It was a long winter, but we finally made it to the other side! And lucky for us, there are some incredible things to do in Toronto this April. From festivals and parades to exciting live performances to spring-themed markets, there is no shortage of excitement in our city as we transition into the new season.
Here are 25 of the best things to do in Toronto this April, so you can make it a month to remember!
Outdoor Festivals, Events & Experiences
Beaches Easter Parade Toronto
The Beaches Easter Parade is returning to the east end this April and it’s a neighbourhood-wide tradition that the city looks forward to each spring.
This event is said to be the largest and longest-running Easter parade in the world, drawing 50,000 visitors per year.
The annual parade will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, April 9th just north of the shoreline along Queen Street East.
When: Sunday, April 9th, 2023 at 2 PM
Where: Queen Street East, Munro Park to Woodbine Avenue
Lumière: The Art of Light
An illuminated experience has arrived 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.
“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
Sponsored Pick: FOR HEALTH’S SAKE
Toronto’s highest-rated mental and physical health clinic, For Health’s Sake is now open in Downtown Toronto and Leslieville, offering a multidisciplinary approach to health and wellness.
Their expert team of therapists offers services to get you back to the things you love, with offerings from physiotherapy, psychotherapy, RMT, acupuncture and more. They will work with you on tailored treatment plans to get you back to feeling your best.
When: Book your appointment anytime via their online booking service
Where: Leslieville Toronto – 1238 Queen St. East, Suite 200 | Downtown Toronto – 465 Queen Street West, 2nd Floor
Cost: https://forhealthssake.ca/contact/
Public Sweat
Described as “a fusion of art, sauna culture, and sweat bathing,” Public Sweat welcomes all to explore its “sauna village” where attendees can explore five sweat bathing structures over the course of two hours – hot spaces and cold showers.
You’re more than welcome to bounce between the hot and cold spaces at your own pace and once you’re done, hang out in the indoor lounge area to eat, drink, and connect with others.
When: Until April 23rd, 2023
Where: North East Grounds of Harbourfront Centre, 225 Queens Quay West
Fast in the 6
A beloved Toronto event marking Ramadan is coming back to Toronto this spring, celebrating this beautifully diverse city.
Enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fireworks, coinciding with Ramadan, at Fast in the 6.
On April 14th, stop by Nathan Phillips Square “to celebrate the diversity and inclusion that makes Toronto so vibrant and special.”
When: April 14th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Kensington Market Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
The Easter Bunny needs your help this April! Wander your way through Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood while solving clues and doing some window shopping along the way.
This fun-filled event is suitable for people of all ages with will feature games, challenges, and of course, chocolate.
Plus, you’ll be given a prize for completing the hunt and you’ll even be entered into a draw for a goodie basket from local Kensington shops.
When: April 8th, 2023, 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Kensington Market
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Indoor Festivals, Events & Experiences
Stranger Things: The Experience
Are you ready to enter the Upside Down? A Stranger Things experience has arrived in Toronto and it’ll transport you to Hawkins in the year 1986.
Fans will have access to the show’s most iconic settings on an “intimate guided new adventure” alongside their favourite characters, plus eat, drink, and hang out like they’re part of the crew.
Once you’ve had your fair share of adventure, you can head over to Scoops Ahoy for a USS Butterscotch sundae or Surfer Boy Pizza for a tasty slice.
The experience will also be home to the first-ever Stranger Things-themed bar where you can sip unique cocktails inspired by the show.
When: Various dates in April 2023
Where: Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, 8 Unwin Avenue
Cost: $49+ per person
The Office Experience: Toronto
If you’ve always dreamed of spending a day at Dunder Mifflin, your wish can now come true. The Office experience has arrived in Toronto!
This is no Jim Halpert prank. A life-sized version of the mid-level regional paper company we know and love is now open in our city, and here’s a sneak peek!
Fans of the show will get to walk through mind-blowing recreations of the famous set, explore original props and costumes, re-live their favourite moments from the show, and scoop up incredible merch at the on-site store.
When: Until June 4th 2023
Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre (across from the Lego Store); 3401 Dufferin Street
Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA
The Big Top is officially making a comeback. Cirque du Soleil will return to Toronto this April with one of its most successful touring shows, called KOOZA.
KOOZA “combines acrobatic performance and the art of clowning, while exploring fear, identity, recognition, and power,” according to the description.
The highlights of the show include Hoops Manipulation, Double Highwire, the Skeleton Dance, and the famous Wheel of Death, an “enormous spinning contraption” that always has the audience on the edge of their seats.
When: April 7th, 2023 to June 18th, 2023
Where: Under the Big Top – 2150 Lake Shore Blvd West, Etobicoke
Hamilton
Broadway sensation Hamilton is back in Toronto! The popular musical will run for a few months until the summer.
“Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre,” the description says.
This musical is not only entertaining, but has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
When: Until June 11th, 2023
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
Rock of Ages
One of Broadway’s longest-running hit musicals is in Toronto and it’s sure to ROCK the house down!
The “reimagined version” of the ’80s-inspired production will be here for our viewing pleasure at the Elgin Theatre until May 20th.
The musical features hit songs from rock legends like Quiet Riot, Poison, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Styx, Starship, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Foreigner, and Guns N’ Roses.
When: Until May 20th, 2023
Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view! An exhibit called Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is open in Toronto and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
The experience is described as “an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their very earliest, groundbreaking features to the beloved hit movies of today.”
When: Until July 9th, 2023
Where: Lighthouse Immersive Inc, 1 Yonge Street
Hot Docs Festival
Toronto’s beloved documentary film festival returns for its 30th year this April.
