A listing of free or almost-free family-friendly events in Spadina-Fort York
Art/Music
- A Kind Of Order: Free exhibition at Union Station that brings together four acclaimed contemporary artists whose practices explore movement, migration, and transformation. Details here. 65 Front St W. Until Aug 31.
- Berczy Beats: Enjoy free lunchtime musical performances in Berczy Park every Wednesday from 11:30am – 1:30pm. 35 Wellington St E. Until Aug 26.
- Big Fam Jam: a weekly open jam designed to bring together musicians of all backgrounds and skill levels to celebrate the joy of making music. Whether you're an instrumentalist, vocalist, or just a lover of live music, this welcoming space invites everyone to join in. Details Here. 458 Queen St West. Every Tuesday.
- Canadian Opera Company Free Concert Series: Artists from around the world share their talent and passion in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Details here. 145 Queen St W. Ongoing dates.
- Dancing On the Square: Outdoors every Wednesday at 7pm for free live music, dance lessons and a lively social dance experience. Details here. Harbourfront Centre. Until Sep 2.
- Friday Night Jazz Night: Enjoy free jazz music on Market Street starting at 5:30 pm. Until Sep 25.
- Gather Round Singers: Radically inclusive community choir that is free to join and open to singers of all experience levels and ages with no registration required. Email [email protected]. 132 Fort York Blvd. Thursdays 6-8.
- Glad Day Bookshop: World’s oldest, sustainable, community-led queer and trans bookstore supporting authors, organizing events and creating space for possibility. Details here. 32 Lisgar.
- Global Convenience: Floating public art installation that can be viewed along Queens Quay West at Harbour Square Park. Until Oct.
- Harbourfront Centre Exhibitions: Discover free art exhibitions and cultural programming. Drop-in anytime. Details here. 235 Queens Quay W.
- Lassonde Art Trail: Now open in Biidaasige Park, the trail features large-scale installations by acclaimed Canadian, Indigenous and international artists. Details here. 238 Cherry St.
- Little Portugal Free Public Art Tour: Presented by Open Air Museum & Little Portugal Toronto BIA. Details here. Along Dundas West from Shaw to Lansdowne.
- Music Compass: A self-guided experience that connects you to Toronto’s local music culture in participating neighbourhoods. Details here.
- Music in St. James Park: Free Weekly concert series all summer long. Details here. 120 King St E. Until Aug 27.
- Onsite Gallery: OCAD University’s flagship space, showcases contemporary, Indigenous, and public art, fostering dialogue on urgent issues through creative and curatorial practice. Free admission. Details here. 199 Richmond St W.
- Petal & Stone: A Mural in Full Bloom: Rebecca Munce’s large-scale mural can now be viewed along the concrete wall below the Gardiner facing Liberty Village.
- Power Plant: Explore this contemporary gallery and all it offers. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
- Soulpepper Theatre: Amazing productions and affordable pricing plus free community programming like Improv and Dance for Non-dancers classes! 50 Tank House Lane. Details here.
- Summer Music in the Garden: Enjoy free outdoor concerts by the lake featuring local and international artists. Bring a blanket! Details here. 479 Queens Quay W. Until Aug 27.
- Sunday Opera on Market St: Family friendly free performances the second Sunday of each month. 12 noon and 2 pm. Market St at The Esplanade. Until Sep 13.
- Theatre Passe Muraille: Productions have three pay-what-you-can-afford price points for a wide range of audiences. Details here. 16 Ryerson Ave.
- Unionnale Presents Aura: Displayed in the south corridor of the Union Market, this art by Jason Zante displays ephemeral moments of the seasons are captured through arrangements of lush blooms. Details here. 65 Front St W. Until May 2027.
- Virtual Art Tour in West Don Lands: Explore the many pieces of public art in this neighbourhood. Click here.
- You Complete Me: An unfinished arch large-scale interactive artwork by renowned artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer that illuminates when touched. Sherbourne Common.
Community
- Bathurst Quay Improv: This group comes together to play improv games, build community, and share laughter in the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood. No experience necessary. Details here.
- Classics with Chris: Join MPP Chris Glover for a fun movie night in the park. Free ice cream, snacks, face painting, and more! RSVP here. Liberty Village Park, 70 E Liberty St. Aug 28.
- Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre: Every Tuesday night bring the family for free outdoor screenings that bring the big screen to the waterfront. Details here. 235 Queens Quay W. Until Sep 1.
- Give Me Liberty: Liberty Village's business community comes together to celebrate, connect, and kick off the fall season. Details here. Lamport Stadium Parking Lot. Sep 17.
- Movie Night in Canoe Landing Park: Outdoor movie nights are back in CityPlace and Fort York BIA! Every Thursday in August. Details here. 95 Fort York Blvd.
- Summer Program at The Bentway: A variety of accessible, community-oriented public programs, including Art Socials, free eco workshops, and family-friendly Dino Runs. Details here.
- TDSB Learn4Life: A wide range of engaging and affordable courses for adults 18+, including language classes, arts, fitness, technology, professional development, and general interest programs! Details here. Registration open now.
- Toronto Public Library Online Events: Join an array of free online programs and events offered by our public libraries. Details here.
- tpl:map: Book your free pass with your adult library card for free admission to many of Toronto's cultural attractions. Details here.
Festivals
- Mabuhay Philippines Festival: A weekend celebration of Filipino food, music, culture, fashion and art. Details here. Nathan Phillips Square. Aug 22-23.
- TAIWANfest: Dive into our cultural dialogue through Hope Talks presented by scholars, writers, and artists. Details here. Harbourfront Centre. Aug 28-30.
-
Toronto Country Fest: Country comes to The Distillery bringing 18 days of live music, line dancing, western-inspired experiences, delicious eats and family fun to our pedestrian-only streets. Every day from 1 pm to late. Details here. 55 Mill St. Until Aug 30.
Fitness
- Forró Dance: A great way to improve on musicality, engage with community and make new friends! Weekly classes every Friday. Details here. 115 The Esplanade.
- Strength and Core Workshops: Jamii presents these sessions for all ages on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Register here. 264 The Esplanade.
- Toronto Island Holistic Yoga & Nutrition Retreat: This retreat is a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, providing easy access to an all-day event in the calm and serene community of Toronto Island. Details here. Multiple dates.
- Yoga is St. James Park: Free Tuesday classes 6-7 pm on the grassy area behind the Michael Comstock Pavilion. Details here. Until end of Aug.
Food/Markets
- Antiques at St. Lawrence Market: Every Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm (except last Sunday each month) in the North building. 92 Front St E.
- Community Food Market: Fresh ingredients from our gardens. Thursday from 4-7 pm at Scadding Court Community Centre. 707 Dundas St W. Until Aug 20.
- Distillery Summer Market: Take a stroll down Gristmill Lane and explore our seasonal market carts. Weekends noon to 5 pm. Details here. Until Sep 7.
- FoodFit for Newcomers: Free 10-week program that promotes social connection, healthy eating and physical activity. Sessions in Arabic and Spanish. Call 416-392-0335 or email [email protected]. Tuesdays. Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 707 Dundas St W. Starts Apr 21.
- Market 707: Housed in retrofitted shipping containers, Market 707 offers a unique street food and retail experience. This vibrant community space brings together local entrepreneurs serving delicious international street food and unique goods and services to create an urban food and shopping experience unlike any other. 707 Dundas St W. Click here for more information.
- Microgreens/Lettuce Sale: Did you know that Scadding Court sells $1 lettuce and microgreens every Tuesday at noon? 707 Dundas St W.
- Nathan Phillips Square Farmers Market: Each Wednesday from 8 am to 2 pm. 100 Queen St W.
- Scadding Court Community Food Market: Affordable fruits and vegetables from local vendors Thursdays 4-7 pm. 707 Dundas St W. Until Aug 20.
- St. Lawrence Market: The beloved Saturday Farmers’ Market has moved to the brand-new North building. Shop farm-fresh goods, support local vendors, and experience the market’s historic charm in a stunning new space. Details here. 92-95 Front St E.
- Sunday Variety Market: A weekly variety market featuring vintage and antique items, handmade goods, art, decor, furniture, clothing, and snacks in Toronto’s historic cultural hub. Details here. 125 The Esplanade. Sundays.
