We’ve got an exciting month coming our way, Toronto! There are tons of events and activities in our city this month and many of them are free. If you’re saving room in your budget for summer fun, then this list of free things to do in Toronto this May will come in handy.
Let’s hop right into the very best free things to do in Toronto this May.
The Bentway Opening Weekend
Toronto’s beloved outdoor hub below the Gardiner Expressway is reopening this May with a new season of programming, called Beyond Concrete.
In celebration of its opening weekend, visitors can attend free talks, tours, and workshops.
Plus, there are several installations that the public can enjoy for free throughout the season.
That includes a special live art performance on May 27th and 28th.
When: Starting on May 26th, 2023
Where: 250 Fort York Boulevard
Party for Paws Spring Pet Fair
This annual free pet-centric party is coming back this month, and it’s pawsitively awesome.
The family-friendly and fully accessible event allows you to start your animal adoption journey, support local businesses, and meet celebrity pets all in one place.
There will be all kinds of fun things to do for your pet too, including doggie pools and tunnels, a photo booth, treats for pets, goodies, and more.
When: May 27th & 28th, 2023
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dog Bowl, 790 Queen Street West
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has a longstanding tradition of allowing the public to visit the gallery for free every Wednesday evening.
Free general admission tickets must be booked in advance, online.
If you don’t manage to get one, be on the lookout on Mondays when a limited number of free timed-entry tickets are released for the following Wednesday.
When: Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
Beaches Artisan Market
This beloved market is making a comeback this month at Queen Street Marketplace, featuring handcrafted works of over 50 independent artists, artisans, makers, and designers.
While admission is free for everyone, kids get an extra treat with free face painting.
When: May 14th, 2023
Where: 2075 Queen Street East
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 includes free access to all of the galleries and exhibitions at the museum.
Advanced tickets are not required and it’s first come, first served, so be sure to arrive on time for a guaranteed spot!
When: May 16th, 2023
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Backyard Festival: Asian Night Market
Stackt Market is bringing back its annual free festival series and it kicks off this month.
Starting May 20th, 2023, the Backyard summer festival series returns, featuring five different events to start.
This month, you can expect an exciting Asian Market to turn up the heat with delicious cuisine and cultural activities.
When: May 20th, 2023
Where: Stackt Market
Recent Posts
5 of the most charming lake towns to visit in Ontario this spring
12 of the best happy hour deals you can get in Toronto
View this post on Instagram
Nostalgic Market
A pop-up market for all things Y2K nostalgia is coming our way!
You’ll get to shop for one-of-a-kind throwback memerobilia, vintage items, artwork, and so much more at this pet-friendly market.
The best part is that admission is free!
When: May 13th and 14th, 2023
Where: 1153 Queen Street West
Doors Open Toronto
Torontonians will once again get rare access into some of the city’s most interesting sites this May as part of the annual Doors Open Toronto event.
With nearly 700 unique locations and over 2 million visits since the event began in 2000, this free event is not to be missed if you love to explore the city.
When: May 27th to May 28th, 2023
Lumière: The Art of Light
An illuminated experience is taking place in our city and it’s completely free to enjoy. Lumière: The Art of Light at Ontario Place is lighting up the waterfront with incredible works of art.
Formerly named the Winter Light Exhibition, this event will take over Trillium Park until May 7th.
“Utilizing innovation, light and discovery, Lumière encourages Ontario artists and creators to ‘illuminate’ the park,” the description says.
When: Until May 7th, 2023
Where: Trillium Park, Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
MOCA Free Friday Nights
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has reopened with new spring exhibitions, and you can visit for free!
The museum has a Free Friday Nights tradition that brings art lovers together on the best night of the week.
Visitors are invited to celebrate contemporary art and community and enjoy live performances, installations, pop-ups, activations, and more.
You can book your spot in advance to guarantee entry or drop in on the day. The last time slot for entry is 8:45 PM.
When: Fridays from 5 PM to 9 PM
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 158 Sterling Road #100
