Current Weekend – Things to do this weekend in Toronto
I. Live Music & Concerts
1. Canadian Music Week
May 1 – 10, 2015
Multiple Venues, Toronto
Film Fest – The Royal Cinema, 608 College St, Toronto
$10 & up.
2. John Mellencamp
Plain Spoken Tour. With supporting act Carlene Carter. Grammy-winning musician John Mellencamp has touched the heart and souls of music listeners and influenced American Culture with enduring songs, and is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world.
Friday, May 01, 2015 | 07:30 PM
Saturday, May 02, 2015 | 07:30 PM
Sony Centre for Performing Arts, 1 Front St E, Toronto
$46.50 – $142.50 + charges
3. Pirates
Swashbuckling Captain David Warrack charts a course through the seven seas of pirate music with his mates The Rose Orchestra and First Mate David Rehner with the fair young Rosebud Orchestra! An evening of adventure from the classics to the movies onboard the Rose, ay mate!
Saturday, May 02, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Rose Theatre Main Stage, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton.
Adult: $45; Senior/Student: $40
Child (Under 16): $10
4. The Music of The Beatles
Step back in time to celebrate and remember the greatest and most influential act of the rock era… The Beatles! Holding the record for most #1 hits on the Top-100 chart, you’ll hear all your favourite hits performed in the original style!
Friday, May 1, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 02:00 PM & 08:00 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2015 | 02:00 PM & 08:00 PM
Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
$29.99 – $119.96
5. Ron Sexsmith
Is there a singer-songwriter working today who’s better at distilling the pitfalls of being human? A master of poetic, affecting songs, Ron Sexsmith pivots between upbeat pop-rock and folk-flavoured melancholia. He returns to his favourite stage with guest star Alejandra Ribera. With elements of Tom Waits and Kate Bush, Ribera brings an intoxicating blend of traditional songwriting, richly textured arrangements and exotic European sensibility that is inherently her own.
Saturday, May 02, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, Toronto
$19.50 – $49.50
6. Two Stars, Three Centuries
By Sinfonia Toronto. Multiply the excitement! Two outstanding artists plus extreme eclectic beauty. ILYA POLEATEV Pianist ; XIAOHAN GUO Violinist
Saturday, May 02, 2015 | 08:00 PM
George Weston Recital Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto
$49.00 + charges
7. Bluebird North
Top Canadian songwriters come together with host Arlene Bishop to perform their music and tell us about the inspiration, the songwriting process, and the stories behind the songs. The special guests for this concert are singer-songwriter and guitarist Bryan Potvin of Northern Pikes (with Kevin Kane of Grapes of Wrath as his accompanist), ex-Lowest of the Low frontman and guitarist Ron Hawkins, and Julian Taylor, the frontman of Julian Taylor Band, who recently released their Tech Noir album to great critical acclaim.
Saturday, May 02, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Conservatory Theatre, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
$25.00 & up.
8. “Songs from Many Lands”
From Africa to Ireland to Tolkien’s Middle Earth, you’ll experience a world of music from the comfort of your Markham Theatre chair.
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Flato Markham Theatre, 101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham
$22 for adults and $17 for seniors/students.
9. Pax Christi Chorale
The composer of Jerusalem and the coronation anthem I Was Glad, Sir Hubert Parry was unsurpassed at handling large choral forces. Judith tells the dramatic story of the liberation of the Jews from their Assyrian captivity, the restoration of faith to their leader, Manasseh, and the heroic role played by Judith in defeating the enemy general Holofernes. This will be Judith’s first complete orchestral performance in almost one hundred years and is the culmination of a three-year international detective story. A major musical event not to be missed!
Sunday, May 03, 2015 | 03:00 PM
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
$40.00 & up.
10. The Amazing Time Machine
The Oakville Wind Orchestra presents their annual Sunday afternoon concert!
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | 2:00 PM
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville
Regular tickets: $20
Seniors and Children under 12: $15
11. Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – featuring performances from their new album Chasing Yesterday.
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Monday, May 4, 2015 | 08:00 PM
Sony Centre for Performing Arts, 1 Front St E, Toronto
$58.39 – $102.89 + charges
II. Theatre & Other Events
1. Performing Arts Events
Performing Arts & Theatre in April
Events this weekend include
After Class – Parents Night and The Bigger Issue – A George F. Walker Double Bill @ Theatre Passe Muraille’s Mainspace
Sweeney Todd @ Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC
Hooked @ Theatre Passe Muraille
American Idiot The Musical @Lower Ossington Theatre
Much Ado About Nothing @ Tarragon Theatre.
