This week is full of fun festivals, like STACKT’s Asian Night Market, Wine Fest, Eastbloom Tea and Gourmet Festival, and Paprika Theatre Festival. But the fun doesn’t stop there with two upcoming comedy shows from Second City, and OLI’s 19th annual Indigenous Youth Showcase. Other events include the ROM’s newest exhibition — BEES, Moose Hide Campaign Day, and more.
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Paprika Theatre Festival
Paprika makes its return for its 25th festival! Fostering the future of theatre, Paprika is a performing arts company that offers emerging artists the opportunity to develop their artistic practices and then showcase their work at their annual festival. Along with these works, Paprika offers free community events including an Opening Night Birthday Party, Emerging Artists Open Mic, Neighbourhood Lemonade Stand, and more. More info.
When: May 12-16
Where: Aki Studio Theatre
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Spotlight at The Second City: Janelle McGuinness and DEBIT-CASH-OR-CREDIT
Spotlight at The Second City celebrates Toronto’s best sketch comics each month. Audiences will get to enjoy a double-header sketch show with the next generation of sketch. This month, The Second City has put a spotlight on Janelle McGuinness, an award-winning comedian, writer, and actor, as well as DEBIT-CASH-OR-CREDIT, a new sketch troupe that has been making waves in the Toronto comedy scene. It’s a great way to support up-and-coming comics at the historic Second City Toronto, which has fostered so many famous comedians. More info.
When: May 12-13
Where: The Second City
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Moose Hide Campaign Day
The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization holding a rally to end gender-based violence in Canada. Gathering at Queen’s Park, this rally is an opportunity to come together in unity and take a visible stand against gender-based violence, hear from powerful activist and speaker Theland Kicknosway and musician Natasha Fisher, and to honour and protect women, children, and all those along the gender continuum. Other opportunities to show your support include a virtual livestream, virtual workshops, and a fasting guide + fast-breaking ceremony. More info.
When: May 14
Where: Queen’s Park
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Toronto Confessions: Love it or Hate it
Performing for the first time at The Second City, Museum of Toronto presents their live storytelling series, For the Love of Toronto, for one night only! Throughout the night, this speaker series will bring together knowledge keepers, artists, performers, and civic and community leaders for a candid conversation about what connects us in this city and what makes Toronto, Toronto. Featured speakers include international drag performer Tynomi Banks, Winner of Top Chef Canada Season 12 Coulson Armstrong, author Kerry Clare and more! More info.
When: May 14
Where: The Second City
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OLI’s 19th Annual Showcase
Outside Looking In’s Showcase is Canada’s largest Indigenous youth show, and it’s back for a night filled with movement, music and powerful storytelling led by youth from across the country. This year’s showcase will feature performances from Rebecca Strong — Canada’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner, Gabriel Ayala, and Nucky JMC. It’s an amazing opportunity to cheer on the next generation of Indigenous leaders and artists and for them to share their culture and perform in one of Toronto’s landmark theatres. More info.
When: May 15
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (Bluma Appel Theatre)
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Wine Fest
Wine Fest returns for its spring edition, an all-day celebration featuring 100+ international wines and drink options as well as food vendors. Sip your way through the spacious venue of Heritage Court, sit in on educational seminars with wine professionals, enjoy live music, and pair your wines with tasty bites from various food trucks. With three complimentary pours with your ticket, this festival is here to ensure you have a good time while exploring wines and drinks from around the world. More info.
When: May 15-17
Where: Heritage Court
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Blooming in Bloor West Village
Blooming in Bloor West Village is a new spring festival with vibrant floral installations, a spring vendor market, crafting tables, live entertainment and local business specials. Other activities include the Hidden Blooms Scavenger Hunt, with the chance to win various prizes, including a one-night stay at the luxurious Old Mill Hotel. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend the day in Bloor West Village, a bustling and eclectic neighbourhood with so much to offer. More info.
When: May 16
Where: Bloor West Village
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STACKT’s Asian Night Market
To kick off STACKT’s BACKYARD series, celebrate with the return of the Asian Night Market. This popular market is filled with 50+ Asian-owned vendors selling unique goods and merchandise curated by Highbell Hospitality, a diverse selection of Asian street food, live music and performances, and even more activities for all ages. More info.
When: May 16
Where: STACKT Market
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An Evening with Louise Penny & Mellissa Fung
Join TIFA for a chance to listen to two highly acclaimed authors discuss their latest novel. In a conversation moderated by Jared Bland, hear from the minds of Louise Penny, a multi-million best-selling author, and writer and journalist Mellissa Fung as they launch their new novel, The Last Mandarin— a fast-paced thriller about an estranged mother and daughter caught in a global reckoning where family, loyalty, and power collide. Listen in as the co-authors share their journey writing together, and how their personal and political influences shaped their debut novel. More info.
When: May 16
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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Eastbloom Tea & Gourmet Festival
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Toronto Tea & Gourmet Festival celebrates the city’s global culinary culture and vibrant tea traditions. For two days, enjoy high-quality tea from around the world, gourmet food vendors, cultural demonstrations, artisan markets, and interactive experiences. Part of Ontario’s Asian Night Market Series 2026, guests can enjoy tea-inspired experiences, live entertainment, and community celebration for tea-lovers all over. More info.
When: May 16-17
Where: Sankofa Square
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BEES: A Story of Survival
Opening May 16, the ROM invites you to journey into the world of bees in a stunning new immersive experience that brings together the beauty of art with the power of science. With immersive activities, art installations, soundscapes, and more, this exhibit is the perfect chance to learn about the life of bees and how they help shape this world. It is a unique opportunity for all ages to take a closer look at bees, appreciate their impact, and guide a better understanding of what we can do to support bee species and the natural world. More info.
When: May 16-October 18
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
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