Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 20th this year, and although we’re still technically a month away from summer, it always feels like this is the first long weekend to kick off the season.
The holiday which honours Queen Victoria means several businesses and services will be closed on Monday, but there is still plenty to do this weekend in and around the city.
Here’s our round-up of some of the best things to do in Toronto for Victoria Day weekend:
1. Victoria Day fireworks show
As with any major holiday, a fireworks show typically is involved. There are a number of places to see them in or near Toronto this weekend, including Canada’s Wonderland, Ashbridge’s Bay Park, and the Nobleton Victoria Day Fair.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
2. Formula 1 Exhibition
North America’s first F1 Exhibition is now open in Toronto, featuring six Formula 1-inspired rooms spanning 20,000 square feet at the Lighthouse Artspace. Showcasing exclusive contributions from the most iconic F1 teams and personalities, race cars throughout the sport’s history, never-before-seen photography, film, and artifacts, this exhibition is a must for any F1 fan.
When: Wednesdays through Mondays until Mid-July
Where: Lighthouse Artspace
1 Yonge St, Toronto
3. Electric Island
One of the summer’s hottest music concert series returns this weekend for its 12th season. Electric Island takes over Fort York and The Bentway on May 18 and 19 for a weekend of electronic music in a multi-stage outdoor venue. This weekend’s lineup includes The Martinez Brothers, Solomun, Chiara, and more.
When: May 18 – 19
Where: Fort York and The Bentway
4. Cirque Du Soleil: ECHO
Cirque Du Soleil’s newest show ECHO has arrived in Toronto, which follows the adventures of a young woman and her dog once they discover a mysterious cube. The audience will be mesmerized by the death-defying stunts and elaborate visual projections Cirque is known for, this time incorporating a massive 23-foot cube into the performers’ routines.
When: May 8 – July 21, 2024
Where: The Big Top
2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W
5. STACKT Asian Night Market
STACKT will be celebrating Asian Heritage Month on May 18 with their Asian Night Market event. Stop by to shop over 50 Asian-owned businesses selling goods from food and drinks to jewelry, clothes, and accessories. There will also be 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
4 – 8 p.m.
Where: STACKT Market
28 Bathurst Street, Toronto
6. LITE BRITE: Worlds of Wonder
Illuminarium’s latest immersive experience LITE BRITE: Worlds of Wonder is now open at the Distillery District. Taking the iconic Hasbro toy and creating a larger-than-life world out of it, visitors can explore, play games, and create their own art in a 360-degree cinematic journey. Tickets can be purchased online, and are priced at $38.50 per adult.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily
Where: Illuminarium
28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
7. Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party
For the ultimate kick off to summer party, check out the Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party presented by Toronto Boat Parties and Oceanic Entertainment. Sail around Lake Ontario with the twinkling city skyline in the background with over 500 like-minded partygoers on this three-hour cruise. There will be a full licensed bar, club-like dance floor, two levels to explore with open decks and a retractable roof, and of course, live DJs blasting the best of hip hop, reggaeton, dancehall, throwback hits, top 40, and more. Tickets start at $20.
When: Saturday May 18
Boarding at 7 p.m.
Ends at 11 p.m.
Where: River Gambler
176 Cherry St, Toronto
8. Little Canada
If you want to explore the province without leaving the city, head to the Little Canada exhibit downtown at Yonge and Dundas, which has been ranked Ontario’s top attraction the last two years in a row. Featuring mini versions of six Canadian destinations, you can admire Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa, Petit Quebec, and Little East Coast. Now, you can also explore Little Vimy Ridge, while learning more about important figures who have impacted and influenced leadership within Canada’s borders.
When: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Weekends from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: 10 Dundas St E, Toronto
9. Centreville Amusement Park
Toronto Island’s Centreville Amusement Park is the place to be this weekend, now open for the summer with their family-friendly 30+ rides and attractions. From Twirling Tea Cups to the Antique Carousel, the 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: Open all weekend from 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Centre Island, Toronto
10. Nostalgic Market
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