With the announcement of the lifting of all pandemic restrictions, Toronto is finally bouncing back to its pre-pandemic greatness.

After a 2 year hiatus, many of our favourite Toronto events are finally back and we can’t wait to see and do all the things!

From flower festivals, to street festivals to music festivals, over the next few weeks and months the city is set to come alive once again.

We’ve put together a small list of some  free, fun and exciting events taking place closer to the west end and a couple that span the entire city. Check out our recommendations below and start planning a fantastic day or night out.  Or both!

Cherry Blossoms of High Park

One of the tell-tale signs of spring in Toronto are the crowds descending on High Park to view the cherry blossoms. As die-hard West End locals, we’ve seen these beautiful blossoms countless times, and it’s always stunning. Over the last two years, the cherry blossom viewings were restricted to online viewing  through the Sakura Bloom Cam.  This spring, if you’re able, you can attend the blooms in person with no crowd restrictions. The Bloom Cam was such a success, however, that it will be available again this year for those who can’t  make it or who don’t feel comfortable in big crowds.  And the crowds will be big.  The blossoms are at their loveliest from late April to early May, so plan accordingly. For our best tips on how to maximize your viewing experience, check out our blog 4 Ways To Enjoy High Park’s Cherry Blossoms Like a Local.

For more information visit the High Park Cherry Blossom information page.

➤ If you want to learn more about what makes High Park so great, check out our complete neighbourhood guide right here!

The Toronto Outdoor Flower Market

Speaking of flowers, the Toronto Flower Market is back. This is the city’s first outdoor flower market and it takes place every second Saturday from May through to October. Started in 2013, the Toronto Flower Market has cultivated a passionate local flower community of growers, florists, designers, gardeners and producers who transform the city into creative flora and fauna experiences.  Some of the great vendors taking part include a few west end favourites such as Blush and Bloom, Coriander Girl and Pink Twig to name a few.  Though the theme is definitely flowers, you can also find some cute house plants and, you know how we feel about house plants.

Toronto Flower Market takes place May through October at 1001 Queen West

Do West Fest

Perhaps this is the ultimate kick-off to the summer festival season in the city.  The Do West Fest is the most fun street festival in the city, in our opinion.  For three days in June, Dundas West from Ossington Ave. all the way to Lansdowne ave. will be jam packed with live music, buskers, extended patios, local food trucks as well as all the delicious food and drinks to try from restaurants in the area.

You can also expect to see art installations, local craft vendors and even some farmer’s market favourites will be in attendance. There are also plenty of children’s activities and treats, interactive projects and even some volunteer opportunities if you’re interested.  This is the first Do West Fest in two years, and also the first under the new name. Formerly the Dundas West Street Festival. We expect this to be the biggest and most fun one yet.  Definitely don’t miss out on this one!

Do West Fest takes place on the weekend of June 3rd to 5th on Dundas Street between Ossington and Lansdowne

Doors Open Toronto

Doors Open Toronto will finally be taking place this year on Saturday May 28, 29. It is Canada’s largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest in the world.  The event will offer free and rare access and offers an opportunity to see inside more than 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. The list of participating venues has not been announced yet, nor has the theme. Keep an ear out as this is one of the most interesting free events the city has to offer, and it’s just over a month away.

Doors Open runs from May 28-29. For the most up to date information and list of venues, check out the City of Toronto website.

North By North East – NXNE

Canada’s most important festival of emerging music returns this June 14 – 19 with over 300 of the world’s best new bands in more than 20 of Toronto’s top live music venues.  See bands before they break at venues like Berkley Church, The Garrison, The Horseshoe Tavern and so many more new and some well-loved venues.  Live music takes over the city for 5 days and the festival always features secret shows by established artists, for free!

The shows generally start at 9PM so this is more of a date night event and is definitely not kid-friendly. Toronto has one of the greatest music scenes in the world, and this is the event to showcase that.  Take advantage of everything the city has to offer during this fun, creative week.  NXNE also hosts comedy nights, film screenings as well as live talks and artist Q&A’s.

NXNE takes place from June 14th through to June 19th at various venues across the city. Check their website for line up announcements and plan yourself a fun night out!

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