This week is full of chances to be in community and support a wide array of art in the city. With multiple art forms on full display – film, theatre, dance, music, and visual art, discover Toronto’s artistic side with something new every day. Events include the Pride Asian Film Festival, Next to Normal, Kid2Kid’s Marketplace, Kismet / Emma Bovary, “Matching” community art workshops, Our Music Festival, and more.
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“Matching” Community Art Workshops
Led by CityPlace and Fort York BIA, come and take part in “Matching”, a giant interactive art installation set to transform Fort York Blvd in preparation for the FIFA World Cup! For the first World Cup Series to occur on Canadian soil, Toronto is ready to showcase our city in celebration, art, and culture. Join Toronto-based artist duo Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster in free community workshops to create an art installation that references the flags of many countries competing in the World Cup, to honour and celebrate FIFA fans from all across the globe. More info.
When: May 27-31
Where: The Bentway Studio
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Confessions of A Black Girl Who Should Have Known Better
Factory Theatre invites you to an intimate one-woman show with critically acclaimed artist and writer Trey Anthony, creator of widely loved projects like da Kink in my hair, How Black Mothers Say I Love You, and Black Girl in Love (With Herself). This new show, Confessions of a Black Girl Who Should Have Known Better is described as a raw, hilarious, and deeply personal journey through love, life, motherhood, and the lessons we swear we didn’t see coming. Trey peels back the layers of what it really means to grow, to fall, to rise – and to finally tell yourself the truth. More info.
When: May 28
Where: Factory Theatre
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Pride Asian Film Festival
The second Pride Asian Film Festival returns to Toronto, with an incredible line-up of screenings that celebrate and showcase underrepresented Asian voices and queer experiences. This festival’s program spans a variety of feature films, documentaries, and short films from Asia and its diaspora. PAFF aims to showcase diverse stories and to bring outstanding Asian films to Toronto’s vibrant cultural scene while fostering unity and pride within the Asian community. More info.
When: May 28-31
Where: Cineplex Empress Walk
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International Ceramic Art Fair
The International Ceramic Art Fair is the Gardiner Museum’s biennial celebration of innovation and artistry in ceramics. This 12-week exhibition and public program invites you to explore how ceramics are evolving across art, design, and emerging technologies. This year’s theme “the city and the commons,” emphasizes through ceramics how we live together in rapidly changing cities. Come and discover how over the years, ceramics have been used to shelter, connect, and offer new ways to think about belonging, resilience, and shared space. More info.
When: May 28-Aug 16
Where: Gardiner Museum
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Kismet / Emma Bovary
In this bold mixed programme, The National Ballet of Canada unveils the world premiere of Kismet, an exploration of the idea of fate explored through our relationship with nature, choreographed by award-winning Métis Canadian Jera Wolfe. In addition, this programme welcomes the return of Helen Pickett’s Emma Bovary, a performance inspired by the classic novel Madame Bovary, and one of literature’s most complex women. Together, these pieces offer fresh and powerful storytelling, where The National Ballet of Canada invites you to experience unique artistry and two compelling perspectives expressed through the lens of ballet. More info.
When: May 29-June 4
Where: The National Ballet of Canada
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Tiger Bride
Soulpepper Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Tiger Bride, a rock-fueled, punk-infused reimagining of Angela Carter’s The Tiger’s Bride, this song-filled theatrical performance turns the tale of Beauty and the Beast inside out. Featuring 16 original songs inspired by the iconic short story, Tiger Bride bridges the gap between a rock concert, cabaret, and theatre. Extended due to overwhelming demand, this dark modern fairy tale promises a raw, gothic horror pulsing with sex, fury, and unapologetic transformation. More info.
When: May 29-June 14
Where: Soulpepper Theatre
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Kids’ Marketplace
Kid2Kid is a non-profit in Toronto that empowers children to volunteer and aims to teach children the value of community, kindness, and care through hands-on action. This weekend, check out their annual Kids’ Marketplace, where hundreds of young entrepreneurs showcase and sell their own creations. Browse through an exciting selection of handmade creations, games & toys, baked goods, refreshing beverages and even more fun products! In addition to this lively marketplace, enjoy live music, dance performances, a BBQ by Fearless Meat, crafting stations, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day. More info.
When: May 30
Where: Beaches Recreation Centre
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NBS Block Party
Canada’s National Ballet School invites you to their fifth annual NBS Block Party, with dance and fun activities for all ages. This vibrant festival-style event is filled with live performances and free family-friendly dance workshops in a variety of dance styles, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals from students in the Professional Ballet Program. With other additional fun activities like face painting, tasty bites, live music, and more, the NBS Block Party offers an unforgettable afternoon of creativity, movement, and fun for the whole family. More info.
When: May 30
Where: Canada’s National Ballet School
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Our Music Festival
Returning for its third annual edition, Our Music Festival is embarking on an exciting new chapter with new venues, extended programming, and an afternoon song circle celebrating some of the city’s most exciting emerging artists. Championing female and gender-diverse music, Our Music Festival has an incredible lineup of musicians such as Kimmortal, DJ Me Time, Maya Killtron, Ammoyes, and more. With participating restaurants and venues throughout the area offering extended happy hours and exclusive specials for festivalgoers, Our Music Festival promises an unforgettable night of music, community, and celebration. More info.
When: May 30
Where: The Mod Club & Small World Centre
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Next to Normal
Bowtie Productions brings Next to Normal back to the Toronto stage. This Tony Award-winning hit rock musical is an electrifying and poignant depiction of a family in crisis trying to overcome the past. Featuring an all-Canadian cast, Bowtie Productions has quickly earned acclaim for its intimate, emotionally resonant approach to musical theatre, with each production generating growing anticipation and praise. With an almost sold-out theatrical run, Next to Normal offers a compassionate look into how a family copes when mental health verges on the sublime. More info.
When: May 30-June 6
Where: Native Earth’s Aki Studio
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