Best Toronto Events in Spring 2025

As winter fades, Toronto spring events burst onto the scene, bringing a vibrant mix of festivals, sports, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re seeking things to do in Toronto in spring or hoping to explore major Toronto outdoor events, the city’s schedule is packed with exciting choices. Below, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to standout activities running from April through late May. From lively parades and food expos to comic conventions and photography festivals, there’s something for every taste. Check out these Toronto spring festivals and experiences for a memorable season in Canada’s largest metropolis.

Toronto Comicon

• Date: March 14–16, 2025
• Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building)
• Tickets & Website: Toronto Comicon Official Site (Online or at the door)

Get your geek on at Toronto Comicon, a three-day celebration of comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay. Over 35,000 fans converge to meet celebrity guests, attend Q&A panels, and browse countless vendors for collectibles and art. It’s a family-friendly pop culture gathering that transforms downtown Toronto into a real-life comic book spectacle. Costumed enthusiasts, superhero panels, and interactive exhibits create a lively setting where fans of all ages can immerse themselves in imaginative realms.

Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade

• Date: March 16, 2025 (Parade starts at noon)
• Location: Begins at St. George & Bloor, ends at Nathan Phillips Square
• Tickets & Website: Free public event; St. Patrick’s Parade Toronto

The city goes green for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade—a boisterous, three-hour celebration of Irish heritage. Marching bands, community groups, and dancers fill the streets with music and color. Families gather along the route to cheer on floats adorned with shamrocks, leprechauns, and traditional Irish symbols. Don your emerald attire, soak up the festive spirit, and experience a taste of Ireland in downtown Toronto.

T.O. Food & Drink Fest

• Date: April 11–13, 2025
• Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building)
• Tickets & Website: T.O. Food & Drink Fest

Over 200 of the city’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and artisans gather for three days of culinary delights. Sample gourmet bites, decadent desserts, craft cocktails, and local wines—all in one convenient location. Live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, mixology classes, and live music add to the festival’s lively atmosphere. If you’re a food enthusiast looking for spring activities in Toronto, this expo offers a fun taste of the local culinary scene.

Metallica: M72 World Tour

• Date: April 24 & 26, 2025
• Location: Rogers Centre
• Tickets & Website: Ticketmaster / Metallica Tour Info

Two nights of pure metal await as Metallica’s M72 World Tour roars into town. Each show features distinct setlists and special opening acts (Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies on Night 1; Limp Bizkit, Ice Nine Kills on Night 2). The in-the-round stage setup, pyrotechnics, and 60,000 headbangers converging at Rogers Centre ensure an unforgettable experience. With classic hits like “Enter Sandman” echoing across the stadium, it’s a must-attend event for rock fans craving a high-decibel spectacle.

Hot Docs International Documentary Festival

• Date: April 24 – May 4, 2025
• Location: Multiple cinemas (Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, TIFF Bell Lightbox, etc.)
• Tickets & Website: Hot Docs Festival 2025

North America’s largest documentary film festival spotlights over 100 thought-provoking documentaries. From environmental exposés and investigative pieces to inspiring human-interest stories, the lineup spans diverse topics. Many screenings include Q&As with directors, offering deeper insight into the filmmaking process. With free daytime screenings for students and seniors, Hot Docs is accessible to a broad audience. Dive into real-life narratives that educate and captivate, and enjoy the bustling energy of film lovers gathering across Toronto’s cinemas.

Khalsa Day Parade (Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan)

• Date: April 27, 2025 (1:00–3:30 PM)
• Location: CNE grounds to Nathan Phillips Square
• Tickets & Website: Free public event; Ontario Sikhs & Gurdwaras Council

One of Toronto’s largest Sikh celebrations honors Vaisakhi (the Sikh New Year). Floats, spiritual music, and participants in colorful attire parade from the CNE to Nathan Phillips Square, uniting thousands under themes of service and equality. On arrival, guests can enjoy free vegetarian meals (langar) and cultural performances. It’s a welcoming event for anyone interested in learning about Sikh traditions and seeing Toronto’s multicultural side in action.

