Beauty in the Darkness: A photography series by Socorro Saturnino looking at humanity's connection to nature amid man-made climate disaster. Details here. A Space Gallery, 401 Richmond St W. Until Jan 2.
DesignTO: Canada’s largest non-profit design festival, the 10-day event features 100+ free events and exhibitions. Details here. Jan 24-Feb 2.
Little Portugal Free Public Art Tour: Presented by Open Air Museum & Little Portugal Toronto BIA. Details here. Along Dundas West from Shaw to Lansdowne.
Power Plant: Explore this contemporary gallery and all it offers. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
Resurfacing: Skaters can enjoy Toronto artist Jessica Thalmann’s new work while skating The Bentway skate trail. Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Dec 21-Feb 17.
Soulpepper Theatre: Amazing productions and affordable pricing. 50 Tank House Lane. Details here.
Waterworks Live: An array of musical talent creating an immersive experience Friday and Saturday evenings. Details here. Waterworks Food Hall, 50 Brant St.
tpl:map: Book your free pass with your adult library card for free admission to many of Toronto's cultural attractions. Details here.
Winter / Holidays
Cavalcade of Lights: Experience the magic of the holiday season with this much-loved free event. Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W. Nov 30-Jan 7.
City of Toronto Winter Program: 17,000 courses including swimming, skating and camps for people of all ages, skill levels and interests. Details here.
DJ Skate Nights at Harbourfront Centre: Enjoy free waterfront skating to vibrant beats spun by some of Toronto’s hottest DJs. Details here. 235 Queens Quay W. Dec 21-Feb 15.
Distillery Winter Village: The annual event begins with the tree lighting ceremony on Nov 13. So much new this year including Indoor Santa's Village, North Pole Post, and Aurora Borealis. Details here. 55 Mill St. Until Jan 5.
Holiday at The Well: Free outdoor event where you can enjoy a Nordic-inspired winter experience. Details here. 486 Front St W. Until Dec 31.
Holiday Hills: STACKT presents this winter wonderland where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a roster of fun activities. Details here. 28 Bathurst St. Until Dec 29.
Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square: Take in the downtown sites while skating on the rink at Toronto City Hall. Until Mar 16.
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival: Come celebrate the return to warmth and light in the heart of Kensington Market over the Winter Solstice. Details here. Dec 21.
One Love Festive Market: A festive weekend filled with unique shopping, delicious local eats, and family-friendly activities. Fort York Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd. Dec 14-15.
Polar Bear Skate: Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and skate the trail as a bold way to close out the year. Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Dec 29.
Sing & Ring in the Holidays: Sing-along around the fire with hot beverages and treats. Details here. St James Park. Dec 14.
Skate with Chris: Join MPP Glover on the Friday PA day for his annual skate at The Bentway Skate Trail. Free hot chocolate, cider and treats! Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Jan 17.
Skating at The Bentway: One of winter’s best activities, outdoor ice skating under the Gardiner! Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Dec 21-Feb 17.
Skating at Toronto Rinks: Check out the many drop-in skating programs across the City. Details here.
St. Lawrence Winter Market: A new free outdoor market offering a festive shopping experience. Details here. Thursdays to Sundays Until Dec 23.
Toronto Downtown West Winter Guide: Explore this online guide offering a wide range of unique festive finds and family fun events. Details here.
Winterfest Toronto: A new winter experience offering fun for all ages. Details here. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Until Jan 5.
Fitness
Breathwork & Meditation Classes: Very excited to enter 2024 with a nourishing weekly offering at The Grateful Den. Details here.
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.
Food/Markets
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.
Tasty Tours: Explore Kensington Market, Downtown Toronto and other areas of the city via Tasty Tours food tours.
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.
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.
Kids/Family
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.
Open Virtual Ballet 101: Ballet Jörgen's free open program is perfect for school, daycare and after-school groups, families, or community groups looking for an engaging arts program. For more information, email [email protected].
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 every other Sunday for children and their parents and guardians. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
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.
Eye of the Earth: Textile Museum of Canada presents the first solo show in Ontario by multidisciplinary Nigerian artist Samuel Nnorom. Details here. 55 Centre Ave. Dec 19-May 10.
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.
Seniors
JAMII Adult Workshops: Jamii is holding new 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].
Walking/Bike Tours
Chinatown Mural Lane: Explore these beautiful murals depicting scenes from the four greatest Chinese novels. Details here. Oxford 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.
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.
University Settlement Free Workshops: Tai Chi & Yoga, Citizenship Test Classes, Mental Health and more! Details here.