Hot Docs showcases thought-provoking films made by Canadian and international documentary filmmakers. If you love powerful storytelling and breathtaking cinematics, this event is not one to miss.
When: April 27th to May 7th, 2023
Art Battle Toronto
Watch the city’s talented artists battle it out for the top prize in a series of fast-paced competitions and see their canvases come to life before your eyes.
The event is described as an “incredible night of community and creation,” so you’re definitely in for something special.
At the end you’ll get to cast your vote for the winner, so get ready to unleash your inner art critic.
When: April 25th, 2023
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
The Wet Gala
Toronto’s very own spin on The Met Gala is happening this April, and it’s in support of an important cause.
Over 500 of Toronto’s most influential guests will walk the blue carpet in their black tie and leather attire, delight in gourmet eats from McEwan Catering, and enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, and a live fashion show, with all proceeds going directly to the cause.
The fundraising gala will be held by Water Ambassadors Canada to highlight the issue of water accessibility in developing countries and to raise funds for its water projects.
When: April 26th, 2023
Where: El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue, #462
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Food & Drink Events
Filipino Restaurant Month
After a successful debut last year, the second annual Filipino Restaurant Month will kick off in April, featuring local restaurants across the country serving up the best in Filipino cuisine.
Throughout the month of April, restaurants will participate and offer prix fixe menus that “highlight the unique variety of Filipino food and ingredients and the talent of Filipino chefs throughout Canada.”
There are many Ontario restaurants participating, and you can see the full list of them here.
When: April 2023
TO Food and Drink Fest
TO Food and Drink Fest is returning to the city and it is the largest festival of its kind in all of Canada.
The 19+ festival runs for three days straight and will bring back-to-back culinary experiences into one massive space.
That includes incredible food, drinks, demos, shopping, music, and so much more
When: March 31st to April 2nd, 2023
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Karen’s Diner Toronto
The most ruthless dining experience is coming to Toronto this spring. Karen’s Diner is on a cross-Canada tour and they’re leaving their manners at the door.
Burgers, fries, and a side of rude customer service, Karen’s Diner is taking over Trecce on 1792 Danforth Avenue this April as part of a pop-up dining experience.
When: April 22nd to April 30th, 2023
Where: Trecce – 1792 Danforth Avenue
Sailor Moon Maid Cafe
Sweet Dreamin Cafe is bringing us yet another Japanese maid cafe experience this April, and this one is Sailor Moon-themed!
This highly-popular event will feature several seatings throughout the weekend, and each ticket comes with a three-course afternoon tea, a mini live performance, table-side games, entertainment, and all of the fun you can handle!
When: April 22nd and 23rd, 2023
Where: Oishiii Sweets Cafe, 3376 Kennedy Road
Shopping Events
One Of A Kind Spring Show
Toronto’s popular seasonal craft show returns this early April, showcasing the work of hundreds of talented makers, artisans, and vendors all under one roof.
This event is described as a gathering place for “like-minded individuals to exchange ideas, stories and objects through the culture of craft,” according to its website.
Get ready to explore, get inspired, meet new people, and most importantly, stock up on beautiful items for the season ahead.
When: March 29th to April 2nd, 2023
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Toronto Vintage Show
The Toronto Vintage Show is returning this month and it’s the largest clothing sale of its kind in Canada.
This annual event is described as a “vintage lover’s paradise that features Canada’s largest sale of vintage clothing along with loads of vintage décor.”
The two-day event will span 40,000 square feet at Exhibition Place and will feature 125 vendors.
Among them is The Ian Drummond Collection, which is a major Toronto-based supplier of wardrobe for the most popular movies and television shows.
When: April 1st, 10 AM to 6 PM & April 2nd, 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, 180 Princes’ Blvd
Cost: $15 per person
Spring Pop-up By Toronto Art Crawl
This free indoor art pop-up market is the place to be for unique treasure hunting this spring.
Shop directly from the hands of 85+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans.
Dance the day away to live DJ music as you browse local art, photography, sculptures, jewelry, fashion, home decor, skin care, and one-of-a-kind items.
When: April 16th, 2023
Where: Woolfitt Gallery, 1153 Queen Street West
The Trending Table Market
Head to Toronto’s shipping container market for an indoor shopping event from local vendors and makers.
Browse your way through the stalls of Toronto small businesses while mingling with fellow locals and dancing the day away to live DJs.
Plus, the first 30 guests will receive swag bags filled with goodies from local businesses!
When: April 22nd, 2023
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
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Sporting Events
Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener
The Blue Jays will invite fans to their newly-renovated ballpark for the first time on April 11th, 2023, for the home opener.
This season, the new and improved stadium will unveil the Outfield District, where live entertainment will be held on every game day.
Outfield District will be home to several exciting food and drink concepts, including the Corona Rooftop Patio, Park Social, The Catch Bar, and The Stop.
Fans can also look forward to $1 hot dog days and new $20 general admission tickets that grant access to the brand-new viewing areas around the ballpark.
When: April 11th, 2023
Where: Rogers Centre
Toronto FC, Raptors & Maple Leafs
The season of live sporting events continues, and with the Toronto FC season in full swing at BMO Field, this is your opportunity to enjoy the fresh spring air and cheer for the home team at the same time.
Also this month, it’s getting down to the wire for the Leafs and Raptors as they head into the last leg of the regular season. Playoff season for both teams begins in mid-April, and they need all the support they can get!
When: Various dates in April 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena