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

• Date: May 1–31, 2025
• Location: Galleries & public spaces citywide
• Tickets & Website: Free access for most exhibits; CONTACT Festival

Every May, Toronto morphs into a giant photography gallery for the world’s largest lens-based festival. Museums, cafés, and even billboard installations host 200+ exhibits by local and international photographers. You’ll find everything from cutting-edge contemporary art to historic retrospectives scattered across neighborhoods like Queen West, the Distillery District, and the Waterfront. With many free shows and artist talks, it’s an accessible way to immerse yourself in global photographic perspectives.

Toronto Marathon

• Date: May 4, 2025 (races start ~7:30 AM)
• Location: From Mel Lastman Square to Ontario Place
• Tickets & Website: Free to watch; Toronto Marathon Official Site

Cheer on thousands of runners tackling a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or relay. The course winds from North York down to Toronto’s waterfront, giving participants (and spectators) a scenic tour of the city. Families and friends line the streets, clapping and waving signs, while bands and cheer stations along the route add energy. Whether you’re running or cheering, the marathon highlights the city’s supportive community spirit—and offers a refreshing way to spend a spring morning outdoors.

Departure Festival + Conference (formerly Canadian Music Week)

• Date: May 6–11, 2025
• Location: Multiple venues (Conference at Hotel X Toronto)
• Tickets & Website: Festival wristbands & passes via Departure Festival

A major rebranding of Canadian Music Week emerges this year as Departure Festival, merging music, comedy, art, and tech elements. By day, industry folks gather for panels on music, podcasting, and future tech. By night, a citywide lineup of 900+ bands lights up 60+ venues—from rock at Horseshoe Tavern to EDM at Danforth Music Hall. Add comedic showcases and digital art installations, and you’ve got a multi-genre, day-and-night extravaganza showcasing the spirit of Toronto’s creative industries.

Wine Fest Toronto (Spring Edition)

• Date: May 9–10, 2025
• Location: Heritage Court, Exhibition Place
• Tickets & Website: Wine Fest Toronto

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a swirl and a sip at Wine Fest Toronto. This all-you-can-taste event features a broad selection of local and international vintages, from Niagara whites to robust Spanish reds. Live music, gourmet food pairings, and educational wine seminars keep the atmosphere lively. With no drink tokens needed, guests can explore flavors at their own pace. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual sipper, it’s a wonderful way to experience the city’s evolving wine scene.

Electric Island – Season Opener (Victoria Day Weekend)

• Date: May 17–18, 2025
• Location: Fort York Historic Site & The Bentway
• Tickets & Website: Electric Island Festival

Kick off Toronto’s summer festival circuit with this open-air electronic music event. Over Victoria Day weekend, local and international DJs spin house and techno tunes at Fort York’s park. Expect multiple stages, tasty food trucks, and imaginative art installations. Day 1 includes artists like CamelPhat and Miss Monique, while Day 2 showcases John Digweed and Enrico Sangiuliano. If you love dancing under the sun (and eventually the stars), Electric Island’s season opener is a must for electronic music fans.

Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay

• Date: May 19, 2025 (10:00 PM)
• Location: Ashbridges Bay Park
• Tickets & Website: Free public viewing; City of Toronto – Holiday Fireworks

Celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend with a gorgeous 14-minute fireworks display over Lake Ontario. Crowds gather at Ashbridges Bay Park, setting up blankets along the waterfront. The city’s official show features a dazzling array of pyrotechnics, from crackling comets to giant bursts that paint the sky. Arrive early to secure a prime spot and consider public transit to avoid traffic. It’s a beloved local tradition signaling the unofficial beginning of summer fun.

Anime North 2025

• Date: May 23–25, 2025
• Location: Toronto Congress Centre & Delta Hotel Airport
• Tickets & Website: Anime North Official Site

Get ready for Canada’s biggest anime convention, where over 30,000 fans gather to celebrate Japanese pop culture. Think anime screenings, J-pop dance parties, a massive vendors hall for manga and collectibles, and special guests like voice actors and cosplay icons. The Masquerade cosplay contest is a highlight, featuring mind-blowing costumes from amateurs and experts alike. Even if you’re new to anime, the positive, inclusive atmosphere makes Anime North a fun place to discover the vibrant energy of fandom.

Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival

• Date: May 23–31, 2025
• Location: TIFF Bell Lightbox & select venues
• Tickets & Website: Inside Out Festival

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Inside Out remains Toronto’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival. Over nine days, it screens a varied slate of queer cinema—from international features to Canadian shorts—spotlighting diverse voices and stories. Many films include post-screening Q&As with directors and actors. Beyond the theater, parties, networking events, and panel talks connect creatives and audiences. This festival fosters an inclusive environment where film enthusiasts share a love for storytelling and advocacy.

Doors Open Toronto

• Date: May 24–25, 2025
• Location: 150+ buildings across Toronto
• Tickets & Website: Free admission; Doors Open Toronto

Take a behind-the-scenes peek at the city’s architectural marvels. During Doors Open weekend, historical landmarks, museums, and even off-limits spaces throw open their doors. Past events included visits to Old City Hall’s clock tower and the art deco R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. Armed with an event guide, you can roam the city discovering hidden gems, exploring secret corridors, and learning about Toronto’s heritage from new angles. It’s a highlight for architecture buffs, history enthusiasts, and curious sightseers alike.

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday (Season Kickoff)

• Date: May 25, 2025 (12:00 PM–7:00 PM)
• Location: Kensington Market neighborhood
• Tickets & Website: Free community event; Kensington Market BIA

On the last Sunday in May, Kensington Market’s narrow streets become a car-free festival celebrating one of Toronto’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Musicians, street performers, and local vendors transform every corner, while residents and visitors mingle over global street food, vintage finds, and refreshing summer beverages. It’s an afternoon of bohemian charm where pedestrians rule, vibrant murals provide colorful backdrops, and live music echoes from block to block—perfect for soaking up the eclectic spirit of Toronto’s favorite market district.

Disney’s The Lion King – Musical Spectacular

• Date: Now through August 30, 2025 (Tues–Sun shows)
• Location: Princess of Wales Theatre
• Tickets & Website: Mirvish Box Office / The Lion King Info

Cap off your Toronto spring adventures with the Broadway phenomenon that’s captivated millions worldwide. Disney’s The Lion King features Elton John and Tim Rice’s unforgettable soundtrack, brought to life by a talented cast and awe-inspiring puppetry. From the spine-tingling “Circle of Life” opening to comedic interludes with Timon and Pumbaa, the musical radiates both heartwarming nostalgia and theatrical innovation. Extended by popular demand, The Lion King offers a chance to experience a Tony-winning masterpiece in the heart of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best spring events in Toronto?

It depends on your interests! For pop culture enthusiasts, Toronto Comicon is a must, while sports fans can’t miss the Blue Jays Home Opener. Those who love music might head to Metallica’s stadium tour or Electric Island. Foodies can relish T.O. Food & Drink Fest or Wine Fest Toronto, and families often enjoy the St. Patrick’s Parade or Doors Open weekend.

When do Toronto spring festivals start?

Many events kick off in mid-March, such as Toronto Comicon and the St. Patrick’s Parade. Festivals and cultural gatherings run consistently through May, culminating in Victoria Day fireworks and community events like Anime North toward the end of the season.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Toronto during spring?

Along with free events like the Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay, you can explore Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market, watch runners at the Toronto Marathon, or attend the Khalsa Day Parade. These are prime opportunities to enjoy warmer temperatures and engage with the city’s neighborhoods.

Where can I find a Toronto spring events calendar?

Check official city resources (e.g., toronto.ca) or festival websites. Additionally, many local media outlets provide comprehensive listings in March, April, and May covering Toronto event calendar spring highlights.

Which cultural events are featured in Toronto during the spring?

Events like Hot Docs, the Khalsa Day Parade, the CONTACT Photography Festival, and Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival showcase Toronto’s diverse cultural tapestry. You’ll find international documentaries, vibrant parades, boundary-pushing photo exhibits, and uplifting cinematic stories from around the world.

Embrace the Season in Toronto

With so many spring activities Toronto has to offer, this season brims with energy and fresh possibilities. From geeky gatherings and music festivals to street parades and epic marathons, there’s a wealth of diverse experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether your interests run to culinary fairs, cultural showcases, or big-name concerts, Toronto’s springtime lineup never disappoints. So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to make the most of sunny days and blossoming city vibes. Each event brings a chance to celebrate new beginnings and Toronto’s unmistakable flair for world-class entertainment. Enjoy exploring!

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