Events in Toronto: May 5 to 7, 2017

1. Arabian Nights

Peter Oundjian and the TSO transport you on a journey of vibrant orchestral colours and unforgettable melodies inspired by the Arabian Nights legends, in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. You’ll also enjoy a boisterous curtain-raiser by the Czech-Canadian composer Oskar Morawetz, and an impressive early piece for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Frenchman Pierre Boulez. Details

2. Schumann Piano Concerto

The eighty-plus members of the TSO rise magnificently to the occasion as Hungarian genius Béla Bartók puts them through countless thrilling paces in the twentieth-century classic, Concerto for Orchestra. Remarkable Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki appears as soloist in Schumann’s impassioned and poetic concerto. Details

3. Sinfonia Toronto

The program will feature young Austrian violin virtuoso Elisso Gogibedashvili in the beloved ‘Carmen Fantasy’ by Saint-Saens and ‘Devil’s Trill’ by baroque master Giuseppe Tartini. The concert will conclude with Schubert’s masterful string quartet ‘Death and the Maiden’ arranged for orchestra. Details

4. Voices That Care

Murray McLauchlan, Margaret Atwood, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Albert Schultz, Ben Heppner, Travis Knights and Matt Andersen performing. Voices That Care, benefiting The Room 217 Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving quality of life and care for Canadians in life-threatening and complex-care circumstances through music. Details

5. Piaf Encore

To celebrate its 9th anniversary, the Toronto Concert Orchestra (TCO), led by the unrivaled Maestro Kerry Stratton, is proud to take Torontonians on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Paris for their upcoming concert: Piaf Encore – Paris in Springtime. Starring Sudbury actress and singer Pandora Topp, the concert will help you rediscover Paris’ famous daughter through the musical sights and sounds of Ontario’s most travelled orchestra, performing up to 35 concerts across the province each season. Details

6. Lea Michele

Singer, author, award winning actress and former Glee star Lea Michele brings songs from her forthcoming album ‘Places’ to Massey Hall on May 6. In January Michele performed three intimate sold-out shows in support of the new album, and due to fan demand announces this limited North American run of shows. Details

7. Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is becoming the must-see video game concert of the year, giving Pokémon fans of all ages the chance to experience live, beautiful music of the Pokémon franchise. All-new orchestral arrangements and carefully timed visuals draw from recent and classic Pokémon video games. Details

May 2: Shlomo Artzi and his Band: Yom Ha’Azmaut Concert @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
May 3: Florida Georgia Line: Dig Your Roots Tour @ FirstOntario Centre
May 3: Anthrax, Killswitch Engage @ The Danforth Music Hall
May 3: Mastodon @ Rebel
May 3: Mayday Parade @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre

May 5 & 6: Father John Misty @ Royal Alexandra Theatre

May 7: NF – Therapy Session Tour @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre

For live music at nightclubs, see under Nightlife/Food Events

Performing Arts Events

Performing Arts & Theatre in May

1. Strictly Ballroom The Musical @ Princess of Wales Theatre
2. Midsummer @ Tarragon Theatre’s Mainspace
3. Prince Hamlet @ The Theatre Centre
4. I Take Your Hand in Mine…’@ Tarragon Theatre Extraspace
5. The Return @ Bluma Appel Theatre
6. French-Canadian Comedian Louis-José Houde @ Randolph Theatre
7. Two Birds One Stone @ The Theatre Centre
8. Wildfire @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts
9. It’s All Tru @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
10. Man of La Mancha @ Theatre Scarborough
11. for colored girls… @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts
12. El Retorno/I Return @ The Theatre Centre

and more!

2. Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival

Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, will present its 24th edition, screening 200+ films from across the globe and welcoming hundreds of international filmmakers and industry delegates to Toronto! Details

3. WE’RE FUNNY THAT WAY FESTIVAL!

After a 5-year hiatus, the WE’RE FUNNY THAT WAY Festival returns by popular demand! The legendary LGBTQ+ comedy festival and fundraiser will make its triumphant return with a variety of comedy, music, and burlesque performances to benefit the We’re Funny That Way Foundation. Details

4. SheDot Festival

SheDot Festival is Toronto’s festival of funny women.
Toronto is home to many of the world’s best comedians and a favourite spot for international performers to be seen. Every spring, our city is bombarded with four days of hilarious women from all over North America, performing in show after show of non-stop laughter.Details

5. Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

CONTACT is the largest photography event in the world, and a premiere cultural experience in Canada, with over 1500 artists in 200 exhibitions and happenings throughout the month of May in the Greater Toronto Area showcasing a range of Canadian artists in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation. Internationally renowned photographers will exhibit their work throughout Toronto and across Canada during CONTACT, through numerous public installations and open exhibitions that will be free to the public. Details

1. Toronto FC

2. Toronto Rock

3. Toronto Raptors

4. Stars on Ice

The three greatest Canadian men’s figure skaters will come together for the first time in 2017 to perform in the award-winning Investors Group Stars on Ice Tour presented by Lindt!

