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Looking for Something to Do This Weekend? (Toronto Events May 2013)

With all of the nice weather we’ve been having, it’s time to get outside and participate in some of these upcoming Toronto events:

Jane’s Walk 

In remembrance of writer/activist Jane Jacbos, this year’s annual walking tour will be held May 5th. The purpose of this event is to show participants the diversity of Toronto’s urban landscape, which in turn will inspire creativity, literacy and community. Some of the neighbourhoods   included on this walk are Bloordale, Downsview Park, For York, High Park, Kensington Market, Liberty Village, and Roncesvalles Village (to name a few). Keep in mind that Jane’s Walk is a great opportunity for individuals looking to do some volunteer work in Toronto. Please visit janeswalk.net for more details.

Toronto Events
Toronto 2009 (Credit: Kevin Murray)

Hot Docs

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is on now until this Sunday. It is North America’s largest documentary festival, including over 180 films from around the world. Besides an array of great documentaries, this event also provides an excellent resource for film makers looking to market and network with other professionals in the field. Each day there are several conference presentations that accompany the films that are very valuable to those in the arts.

Toronto Events

Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts

The 28th annual Mayworks Festival runs until May 15th. This year, the festival’s line-up includes many artists who are engaged with labour, social, and political movements. Mayworks is in support of multiple national and local support groups and causes, so please show them your support by coming out to this Toronto event.

Toronto Events

Adopt-a-Pond

This Saturday and Sunday, the Toronto Zoo will be hosting the 14th annual Spring Toad Festival. As always, the Zoo is an excellent place to bring family and friends to observe hundreds of foreign species in their simulated habitats.

Toronto Events

Toronto Vocal Arts Festival

From May 9th to 12, the Toronto Vocal Arts Festival will provide the city with stellar a cappella performances, as well as many workshops free to attend.

ROM Friday Night Live

The Royal Ontario Museum is bringing back Friday Night Live this weekend with Junos After Dark. Come explore the museum in a way you never have before. Unfortunately, this is an age restricted event: adults 19+ (ID required), $12 admission fee, and food/drink tickets for $6+.

Toronto Events

If you are still looking for things to do this weekend, consider going to a Blue Jays game in the afternoon. In terms of events extending past this weekend, there are two month-long celebrations in May:

Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival

As the largest photography festival in the world, Scotiabank’s Contact event attracts more than 1500 artists and photographers to come to Toronto and  set-up exhibitions. With an audience that has grown to over 1.8-million views, artists divide their work across 175 venues in Toronto, allowing for space and control in every showroom. Visit their website to find the venue nearest you.

Toronto Events
V. Tony Hauser, Untitled, 2009

Asian Heritage Month in Canada

Since 2002, the month of May has been a time for celebrating, “immigrants [who] have journeyed to Canada from East Asia, Southern Asia, Western and Southeast Asia, bringing our society a rich cultural heritage representing many languages, ethnicities and religious traditions.” This month-long event features workshops, lectures, and exhibits, educating members of Toronto on the history of Asian ancestory in Canada. If you are interested in learning more, there are four main destinations to visit:

  • Toronto Public Library
  • Royal Ontario Museum — South Asian Heritage Day and Iranian Heritage Day take place this month at the ROM.
  • Toronto District School Board in conjunction with the Toronto Catholic District School Board — Students and families are welcomed to attend many educational programs that embrace cultural diversity in Canada.
  • The Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage

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