- Taste the Caribbean: Enjoy the culinary delights brought to you by local chefs, restaurants and vendors. Details here. Market Street between Front and Esplanade. Sep 6.
- The World in a Market Festival: On every Saturday throughout June, and every other Saturday in July and August, we will have a free concert in the afternoon, as well as dozens of vendors offering the true taste of Toronto. Details here. Canoe Landing.
- Toronto Artisan Market: From original art to handmade jewelry, organic skincare, ceramics, artisan baked goods and more. Details here. Sundays in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
- Toronto Flower Market: One Saturday every month until Thanksgiving, shop seasonal blooms from more than 30 Ontario flower growers. Details here. CAMH, 1001 Queen St W. Until Oct 10.
- Underpass Park Farmers Market: Every Thursday 4 pm to 7:30 pm. 29 Lower River St. Until Oct 15.
- Waterworks Food Hall: The wait is over! From artisanal creations to familiar favourites, savour a world of freshly prepared authentic cuisines and drinks under one roof. Details here. 50 Brant St.
Indigenous
- Awakenings: A virtual series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour. Details here.
- Call to Action Reading Group: Organized by Theatre Passe Muraille, this group meets online every 2 weeks to read aloud selections from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in addition to other works. Details here.
- Centre for Indigenous Theatre Volunteering: Gain knowledge in both Indigenous culture and performing arts while working with industry professionals. For information, email [email protected].
- Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden Program: Join this free program every Wednesday and Friday, 1-3 pm. Call 416-392-1509 ext. 327 or email [email protected]. Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 627 Queens Quay W.
-
River Run 2026: Walk with Grassy Narrows youth and community members to show that we are with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom!
This is a family-friendly event. Rain or shine! Details here. Sep 23.
Kids/Family
-
Canadian International Airshow: The 77th CIAS returns to Toronto’s waterfront and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds take centre stage for what will be their last performance before
an extended hiatus. Details here. Sep 5-7.
- City of Toronto Recreation: Registration for spring activities is open now. Details here.
- Colourful Parachutes: Exhibition exploring youth perspectives on the future, nature, and climate through art and play. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W. Until Sep 7.
- Family Favourites Movie Program: Enjoy discounted family-friendly movies every Saturday for only $3.99+tax a ticket! Details here. Various times and locations.
- KidSpark: Explore, play and learn in an interactive space designed just for kids! Details here. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
- Light & Shadow: Shadowland Theatre has launched a video game on Steam and itch.io. Created in collaboration with Flawed Designs, Light & Shadow is free, platformer game in a shadow puppetry style, designed for young people who may be vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
- Mini Train at Toronto Railway Museum: Ride the mini train from Thursday through Monday, 11:30 am to 5:20 pm. Children 2 and under ride free. Details here. 255 Bremner Blvd.
- Parent Resources Program: Weekly indoor drop-in playgroup for children and parents. Details here. Thursdays & Fridays. 173A Front St E.
- Power Kids: The Power Plant presents free creative workshops in the gallery on select Sundays for children and their parents and guardians. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
- Sporty Science: Free programming in the Science Centre’s outdoor space at Harbourfront - Curiosity Commons. Pick up a paddle for a game with no nets or pre-set rules, shoot some hoops at different heights, see if you can outrun a Tyrannosaurus Rex… and much more! Details here. 235 Queens Quay W.
- Steps to Learning: Free preschool, school-readiness program that helps children build the skills they need to thrive in the classroom. Spaces still available. Email to learn more. Scadding Court Community Centre. Until Aug 20.
- Summer CampTO: Programs for children and youth 4-16 and run until Sep 4. Details here.
- University Settlement Kids' Programs: A variety of programs including Afterschool and PA day camps. Details here.
Museums/Galleries
- Art Gallery of Ontario Free Wednesday Nights: Free admission to the collection galleries every Wednesday from 6-9 pm. Details here. 317 Dundas St W.
- Free Admission to 10 Museums: Toronto will permanently provide free general admission to 10 history museums across the city, including Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Market Gallery, Spadina Museum and more. Details here.
- Gardiner Museum Clay Programs: Visitors of all ages are invited to experiment with clay at various workshops. Details here. 111 Queen's Park.