Brantwood: 1920-2020 @ Brantwood School
The Love List @ Studio Theatre, Toronto Centre for the Arts
Maggie’s Getting Married @ The Village Playhouse
Therefore Choose Life @ The Greenwin Theatre
Needles and Opium @ Bluma Appel Theatre
Bedroom Farce & Of Human Bondage @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts
God & the Indian @ Aki Studio
2. Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk
Combining traditional circus disciplines with cirque elements, Cirque Mechanics tell a “real world” story with an unmatched theatricality. Enter the most unlikely setting for a circus – a factory – where the workers are acrobats and the machines are circus props. Spectators will watch a contortionist perform on a turntable powered by unicyclists. They will be captivated by the trapeze artist flying high, thanks to the spins of an acrobat inside a giant gear-like wheel, and they will be stunned when the trampoline wall artists defy the laws of physics by virtually flying and walking on air. Details
Thursday, April 30, 2015 | 8PM
Rose Theatre Main Stage, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton.
$25 – $68
3. CanAsian Dance Festival
Allow yourself to be spellbound by five outstanding artists, all in one remarkable evening of dance at the 2015 CanAsian International Dance Festival. Each evening performance will feature five unforgettable performances by world-class artists.
April 30 – May 3, 2015
Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto
$25.00 – $30.00
4. Toronto Jewish Film Festival
April 30 – May 10, 2015
Multiple venues, Downtown Toronto
Single Tickets:
Opening Night: $20; General Admission: $14
Seniors/Students: $10; Weekday Matinees: $9
5. Contact Photography Festival
With well over 1500 Canadian and international artists and photographers exhibiting at more than 175 venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
May 1 – 31, 2015
Multiple venues, Toronto
Free & Ticketed events.
6. Hot Docs Film Festival
Canadian International Documentary Festival
April 23 – May 3, 2015
Multiple venues, Downtown Toronto
Regular tickets: $17
Special events tickets: $22
Festival 10-Pack – $149
7. Pete McBride
National Geographic Live. Pete McBride is living proof that in photography, passion, hard work, and guts matter more than the cost of your gear or where you went to school. A child of the Colorado, McBride grew up on a cattle ranch along the river. Now he’s an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker with over 15 years of work for National Geographic and an award-winning film, Chasing Water, to his credit. –
Sun May 03, 2015 | 2:00 PM
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
$19.50 – $79.50
8. Odysseo
The unique theatrical production is first and foremost a grandiose three dimensional show where spectators are taken to a live Hollywood-style movie set while the touching interactions between human and horse are at the heart of the action. Layers of mesmerizing decors combined with gravity-defying acrobatic and areal stunts and the staggering effects created by state-of-the-art scenery makes this humongous stage a real 3-D feast for the eyes! Cavalia
April 8 – May 24, 2015
Under the White Big Top, At the Port Lands, 324 Cherry Street, Toronto
$34.50 to $139.50
III. Sports & Related Events
Runs & Walks
1. Toronto Hike for Hospice
Come hike with us in beautiful historic Cabbagetown on either a 5km hike along the Don River or a 2km stroll through Cabbagetown and help raise essential awareness and funding for local hospice palliative care! Featuring live music with Danny Marks, BBQ, kids party, scavenger hunt and crafts.
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | Registration starts at 9:30 AM | Hikes start at 11:00 AM @ Riverdale Park West in Cabbagetown – Hospice Walk Details.
2. Greater Toronto(Mississauga) Spring Marathon
2K, 5K, 10K, 21.1K, 42.2K & Relays on Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3, 2015
3. Good Life Fitness Toronto Marathon
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | Marathon race begins at 7:30 AM and the half marathon begins at 8:30 AM.
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
TBG Organic Farmers Market, Thursdays at Toronto Botanical gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave E , North York
1. Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo
The 49th Sportcard and Memorabilia Expo is sure to please all who attend with over 900 tables of rare cards and nonsport items you are sure to find what you desire. Many of our dealers have been scouring the world to bring you the best merchandise they can find.
Friday May 1, 2015 | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday May 2, 2015 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday May 3, 2015 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The International Centre Hall #5, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Adults: $12.00 (per day) ; Kids (6 -12):$3.00
Weekend Pass: $25.00
2. The Toronto Spring Classic Car Auction
Experience the excitement of Canada’s biggest and best Classic Car Auction. This three-day event showcases approximately 300-400 fabulous classics and an outstanding assortment of nostalgia and automotive memorabilia.
