May in Toronto means spring blooms, warmer weather, and tons of incredible activities and events to partake in now that the weather is warming up! From outdoor concerts to food festivals and theme park re-openings, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in and around the city next month.
Here’s our list of 20 marvelous things to do this May 2024 in Toronto.
1. Watch a flower-filled spring Candlelight concert
Attend a live musical performance tribute surrounded by countless candles and endless flowers this May at a Candlelight Spring concert! Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory magical experience within one of Toronto’s most architecturally-striking venues, including the Paradise Theater or the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. From Coldplay X Imagine Dragons to Beyoncé tributes, prepare to be dazzled under the warm glow of a spring candlelight concert.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
2. Explore significant spaces with Doors Open Toronto
Each year, Torontonians get a rare chance to see inside over 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings for free. Doors Open Toronto lets you have a behind-the-scenes look at everywhere from the Aga Khan Museum to Toronto City Hall. For 2024, the theme is “hidden histories”, where visitors will get to uncover untold stories through engaging tours, open houses, talks, and more.
When: May 25 – 26, 2024
Where: Various venues
3. Wander through Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
Explore Illuminarium’s latest immersive experience which will give you a serious dose of nostalgia. Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder opens at the Distillery District as of May 8, 2024, where you can explore, play games, and create your own art in a 360-degree cinematic journey. Tickets can be purchased online, and are priced at $38.50 per adult.
When: Opens May 8, 2024
Where: Illuminarium
28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
4. Treat mom to a luxurious Mother’s Day High Tea at Casa Loma
Mother’s Day is on May 12, 2024, so why not treat mom like the queen she is with a royal High Tea experience? The iconic Casa Loma is hosting an opulent Mother’s Day High Tea Experience, which includes premium teas accompanied with tasty scones, gourmet pastries, finger sandwiches, and more. After your meal, guests get free access to explore the castle grounds.
When: May 12, 2024
Where: Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
5. Catch the final days of Jurassic World: The Exhibition
The final days to board the ferry to Isla Nublar are upon us, with Jurassic World: The Exhibition leaving Mississauga on May 5, 2024. Before it departs, take a tour of the Creation Lab, meet a gentle Brachiosaurus, or get a rare up-close look with a terrifying T-Rex!
When: Thursdays – Sundays until May 5, 2024
Where: Square One Shopping Centre
199 Rathburn Road West, Mississauga
6. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Roses Social
On May 5, head to Roses Social at Hotel X for their 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo Brunch! Indulge in delicious brunch items and bottomless tequila cocktails, all while a live mariachi band performs! There will also be a specialty Don Julio cocktail menu with Don Julio tastings to enjoy. You can book your reservation here with available times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
When: May 5, 2024
Where: Roses Social at Hotel X
111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
7. See the last of Toronto’s cherry blossoms
While Toronto’s cherry blossom trees are currently at their peak bloom, several may hang on awhile longer through the beginning of May due to frigid temperatures this past week in the city. Aside from High Park, try visiting Centennial Park, Trinity Bellwoods, Gairloch Gardens, Edwards Gardens, or Exhibition Place.
When: Late April through early May
Where: Various parks in Toronto
8. Get inspired at Fashion Art Toronto’s Spring Fashion Week
From May 2 through 5, the biggest fashion week event in Toronto returns, with runway shows featuring contemporary, avant-garde and experiential collections from over 40 Canadian designers. Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week will also have a Fashion Playground where you’ll find two retail pop-ups, and shop goods from over 25 local brands and artisans. There will also be delicious drinks and bites to keep you fueled up, provocative fashion-inspired art installations, a 50-foot pink carpet, and endless photo opportunities to get your Instagram content at. Tickets start at $33 and are available for purchase online here.
When: May 2 – 5, 2024
Where: Black Creek Assembly
131 McCormack St., Toronto
9. Celebrate Asian Night Market at STACKT
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at STACKT Market on May 18, where you can shop and explore over 50 Asian-owned businesses from food and drink to jewelry, clothes, and accessories. The Asian Night Market will also include an Indigenous Philippine dance performance & Chinese Lion Dance celebration, Asian community DJ stage, and community workshop room. The celebrations will take place from 4 – 8 p.m.
When: May 18, 2024
Where: STACKT Market
28 Bathurst Street, Toronto
10. Get your thrills in at Centreville Amusement Park
Toronto Island’s Centreville Amusement Park officially opens for the spring on May 4, and it’s the perfect destination to kick off the summer with their 30+ rides and attractions. From Twirling Tea Cups to the Antique Carousel, the family-friendly amusement park has something for everyone to enjoy. When you get hungry, fuel up at one of the 14 food outlets, or take a stroll along the waterfront and absorb the Toronto skyline across the lake.
