The month of May begins Friday, and with a new month and warmer weather comes more events to check out around the city.
Friday, May 1
The Toronto Tattoo Show/Northern Ink Xposure (NIX) 2026
Toronto’s biggest tattoo convention returns to the Metropolitan Convention Centre for its 26th year, bringing tattoos from around the country under one roof. Anyone interested in getting ink done or just checking out the space is welcome to buy tickets. Attendees can schedule a tattoo with their favourite artists or do an on-the-spot tattoo with an artist providing walk-ins.
The Sinners Cabaret
If you’re a horror and theatre fan, the Sinners Cabaret is meant for you. With performances including circus acts, tarot, live music and drag shows, there’s never a dull moment as the audience and cast celebrate the half-way mark to Halloween. Anyone interested can buy tickets now.
An Evening with the Heliconian Club
The Art Gallery of Ontario is hosting an evening of live performances by the Heliconian Club, a women’s group with the goal to highlight the talents of female artists. Celebrating their 150th year, the group will showcase an original dramatic play performance by Angie Littlefield and Catherine Vaneri. Tickets are on sale now.
Saturday, May 2
Hearing Her Voice
Grammy award-winning soprano Amanda Forsythe returns to Tafelmusik to bring to life striking music by unjustly forgotten women composers. This weekend long affair ensures you won’t have to miss this breath-taking performance at the Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Tickets are available now, starting at $23.50.
Art Design Craft Quilt Showcase
The Toronto Modern Quilt Guild (TMQG) is bringing art, design and craft of modern quilting to Toronto’s historic Wychwood Barns. Take a closer look at contemporary textiles, from a curated selection of modern quilts. This is the first time the TMQG has organized a public show dedicated to the work of its membership. Vendors will also be on site for attendees to shop around or browse. Tickets are on sale now.
Bangerz Only: 2010s Dance Party at Sneaky Dee’s
If you’re more of a partier on the weekend, Sneaky Dee’s is the place for you. This Saturday their upstairs event space turns into a dance party filled with 2010 prime hits, transporting you back in time alongside others who also feel like the “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” Tickets are on sale now.
Sunday, May 3
WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature
Climb the CN Tower with WWF-Canada, to accomplish something big while also joining a movement to protect and restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change with the cost of your admission fee. While Saturday is sold out, Sunday is still accepting additions. Register now on the WWF website.
Toronto Marlies versus Laval Rocket
The American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs are underway. Watch as the Toronto Marlies take on the Laval team in the first game of the second round. Tickets are available now to cheer on the city’s home team.
SakuraFest Bento
If you’re a lover of Japanese food and bento boxes, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) has you covered! Alongside a cultural film, attendees are able to purchase a premium bento box full of delicious classics such as sushi, fish, chicken and rice. Admission is free but be sure to secure your own bento box early to ensure it doesn’t sell out.
