Let’s welcome in the new month of May with a thrilling new lineup of events happening in the city. This month, Torontonians can enjoy local film and theatre festivals, concerts and the opportunity to view the city’s architecture in a new way.
ART
“Stilled Moments” and “Looking for Sky” – CONTACT Photography
Two art exhibits are going to be featured at the Gallery Arcturus starting May 9. In “Looking for Sky,” Gustavo Jabbaz observes how the building of towers has left people in the city core walking in permanent shade and with a diminished view of the sky. In “Stilled Moments,” Joachim Oepkes zooms in on portraits, sculpted faces from far off places and times, and showcases stilled moments of individual expression.
For information, click here.
RUMI
The Aga Khan Museum is being converted into a visual voyage through the life and legacy of a Sufi mystic named Rumi on May 13. The exhibition will take you on a journey through his early life in Central Asia, his experiences with displacement and migration, and his transformation into one of the most important mystical poets of the Persian-Islamic tradition.
For details, click here.
STAGE
Hannah Berner
American TV personality Hannah Berner is performing in Toronto as part of Just for Laughs on May 12. Berner emerged on the comedy scene by directing, editing, and acting in videos on Instagram and writing viral tweets. Currently, she performs stand-up in New York, as well as at clubs and theatres around the United States. In 2022, she was named one of Just For Laughs’ “new faces of comedy.”
For event details, click here.
Reflections of Light
In celebration of the Toronto Children’s Chorus’ 45th anniversary, over 300 choristers will perform to commemorate their milestone season on May 13. The finale is conducted by founder and conductor Laureate Jean Ashworth Bartle.
For information, click here.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
ReelAbilities Film Festival
This year’s ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto (RAFFTO) will include 22 films, half of which are Canadian content. There will be shorts, features and documentaries highlighting Deaf and disability cultures and by filmmakers and actors with disabilities and/or who are Deaf. The eighth annual festival takes place in person and online May 11 to 19. May 11 will kick off the festival with a virtual screening of the coming of age feature Jasmine Is A Star by director Jo Rochelle, with a short film titled Rite of Identity by director Youmee Lee.
For details, click here.
Paprika Theatre Festival
The 22nd annual Paprika Theatre Festival is back in Regent Park on May 16. This year, the festival offers a Pay-What-You-Can ticket model with a free option for Torontonians. Guests can expect an amazing lineup of workshops, presentations, community discussions, staged readings, and community events.
For event details, click here.
MUSIC
Hozier: “Eat Your Young” Pop Up Shows
Irish musician Hozier is coming to Toronto on May 21 as part of a tour spanning a series of pop up shows based on his recent EP “Eat Your Young.” The singer-songwriter blew up the charts in the U.S. for his hit “Take Me to Church,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Hozier’s music has received multiple accolades such as multi-platinum album sales, a Grammy nomination, sold-out live shows and more.
For information, click here.
Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future World Tour 2023
If your favourite member of former British boy band One Direction was Louis Tomlinson, then you’ll have to check out his show at Budweiser Stage for his “Faith In The Future World Tour” on May 30. The English singer and songwriter began his career appearing in television dramas before he auditioned on the British music competition series The X Factor in 2010, where One Direction was born.
For ticket details, click here.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Portugal. The Festa.
On May 14, Portugal the Festa is celebrating 70 Years of Portuguese immigration to Canada with food and music. Local vendors will be in attendance serving authentic Portuguese delicacies, including their beloved custard tarts. There are also performances by international recording artists, such as Pedro Abrunhosa and Barbara Bandeira, in addition to other local artists.
For more information, click here.
Doors Open Toronto 2023
Doors Open Toronto returns to the city for a free weekend-long celebration of architecture and public space. On May 27 and 28, Torontonians will have the chance to explore the city’s most treasured buildings and sites. Over 150 sites are included, in addition to walking tours, a talk series, and more. This year’s theme is “City of Sound” which means the influence and impact of music and sound will be reflected amongst the city’s architecture.
For details, click here.
For a list of events, check out the calendar on our website.
To list your event click here.