Friday May 1, 20151 | 2:00PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday May 2, 2015 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday May 3, 2015 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The International Centre Hall #2, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Adults (1-Day pass): $20.0
Seniors (1-Day Pass): $18.00
Youths: 12 & Under Free
3. Thankyou Canada
Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Armed Forces. During the Dutch Heritage Month in May, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and thank the Canadian Armed Forces for their contribution to the freedom of the Dutch people. A parade with veterans and warbrides will march through downtown Toronto and ends at City Hall. Authentic army jeeps or other military vehicles will also participate and several marching bands will accompany the parade with music. Everybody is welcome to come and watch the parade! Several bands will provide musical entertainment on the mainstage and a lot of Dutch festivities are being organized, such as a Dutch market and a kid’s zone.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Parade: 12:00 noon, the parade will start from Moss Park Armoury and will ride north on Jarvis Street, then west on College Street to south on Yonge Street, west on Queen Street and into Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall.
Festival: 2:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Free
Magic – Grand Prix | May 1 – 3, 2015 – Details
4. Spirit of Toronto 2015
This annual gala offers novices and enthusiasts alike an opportunity to sample from more than 100 whiskies and premium spirits from around the world, along with tutored tastings, live jazz, a gourmet table d’hote, and a dedicated cocktail lounge on the mezzanine level.
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 06:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
$165 in advance; $189 day of the show
Admission includes all samples, a Blender’s Malt Whisky Glass imported from Scotland, an event programme and access to a dozen tutored tastings of whisky and fine spirits as part of the Spirit of Toronto Masterclass Series.
5. Gin-A-Palooza
During Gin-A-Palooza, you have the opportunity to experience 30 distinct GINspired cocktails crafted exclusively for Gin-A-Palooza! Each venue has been paired up to showcase 3 different gin brands for your drinking pleasure! Visit any (or all) of the participating venues, get a G-PASS, drink any (or all) of the 30 signature Gin-A-Palooza cocktails, and enter to win a trip to visit and tour the distillery of one of our partner Gin brands.
April 29 – May 12, 2015
Multiple Venues Downtown Toronto
Pay for the drink.
6. Eat to Feed TO
Join us in the historic ambiance of Montgomery’s Inn for an eclectic, three-course Prix Fixe menu inspired by Toronto’s cultural diversity. This delectable event features dishes from around the globe with a dessert provided by the Inn’s 1840s kitchen. You’ll be entertained with live music provided by The Music Studio. Montgomery’s Inn presents this culinary event in partnership with Good Food for Good, with all profits going to Food Share Toronto.
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas ST. W, Toronto
$55.00 + charges
7. Toronto KOP CON
The action-packed day will have panels, fun-filled games and activities, dance workshops, merchandise vendors, fanclub booths and more! There will also be TWO concert portions at the event: the Canadian Dream Stage Concert in the day and the headlining Korean Dream Concert at night featuring.
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 225 Front Street West, Toronto
$40.00 & up.
8. Jane’s Walk Festival
Get out and walk! Explore, learn and share through a Jane’s Walk in Toronto.
May 1 – 3, 2015
Multiple locations across Toronto
Free
9. Toronto Reptile Expo
Geared to the snake, lizard, arachnid, and exotic pet lover, the event is one for the whole family. It offers a unique opportunity for you and your children to get up close and personal with some animals you might not usually have the chance to, with experts who’d be happy to answer your questions about the world of Pick up supplies, feeders, merch, or even – after careful consideration – a new pet! Expo.
Sunday, May 3, 2015 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Downsview Park, 40 Carl Hall Road, Toronto
Adults (15+) – $10
Youth (7 to 14) & Seniors – $5
Children 6 and Under – Free
10. GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon Expo
Friday, May 1st, 2015 | 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 | 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hall C, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto
Free
11. Mississauga Marathon Runner’s Expo
Friday, May 1st, 2015 | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Port Credit Memorial Arena, 40 Stavebank Road North
Mississauga
Free
12. Youtube Fan Fest
Some of the biggest Canadian and international YouTube stars will take over Dundas Square in Toronto… for the first time ever! You’ll get the opportunity to meet some of your favourite internet heroes in person, including superstars like Jenna Marbles, Bethany Mota and Toronto’s very own Lilly Singh, a.k.a. IISuperwomanII.
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
Free