This May, Toronto is buzzing with vibrant arts and cultural events that celebrate creativity, diversity, and the joy of spring!
It’s the perfect time to step out and enjoy the city’s eclectic mix of performances, festivals, and exhibitions. Whether you’re planning a day out with mom, treating yourself to something new, or exploring a fresh cultural experience, Toronto has something special lined up to make this season one to remember.
Here are 10 events happening this May that will fill your days with inspiration and tons of fun!
STAGE
LIFE AFTER
Date: On until May 10
Location: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
Admission: Starting at $79
Theatre lovers are in for a treat as LIFE AFTER makes its long-awaited return to a beloved Toronto stage this month.
The acclaimed musical by celebrated Canadian composer and lyricist Britta Johnson is happening now at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, and can be seen as a full-circle moment, as it first premiered at the Berkeley Street Theatre in 2017. Hailed for its luminous storytelling, LIFE AFTER follows Alice, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of her father’s tragic accident. As a popular self-help guru, her father seemed to have all the answers, but his death leaves Alice to navigate the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery on her own.
With just a few more showings left before the musical closes out, get your tickets fast, as this production promises to captivate with its vibrant characters and heartfelt narrative.
For more information, click here.
OVO by Cirque du Soleil
Date: On until June 28
Location: The Pavillion
Admission: Starting at $73
The Big Top is headed to the city, in a way like you’ve never seen before!
Enter the enchanting world of OVO by Cirque Du Soleil, an exhilarating tale that follows a charming ladybug who instantly falls in love with the bug next door; an awkward, unusual insect who has just moved into the lively neighbourhood. This dazzling show at the newly opened and world’s largest free-standing event complex, The Pavillion, takes the audience on a journey through the bustling ecosystem, showcasing the wild adventures of bugs and the beautiful complexities of love and life.
If you’re into stunning visuals, impressive acrobatics and a heartwarming story, OVO is the place to experience the magic and wonder of nature through a one-of-a-kind lens. Tickets are available for several time slots throughout the morning and evening, including Meet & Greet and backstage tour passes!
For more information, click here.
newchoir Presents: TWENTY – An Anniversary Celebration
Date: May 24
Location: Meridian Arts Centre – George Weston Recital Hall
Admission: Starting at $60
Toronto’s original rock choir is pulling out all the stops for its 20th anniversary!
Celebrating two decades of non-stop electrifying performances, newchoir is putting on an epic one-night-only show, TWENTY – An Anniversary Celebration. Get ready to rock out inside the Meridian Arts Centre to a setlist filled with some legendary hits, from Elton John to Stevie Wonder, sung by more than 100 singers! The concert will also feature special guest Fefe Dobson, alongside a thrilling band, an incredible string quartet, and tons more musical surprises.
This is a night of timeless music, energy, and celebration you won’t want to miss, so grab your tickets and be part of the magic! The show kicks off at 8 p.m.
For more information, click here.
The Music of Hans Zimmer + Blockbuster Classics
Date: May 31
Location: Glenn Gould Studio
Admission: Starting at $40
Classic cinema and music brilliantly clash at this one-night-only concert, celebrating a major anniversary to the backdrop of Hans Zimmer’s greatest film scores.
The Ontario Pops Orchestra, under the direction of the esteemed Maestro Carlos Bastidas, is ringing in 10 years of filling Toronto’s air with the sounds of classical music as one of the most diverse professional ensembles in Canada.
The milestone concert at the Glenn Gould Studio will feature the epic film scores of German composer Hans Zimmer, including music from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight, Gladiator, and many other Blockbuster hits. The program also showcases Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, a joyful and intense masterpiece.
This unforgettable evening of musical excellence begins at 8 p.m.
For more information, click here.
ART, MEDIA & DESIGN
Artist Project
Date: May 8 to 11
Location: Exhibition Place – Better Living Centre
Admission: Starting at $24
Calling all art enthusiasts! One of the city’s most anticipated art events is back in town for just one weekend.
Artist Project is taking over the Better Living Centre, with more than 250 painters, sculptors, photographers, and other artists presenting installations, mixed-media work, and textile exhibitions. At this incredible experience, you can explore thousands of mindblowing works, and also connect with creatives in an encouraging environment designed to ignite enriching conversations and foster a personal connection with art.
