Toronto
Weekend Events & Festivals in Toronto: May 24 to 26, 2019
A weekly digest of What’s on in Toronto this weekend: Activities, Exhibitions, Live Music, Live Theatre & Performances, Sports and Festivals in Toronto. Few GTA events are also listed.
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I. Live Music & Concerts
TIN PAN NORTH Songwriters Festival
See performances by over 40 talented songwriters, performing their songs and sharing the story behind the song. TIN PAN NORTH, now celebrating its 20th anniversary year, is based on the very famous Nashville Songwriter’s Festival called TIN PAN SOUTH, which features some of the biggest stars in Country music. Like that festival, TIN PAN NORTH aims to be an all-ages festival of singer-songwriters, and provides music fans who love songwriting, an up close and personal peek into the glamorous world of songwriters and songwriting.
May 23 to 25, 2019 | 07:30 PM
Various Venues, GTA
$10.00 to $35
Beyond Boundless
Music Makes Miracles invites you to join us for Beyond Boundless, a fundraising concert in support of the the 40th Anniversary of the SickKids Herbie Fund. Host Roger Petersen of Breakfast Television, will take you on an incredible musical journey with performances by outstanding Canadian artists Jim Cuddy, Three Days Grace, Alan Frew, Jackie Richardson, Susan Aglukark, Jordan John and Travis Knights.
Friday, May 24 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Koerner Hall 273 Bloor St W, Toronto
$50 – $300
SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival
Festival concerts will span an array of musical styles, including pop, rock, jazz, classical, barbershop, world, gospel, folk, live looping and beat boxing, all performed a cappella (voices without instrumental accompaniment). The festival includes nine ticketed concerts, seven free events, and two days of workshops on the art of a cappella singing.
May 24 to June 2, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
free and ticketed events.
Pines of Rome
Respighi’s spectacular tone poem Pines of Rome takes the listener on a tour of the “eternal” city’s sights and milestones: children play merrily in a park, a chant-like elegy rises from an ancient tomb, a nightingale sings sweetly by moonlight, and the tread of an imperial army rises to a glorious climax.
May 24 & 25, 2019
Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe St Toronto
$40.75 – $154.00 + Applicable Charges
Scintillating Santoor
Raag-Mala Toronto and the Museum present Pandit Satish Vyas, one of India’s most acclaimed santoor players, and Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan, a powerful vocalist and descendant of the Agra Gharana musical lineage. Joined by Pandit Ashis Sengupta on tabla and Dr. Vinay Mishra on harmonium, they will perform a program of evening raags — improvisations based on musical scales that serve as the lifeblood of Indian classical music and have no traditional western equivalent.
May 25, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr, Toronto
$30-40
CBCMusic.ca Festival
CBC Music Festival is returning for its seventh year, and Toronto indie-pop act Alvvays will be headlining the event’s main stage. All-Canadian lineup will also feature Rhye, Coeur de pirate, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Charlotte Cardin, Exco Levi and a special set by Stars, who will be performing their critically acclaimed 2004 album, Set Yourself on Fire.
The CBC Music Festival will have multiple stages including a q stage and a newly added Juno 365 stage this year.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 01:30 PM – till end of Day.
RBC Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Toronto
$39.50 +fees.
Music, Community & Social Justice
Common Thread Community Chorus is pleased to announce its 20th Anniversary Concert and Sing-Along entitled, Music, Community & Social Justice. The concert will be followed by a gala reception with refreshments and cash bar. The chorus will be joined by CT Kids, and special guests Pat Humphries and Sandy O. of Emma’s Revolution.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 3 PM
Estonian House, 958 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
$30
Jewish Music Week
Jewish Music Week in Toronto is an exciting week of concerts, recitals and musical events throughout the GTA. 2019 marks the ninth year of this festival that celebrates Jewish music, as well as the Jewish contribution to genres of music not generally thought of as Jewish.
