Call up Justin Timberlake because it’s gonna be MAY! We love this month for so many reasons — the warm weather is just beginning, the city comes alive with outdoor events, and the patios are abuzz with happy people enjoying the sunshine. There are so many things to do in Toronto in May, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Let’s dive in, shall we? Here are the very best things to do in Toronto in May. Enjoy it, friends!
Attractions & Immersive Experiences
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s premier amusement park is reopening on May 5th with new rides and entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
This season, visitors will get to experience the gravity-defying rollercoaster, Tundra Twister, for the first time.
Also new to Wonderland this year is the new launch coaster called Snoopy’s Racing Railway, and it’ll take riders on a wild adventure.
And get excited, because the amusement park will have a fireworks show on Victoria Day weekend!
When: May 5th, 2023
Centreville Amusement Park
Island lovers in Toronto, listen up! Centre Island’s iconic Centreville Amusement Park is set to reopen on May 6th, 2023.
If you’ve never been, Centreville is a ferry ride away from downtown Toronto and has over 30 rides and attractions for the family. It also has several food outlets and is surrounded by 600 acres of parkland.
Whether you’re spinning in the Twirling Tea Cups, or bouncing around in Bumper Boats and Bumper Cars, the fun doesn’t stop, especially on those perfect summer days in Toronto.
When: May 6th, 2023
Sponsored Pick: Explore great food & beer pairings during Toronto’s culinary journey this May
Back for another year, the Estrella Damm Culinary Journey will be running across the GTA for the entire month of May. The celebrated “beer of Barcelona” has teamed up with some of Toronto’s best restaurants to kick off the summer with delicious, specialty-priced dishes. Restaurants from across the GTA will be taking part.
When: May 1 – 31, 2023
Where: Restaurants around the GTA – Full list can be found here
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 May 2023
Where: Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, 8 Unwin Avenue
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
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
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Concerts & Performances
Budweiser Stage Reopening
The season of outdoor concerts is back at Budweiser Stage!
Hitting the amphitheatre this month are some pretty major performers, including Janet Jackson, Crowded House, and Louis Tomlinson.
Also coming to the stage throughout the spring and summer are Charlie Puth, Luke Bryan, Alexisonfire, Shania Twain, Weezer, Billy Talent, Snoop Dogg, and so many more!
Where: Budweiser Stage
Stars on Ice Canada
An exciting on-ice performance is coming our way this month.
Stars on Ice Canada will amaze audiences on May 5th, featuring Olympic gold medalists, as well as U.S., Canadian, and world champions.
When: May 5th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA
The Big Top is officially back. Cirque du Soleil has returned to Toronto 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: Until June 18th, 2023
Where: Under the Big Top – 2150 Lake Shore Blvd West, Etobicoke
Blink 182 at Scotiabank Arena
Get ready to rock out like you’re back in high school! The legendary Blink 182 is tearing up the stage at Scotiabank Arena this month.
The show is part of the band’s reunion tour and there are actually two taking place in Toronto.
It’s the first Canadian stop, with several more to follow in the spring and summer.
When: May 11th & 15th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena
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
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Festivals & Special Events
Hot Docs Festival
Toronto’s beloved documentary film festival returns for its 30th year this April and May.
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: Until May 7th, 2023
Anime North 2023
The popular anime convention we know and love is coming back to our city this month.
This weekend-long event is a celebration of anime, manga, music, games and all other forms of Japanese Culture.
When: May 26th to 28th, 2023
Where: Toronto Congress Centre, Delta Hotel Airport & Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel
AGO Friday Nights
After-dark parties at the gallery are making a comeback this May.
This event features a and DJ , as well as curated selection of works from AGO Library and Archives.
This month’s edition is all about spotlighting new exhibitions and artists at the gallery, including Sunday School storytellers, Naudline Pierre, and Wolfgang Tillmans.
When: May 26th, 2023
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
The month-long photography showcase that Toronto looks forward to every year will make its return this month.
This festival gives a platform for Canadian and international photographers to showcase their work and provides opportunities for collaborations and engagement among curators, partner organizations, and audiences.
When: May 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
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 event is not to be missed if you love to explore the city.
When: May 27th to May 28th, 2023
Electric Island
One of Toronto’s most popular music festivals is coming back for its first edition of the summer this May.
Electric Island is taking over Hanlan’s Point all weekend long, with incredible DJs spinning on three separate stages. It’s going to be epic!
When: May 20th & 21st, 2023
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Islands
ROM After Dark: Tusarnitut! Music Born of the Cold
The ROM’s iconic after-dark party returns this month and if you haven’t been before, this month is the perfect time to check it out.
This experiantial monthly party features “curated music, visual arts, pop-up performances, and distinctive food and drink, designed for adults looking for a fun, art-driven night out,” says the museum.
When: May 19th, 2023
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of Victoria Day long weekend, and there are so many events to look forward to this year.
You can enjoy the warmer weather with a boozy cruise on the lake — yes, we’re talking three hours of partying on a two-level party vessel equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, live DJs, dance floors, drinks, and so much more.
When: May 20th, 2023
Where: Pioneer Cruises, 333 Lake Shore Boulevard East
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Food & Drink Events
Fiesta De Mayo
This month, you can look forward to a weekend-long festival that celebrates the culture and diversity of our great city.
Fiesta de Mayo will feature tribal drums, colourful street dancing, and a wide variety of delicious food and drinks. A dream combination, if you ask us!
When: May 26th to 28th, 2023
Where: Street Eats Market, 500 Progress Avenue, Scarborough
Eats Theme Park
A one-of-a-kind foodie theme park is hitting the GTA this spring and summer!
Street Eats Market is putting on its first ever “Eats Theme Park” this May, and according to the description, it’s the first of its kind in the world.
“Eats Theme Park is the world’s first food theme park of its kind, bringing multiple themed food festivals together, all in one massive foodie wonderland,” says the description. Bring your appetite!
When: May 20th to 22nd, 2023
Where: Dixie GO Station, Mississauga
Mother’s Day High Tea at the Castle
Mother’s Day is coming up this month, and what better way to celebrate mom than with an elegant afternoon tea experience in a real-life castle?
Casa Loma is hosting its traditional Edwardian high tea on Mother’s Day weekend, complete with “premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries and tea sandwiches in the majestic ambiance of the Castle.”
All guests will also have access to the castle grounds, so you can explore after your seating.
When: May 13th & 14th, 2023
Where: Casa Loma
Shopping Events
The Toronto Flower Market
It’s time to stock up on spring blooms! The Toronto Flower Market has announced its dates for the 2023 season.
This annual outdoor market is Toronto’s first event of its kind, with a wide variety of Ontario-grown plants and flowers ready to be taken home and enjoyed.
The market will return with its first event of the season on May 13th.
When: May 13th, 2023, 10 AM to 3 PM.
Where: 1001 Queen Street West at CAMH
Toronto Botanical Garden Plant Sale
The annual Toronto Botanical Garden Plant Sale is returning just in time for the warmer months.
This weekend-long sale is “filled with a thoughtful selection of top-performing and ethically sourced plants from reliable growers,” says a description by TBG.
Shop among a large variety of flowering annuals, herbaceous perennials, pollinator plants, small trees, shrubs, and so much more.
When: May 6th and 7th, 2023, 10 AM to 5 PM (members only on May 5th)
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Avenue East
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
