It's Mother's Day weekend and if you're still looking for ways to celebrate with mom, we've got you covered.
READ: Toronto Road Closures To Steer Clear Of This Weekend (May 10-12)
You can't go wrong with brunch, but you'll certainly get more points if you treat mom to an experience instead of an expensive meal. Once you've figured out what you're going to do with mom, read on for more fun (free!) things to do in Toronto this weekend.
1. Toronto Comic Arts Festival
Where: Toronto Reference Library - 789 Yonge St.When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: Free!
Celebrate the comics and graphic novels you love at this two-day festival. The event, which includes a vendor fair, will feature hundreds of comic creators from around the world. Sit in on readings, interviews and panels, or attend galleries and installations. There's no shortage of things to do at this fun festival!
2. Toronto Artisan Market
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park - 790 Queen St. W.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: Free!
Get some handmade goodies for (or with) mom this Sunday at the Toronto Artisan Market. From art to home decor to jewelry and wellness products, you won't want to miss this family and pet-friendly event. Oh, and did we mention there are cherry blossoms in Trinity Bellwoods? Even more reason to visit the park this week, don't ya think?
3. Park & Bark Dog Show
Where: Yonge & Davisville Parking Lot - 1951 Yonge St.When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Cost: Free!
Show off your pup and meet your neighbours at this fun community event. The show will include a splash pool for your four-legged friend, music for all and food for both humans and animals alike.
4. Spring Into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival
Where: Queen St. W. from Roncesvalles to Dufferin St.When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Cost: Free!
This event is more than a sidewalk sale, it's a full-on street party. Check out the 100+ vendors, free family activities, live entertainment and miniature markets along this busy street. If you can't make it early, you can always stop by between 4 and 9 p.m. for the Night Market where you can sample delicious ethnic dishes from Parkdale's bustling restaurant scene.
5. Science Rendezvous - STEAM BIG
Where: University of Toronto - 100 Saint George St.When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost: Free!
This all-day science festival is fun for the whole family. Discover the fun in science by participating in experiments, watching demonstrations and chatting with world-class researchers. This event will also include an obstacle course, poster competition, art gallery and, of course, plenty of food vendors to keep your mind and body energized all day long.
6. Ravine Day
Where: Evergreen Brick Works - 550 Bayview Ave.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Cost: Free!
Celebrate Ravine Day with a guided walk through the Don Valley. This event includes access to the Sunday Artisan Market and community art programs. This weekend, the Tastemaker Tour is also heading to the Evergreen Brick Works, but you'll need tickets to enjoy all the delicious eats from that event.
7. Canadian Music Week
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square - 1 Dundas St. E.When: Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.Cost: Free!
It's Canadian Music Week and that means free concerts and 4 a.m. last calls. While many CMW events require tickets, there are a few concerts that are free to attend, including this showcase at Yonge-Dundas Square and another showcase at Stackt on Friday night.
8. Affordable Housing: Lessons for a New Decade of Housing Policy in Toronto
Where: MacLeod Auditorium - 1 King's CollegeWhen: Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Cost: Free!
Listen as scholars, councillors, planners and activists come together to discuss Toronto's affordable housing crisis. Panellists will talk about everything from preservation to inclusionary zoning to the use of public land. Register in advance for tickets, which include lunch and refreshments.
9. Plant Fair 2019
Where: Roncesvalles United Church - 240 Roncesvalles Ave.When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Cost: Free!
Discover new plants and garden accessories at this community garden event. Hosted by the Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto, Plant Fair 2019 will also feature arts and crafts, gardening demos and a botanical art giveaway.
10. Meditation and Breathing Workshop
Where: OISE Library - 252 Bloor St. W.When: Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.Cost: Free!
This 90-minute session will provide you with the tools required to reduce stress and anxiety. Attendees will learn different breathing techniques in this guided meditation. By the end of the class, participants should leave feeling calm and energized.