5. Paddle the Don

At the heart of Canada’s largest urban region is the Don River. Once a year, Toronto and Region Conservation provides a unique opportunity for people to paddle the Don River from Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the mouth at the Keating Channel. Manulife Paddle the Don is all about having fun, enjoying nature, and celebrating the Don River watershed. The trip also provides a time for reflection on all the benefits we derive from the natural environment – air, water, resources, recreation, and spiritual renewal – that are integral to the health and function of the city and the surrounding region. Details

6. Toronto Marathon

1. Jane’s Walk 2017

2. Spring to the Beach!

Shop along Queen for Moonlight Madness and a sidewalk sale. Stop and refuel at our newly renovated Kew Gardens Park and enjoy bites & brews from our local restaurants:The Stone Lion, Breakwall, Hogtown Smoke, Hero Certified Burgers – Beach Queen East Dufflet Beach. Each restaurant will offer a special feature for just $5! Details

3. GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon Expo

Featuring many vendors with the latest gear and great deals, the Expo is a great place to for all your running needs for the season. Details

4. Annual Lemonville Group of Artists Show and Sale

5. Antique & Vintage Glass Lover’s Show & Sale

The Spring Antique & Vintage Glass Lover’s Show & Sale is back in Toronto again….what a perfect opportunity to come out and enjoy the great selection of Antique Pressed Glass in clear from 1860-1960, but also a large variety of coloured glass pieces ( Victorian, Depression & Vintage) in a rainbow of colours. Details

6. INLAND Pop-Up

Two-day retail experience offering fashion-forward shoppers apparel and accessories for women and men from 70+ Canadian designers. With 95 percent of the collections being made-in-Canada and pieces available from $35 through $1,500, there is something for everyone who wants to support and buy Canadian. Details

7. Other Events

1.Parent Expo 2017: Parent Expo – Etobicoke 2017 will feature over 70 exhibitors focused on education, learning and parent engagement. Details

2. Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival – AGF Gala: will showcase international and award-winning short films and will be hosted by acclaimed actor Rick Roberts (Saving Hope, Republic of Doyle, Rookie Blue). Details

3. Derby Day Party

Celebrate “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” at Woodbine’s exclusive Kentucky Derby Party. Situated in our lavish Northern Dancer Room, this Southern-styled celebration promises high-fashion & even higher stakes. Get your nails done, treat your taste buds to our chef’s best fare paired with subtle and smoky whisky and listen to the smooth sounds of Kristen Violet May live! Details

4. Philosophy in the City – A Workshop on Free Will

If we live in a Universe in which everything (including our brains) obeys the laws of physics, how can there be room for free choice? What makes a choice free, or ours, as opposed to it just being the effect of previous causes? Is free will an illusion?
Details

5. Chrome Art Pole Dance Showcase

Come out and see some of Ontario’s pole dancers perform while supporting a great cause. If you ever wanted to see the sport and would like to support Saving The Survivors come out May 7, 2017 and prepared to be wowed. Details

6. Orde Street Public School Spring Fair

Join us for the Orde Street Public School Spring Fair. Bring the whole family to our neighbourhood fair for games, prizes, music, face painting, food, crafts, balloons, dancing, martial arts, bouncy castle, and more! Details

7. The Mane Event

Volunteer stylists will wash, cut and style – all to support children living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Not only do we offer salon services at the event, but there is also a large silent auction packed with incredible items, a raffle with prizes such as an iPad mini, valuable jewelry and a large Redken product gift bag with over 40 items. Volunteers from The Body Shop offer hand massages and offer make up sessions. Details

1. Italian Cinema Night

Enjoy an evening of culture and cuisine as Artistic Director Cristiano De Florentiis discusses contemporary Italian film and the exciting lineup for the 2017 Italian Contemporary Film Festival. A prix-fixe gourmet dinner will be served. Details