Be the first in line to the Opening Night on May 8 at 6 p.m. to get a first-look at outstanding art, a chance to meet the artists, and maybe even take home some brand new decor for your walls!
For more information, click here.
After Dark Art Gallery
Date: May 16
Location: The Super Wonder Gallery
Admission: Starting at $25
Art and tech seamlessly combine to produce this unbelievable night to remember inside the Super Wonder Gallery.
The After Dark Art Gallery is an experience like no other, featuring art created by both humans and artificial intelligence, meant to be interacted with through your mobile device.
At this augmented reality showcase, let loose and mingle with others over complimentary drinks, where you can chat about the future of art, technology and AI.
For more information, click here.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Mother’s Day Succulent Workshop
Date: May 11
Location: Toronto Botanical Garden
Admission: Starting at $95
This Mother’s Day, treat yourself and the special moms in your life to an afternoon of creativity and indulgence with a Succulent Workshop at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
Set against a scenic view of nature and artistry, this hands-on experience invites you to unwind, connect, and craft something beautiful. The workshop kicks off with a warm welcome and a relaxing tea service, complete with specialty floral cookies to savour as you settle in. Under the guidance of an expert succulent designer, you’ll learn the ins and outs of succulent care and styling before diving into creating your own vibrant arrangement to take home!
Available both in the morning and afternoon, this workshop offers the perfect combination of nature, relaxation, and fun. Reserve your spot today and leave with a beautiful creation and cherished moments to treasure!
For more information, click here.
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea & Brunch
Date: May 10 and 11
Location: Fairmont Royal York
Admission: Starting at $120
Pamper your mom in style and sophistication this Mother’s Day at Fairmont Royal York, with two lavish events inside the legendary Imperial Room.
On May 10, indulge in an afternoon tea experience with a welcome glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne, a curated tea menu, decadent pastries, and live jazz, all to the backdrop of elegant floral arrangements.
On May 11, a delicious brunch awaits, featuring a champagne welcome, luxurious food stations, including fresh seafood and more classics, as well as stunning floral installations under sparkling chandeliers.
Extend mom’s special day into an entire weekend with a Fairmont Gold stay, including exclusive offerings from Holt Renfrew and Gucci Beauty, and also elevated service and amenities.
For more information, click here.
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Toronto Met Film Festival
Date: May 16 and 17
Location: The Chrysalis
Admission: Starting at $12.50
The 29th annual Toronto Metropolitan Film Festival (TMFF) returns this month, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Image Arts.
This student-run festival celebrates the thesis films of graduating students, offering them the chance to debut their final projects on the big screen after four years of honing their craft. This year, 18 films will be hitting the big screen! Taking place at the Chrysalis performance space on TMU’s campus, right in the heart of downtown Toronto, TMFF is the perfect opportunity to experience fresh, eager and exciting voices in Canadian cinema.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable showcase of the next generation of filmmakers, and be sure to grab your tickets and be part of this cinematic celebration! The festival runs each evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
The GET IT IN YA SpecTAPular Beer Fest
Date: May 31
Location: Blood Brothers Brewing
Admission: $30
Pour it up at the ultimate craft beer festival this May, in celebration of 10 years of the BAOS (Beer and Other Sh!t) podcast!
Blood Brothers Brewing is hosting the GET IT IN YA SpecTAPular Beer Fest, and this night promises to be unreal! BAOS is going all out with 40 unique beers (and even a coffee bean collab) crafted with top breweries from Ontario, Quebec, New York, and Texas.
This exclusive event will feature these one-of-a-kind brews, plus a special coffee roast from Found Coffee, delicious food from Blood Brothers, and artisanal, Hip Hop-themed cookies from A Cookie Called Quest. The celebration doesn’t stop there; enjoy sounds from 3x DMC Canadian Champion DJ DEEJAY T-JR.
This is a must-go event for craft beer lovers, with two sessions to choose from: 4 p.m. to 7pm and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Come thirsty, ready to enjoy incredible beers and celebrate a decade of BAOS in style!
For more information, click here.
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
