Thanks to the coronation of King Charles III happening this weekend, Toronto residents will be able to enjoy the city’s first sunny weekend in a while at some of the province’s most popular cultural attractions. As part of the coronation celebrations, Ontario is offering free admission to 10 spots, including the Royal Ontario Museum and Ontario Science Centre.
That’s not all — the province’s coronation celebration includes a “royal fair” complete with free family activities such as carnival rides and live entertainment. Visitors will also be able to enjoy complimentary food and beverages from Ontario farmers and processors. The royal fair begins at noon and runs until 6 p.m. on Saturday. It will follow a special ceremony happening at 11:15 a.m. to commemorate the coronation featuring a flag raising ceremony, 21-gun salute and drum circle.
The actual coronation will take place at 4 a.m. on Saturday, so head to bed early tonight if you plan on watching what will be the first coronation of a Canadian head of state in seven decades.
But not everyone may be interested in celebrating — and you’d be in good company. It looks like many people are looking to distance themselves from the monarchy and the coronation festivities, including Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Harry Styles and Adele, who turned down invitations to perform at the coronation concert and U.S. President Biden, who declined an invite.
If you’re feeling the same way, spend Saturday visiting these free cultural attractions instead.
Here’s the full list of Ontario attractions you can visit with free admission on May 6:
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Fort William Historical Park
- McMichael Canadian Art Collection
- Niagara Parks’ Butterfly Conservatory and Floral Showhouse
- Ontario Science Centre
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
- Science North
- Upper Canada Village