May 26 – June 2, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
Free & Ticketed Events
Orchestra Toronto
Orchestra Toronto will revel in the warmth of spring and the glory of some of the greatest music of the 19th and 20th centuries. Join us for the music of Rossini, Britten, Weber, and Respighi. Programme: Overture to La Gazza Ladra by Gioachino Rossini Clarinet Concerto no. 1 by Carl Maria von Weber, Dominic Desautels, clarinet Les Matinees Musicales, by Britten/Rossini The Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 3:00 PM
Toronto Ctr for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto
$45 +charges
Concert Tours/EDM Concerts This Week
- LANY on May 21 & 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ REBEL
- Architects: Holy Hell North America on May 22 & 23, 2019 | 6:30 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- The Melisizwe Brothers In Concert on Friday, May 24 | 7:30 PM @ Toronto Ctr for the Arts
- The Distillers on May 25 & 26, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Juice WRLD on Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Coca-Cola Coliseum
- Iliza: Elder Millennial on Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
- Shahkar Bineshpajooh Concert on Saturday, May 25| 08:30 PM @ Toronto Ctr for the Arts
- Kamancello and Tamar Ilana’s Ventanas on Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ Aga Khan Museum
For more live music at nightclubs and Food/Spirit Festivals & Events, see under V. Nightlife/Food Festivals & Events
Best visited during the end of May and early June, the Lilac Tour is the perfect way to celebrate the Lilac blooms of Spring. These fragrant purple ... »
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II. Arts & Theatre
Performing Arts Events
Live Theatre/Comedy events opening this week include:
- Knishes ‘n Grits @ Greenwin Theatre
- 1991 @ Theatre Centre
- 12th Annual “Indigenous Youth Dance Show” on Thursday, May 23 @ Sony Centre
- 10 Minute Theatre – Horror Story Edition on Friday, May 24, 2019 | 9:00 PM @ Super Wonder Gallery
- Gerry Dee – 20th Anniversary Tour on Friday, May 24, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
- Light Years @ Fleck Dance Theatre
- Fairy Doll @ Bluma Appel Theatre
- 11:11 @ The Theatre Centre
- Hypnotist Jason Cyrus LIVE on Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 08:00 PM @ Toronto Ctr for the Arts
and many more!
ReelAbilities Film Festival
Canada’s largest film festival dedicated to showcasing Deaf and disability cultures returns for the fourth year in a row. 2019, showcasing Canadian and International shorts, features, and documentaries about Deaf and disability cultures and by filmmakers and actors with disabilities and/or who are Deaf. ReelAbilities Film Festival will also include filmmaker Q&As, dance performances, workshops and an Accessible Comedy Night.
May 24 to June 2, 2019
Various locations, Toronto
Free & ticketed events
The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival
The 2019 feature film program includes a total of 40 films, representing 32 countries. The lineup includes 5 world premieres, 6 international premieres and 14 Canadian premieres. 27 narrative and 13 documentary features will debut over the course of the 11 day festival. The feature program will be composed of Galas and Special Presentations (6 films), Premieres (10 films), Icons (6 films), Spotlight on Canada (4 films) and International Showcase (16 films). The festival will also screen 94 Shorts from a wide variety of exciting LGBTQ filmmakers.
May 23 – June 2, 2019
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street W, Toronto
$10 & up
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is the largest photography event in the world, and a premiere cultural experience in Canada, with over 200 exhibitions and happenings throughout the month of May in the Greater Toronto Area.
Beauty is Where You Find It @ Dignam Gallery
Circumnavigation @ Creeds Coffee Bar
Memories of Galleria Mall: Step back in time at one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks @ Geary Lane
May 1 to 31, 2019
Various Venues, TORONTO
Mostly Free
Paprika Festival
A week-long festival of work entirely created by young artists. Following a year of professional theatre training and mentorship programs, this youth-led professional performing arts organization will showcase creations from the next generation for one full week in Aki Studio.
May 20-26, 2019
Aki Studio
Main Floor of the Daniels Spectrum
Free to $10
Movies
- Japanese Film Screening: Memories of Origin on Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 6:30PM-8:30PM @ Japan Foundation, Toronto
- Action/Thriller Short Film Festival on Thursday May 23rd, 7pm to 9pm @ Carlton Cinemas. 20 Carlton St, Toronto
III. Sports & Related Events
The Greenwood Stakes
Introducing the first Greenwood Stakes – a fashion-forward adrenaline-pumping day at the races set to kick off the summer season in style in Toronto.