When: Opens May 4, 2024
Where: Centre Island, Toronto
11. Shop vintage finds at Nostalgic Market Square One
On May 18 and 19, a curated pop-up shopping experience for local small businesses takes over Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, where you can shop vintage 90s and Y2K accessories, art, retro video games, collectibles, clothing, and more! Nostalgic Market will feature over 20 businesses, a live DJ and family-friendly entertainment. Entry is free, and the first 20 attendees will receive complimentary vintage items and goodies.
When: May 18, 2024 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
May 19, 2024 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre
100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
12. Watch dazzling Victoria Day fireworks
Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 20 this year, and there will be a number of mesmerizing firework shows over the weekend to celebrate. Some of the best spots to see them include Ashbridges Bay and Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday May 19. More locations are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
13. Support local artists at the Toronto Artisan Market
Community-based non profit organization Toronto Artisan will be hosting a number of their markets in Trinity Bellwoods Park throughout the summer, running from May 12, 2024 through September 8, 2024. Support Toronto’s local artisans and shop curated handmade goods.
When: May 12, 2024 through September 8, 2024
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen Street West, Toronto
14. Pick up little luxuries at the Kimpton Hotel Spring Market Sip ‘N’ Shop
On Sunday, May 5, stop by the Kimpton Saint George Hotel for their Spring Market Sip ‘N’ Shop, featuring a number of Toronto’s luxe local shops. Enjoy a glass of wine from Three Dog Winery while you browse to the sounds of live music. Admission to the event is free, and will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
When: May 5, 2024
Where: Kimpton Saint George Hotel
280 Bloor St W, Toronto
15. Make a beautiful bouquet at the Hotel X Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Workshop
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lovely flower arranging workshop hosted by Hotel X, where you’ll get to create your own bouquet from fresh flowers guided by a floral expert! For $65, the workshop includes a complimentary Aperol spritz, personal selection of stems for your bouquet, guided workshop to arranging your flowers, as well as plenty of photo ops. There are three session times to choose from, but book soon as space is limited! The event is the perfect addition after stopping by Roses Social or Valerie for brunch, both of which are also found within Hotel X.
When: May 12, 2024
12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., or 3 p.m.
Where: Hotel X
111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
16. Burn some energy off at Big Bounce
The world’s biggest inflatable theme park is coming soon to Woodbridge just outside of Toronto, featuring massive climbing towers, confetti cannons, and a towering 20-foot-tall multi-coloured rabbit. There will also be live DJ sets, onsite food and drinks, and so much more fun for visitors of all ages. Tickets to The Big Bounce start at $30 for toddlers to go up to $52 for adults, getting you three hours of unlimited access to the inflatable parks as well as timed sessions on the bouncy castle.
When: May 3 – 5, 2024
Where: Woodbridge Fair
100 Porter Ave, Woodbridge, ON
17. Take mom to a Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at Valerie
Treat mom to a three-course Mother’s Day brunch accompanied with live jazz music at Hotel X’s Valerie, happening on May 12 with seating times from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For $75, your experience includes a choice of starter, main, and dessert, with delectable offerings like Truffle Carbonara Udon, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Miso Caeser Salad, or Confit Duck Hash. There’s also the option to add on bottomless drinks! After your meal, book one of the Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Workshop times, also happening in Hotel X on the 12th.
When: May 12, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Valerie at Hotel X
111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
18. Sing and dance all night on the Taylor Swift Boat Cruise Party
The Taylor Swift Boat Cruise Dance Party returns to Toronto on May 25, 2024, where you’ll be able to sing and dance the night away to the global superstar’s music on an enchanting boat cruise. Join 500 other Swifties as they Shake It Off with Toronto’s skyline as your backdrop. Tickets start at $40 per person and are now available for sale on their website.
When: May 25, 2024
Boarding begins at 6 p.m.
Where: 176 Cherry St, Toronto
19. See Toronto’s newest Cirque du Soleil show
A new Cirque du Soleil show named ECHO comes to Toronto this spring, which follows the adventures of a young woman and her dog when they come across a mysterious cube. You can expect the unexpected, as the story is told through death-defying stunts, visual projections, and a massive 23-foot-cube which is sure to be incorporated into the performers’ routines. The show debuts at Etobicoke’s Big Top on May 8, 2024, with tickets starting at $77.
When: May 8 – July 21, 2024
Where: The Big Top
2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W
20. Hop on a free boat tour of Toronto
Take a tour of the city’s waterfront by boat for free this summer, while learning about the area’s history and future development plans. Facilitated by Toronto Harbour Tours, Waterfront Toronto is currently offering four dates between May 29 and August 17 to sign up for, with two tour times per day. Your boat ride will depart from 145 Queens Quay West, taking you along the Portland Slip through to the Port Lands, all while your guide speaks to the area’s history before dropping you back off an hour later. With limited dates and times, be sure to reserve your free tickets on their website soon!
When: May 29, June 19, July 13, and August 17
Where: 145 Queens Quay West