Hoping to let loose after a long week? We’ve got you covered. From fireworks on the racetrack to free pickleball and a poutine fest, embrace the warm spring season this Victoria Day long weekend with 8 fun things happening outside of Toronto.
Satisfy your poutine cravings
You’ve heard of the travelling circus but have you ever heard of a travelling poutine festival? Poutine Feast is bringing Canada’s fastest growing touring poutine festival to Hamilton this weekend from May 16-19.
In addition to dozens of poutine variations, including this year’s featured bacon double cheeseburger poutine, there will be mini donuts among other sweet treats. Expect games, music and face painting for the kids. Poutine Feast also plans to host various competitions for attendees to partake in, including a blindfolded couples poutine challenge and a talent show.
Savour BBQ ribs and live music
If you happen to be hanging around Hamilton for the poutine festival, or you’re simply a meat lover, check out Binbrook Rib and Beer Fest hosted by Northern Heat. The festival will take place May 17-20, complete with a wide selection of BBQ ribs, chicken, brisket and sausage, as well as a beer market onsite.
Live music will be performed throughout the long weekend, kicking off on Friday with country tunes, then rock and roll on Saturday, followed by mash up hits Sunday and Monday.
Sharpen your pickleball skills
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, hit the courts for a fun and active weekend of free-to-play pickleball and padel. The Fairgrounds Racket Club will be hosting an opening weekend event May 17-20 at Assembly Park in Vaughan, featuring a live DJ, games and treats. Reserve your court now!
Enjoy an evening of ’70s-inspired night kayaking
Be transported back in time during the upcoming Light Up the Night Kayaking event on May 18. The spring theme is “flower power” and organizers are encouraging participants to decorate their kayaks (canoes or paddle boards work too) in bright colours and dress up in iconic ’70s fashion.
The event will kick off on Tom Patterson Island in Stratford at 9 p.m.
Sustainably shop for vintage goods
Expand your closet this spring by visiting Vintage Fest at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market in Waterloo from May 18-20. Going into their second year of operation, Vintage Fest will host over 200 vendors selling classic clothes, antique collectibles and rare vinyl records.
In addition to enjoying a shopping spree, attendees will be immersed in the past with live music and fashion shows, vintage upcycling workshops and dance classes.
Experience Shakespearean classics
Interested in dressing up and dabbling in the theatre this weekend? Look no further than Stratford Festival! They will be performing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juilet on May 17 and 18.
There will also be a showing of Twelfth Night and Cymbeline on May 17.
Get artsy at Elora en Plein Air Festival
Marvel in the beauty of Elora’s historic villages and picturesque farms at this unique festival happening May 16-19. Observe artists painting the scenic nature of the countryside while engaging in walking tours and other fun events.
This includes an outdoor art collective where attendees will be encouraged to be a part of creating a painted mural and nature collage, a quick paint competition and a show and share art gallery.
Watch fireworks and burn rubber with NASCAR Canada
If you’re looking to get your adrenaline racing along with a firework fix, then spend the weekend in Durham at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s 2024 season opening event, the Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest.
The event runs from May 17-19 and there will be plenty of championship races to enjoy, including the featured NASCAR Canada race which will commence on Sunday afternoon. The fireworks display will launch on Saturday evening.
Indulge in off-track benefits such as food vendors, interactive displays, live music and the Beer Garden. There is also a Canadian Tire Fun Zone to enjoy some family-friendly activities. Get weekend passes or go the extra mile to camp out on the premises.
