As January is nearing its end, we prepare for all the fun that’s to come for February. With so many free things to do in Toronto this February, you’ll find that you don’t need to spend so much to have an enjoyable weekend in the city. We’re in saving mode all 2023!
Here are 13 of the best events and activities you can enjoy for free in the city this February.
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Black History Month at Toronto Public Library
The Toronto Public Library is hosting a series of events, workshops, and lectures throughout Black History Month.
Learn about the legacy of the slave trade in Canada, participate in an African drum workshop, enjoy a live steelpan performance, and much more.
The library also has an extensive list of podcasts, videos, and recommended reading for all ages on the theme of Black history.
When: February 2023
Where: See all events
Black History Month Concert Series
Celebrate the African Canadian community in Toronto with a live performance featuring the artists who represented Toronto at AFROFEST Africa 2022 in Tanzania.
The best part is that admission to this event is completely free. However, donations are always welcome.
When: February 25th, 2023
Where: 1000 Finch Avenue West
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is making a comeback this February and will transform the neighbourhood into a whimsical world filled with frozen displays.
There will be over 40 creations made from 60,000 lbs of ice on display at the festival, which will be carved into magnificent, one-of-a-kind sculptures.
Icefest will also feature live ice carving demonstrations, an ice lounge, and an ice wall with projections.
When: February 18th and 19th, 2023, 12 PM to 11 PM
Where: Village of Yorkville Park & Bloor-Yorkville area
Cost: FREE
Distillery District – Après Ski Weekends
Ditch the skis and join Toronto’s Distillery District for some fun Après Ski activities.
Warm up by the fire pits, sip on some hot chocolate (or alcoholic beverages), and munch on delicious treats.
These fun-filled festivities run every weekend until March 21st. Space is a little limited so just know that it is first come, first served and weather permitting.
When: Saturdays and Sundays until March 19th, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: 55 Mill Street
Free hot chocolate and skate rentals at The Bentway
Winter skating under the Gardiner is back for the fifth year in a row!
Until February 20th, skate rentals will available for free every Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
On Monday evenings, you can warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate. Free skate lessons for all ages will be offered by registration on Tuesday evenings.
When: Until February 20th, 2023
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd
Freshen up your ice skating skills at The Hangar District in Downsview. Every weekend in February, pop on by for a free skate on an 80,000 sq.ft airplane hangar. There will be live DJs in the evenings, free skating lessons, and a special Family Day program.
So make sure to bring your skates and if you don’t have a pair or forget them, there will be free rentals for both skates and helmets (first come first served)
When: February 4-26, 2023 / Saturdays & Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM / DJ evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Across from 95 Garratt Blvd
Free Third Tuesdays at The ROM
Bring your friends and fam to The ROM on the third Tuesday night of each month for a free museum visit! This monthly offer icludes free access to all galleries, including Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature, Kent Monkman: Being Legendary, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year*.
Advanced tickets are not required and it’s first come, first served, so be sure to arrive on time for a guaranteed spot!
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
When: Every third Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Free attractions with your library card
Do you have a Toronto Public Library card? You may not know that you can use it for a lot more than just books. Your Toronto library card actually grants you free admission to the city’s top museums and cultural attractions.
Toronto Public Library’s Museum and Arts (MAP) Pass lets you and your family access all kinds of exciting destinations for free with a single library card. All you have to do is pick a participating branch and scoop it up!
Where: See all attractions here
KUUMBA
Toronto’s largest Black Futures Month celebration is back this February, with “stimulating and thought-provoking” discussions and performances taking place all month long.
The program features dance, music, workshops, and literary events that highlight contemporary artists and thought leaders from the Afro-diaspora in Canada. There are a few free events available as long as you register ahead of time.
When: February 1st to 28th, 2023
Where: See all events
Skating at Toronto’s outdoor rinks
The season of outdoor skating is well underway! When it comes to outdoor skating rinks, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic options.
From ice trails through the city to DJ skate nights in the heart of downtown, these rinks will make you want to lace up your skates all season long.
Where: See Toronto’s best outdoor rinks here
When: Until March 2023
Take a trip back in time this fall and check out the many Toronto History Museums open to all who are interested in expanding their knowledge.
Admission is free to all 10 museums like Fort York National Historic Site, Spadina Museum, Gibson House, and Scarborough Museum. There are guided tours and self-guided tours available for all.
Where: See all museums here
Cost: FREE
Winter Stations
Winter Stations is making a comeback this February. This single-state international design competition takes place every year, and contestants must incorporate the Kew and Woodbine beach lifeguard towers into their installations in creative ways.
The winners get to bring their designs to life and showcase them along the beaches for several weeks in the winter and spring.
Winter Stations will be taking place at multiple locations this year and instead of staying in one place, some installations will be relocated to give more residents a chance to visit.
When: February 20th to April 3rd, 2023
Where: Woodbine Beach and 1381 Lakeshore Road East (Mississauga)
Urban Exhibit Market by Toronto Art Crawl
Check out this indoor art crawl featuring creations by over 85 local artists and artisans in Toronto.
It is absolutely free to attend so if all you want to do is view some art, photography, jewelry, skincare, and more, you are welcome to do so. But if something catches your eye, or you’re a little hungry, there will be food vendors and a DJ playing live music to keep you moving throughout the day.
When: February 19, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Woolfitt Gallery – 1153 Queen Street West
