After a downright confusing winter, spring in Toronto is in full force. And it’s arguably the best time to hit the town. You can ditch the parka and dodge the tourists, all while enjoying warmer weather (no promises), sunnier days (again, no promises), and the return of outdoor events like SPRINGFEST! at the GLB Brewpub and, if you're willing to venture out of the city, the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival.
Bearing in mind that April can be a soggy one, there’s also plenty happening indoors this weekend. So get out and play, Toronto, because it’s shaping up to be an action-packed weekend!
T.O. Food & Drink Fest at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The T.O. Food & Drink Fest returns to Toronto this weekend and attendees will get to peruse (and sample!) the best food and drink brands the city has to offer. This year’s exhibitors include Muskoka Cottage Brewery, Craig’s Cookies, Mad Mexican, and Boozy Scoops. The event will run from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2, however, opening hours will vary from day to day. Admission is $20 if you purchase online and $23 at the door, if available.
More info here.
Shrek Rave at The Opera House
On Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, Toronto will host its very first Shrek-themed raves. The events are 19+ and tickets can be purchased in advance for $20. Doors open at 9 pm and performances begin at 10 pm.
More info here.
Nick Cannon's Future Superstar Tour 2023 at the History Music Venue
Nick Cannon kicked off his 24-city Future Superstar Tour last month, and on Sunday, April 2, Cannon and his showcase of up-and-coming musical talent will be in Toronto. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the show begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets to the event include admission to the Future Superstar seminar, featuring entertainment industry leaders, which will start at 6 pm.
Ticket information here.
GLB SPRINGFEST! Beerfest & Marketplace
Great Lake Brewpub will celebrate the onset of spring with its very first beer festival, to be held in the GLB Brewpub yard on Saturday, April 1, from 12 pm to 6 pm. The event will feature Granite Brewery, Indie Ale House, Sawdust City, Eastbound Brewery, Slake Brewing, Amsterdam Brewery, Godspeed Brewery, Town Brewery, Beaches Brewery, and Anderson Craft Ales. In addition, attendees can shop goods from local market vendors and enjoy music by DJ G Jackson. Entry is free of charge.
More information here.
The Lemonheads at the Phoenix Concert Theatre
On Friday, March 31, you can get a lil' nostalgic and sing along to ‘Mrs. Robinson’ with The Lemonheads. The band’s Toronto leg of its "It's A Shame About Ray" (in its entirety) Tour, will feature Canadian alternative and punk rock bands, Rusty and The Nils. The event is 19+ and tickets range from $35 to $49.50. Doors open at 7 pm.
More information here.
Drag Brunch at the Glad Day Bookshop
Hosted by the *iconic* Erin Brockobić, Drag Brunch at Glad Day touts an all-you-can-eat brunch and a show, featuring a different guest each week. Each Sunday, there are two available seatings -- one at 11 am and another at 2 pm, with shows starting at 11:30 am and 2:20 pm, respectively -- and the cost per person is $29.19 before tax and tip.
More info here.
Punk Rock Flea Market at Lee’s Palace
Toronto's "gnarliest" DIY pop-up market, Punk Rock Flea Market Toronto, returns to Lee's Palace on Sunday, April 2 from 11 am to 5 pm. This year’s event will feature 27 vendors, music, food, and beer. Admission is free and open to all ages. Updates on the event and the full vendor lineup can be found on Instagram.
More info here.
Toronto Vintage Clothing Show at Exhibition Place
Canada’s largest sale of vintage clothing will return to the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place on Saturday, April 1, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, April 2, from 10 am to 5 pm. The event will feature vintage clothing from the 1920s and 1980s including handbags, jewelry, and accessories. There will also be a selection of vintage homewares. Admission is $15 and attendees 12 and under are free. A discount pass is also available for purchase.
More info here.
A Grimm Night: Immersive Theatre Experience at The Great Hall
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm stories and put on by the Transcen|Dance Project, A Grimm Night is a darkly glamorous, fantastical, and immersive event that will take place on Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2. This will be the event’s second-last weekend in Toronto. Tickets range from $65 to $150.
More info here.
Stranger Things: The Experience at Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio
This month, Stranger Things: The Experience kicked off in Toronto, showcasing the characters, monsters, and sets from the series and running Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. The event is 5+ and anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at $49.
More info here.
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival (Stouffville and Woodbridge)
If you're willing to venture out of the city this weekend, Saturday, April 1 will be the last day to check out Ontario’s own Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. Programs and demonstrations will be held at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville and Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge. Tickets should be purchased in advance online and range from $6.20 for children to $9.55 for adults. Children three years and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets will not be available on location.
More info here.
