The warmer weather has finally arrived, so it is time to get out there and make the most of this May! Even if you are feeling broke, there is still plenty of things to do in Toronto to keep you entertained.
This May there are tons of free extraordinary events happening in the city from dance classes, a fireworks show, music concerts and the ever popular Doors Open Toronto!
To make sure you have the best May ever, without needing to spend any money, here are 14 free things to do in Toronto this May:
Contact Photography Festival
What: A massive photography festival with over 200 exhibitions that takes places throughout the month of May. Most of the photography exhibitions are all free.
When: May 1 to 31, 2019
Where: Various locations in the Greater Toronto area, including museums, galleries, and artist-run centres.
Toronto Artisan Market
What: A market selling locally made arts and crafts.
When: May 12, 2019 from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen St W
Fast In The Six
What: A festival that invites everyone to dine together, coinciding with Ramadan. Maple Lodge Farms and Sobeys will be providing free meals to enjoy, and there will be a variety of performers including singers and comedian Mo Amer star of the Netflix show The Vagabond. The night will end in a dazzling firework show.
When: May 24, 2019, from 7:30 pm to 10:50 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Doors Open Toronto
What: Explore some of Toronto's most beautiful buildings which will be open to the public as part of Doors Open Toronto. This year Doors Open Toronto is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
When: May 25 to 26, 2019
Where: Various location across Toronto
Whacking Classes
What: Take a free and fun dance class with Ashley 'Colours' Perez.
When: April 30, May 7 & 14, 2019 from 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 1 Front St E
A Tribute to Anthony Bourdain
What: Various colleagues of Anthony Bourdain will discuss how he influenced the way we think about food and travel. At the event, there will be Joel Rose who is the co-author with Anthony Bourdain of Hungry Ghosts along with chef Gabrielle Hamilton, and travel writer Suresh Doss.
When: May 6, 2019, at 7:00 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
Laughing Like Crazy Showcase
What: A free comedy showcase that focuses on finding humour in difficult situations related to mental health issues.
When: May 7, 2019, from 6:30 pm
Where: North Toronto College Institute, 17 Broadway Avenue
Website Development Workshop
What: Learn the basics to create your website or blog with this free workshop that will focus on HTML & CSS. Make sure to bring your laptop to this introductory workshop.
When: May 13, 2019, 6:15 pm
Where: HackerYou, 483 Queen Street West
Spring Flower Show
What: Celebrate spring by taking a stroll through Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory where tons of flowers are in bloom.
When: Until May 10, 2019
Where: Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave and Centennial Park Conservatory, 151 Elmcrest Rd
Old Town Toronto Walking Tour
What: Feel like a tourist for the day in your hometown! Tour Guys offer several free tours of Toronto where you can discover more hidden gems and learn about the rich history of Toronto.
When: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm daily in May
Where: Old City Hall, 60 Queen St W
Canada Opera Company Concert
What: Spend your lunch enjoying the free concert series at the Canadian Opera Company. In May you will be able to enjoy free performances including vocal, orchestra performances and Japanese Taiko drumming!
When: May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 21, 22, 23, and 28 at 12 pm.
Where: Canadian Opera Company, 145 Queen St W
Toronto Comic Arts Festival
What: If you love comics and graphic novels you need to go to this festival! There will be comic vendors, fun workshops, gallery shows, readings, interviews and much more.
When: May 11 from 9 am to 5 pm, and May 12 from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St
Toronto Flower Market
What: Stroll through Toronto's gorgeous flower market to see some stunning blooms. It is the perfect spot to take some spring photos for your Instagram feed.
When: May 11, 2019, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Where: 1001 Queen St. West
Free Comic Book Day
What: On free comic book day, various shops across Toronto will be giving out free comic books. In Toronto, some of the participating locations are Silver Snail Comics, The Beguiling, BMV Bookstores, The Labyrinth, and West End Comics.
When: May 4, 2019
Where: Various locations
Federal Health Marjorie Michel speaks during a press conference in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as he arrives to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a new federal heat pump rebate program while visiting Dettson, a manufacturer of residential and commercial HVAC systems in Sherbrooke, Que., on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
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Voters arrive to cast their referendum vote at an advance polling station in Calgary, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
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