Summer is around the corner and spring is in full swing, meaning itโs the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy everything the city has to offer. And with another warm weather weekend upon us, thereโs plenty to see and do. From food and beer festivals to car-free Kensington streets, here are some of the best things to do happening in Toronto this weekend.
Visit the Upside Down
Hyped for the new season of Stranger Things that dropped today? Grab tickets to a watch part under the stars at RendezViews. The downtown patio has given their place an Upside Down transformation, including a flipped over Hawkins police car and some spooky decor to really get you in the mood for all things thriller. The event starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday, but doors open at 5:30! You can book a table in advance here.
Check out Doors Open
If youโve ever wanted to explore some of Toronto’s most significant sites and buildings, this weekend offers up the opportunity in the form of Doors Open, happening Saturday and Sunday. Whether on a guided or self-guided tour, there are over 100 sites of architectural, cultural and social significance to check out. In addition, there will also be indoor and outdoor events at City Hall, talks, an online film series and other virtual events.
Go for a paddle on Humber River
Spend an evening on the water with a scenic paddle on Humber River that ends in a musical performance you can watch right from your canoe or kayak. Starting this Friday and running until October, Music on the River gives you the chance to enjoy a meandering paddle along the river before enjoying a 45-minute set from a local Toronto artist.
Take a stroll through Kensington Market
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market are back for the season, running from May 29 through October 30. Make your way to the beloved neighbourhood between noon and 7 p.m. this weekend to take advantage of the car-free event of the season in Toronto as well as music, food, an art fair and a community yard sale.
Taste and sip at an open-air food and wine fest
This Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., Stackt Market will be home to Spring into Spice, an outdoor food and wine festival featuring Caribbean, African, Indian, Thai, Latin American and other cuisines known for packing a flavourful punch. There will 30 food vendors on site as well as a wine tent so you can try various wines with your snacks of choice.
Head to a beer festival and carnival
Beer fans might want to make their way to Henderson Brewing co this Saturday for Under the Big H, a beer festival and carnival running from noon to 8 p.m. The celebrations are to honour the 250th birthday of Henderson namesake and Torontoโs first brewer, Robert Henderson. There will be a variety of beers on offer from a range of breweries as well as several food vendors. Circus performers from LookUp Theatre will be providing the entertainment.
Make a splash at Splash Works
Nothing screams summer (or almost summer) quite like a day spent careening down waterslides โ and you can do just that starting this Saturday, which marks the opening of Splash Works at Canadaโs Wonderland. The 20-acre water park features 17 different water slides and water attractions ranging from nice and easy to totally thrilling.
Spot birds at the Spring Bird Festival
Aspiring birders (or anyone wanting to get out into nature) should plan on visiting Colonel Samuel Smith Park on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the Spring Bird Festival. There will be guided bird walks every hour starting at 10, as well as activities for kids, art workshops, educational displays and more.