The long weekend is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to plan some cost-free fun in Toronto.
From cat-themed exhibits to bustling night markets, the city is full of free events that will have you enjoying the long weekend to the fullest. Best of all, these activities won't dent your wallet.
There's no need to break the bank when you can have some fun without spending a penny at these spots.
Get your besties together and explore these thirteen free things to do in Toronto this long weekend, May 17 to 20.
Enjoy some fireworks
Price: Free
When: May 20, 2024, 10 p.m.
Address: 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can see the sky sparkle with the City of Toronto's Victoria Day Fireworks show. According to the website, "the show will feature beautiful fireworks and a spectacular finale."
The display is taking place at Ashbridges Bay Park which is accessible by TTC. Visitors are advised to leave vehicles at home to avoid traffic.
Go to a Farmers Market
Price: Free
When: May 18, 2024, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to Evergreen Brickworks to shop for all sorts of local produce at the Farmers Market.
Go to an Asian Night Market
Price: Free admission
When: May 18, 2024, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Stackt Market is hosting an Asian Night Market in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. You can check out more than 50 curated Asian-owned businesses, as well as try authentic dishes and drinks and enjoy traditional performances.
The event also includes free workshops, a photobooth and vendors selling candles, jewelry, clothes, art, accessories and more.
Stackt Market website
Discover some fictional felines
Price: Free
When: Select days until July 20, 2024
Address: 239 College St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all cat lovers! The Toronto Public Library is hosting Fantasti-Cats! A Merril Collection Exhibit and it's full of feline fun.
According to the Eventbrite page, you can see "stories, books and art from 1819 to the far future" all themed around cats.
Explore a neighbourhood
Price: Free
When: May 19, 2024, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: 1649 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: ROMWalks lets you explore a "collection of guided walking tours that take participants on a unique journey of urban discovery," according to the website.
This weekend, you can adventure through one of Toronto’s largest cemeteries which features a "beautiful, treed landscape."
Along the way, you'll listen to stories of influential people from Toronto's Victorian-era boom.
ROM website
Take a mini trip to New Orleans
Price: Free
When: May 3 to June 16, 2024
Address: 55 Mill St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto is offering a taste of New Orleans with the Bourbon Street North Festival in the Distillery District.
You can immerse yourself in the spirit of the Big Easy with traditional jazz, blues, and drool-worthy Creole cuisine, all without leaving the city.
Explore Rouge National Urban Park
Price: Free
When: May 18, 2024, 1 p.m. and May 19, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Address: 25 Zoo Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy some fresh air and gorgeous nature views this long weekend with the free guided walks at Rouge National Urban Park.
There are two guided walks taking place: Fungi and Mushrooms, which takes you on forest walk where you'll find an abundance of fungi and mushrooms, and Avian Adventure, an intermediate-level bird walk.
Ride around the city for free
Price: Free
When: May 17, 2024
Address: Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Friday, you can enjoy free rides around the city with Tangerine and Bike Share. The offer gets you a $0 Day Pass and unlimited 90-minute trips on a classic bike for 24 hours.
In order to get the deal, you can head to the Bike Share Toronto app and choose the $0 Day Pass.
Bike Share Toronto website
Go on a tour
Price: Free
When: May 18, 2024, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Address: 145 Annette St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can head to the "Wild West" of Toronto with this free neighbourhood tour. The adventure takes you through The Junction, which is "named after its four intersecting railways" and "has a rich and fascinating history," according to the Eventbrite website.
You'll learn all about the area's history and "small town charm."
Check out the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Price: Free
When: May 19, 2024, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: 15 Cumberland St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to the Village of Yorkville Park this long weekend to see the 13th annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.
According to a press release, the event features "400 dapper dressed men and women riding vintage and classic-style motorcycles" to raise money for prostate cancer research and men's mental health programs.
Relax with yoga
Price: Free
When: May 18, 2024, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Address: Broadlands Community Centre,19 Castlegrove Blvd., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Yoga for Success event is free and includes "powerful yoga postures to bring stability and balance."
The session is open to all levels and you'll be taught simple neck practices, meditation for success and more.
Visit "Toronto's most epic outdoor patio ever"
Price: Free admission
Address: 229 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Rendezviews, a colourful patio and public square in Toronto is back with new offerings and more for the season.
You can enjoy free pickle ball on select days until July 1 as well as free lawn games at this vibrant spot.
The venue also has private cabins available for rent, a VIP area and other offerings for the season.
Indulge in some dip
Price: Free
When: Until May 20, 2024, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Summer Fresh Salads is hosting a pop-up at Stackt Market and you can "embark on a culinary journey" and discover the "inside scoop in a world of delicious hummus and dip flavours meticulously crafted to ignite joy."
Stackt Market website
Whether you head to a cat exhibit or unwind with yoga, enjoy your long weekend to the fullest!
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.
