Wondering what to do in Toronto this weekend? We've got you covered.
The days are longer, the city is sun-kissed, and spring is so close you can feel it in the air. These are all the signs you need that it's time for hibernation season to end.
As we move into the second weekend of March Break -- and, perhaps more importantly to some, St. Patrick’s Day -- Toronto is packed with things to do.
From a lively St. Patrick’s Day party, to a powerful and poignant one-man show, here’s what to do in Toronto this weekend.
Get Inspired at the National Home Show
The spring is the perfect time to give your home a little face lift. Offering no shortage of inspiration to help your cause, the National Home Show continues this weekend at Enercare Centre (until March 19). The show will fill the sprawling venue with the latest in home upgrades, hands-on experiences, and industry experts. Find more info here.
Take in a Hard-Hitting One-Man Show
Award-winning writer, poet, and actor Cliff Cardinal’s one-man play, “The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It” is powerful, raw, funny, eye-opening, and brilliantly uncomfortable. Holding nothing back, he explores the relationship between Canada’s Indigenous communities and the country’s settlers, and highlights the performance element of land acknowledgements. Find more info here.
Shop From an Assortment of Local Vendors
If you’re in the market to shop an eclectic assortment of unique goods from local vendors, you’re in luck. The Toronto Made Market returns on Saturday for a pop-up market just in time for the spring season. The market takes over the Great Hall on Saturday, inviting guests to meet, shop, and connect with 40 local Toronto-based vendors. Find more info here.
Network with Likeminded Women
On Sunday, March 19, 2023 hundreds of participants will gather for The Monday Girl Summit and hear from influential women who are pushing the boundaries of leadership. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the 2023 Summit will unite more than 100 guests to network, engage, and socialize in an uplifting environment that supports professional women and fosters a diverse community. Find more info here.
Hit the Yoga Mat for 108 Sun Salutations
On Sunday, yoga enthusiasts are invited to join 10XTOs yoga instructors on the stunning tennis courts of Hotel X Toronto, overlooking the beautiful sunset, for a sun salutation challenge in celebration of women and their empowerment. Guests will challenge their bodies through 108 sun salutations with incredible music curated by DJ Carmelinda DiManno. Find more info here.
Get in the St. Patrick’s Day Spirit at Petty Cash
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, Petty Cash, the lively neighbourhood social house, will bring the lucky charm right to you with a restaurant-wide celebration on Friday, March 17. In partnership with Guinness, Petty Cash will offer guests a day of fun, filled with live music, food, and drinks, including $11 feature cocktails and $2.99 breakfast specials. Find more info here.
Dance Your Heart Out to the Sounds of Canadian Icons
If you have a soft spot for homegrown talent Drake and The Weeknd, hit Lee’s Palace on Friday night. Offering an alternative to the typical St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, OVOXO: Drake x The Weeknd Dance Party features DJ Mensa, who will be spinning bangers by Drake and The Weeknd all night long. Find more info here.
Step into a Fairy Tale at Casa Loma
Ignite the whole family’s imagination and travel to a bygone era of dragons and larger-than-life adventure with the Imagine Dragons interactive live theatre show. Set in the magical Casa Loma, guests can expect multiple theatre shows, swordsmanship workshops, aerialists, crafts, and the Dragon himself in his mythical lair. Find more info here.
Take in a Selection of Short Films
See some quality short films on the big screen at the Toronto Short Film Festival at the Paradise Cinema. The festival will screen 117 mini movies from talented local filmmakers over four days (March 18-21). The showings commence daily at 6:15pm, 7:45pm, and 9:15pm, with a Sunday matinee at 1pm. Find more info here.
Elevate Your Sunday with a Drag Brunch
If you want to get your Sunday started on a high — and potentially boozy — note, book a table at Glad Day Book Shop. The vivacious Erin Brockobić will serve up an energetic performance full of talent and laughs to accompany the spot’s all-you-can-eat brunch. Find more info here.
Tap into Your Inner Irish with a High-Energy Parade
The annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns to fill Toronto’s streets with a sea of green, eye-catching floats, Irish music, and dancing. The beloved parade has been entertaining Torontonians since 1988 with its massive celebration of Irish-Canadian culture. Members of the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association will be collecting cash and canned goods on the parade route in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank. Find more info here.
Meet Your Favourite Superheroes
Toronto Comicon -- an annual sci-fi, anime, and gaming event -- returns to fill the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with costume-clad superheroes, princesses, voice actors, and all other characters from the gaming and entertainment worlds. The family-friendly event invites guests to dress in costume themselves. Find more info here.
