May is when the city starts to bloom with a multitude of outdoor events, like the annual Four Winds Kite Festival, and it’s when many summer attractions open—Centreville (opening May 6), for one, and its neighbour, Pirate Life. But May is also your last chance to see some amazing performances, as theatres and concert venues wrap up their seasons with some of the most anticipated shows of the year.
Not only that, but Mother’s Day is this month! Stay tuned for more Mother’s Day events in the GTA.
Here are 10 of our favourite things on the calendar this month in and around Toronto:
The Princess Knight: The Legend of Kate and Timmy
Come watch this wonderful show where in the kingdom of Faraway, Kate is meant to be a (stereotypical) princess and Timmy is supposed to be a (stereotypical) knight, but the two defy these stereotypes laid out for them.
Kate likes to kick butt and go on adventures, while Timmy is more interested in diplomacy and solving problems peacefully. These two show us that only you can decide who you’re going to be.
Location: Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, 4950 Yonge St., Toronto
Date: Apr. 29–May 21
Price: $17/person
Biomechanics: The Machine Inside
Check out this cool exhibit that boggles the mind with the incredible ingenuity of evolution. Did you know there are shrimp that can break through glass, spider webs stronger than steel, and sharks that use their noses to sense the electrical impulses of their prey? Yeah, nature is astounding.
Discover how all living things are built to survive (humans included).
Location: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., Toronto
Date: Feb. 7–May 7
Price: included with Ontario Science Centre admission
Spring to the Beach
Start the beach season in style! Head out for some shopping along Queen Street East for Moonlight Madness on May 5 (6–9 pm) and a sidewalk sale on May 6 (4–8 pm). And visit the newly renovated Kew Gardens Park.
There will be local live music, as well as bites and brews from local restaurants.
Location: The Beach Village, along Queen St. from Lockwood Rd. to Neville Park and Kew Gardens Park, Toronto
Date: May 5–6
Price: FREE
Pirate Ship Adventure Theatre
Ever dreamed of being a pirate, joining a motley crew, and searching for sunken treasure? Well here’s your chance! Board the 50-foot pirate ship, where the crew will dress you in a costume, you’ll receive face paint tattoos, and sail the high seas!
Location: Centre Island, Toronto
Date: May 13–14, 20–21, 27–28
Price: $25/person
Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
Have a Pokémon fan in your house? They’ll love seeing this full orchestra playing new arrangements and carefully timed visuals that bring to life the classic and recent Pokémon video games. This is the must-see video game concert of the year, fun for fans of all ages.
Location: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E., Toronto
Date: May 6
Price: From $31/person
Four Winds Kite Festival
It’s time to turn to the sky and see some kites fly! This is a great family outing where you’ll see professional kite flying, participate in pond dipping, make a kite, go for a hike, or have a picnic. Don’t miss the spectacular demonstrations of some of the professionals who will be using high-flying colourful kites.
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge
Date: May 6–7
Price: FREE for children, $10 adults, $6.50 seniors; $4 for parking
Mother’s Day Chocolate Tours
In need of a fun and tasty Mother’s Day experience to suggest to your family? Why not go out sampling all the delicious chocolate across the city? The afternoon will be spent sampling chocolates, visiting some of Toronto’s best eateries, and watching a chocolate-making demonstration by an award winning chocolatier. Online reservations are required (be sure to book ahead of time as this event sells out each year).
Location: Tasty Tours, 443 King St. W., Toronto
Date: May 13
Price: $25 kids, $39 adults
Children’s Pillage in the Village
There will be tons of gently used clothes, outdoor toys, bedding, strollers, books, hats, puzzles, and more at this event! It’s a fall and winter sale, so get ahead of the game for next year. Items are geared towards newborns to age 10+. Cash, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted.
Location: Swansea Community Centre, 15 Waller Ave., Toronto
Date: May 6
Price: FREE admission
Run, Walk, Wheel and Roll (RWWR)
Each year, Three to Be gathers to run, walk, wheel, and roll in celebration of children with neurological disorders and their families. This is a day full of activities for all abilities; there will be delicious food, games, a 1-km race for everyone and a 100-metre dash for kids, all held in an inclusive and accessible environment.
Location: Forest Hill Junior School, 78 Dunloe Rd., Toronto
Date: May 27
Price: $15 registration fee
Munschtime!
Experience the beloved stories of Robert Munsch come to life on the stage! The performance includes favourites such as Love You Forever, Murmel Murmel Murmel, Pigs, A Promise is a Promise, and Too Much Stuff! Two American Sign Language (ASL) Shadow Interpreted Performances are offered during this run, as well as two Relaxed performances, ideal for younger audiences or those who would benefit from a relaxed environment, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ages 4–8.
Location: Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E., Toronto
Date: Apr. 17–May 14
Price: from $10
PHOTO: POKÉMON SYMPHONIC EVOLUTIONS
Browse our events calendar for more fun things to do in May.
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