Enjoy craft cocktails designed by some of Toronto’s top mixologists, a pop-up gallery featuring artworks by Toronto visual artists, live music, lawn games, delectable food, and more. The sounds of hurried thumping hooves and people excitedly placing bets will mark the centerpiece of the day – thrilling thoroughbred high stakes races, with a post time of 1 p.m
Saturday, May 25, 2019. | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Woodbine Racetrack
555 Rexdale Blvd, Toronto
$75
Toronto Blue Jays
vs. San Diego Padres
Friday, May 24, 2019 | 07:07 PM
Saturday, May 25, 2019 @ 03:07 PM
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 01:07 PM
Rogers Centre, Toronto
York9 FC
vs. Forge FC – Canadian Premier League
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 04:00 PM
York Lions Stadium, Toronto
Global 6K for Water
You can walk or run 6K, which is the average distance people in developing countries must walk to find water, water that is usually dirty or contaminated.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 10 AM – 01:00 PM
Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd, North York
Toronto FC
vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 7:30 PM
BMO Field , Toronto
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Fast in the 6
Fast in the 6 is a free evening of food, fun and fireworks, coinciding with Ramadan, to celebrate the diversity of our great city through the common experience of the breaking of the fast. There will be delicious food to enjoy all evening long. Maple Lodge Farms and Sobeys will hand out free meals to break the fast at sunset. There will also be food trucks serving up summertime eats.
In addition to delicious food, the evening will also be filled with laughs, live music and fireworks.
Friday, May 24 | Begins at 7:30 PM
Fireworks in the end
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Free
Anime North
Anime North celebrates anime, manga, music, games and all other forms of Japanese Culture!
May 24-26, 2019
Toronto Congress Center, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto
$35 & up
Doors Open Toronto
The event will offer free and rare access to more than and offers an opportunity to see inside more than 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.
Doors Open at the Aga Khan Museum: Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Toronto’s Doors Open event with free tours, family activities, live music, dance performances, and more!
Voyage Through Seven Decades of Flight: A stunning new photography exhibition that showcases the skill, agility and enduring relationship of the CIAS with its fans. Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak with aviation specialists and members of the Snowbirds to learn more about the Royal Canadian Air Force. @ Withrow Common Art Gallery
May 25 & 26, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Various Places, Toronto
Free
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AGO: ALL IN
Featuring everything from special art installations and art-making Toronto’s next must-attend art event has arrived. Experience the museum in a whole new way at AGO All Hours, an all-ages, all-day art filled event.
Saturday, May 25 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St. W.
$25; free for visitors 25 and under.
Ultimate Puzzle Competition
The Ultimate Puzzle Competition will have several of the best escape room companies from across the GTA and beyond create and build a tactile, hands-on, 10-minute puzzle. These puzzles are specially designed for this event, and will showcase some of the most talented puzzle makers Ontario has to offer. Then teams consisting of 4-5 puzzle enthusiasts will have a chance to (potentially) solve and judge all the puzzles to ultimately determine the winning company.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | Two Sessions
Erin Mills Town Centre, 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga
$130 per team of four or five.
The 15th City Mosaic
CITY MOSAIC, recognized by the City of Markham, is a one-day MULTICULTURAL ADVENTURE for those who are looking for an Out-Of-The Ordinary experience. CITY MOSAIC provides an opportunity for participants to get a TASTE OF DIFFERENT CULTURE without ever having to step foot out of Toronto.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Mel Lastman Square
5100 Yonge St, North York
$20 – $30 per person
M2M Spring-Fest
This outdoor community event will feature free entertainment, food and activities for all ages, including a superdogs show, mini putt, rock climbing, face painting, magic show and bouncy castle. Guests can also get crafty with free succulent arrangement workshops led by Plantit. Complimentary healthy BBQ lunch and gelato will be provided.
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Parking lot at Newtonbrook Plaza – 5851 Yonge Street, North York
Free
Artfest on the Esplanade
Every summer, Esplanade Park comes alive with music, dance, crafts and singing, along with children’s art areas and artists demonstrations. This free arts event will include over 90 artists from across the province who show and sell a fantastic variety of original art which include Paintings (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour), Photography, Pottery, Wood Carvings, Jewellery, Hand Made Rugs, Stationary and Candles and more!
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Esplanade Park, Pickering Civic Complex
Free
Carassauga Festival
Festival of Cultures will be one of the biggest attractions this summer as we stand as one of the largest multicultural showcases in Ontario and also of all of Canada. Various countries bring you the best of food, music, dance, art and history in a packed 3 day weekend. Join us as the world comes to Mississauga for biggest spectacle of music, food and culture. Join us for CARASSAUGA.
May 24 to 26, 2019
Various Venues, Mississauga
$10 to $12
Woofstock
Woofstock is the Top Dog of festivals, and we are having a PAWty! 2019 will be our 16th Annual Woofstock, and wait till you see what we have in store this year!! A weekend-long urban festival where tens of thousands of dog owners — and their dogs — come to seek out the newest products and services on the market.
May 25 & 26, 2019
Woodbine Park, Toronto
$12 to $15
Schomberg Fair
Don’t miss the 169th annual Schomberg Fair! From livestock demonstrations to the midway to the demolition derby, the Schomberg Fair promises something for everyone!
