Spring has sprung in Toronto, so it's time to get outdoors and enjoy it.
READ: Toronto Road Closures To Steer Clear Of This Weekend (Mar. 15-17)
Even if you're on a budget, you don't need to stay indoors, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Toronto every week. This week, Torontonians celebrating St. Patrick's Day will even get a break on TTC fare so there's no need to call a cab or Uber.
READ: The King And Queen Streetcars Will Be FREE On St. Paddy’s Day
For more ideas on what to do this weekend simply read on...
1. Canada Blooms
Where: The Enercare Centre – 100 Princes’ Blvd.When: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: $16-$20
Canada’s largest flower and garden festival is only on for one more weekend. Attend a workshop led by a gardening expert, witness top garden builders compete to win a festival award, or take in stunning floral designs created by professionals and amateurs.
2. The National Home Show
Where: The Enercare Centre – 100 Princes’ Blvd.When: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: $16-$20
A ticket to Canada Blooms will also get you entry into the National Home Show. Here, industry experts discuss everything from decor trends to designing a concept to gardening and landscaping. The show offers plenty of discounts on products and services, too!
3. Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Where: Venues varyWhen: Times vary (check the full list here)Cost: $16+
It’s the last weekend of the annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, so you won’t want to miss out. Highlights include a one-man comedy sketch show called Asians on SNL, a performance by comedy supergroup The Grawlix, and a Just For Laughs Sketch Showcase.
4. Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market
Where: The Great Hall - 1087 Queen St. W.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: Free!
Support local artists and small businesses by stopping by the Trinity Bellwoods March Market. Featuring 60+ vendors, the market has everything from food to fashion to plants and accessories. Bring along the kids and pups, this market is open to all.
5. Plant-Based Vegan Brunch
Where: Willowdale Adventist Church – 535 Finch Ave. W.When: Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.Cost: Free!
Enjoy a plant-based brunch while you listen to an informative health talk by registered psychotherapist Daniel Saugh. He’ll talk about how your emotional well-being can directly impact your physical health and how lifestyle medicine can improve your mental health.
6. Toronto Gem Expo
Where: Hyatt Regency Toronto – 370 King St. W.When: Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: $6 on Friday, $10 on Saturday and Sunday, $12 all three days
Held three times a year at the Hyatt Regency on King, The Gem Expo is a must-see event for local jewellery designers, artisans, and well, anyone who likes looking at stunning stones. Learn about healing crystals, discover how to wire wrap your stones and even stop smoking with the help of a Reiki master, there's no shortage of things to do at this event.
7. Caribbean Street Food Festival
Where: Ralph Thornton Community Centre – 765 Queen St. E., 2nd FloorWhen: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: Free!
Experience the “sassy flavours” of the Caribbean at this street food festival. The event promises delicious food, games for all ages, contests and more. Vibe 105 FM will also be broadcasting live for two hours at the festival, so you know it’ll be a good time!
8. Seedy Sunday
Where: Evergreen Brickworks - 550 Bayview Ave.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost: Suggested donation of $2
For the ninth year in a row, The Evergreen Brickworks is hosting Seedy Sunday. The buildings bustling marketspace will be taken over by industry professionals and amateur gardeners alike to swap seeds and learn all about urban gardens. In addition to being able to buy plants on site, visitors can also attend workshops on topics like growing food on balconies to growing cannabis at home.
9. New Ideas Festival
Where: Alumnae Theatre - 70 Berkeley St.When: Times vary (check the website for details)Cost: $1- $15
During week two of this three-week event, visitors get the change to take in four short plays and a workshopped reading of a full-length play. Playwrights and directors will also be on site to discuss the plays after the Saturday matinee performance.
10. The Moon: A Voyage Through Time
Where: Aga Khan MuseumWhen: All weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: $8- $20
Take a trip to the moon without ever leaving Toronto. To make the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the Aga Khan Museum will be exploring the connection between the moon and the Muslim world. Visitors will enjoy a series of displays, installations and artifacts letting them see the moon in a whole new light.
