveTO program is back in business this May. Every weekend starting May 1st, 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 month long!
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
MAY DAY RALLY
May Day (aka The International Day of the Worker) is coming up and you can celebrate with this virtual event. The livestream and online webinar is all about honouring the hundreds of millions of works who have died around the world in the struggle for the eight-hour workday. Oof. Last year, this same event was a massive hit, with thousands tuning in and endorsements from loads of major unions and organizations.
Where: Check it out online
When: Saturday, May 1st
LA PIZZA WEEK
Celebrate May with a slice of the best pizza in town! This 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: Saturday, May 1st – Friday, May 7th
BLACK SHEEP COMEDY
We could all use a laugh during these wild times. So long on to catch a comedy show live from your living room. The Black Sheep Comedy Show features a headline performance from none other than Christophe Davidson. This funnyman 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
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. This year, 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: Friday, May 7th – Sunday, May 9th
HOT DOCS FILM FESTIVAL
Hot Docs Film Festival wraps up this May with amazing screens of incredible documentary flicks. With 150 titles lined up, plus loads of extras like industry talks and panels, there’s a ton of incredible events to catch. You can purchase individual screening tickets or splurge on an unlimited festival pass.
Where: Check it out online
When: Ends Sunday, May 9th
SUPPORT LOCAL WITH BAG OF TORONTO MOTHER’S DAY EDITION
Making mom happy AND supporting local? There’s no better combination. This Mother’s Day, get your hands on a package from the fabulous non-profit initiative Bag of Toronto. This awesome group puts together sample kits with 5-7 items from local spots. Tons of the city’s hottest neighbourhoods are involved. Plus, it’s a great way to get some gorgeous homegrown goodies.
Where: Purchase yours online
When: Sunday, May 9th
ENJOY MOTHER’S DAY TAKEOUT
Speaking of Mother’s Day, why not treat mom to a delicious takeout meal? Sure, we wish we could all go sit in a restaurant for real. But these amazing offerings are the next best thing. A ton of Toronto restaurants have specials running with everything from brunch to dinner to dessert. They’re sure to make for a delicious day.
Where: Check out our favourite deals here
When: Sunday, May 9th
TRY A VIRTUAL CHOCOLATE TASTING
We’re still thinking delicious when it comes to this next event. You can tune in for a virtual chocolate tasting this Mother’s Day and indulge in the finest creations Toronto’s got to offer. Place your order to enjoy 4 bars of premium craft chocolate, raw cacao, a chocolate tasting mat, and 2 Toronto Truffles delivered right to your door. Then log on for the virtual workshop where they’ll walk you through the delicious eats.
Where: Check it out online
When: Sunday, May 9th
NEXT: THE FUTURE OF ART
This online collection is crazy impressive. Until the event ends on May 11th, 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: Ends Tuesday, May 11th
INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW – SPRING RESILIENCY
Whether you’re an interior design pro or a total novice, this virtual conference is sure to excite you. Tune in for panels, info sessions, and talks all about, you guessed it, interior design. You’ll learn how to make the most of a space through artful and functional design. The theme this year is Sustainability and Designing for the Future.
Where: Check it out online
When: Monday, May 10th – Thursday, May 13th
SIP WINE FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Everyone loves sipping wine. But what if we told you you could give back while you sip? Seems like a win-win, right? At the CanadaHelps Her Time event, you can do just that. Tune in for a virtual wine tasting session unlike any other. Your ticket covers the price of 3 incredible bottles that’ll be shipped right to you. Plus, the proceeds will be donated to Shelter Movers Greater Toronto in support of survivors of gender-based violence.
Where: Check it out online
When: Thursday, May 13th
CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
Lighten things up with a virtual concert during Canadian Music Week. This year, the festival has moved online. Even better? It’s completely FREE. You can tune in to catch the lineup of awesome local artists, streamed right to your very own screen. If you’d like extras like industry talks and networking events, upgrade your pass to include the Canadian Music Week Conference.
Where: Check it out online
When: Tuesday, May 18th – Friday, May 21st
IMAGES FESTIVAL
North America’s leader in experimental and independent film is about to take the stage. Tune in this May to catch incredible screenings all week long. The festival is showcasing a killer lineup of movies and events, which any film fan would be crazy to miss.
Where: Check it out online
When: Thursday, May 20th – Wednesday, May 26th
REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL
Another great film event to catch this month is the ReelAbilities Film Festival. Happening entirely online this year, the event is all about showcasing features, shorts, and other works created by and for folks with disabilities. There are some pretty great stories in store, so be sure to tune in.
Where: Check it out online
When: Wednesday, May 26th
THE LESLIEVILLE FLEA
As one of the only events happening in person this month, The Leslieville Flea is a pretty big deal. Head on over to Stackt Market to peruse a collection of vintage and handcrafted goods from incredible local vendors. Don’t worry, the whole thing will be following strict social distanced guidelines. In fact, you’ll want to double check those restrictions for schedule updates as this day approaches.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: Saturday, May 29th
IN THE PICTURE: PORTRAITS OF THESE TIMES
This next pick is a sign of the times. Literally. You can explore a collection of portraits this month, centered 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: Ends Sunday, May 30th
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.
Where: Check it out online
When: Every Thursday this May
GIRLS NIGHT IN COMEDY SHOW
Another great reoccurring event this month is the Girls Night in Comedy Show. Log on every Tuesday for live comedy specials from funny ladies around town. This interactive and internationally-acclaimed virtual comedy night is a great way to lift your spirits every single week.
Where: Check it out online
When: Every Tuesday all month
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: Online anytime, in-person experience coming soon (COVID-19 restrictions pending)
SPRING STATIONS
As you venture outside of your home for your daily walks, be sure to pencil in a stop at one of the many Spring Station sites this May. Brought to us by the popular Winter Stations, you can enjoy beautiful works all over the city. There are a ton of installations popping up at different times, so be sure to check the schedule for the full list of what to expect.
Where: Find your nearest location here
When: Find the full schedule here
FIND YOUR DREAM JOB
Looking for a little extra cash this summer? Now’s the time to start hunting down your summer gig. If you’re between the ages of 15 and 30, this awesome database will aid in your search. There are a record-setting 150,000 full and part-time positions available right now from coast to coast. The jobs include everything from marketing to landscaping, from PR to farm work. Whatever you’re into, there’s sure to be a position for you!
Where: Check it out online
When: Apply any time this month
STREAM SOME NETFLIX
We’re rounding things out with a stay-at-home classic. Even with the warm weather, if you feel like cozying up on the couch with snacks and your favourite Netflix series, more power to ya. During these wild times, sometimes it’s nice just to focus on your favourite show. Who knows, with all the new releases dropping this month, maybe you’ll find a new favourite.
Where: Online at Netflix.com
When: Check out the schedule of May new releases here
Have a great May, Toronto!