May 23 to May 26, 2019
Schomberg Fair Grounds
319 Main Street, Schomberg
$3 to $10
Other Events
- #PitchItYork: Join us as we bring together entrepreneurs, investors and potential investors and create a community of sharing and collaboration. Wednesday, May 22 | 6PM – 8:30PM @ YSpace Markham
- The Art of Cannabis Cultivation ~ Part 5 – Flower Power:Wednesday, May 22 |7:00 – 8:30 PM @ Plant Alchemy Studio – 446 King Road Richmond Hill
Appreciating Your Boobies 101
Join House of Anesi for a very special and fun night! Be a part of a unique fireside chat with Dr. Hillary Webster, Monique Bryan, Sarah Rennick, Zaina Moussa, and Jalisa Luces-Mendes and a special surprise guest, talking about breast health, breast cancer, gender identity, hormones and why society’s standards have influenced the way women view and love their boobs.
Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 5:30 PM-9:30 PM @ Centre for Urban Innovation, Toronto
Redemption Paws Dog Prom
Canada’s first dog prom in support of Redemption Paws!
This dress-up party is for you and your dog, one that mimics the feel of a high school graduation but, you know, for dogs! Details
Friday May 24th 7pm – 12am @The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St E Toronto
MARY YOUNG Toronto Pop-up
MARY YOUNG creates functional garments to celebrate natural beauty and encourage body positivity. Come discover new summer styles and hues, and find your perfect set to make you feel the love you deserve. Details
May 24 to 26 @ 575 Queen St W, Toronto
Covenant House Sleep Out: Women Unite
Sleep Out is an immersive experience that allows you to explore the causes of youth homelessness, connect with the youth at Covenant House and learn about how your fundraising is supporting tangible solutions. Most importantly, by taking up the challenge of spending one night on the streets you are demonstrating your commitment to making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
Friday, May 24 6:00 PM – Saturday, May 25 7:00 AM @ Covenant House Toronto, 21 Mc Gill St. Toronto
Air Canada Rouge Pop-Up!
Drop on by Air Canada Rouge’s immersive and photo-ready pop-up, where you can win two-tickets to anywhere we fly, take some new pics for the ‘gram, and get inspiration for your next vacation. Where will you go?
May 24 – June 2, 2019 @ Toronto Eaton Centre
Beach Guild of Fine Art Spring Show
Over 30 artists. No Painting over $350.
May 24 to 26 @ Gardener’s Cottage in Kew Gardens, 30 Lee Avenue, Beaches
WALK FOR VALUES
We ask each participant to pledge a value like Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Nonviolence to practice in their daily lives, to become better Canadians and Global Citizens.
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 10 AM @ Nathan Phillips Square
HideSeek
HideSeek is an immersive pop-up experience inspired by childhood nostalgia. As an interactive activation with 12 multi-sensory rooms, this adventure elicits the whimsy and amusement of childhood by evoking the timeless sensation of nostalgia.
March 30 to June 2, 2019 @ 1305 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Exhibitions
- Art Exhibition “GROUNDED” : Solo Oil Painting Exhibition by artist Peter Fischer. Friday, May 24 – Saturday June 22 @ C9 Art, 7 Sultan Street, Toronto
- Patrick Howlett: The Slow Rhythms of Reason: Using diagrams as a structural touch point, Patrick Howlett’s new paintings continue to build on the processes developed in his last few shows with the gallery, mapping movement, information and systems of abstraction as they accumulate into images. May 9 to June 22, 2019 @ Susan Hobbs Gallery
- The moon: A voyage through time: To mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing The Moon: A Voyage Through Time explores our enduring fascination with this enchanting orb in the sky and looks at the role it has played in faith, science, and the arts across the Muslim world and beyond. Mar 09, 2019 – Aug 18, 2019 @ Aga Khan Museum
- 9 & 99: The Howe – Gretzky Exhibition: Witness the greatest compilation of milestone artifacts and rare personal memorabilia, all hand-picked by Hockey Hall of Fame curators from the Howe and Gretzky family collections. Revel in the legacy and indelible bond of ‘Mr. Hockey’ and ‘The Great One’. @ Hockey Hall of Fame
V. NightLife/Food and Drink Events & Festivals This Week
- Foodie Road Trips in Ontario
- Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises in Toronto
- Beer & Wine Festivals in Toronto
- Food Festivals in Toronto
- Foul Play on Saturdays | 06:30 PM @ Chelsea Hotel – Rossetti Ballroom, 33 Gerrard Street West Toronto
- The Great Canadian Food Tour @ Kensington Market
- Toronto’s Ultimate Chocolate Tour @ Soma on King
Toronto Poutine Fest
Join us at Yonge-Dundas Square to try some of Canada’s best food trucks and over 50 varieties of gourmet poutine.
