It’s Thursday, and the weekend is fast approaching. Need stuff to see or do? We’ve got you covered. In this edition, the debut of giant pandas, a circus fest at Harbourfront, Victoria Day fireworks and more.
Giant Panda Exhibit
When: May 18
Where: Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave.
Details: After much anticipation, the Giant Panda exhibit at the Toronto Zoo will finally open this weekend as part of a long-term conservation lovefest between Canada and China. One female panda, Er Shun, and one male panda, Da Mao, will call the Toronto Zoo their home for a minimum of five years before they are moved to the Calgary Zoo. Visitors can view the cuddly couple in their indoor and outdoor habitats. There are only six zoos in North America that have giant pandas, with the Toronto Zoo being the only Canadian one.
Dundas West/Ossington Food Tour
When: May 18
Where: Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas St. W.
Details: With an influx of eating establishments coming into the Dundas West and Ossington area, this food tour is sure to be delicious and diverse. Learn about the culture and history of the area while enjoying six tastings included in the tour.
Artfest Spring Art & Craft Show
When: May 18-20
Where: The Distillery District
Details: This long weekend’s art and craft show is Artfest’s first of four outdoor juried shows per year. Set at the historical Distillery District, 85 artists and artisans from across Canada will be exhibiting and selling their works for three days. Vendor items include photography, sculptures, paintings, gourmet food and fashion.
Toronto International Circus Festival
When: May 18-20
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
Details: The Toronto International Circus Festival is a free family event happening throughout the long weekend. The program includes an Alice in Wonderland inspired performance by The Circus Academy, a clown bake-off and a stage complete with jugglers, marionettes and unicycles.
Victoria Day Fireworks
When: May 19-20
Where: Various locations
Details: Kick off the unofficial start of the summer season and celebrate a much-deserved long weekend with a fireworks display at these locations in and around Toronto.
- It Toronto’s east end, Ashbridges Bay Park (Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Coxwell Ave.) will be lighting up the sky with over 2,000 fireworks. The park is known for its 35 hectares of waterfront space, which includes pedestrian and bicycle trails and Woodbine Beach.
- For those willing to head out of town, there will be another fireworks display at Dundas Driving Park (King St. W. and Sydenham St., Hamilton), presented by the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club.
- The biggest pyrotechnics display can be found north of the city at Canada’s Wonderland (Jane St. and Major MacKenzie Dr. W., Vaughan), where park-goers can enjoy a dazzling display of 6,000 fireworks.
