14 free things to do in Toronto this weekend, May 3 to 5
Time to make some plans!
The Art Gallery of Ontario. Right: The Distillery District.
Looking for things to do in Toronto this weekend? The great news is, you don't need to break the bank to have a good time. Toronto offers a variety of free activities to enjoy this weekend, so leave your wallet behind and start planning some outings.
Whether you're looking for a Friday night movie, relaxing yoga class, or immersive experiences, you can make the most of your leisure time without overspending.
Here are 14 free things to do in Toronto this weekend, May 3 to 5.
Enjoy a sip 'n' shop experience
Price: Free admission
When: May 5, 2024, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 280 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can "celebrate the beauty of spring" at the Kimpton Saint George's Spring Market this Sunday. There will be a number of luxe and local shops from across the city offering a range of unique items.
Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
Price: Free
When: May 4, 2024 to 5, 2024 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Art Gallery of Ontario is offering free admission all weekend long in celebration of its reopening. You'll have access to the entire museum including new exhibitions.
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: Fancy a little taste of New Orleans? Starting this weekend, you can head to the Distillery District for the Bourbon Street North Festival.
The New Orleans-inspired festival celebrates "the Sights, Sounds, and Sizzle of The Big Easy" and you can enjoy traditional jazz & blues music as well as food with creole flavours.
Check out a museum
Price: Free
When: Until August 4, 2024
Address: 401 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The new Toronto Gone Wild exhibit at the Museum of Toronto "explores the city as a multi-layered habitat." You can learn all about the plants, animals and more that call Toronto home.
Go on a distillery tour
Price: Free
When: May 2 to 12, 2024, 12 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Jameson Distillery on Tour is a new immersive experience at Stackt Market. The three-part experience lets you explore a replica of the place Jameson was first distilled in 1780, as well as "Irish whiskey’s legendary story, triple-distillation process, and signature smooth taste."
It's recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
Stackt Market website
Enjoy an old-school film
Price: Free
When: May 3, 2024, 2 p.m.
Address: 2178 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend your Friday afternoon enjoying an old classic movie at Runnymede Library. The venue is showing Singin’ in the Rain and audience members are encouraged to sing along.
Have some chuckles
Price: Free
When: May 3, 2024, 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 647 College St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to The Real Jerk Legacy for FUNNY AF FRIDAYS, "a standup comedy extravaganza featuring Toronto's top comedians."
It's a great way to start your weekend with some laughs.
Learn about the 7 Rs of fashion
Price: Free
When: May 5, 2024, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can head to ReMode | Embracing Circular Fashion where you can "learn how to keep your clothes in use for as long as possible through the 7R’s of Fashion."
The event, which is taking place at Stackt Market, teaches you how to use your clothes for as long as possible and highlights vendors that reuse and resell fashion items.
You can also take part in a clothing swap and chat with influencers about how to reduce your carbon footprint through your fashion choices.
Unwind with yoga
Price: Free
When: Saturday May 4, 2024, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Address: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend your Sunday unwinding with some beginner yoga. The class features "simple practices are designed to help you cut through the struggle and walk through life with ease."
See what's in the cards for you
Price: Free
When: May 4, 2024, 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Address: 111 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Curious about what's in the cards for you in 2024? You can head to Chefs Hall for Tarot Magic — a free Tarot Card Reading that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Head to a flea market
Price: Free
When: May 4 and 5, 2024, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 66 Kensington Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Kensington Flea is back for another year and you can head to the first market of the season. From jewelry to crystals and candles, there are lots of unique items to browse through.
Explore a museum
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 5172 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away amidst the towering buildings of North York, the Gibson House Museum is a charming 19th-century farmhouse that will take you back in time.
Formerly inhabited by a Scottish immigrant, this historic home allows you to immerse yourself in history and explore a different time.
You'll have an "opportunity to taste, smell and touch history in a way that few other museums can," according to the website.
Go on a bird walk
Price: Free
When: May 4, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Address: 223 Gladys Allison Place, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Willowdale Bird Walk from Lee Lifeson Art Park features a stroll along the northern areas of Wilket Creek in Willowdale in search of the sounds and sights of birds.
The guided experience is open to everyone, whether you're an experienced birder or not.
Go on a tour
Price: Free
When: May 5, 2024, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: 33 Walmer Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can explore a Toronto neighbourhood with ROMWalks, a "collection of guided walking tours that take participants on a unique journey of urban discovery."
This weekend, you can take a trip through Annex West and learn about the churches, schools, and even a murder or two.
ROM website
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.