May 24 to 26, 2019
Yonge-Dundas Square · Toronto
Free
RibFests in GTA
- Newmarket Rib Fest: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019 @ Upper Canada Mall, 17600, Yonge St, Newmarket
- Rotary Rib ‘n’ Roll: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019 @ Gage Park, Brampton
- Vaughan Ribfest: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019 @ Improve Canada Centre , 7250 Keele Street, Vaughan
Gourmet Food Truck Frenzy
For 2019 we will be bringing the best street food vendors from across the GTA and the best of our region’s talented food artisans and performance artists to help us create a vibrant, weekend long festival for families and foodies alike. Whether you enjoy decadent comfort food, savoury international dishes or tantalizing sweet treats, there will be something for everyone.
May 25 & 26, 2019
Iroquois Park Grounds – 500 Victoria Street West, Whitby
$3
Anti-Inflammatory Cooking Class
Join Melissa Torio for a delicious culinary nutrition experience, where you’ll discover the important role food plays in inflammatory conditions and what to eat in order to support your health, as well as gain practical hands-on experience cooking recipes from start to finish.
Saturday, 25 May 2019 | 1:30 – 4:30 PM
St. Luke Palermo Community Centre, 3114 Dundas St. W, Oakville
$85
Spring Chicken
Feeling a little peckish after a long winter? In celebration of a new season, we’re serving up five tasty dishes that will leave you feeling like a spring chicken! From warm grilled chicken cobb salad, to jerky chicken drums, signature chicken creations will be available from May 3–31.
May 3 to 31, 2019
Beaumont Kitchen & Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
Beaumont Kitchen, CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, Bayview Village Shopping Centre, 2901 Bayview Ave., Toronto
From Menu
Gluten Free Garage
The annual Gluten Free Garage is Toronto’s one and only pop-up gluten-free marketplace where you can enjoy more than 65+ handpicked vendors, food trucks, libations and guest speakers. Details
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Artscape Wychwood Bars, 601 Christie Street, Toronto
$10; 12-: FREE.
Concerts/Events at Clubs
— Trios Bistro Presents #Liveintheround — Every Tuesday and Friday from 5:30pm-7:30pm @ 525 Bay Street, Toronto | Free
- Lee Fields & The Expressions with YUKA on Thursday, May 23 | 7:00 PM @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Jon Langford + HIS a Cast of Thousands with Jon-Boy w/John Szymanski, Eamon McGrath, Jon-Boy & the Skull Orchard Male Voice Choir (w/David Nagle on Thursday, May 23 | 8:30 PM @ The Horseshoe Tavern
- Lolo Zouai: High Highs To Low Lows Tour with Jean Deaux on Friday, May 24 | 08:00 PM @ Velvet Underground
- Baile Da Favorita Toronto on Friday, May 24 | 09:00 PM @ REBEL
- Bear’s Den with Vera Sola on Friday, May 24 | 7:00 PM @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Combichrist with Silver Snakes, Sumo Cyco on Friday, May 24 | 7:00 PM @ Lee’s Palace
- Damien Jurado with Anna St. Louis on Friday, May 24 | 8:00 PM @ The Drake Hotel
- Weyes Blood with Jackie Cohen on Friday, May 24 | 9:00 PM @ The Horseshoe Tavern
- MacHel Montano & Bunji Garlin on Saturday, May 25 | 02:00 PM @ REBEL
- Cub Sport on Saturday, May 25 | 07:00 PM @ The Drake Hotel – Underground
- Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano on Saturday, May 25 | 10:00 PM @ Noir
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Things to do with family in Toronto
Free Activities & Cheaper Ways to Explore Toronto
Please verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials before travelling.
Road Closures
Road Closures in Toronto – Here;
In Brampton – Here ; Mississauga – Here
York Region – Here Durham Region – Here
Road Conditions across GTA – Here ; TTC Route diversions – Here
Bookmark this page and check back next week for more activities.
Where are there firework shows tonight 😎 In Scarborough but will travel
Serena – its called google. try it
I’m so happy Grease the Musical is coming back!!! I’ve seen it twice and loved it, can’t wait to go again! The girl who plays Sandy is EVERYTHING
Missed the halal food festival…