10 things to do in Toronto this May

By Erica Salyi-Pannozzo

Yay, it’s May! The weather’s glorious, the buds are blooming, and it’s time to get outside and enjoy the city! There are festivals, picnics in the park, free events and big-ticket events to look forward to all month long. The unofficial kick-off to summer in Toronto is the Victoria Day long weekend, which we celebrate with drinks on the patio and fireworks. With so much to do, where do we even begin? Let’s get it started with this list of 10 things to do in Toronto this May! [Photo credit: Courtesy of Canada’s Wonderland]

May the fourth be with you! This unofficial holiday has taken over Toronto the past few years, with Star Wars-themed events popping up across the city. Check out Star Wars Day at Hard Rock Café (with free admission) and Light vs Dark, a showcase of light and dark beers, wines and spirits that guests can sip and savour.

It’s not like you need an excuse to eat all the delicious Mexican food available in Toronto, but Cinco de Mayo pretty much makes it mandatory. With so many amazing options for authentic eats like Los Colibris and trendy taco joints like La Carnita, you’ll have no problem getting your fill of Mexican cuisine. I recommend booking a Mexican brunch – El Catrin takes reservations!

Ripley’s Aquarium kicks off a five-part event series with a ‘90s-themed party, complete with hit tunes from the golden age of hip hop and Dance Dance Revolution. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in old school ‘90s gear, so grab a slap bracelet and step into a pair of Steve Madden chunky black sandals.

• When: May 5, Doors open at 8 pm
• Admission: $35
• Buy Tickets

Summertime for many Torontonians means a visit to Canada’s Wonderland to ride the mega coasters and eat  funnel cake. The park opens for the season April 30, with new attractions and a series of events to commemorate Canada’s 150th celebrations. Get in line to try out the new Soaring Timbers, the only ride of its kind in North America, with two gondolas that spiral 360 degrees into the air. Thrill seekers can keep cool in the Muskoka Plunge, a 60-foot tall waterslide complex that’s the newest addition to Splash Works (opens May 27). The list of events and festivals includes the Taste of Greece, a food truck festival, live music and more.

Toronto is home to many public gardens and green spaces to explore, so don’t waste the great weather by staying indoors! Casa Loma and the Spadina House Museum are teeming with gorgeous manicured gardens, and the Toronto Botanical Gardens has free admission. I also recommend the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, if you want to frolic through a meadow.

The pull of the great outdoors is strong this time of year, so why not grab a to-go lunch and head to a nearby park for a picnic? There are plenty of great restaurants that offer up tasty takeout options, from killer sandwiches to the cutest takeout containers you ever did see. Consult this list of best places to grab a picnic lunch to go, including Sweet Lulu, Porchetta and Co., and La Cubana.

If you're low on funds or just want to save a buck, you’re in luck! Here's our list of the top 13 free events and things to do this May, so you can have your fun and keep your wallet happy too. Don’t miss the Contact Photography Festival, the Toronto Flower Market, Doors Open Toronto and more!

Foodies rejoice! May is jam-packed with food events, including the first-ever Brunch Fest (!!!), Toronto’s Festival of Beer Spring Session, Rib and Craft Beer Fest, Veggielicious and the Gluten Free Garage. Check out the entire list of 20 food festivals and dining events in Toronto this May for all the delicious details.

May marks the opening weekend for many famers’ markets, so you can get your locally sourced ingredients all season long. Browse the stalls full of bright fruits and veggies, and buy some prepared goods made by local artisans. You can browse this handy tool and search Ontario farmers’ markets to find one near you!

You’re not allowed to be bored this month, with big-ticket events and popular annual festivals taking over the city. The Weeknd makes a stop at the ACC, Electric Island lights up Hanlan’s Point Victoria Day, Toronto Comic Arts Fest is at the Toronto Reference Library and the Inside Out Film Fest screens films at the TIFF Bell Light Box. You can find more top events in Must-see May events in Toronto.