10 Things to Do This Spring

After a cold and brutal Toronto winter, here’s hoping there will be spring in the air soon, because there are tons of events, activities and things to see and do in the city this year.  So, if you’re as ready to ditch that sweater and shed those layers as we are, let’s collectively cross our fingers for warmer temps and get ready for springtime in Toronto!


Things to Do This Spring

 

Film Festivals
Toronto’s known for it’s celebrity-filled TIFF film screenings and parties, but there are film festivals happening all year long, with lots to choose from in April and May. Indie films, documentaries, short films and flicks for kids take over Toronto screens, plus, there’s plenty of workshops, guest speakers and conferences too. Whatever you’re into, there’s probably a film festival for that, so take your pick:

 

Craft Beer Festivals & Events
Toronto loves the suds, this spring has a new crop of events and festivals dedicated to beer, with a focus on local craft brews. Don’t miss the summertime favourite Toronto Festival of Beer’s spring session at the end of March and Craft Beer Week coming up in June.

 

Geek out for Game of Thrones
The super popular fantasy series is back on HBO April 6 for season four (!!!!), and fans of the show can check out the themed events on this spring.  On April 2 and 3, fans can get seats for the medieval-style Feast for Kings. The meal concocted by chefs Teo Paul, Chris Mathias and Marc Sullivan comes with a hefty price tag and limited seating, but includes an impressive parade of courses. Guests can expect suckling pig, pigeon pie, whole trout and more.

Coming up in May, Game of Thrones the Exhibition is back at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and includes relics, costumes and props from the show’s previous three seasons, along with some new items from season four. Ticket information hasn’t been announced as of March, but in the past the exhibit was free!

Also, keep an eye out at for Brewery Ommegang’s newest Game of Thrones Beer, Fire and Blood, available at various Toronto bars, pubs and LCBOs March 31.

 

Easter Egg Hunts, Brunch & Chocolate Treats
For those who celebrate Easter, or those who just love Cadbury Mini Eggs and marshmallow Peeps, there’s lots to do and eat leading up to the Easter long weekend April 18 – 20. We’ve rounded up your best bets for Easter Brunch, some tasty and adorably cute Sweet Easter Treats and Easter-themed events and things to do.

 

High Park Cherry Blossom Season
One of the most popular sights to see in spring is High Park’s Sakura cherry blossoms, which usually bloom late April/early May. The cherry trees are located around Hillside Gardens, with a few around the duck pond as well. The flowers are in bloom for about a week or two, and attract big crowds – arrive early for the best parking and views. Note:in some years the trees fail to bloom if April is unusually cool, so keep checking High Park’s cherry blossom page and forums for updates.

 

See Toronto in Bloom
With the cold temperatures set to hang on into April, the gardening season will be a little late this year, but once those buds start blooming Toronto’s public gardens are a riot of colours and floral scents. There are lots of gardens in the city, but some of the  must-see sites are:

 

Spring Music Festivals
Before the summer festival season is in full swing, there are some big ticket music festivals to check out this spring, including Canadian Music Week and North by North East (which I normally include in the summer festivals, but it’s technically still spring, so it counts). Click through the links for dates, artist lineups and buy ticket information.

 

Foodie Walking Tours
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to take part in one of the many food-themed walking tours available in the city. Explore hidden gems, neighbourhood hot spots and more.

Got more dining events to share? Email us at restaurants@toronto.com

 

Celebrate Earth Day in Toronto
April 22 is Earth Day, and we’ve got a bunch of eco-friendly events, activities and dining info to help you celebrate this year. Check out the Green Living Show, Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants,  the Best Vegetarian Restaurants and more.

Click here for more ways to celebrate Earth Day in Toronto

 

Hit up Your Local Farmer’s Market
With over 30 farmer’s markets in this year’s list, there’s likely one within walking or short transit distance to you. Get locally-grown produce and other goodies starting in May or June depending on your local market.

Click here for Farmer’s Markets in Toronto: dates, times and addresses