- iArts Museum Illusions Arts Science: An immersive exhibit with 18 installations of optical illusions and 3D art inviting visitors to this interactive experience. Details here. 580 King St W, 2nd Floor.
- On the Rails: Toronto Railway Museum presents a new digital exhibit that explores the unique and everyday challenges of Toronto’s past and current railway workers. Details here.
- Royal Ontario Museum Free Tuesday Nights: Enjoy free admission for everyone on the third Tuesday Night (4:30-8:30 pm) of each month. Details here.
- Textile Museum Workshops: Affordable workshops exploring a variety of textile-related activities such as beading, crocheting, embroidery, looping, mask-making, etc. Details here. 55 Centre Ave.
- The 52-Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto: Exhibit that shines a spotlight on the change-makers, agitators, and revolutionaries within Toronto’s 52%. Details here. Museum of Toronto, 401 Richmond St W. Until May.
- Toronto Railway Museum Tuesday Zoom Talks: Every second Tuesday listen to speakers on various talks about Toronto's railway. Details here.
Seniors
- Belonging Workshops for Older Adults: Jamii presents these weekly programs including Movement, Watercolour Painting, Sewing, and Stretching workshops. Register here. 264 The Esplanade.
- Seniors Programs at Waterfront Centre: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre is holding daily in-person programs, including computer basics, baking and afternoon tea! To register, call 416-392-1509 ext. 327 or email [email protected].
- Seniors Programs at St. Lawrence Centre: St. Lawrence Community Centre is running an array of seniors' group activities. Contact Ilse, Seniors Group Leader 416-392-1347. 230 The Esplanade.
- Seniors Programs at University Settlement: A range of free counselling, programs and services specifically designed for older adults 55+. Details here. Email [email protected].
Tours/Walks
- A Walk Through Toronto's Old Town: Explore the surviving built environment of the original 10 blocks of Toronto and learn about what life was like for its early residents. Details here. 106 King St E. Sep 25.
- Bathurst Quay Walking Tour: Free tour along Toronto's waterfront that includes a discussion on housing, transit, and local history. Details here. Aug 22.
- Chinatown Mural Lane: Explore these beautiful murals depicting scenes from the four greatest Chinese novels. Details here. Oxford St.
- Lassonde Art Trail: Now open in Biidaasige Park, the trail features large-scale installations by acclaimed Canadian, Indigenous and international artists. Details here. 238 Cherry St.
- Mini Art Crawl on Toronto Island: Explore local artists’ works displayed in elevated miniature display cases as you stroll along the island’s cozy streets. View the map here.
- Queen's Park Tours: Discover the historic Legislative Building and surrounding grounds with a variety of tours. Details here. 111 Wellesley St W.
- ROMWalks: Free walking tours in various Toronto neighbourhood offered rain or shine. Details here. Until Oct 11.
-
St. Lawrence Market Tours: This unique 90-minute tour includes a guided walk with Bruce Bell through Toronto's famed market. Call 647-393-8687. Details here.
- Tasty Tours: Explore Kensington Market, Downtown Toronto and other areas of the city via Tasty Tours food tours.
- Toronto Downtown West BIA ArtWalk: Showcasing over 70 art installations in the district, ArtWalk provides an interactive map of themed routes that can be enjoyed online or as a self-guided walking tour.
- Walk Liberty: Enjoy this interactive portal inviting you to explore the rich history, public spaces, and dynamic and eclectic businesses of Liberty Village.
Workshops
- Events by The Bentway: A variety of free workshops for everyone! Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd.
- Free School Workshops: Soulpepper Theatre presents a new series of workshops and talks hosted by experts and non-experts alike and embracing experience-based and self-taught knowledge. Details here.
- JAMII Hub Workshops: A variety of free workshops including dancing, singing, creative writing, sewing, etc. All events take place at 7 pm. Details here. 264 The Esplanade.
- Textile Museum Workshops: Affordable workshops exploring a variety of textile-related activities such as beading, crocheting, embroidery, looping, mask-making, etc. Details here. 55 Centre Ave.
- University Settlement Free Workshops: Tai Chi & Yoga, Citizenship Test Classes, Mental Health and more! Details here.