It's almost the weekend! There's a bunch of free things to do in Toronto this weekend, so it's time to make those plans and leave your wallet behind.
From cherry blossom picnics to Earth Day celebrations and dance parties, you can enjoy your time off to the fullest without worrying about the price tag.
Call your besties and hit up these no-cost experiences around the city.
Here are 10 free things to do in Toronto this weekend.
See the cherry blossoms
Price: Free
When: April 17 to April 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Colborne Lodge Museum, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's cherry blossom season! You can celebrate these beautiful blooms by heading to Colborne Lodge this weekend.
You can learn "about the history of the cherry trees in High Park and enjoy reproductions of 19th century Japanese art and poetry depicting this seasonal celebration," according to the website.
There will also be haikus written by High Park visitors and you can even create your own.
For a suggested donation of $5, you can also make your own sakura greeting card.
Celebrate Earth Day
Price: Free
When: April 20, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy all sorts of Earth Day celebrations at Evergreen Brick Works this weekend. The venue has "a suite of programming that showcases how Evergreen creates places in our cities, like Evergreen Brick Works, that are bursting with life."
You can spend the day enjoying the surrounding nature, taking part in part in workshops, watching an educational film and more.
There will also be a book swap, DIY bike repairs and a photography exhibit.
Compete in a chess match
Price: Free
When: April 19, 2024, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 1101 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend the weekend like you're in The Queen's Gambit. The Toronto Public Library is hosting Chess Club and you can "play chess with friends, family and fellow enthusiasts."
All levels are welcome, so you don't need to be an expert in order to play.
Snap some cherry blossom photos
Price: Free
When: April 19 & 20, 2024
Address: 100 Princes Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Want to snap some stunning cherry blossom photos? Exhibition Place is hosting a Cherry Blossoms Photo Walk and you can get some amazing shots.
The area "is home to many cherry trees that form a delicate pink and white canopy in several areas of the grounds each spring," making it an idyllic place to snap some images.
The photo walk includes instructions and lessons on how to capture some beautiful photos of these dreamy pink blooms.
Tour a historic neighbourhood
Price: Free
When: April 20, 2024, 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.
Address: 89 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a trip back in time with "The Ward: A Neighbourhood That Once Was" historical tour this weekend.
The experience takes you through the area of Toronto where immigrants first settled. It focuses on "the history of the former neighbourhood The Ward with an emphasis on highlighting the lived experiences of former residents."
The tour concludes at Aroma Espresso Bar, so you can grab a bite or refreshment after your stroll.
Enjoy an Earth Day event
Price: Free
When: April 20, 2024, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga, ON
Why You Need To Go: With Earth Day coming up, it's the perfect time to get outside and immerse yourself in nature. This Earth Day celebration just outside of Toronto lets you "learn about native plants and animals, work together to clean up the Arsenal Lands, and make a seed bomb to take home."
The event includes a frog watch, and the seed bomb making is by donation.
Get groovy at a dance party
Price: Free before 11:30 p.m. with tickets
When: April 20, 2024, 10 p.m.
Address: 225 Richmond St. W., #Suite 100 Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Unleash your inner nerd! The Fifth Social Club is hosting a Dorks & Corks Dance Party this weekend and you can have an "unforgettable night of geek-chic FUN."
Costumes are encouraged, so "pull out those high-waisted trousers, suspenders, and don't forget the quintessential thick-rimmed glasses."
The event includes boozy test tube shots and a 360 Photobooth where you can "capture your nerdy getup and memorable moments with friends."
Have fun at a market
Price: Free
When: April 21, 2024, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: BARKADA MRKT. is returning to Stackt and you can spend the day enjoying "shopping, music & delicious food while supporting asian-owned businesses."
The market will be home to over 30 vendors selling unique items like clothing, jewelry, home decor, art and asian-inspired cuisines.
The event includes free entry, food, drinks, swag bags, good vibes and more.
You can even bring your pup along for a cute outing.
Stackt website
Picnic amidst pink blooms
Price: Free
When: April 21, 2014, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Looking for a unique way to enjoy the cherry blossoms? This free event is worth checking out. A Sakura Watch Picnic is taking place in High Park this Sunday and it's an enchanting way to enjoy the spring views.
You can pack your own picnic and take part in a "Sakura-themed Scavenger Hunt filled with surprises and prizes."
There will also be a karaoke session and DIY Sakura origami.
Game entry is $5 cash.
Visit a historic site
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This weekend, why not take a trop to Fort York National Historic Site where British soldiers, First Nations fighters, and Upper Canadian militiamen faced off against the U.S. during the War of 1812.
You can learn all about the bloody Battle of York with multimedia displays, oral histories, and historic letters at the museum. The venue is also home to a 480-square-foot vault displaying iconic artifacts.
Tours run every hour starting at 11 a.m., and they last about 45 minutes.
Enjoy these free things to do in Toronto this weekend!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
