Looking for the best ways to spend the long weekend?
Whether you’re into music, food, art, or outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered! Check out 10 exciting events happening across the GTA from May 17-19, 2025 – perfect for young adults looking to make the most of the holiday weekend.

1. Reptilia Zoo – Canada’s Largest Indoor Reptile Experience

📅 Date: Open Daily, Including Long Weekend (May 17-19, 2025)

📍 Locations:

• Vaughan: 2501 Rutherford Road, Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6
• Whitby: 1400 Victoria Street East, Whitby, ON L1N 0M2

🕒 Hours:

• Vaughan: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Whitby: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

💵 Admission:

• Infants (0-1): Free
• Children (2-6): $15
• Youth (7-12): $17
• Adults (13-64): $20
• Seniors (65+): $20

2. Victoria Day Fireworks

• Ashbridges Bay Park Fireworks – May 19 – Free
• Canada’s Wonderland Fireworks – May 18 – Click for Tickets
• Nobleton Victoria Day Celebration – May 19 – Free
• Niagara Falls Fireworks – May 19 – Free

Time – 10:00 PM

3. Toronto Halal Bites Festival 2025

📅 Dates:

• Friday, May 16: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, May 17: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, May 18: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Location:
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

🎟️ Admission:
Free (Registration encouraged)

Reserve your spot here: Eventbrite Registration

4. Electric Island 2025

Electric Island 2025 is back for its 13th season, transforming Toronto’s parks into vibrant hubs of electronic music. Spanning eight days across four weekends, this fully licensed concert and picnic series promises an unforgettable experience for electronic music enthusiasts.

Event Dates & Venues

• May 17-18: Fort York & The Bentway
• June 28-29: Ontario Place
• August 8-9: Venue TBA
• August 30-31: Venue TBA

Tickets

• General Admission: Starting at $75 (plus fees)
• VIP Passes: Starting at $100 (plus fees)
• 2-Day Passes: Available

Age Restriction

This is a 19+ event. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry.

More Information

For the full lineup, ticket purchases, and event updates, visit the official Electric Island website.

5. Cirque du Soleil’s OVO

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO has returned to Toronto, captivating audiences with its vibrant portrayal of insect life. The show runs from May 1 to June 28, 2025, under the iconic Big Top at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd West, Toronto.

Show Schedule:

• Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7:30 PM
• Fridays: 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
• Saturdays: 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
• Sundays: 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Ticket Information:
Tickets start at $71, with various seating options available. Group discounts are offered for parties of 12 or more . Tickets can be purchased through the official Cirque du Soleil website.

Special Event at the Toronto Zoo:
On May 18 and 19, the Cirque du Soleil Street Team will be at the Toronto Zoo, offering activities like coloring, giant games, and photo opportunities with show costumes. Exclusive giveaways will also be available .

6. Sorauren Farmers’ Market

The Sorauren Farmers’ Market is set to kick off its 2025 outdoor season on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19, at Sorauren Park, located at 50 Wabash Avenue, Toronto. This beloved community market operates every Monday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, running through October 27, 2025.

What to Expect

The market features a diverse array of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. Highlights include:

• Fresh Produce: Organic fruits and vegetables from local farms.
• Artisanal Products: Handmade cheeses, baked goods, and preserves.
• Prepared Foods: Ready-to-eat meals and snacks from various cuisines.

Community Engagement

The Sorauren Farmers’ Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a community hub that fosters connections and supports local initiatives. Visitors can enjoy live music, participate in workshops, and engage with community groups.

For more information on vendors and upcoming events, visit the official website.

7. International Food + Drink Festival

The International Food + Drink Festival is set to take place from May 17 to May 19, 2025, at the Harbourfront Centre, located at 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

Event Highlights

• Global Cuisine: Savor a diverse array of international street foods, offering flavors from around the world.
• Craft Beverages: Enjoy a selection of craft cocktails, beers, wines, ciders, and spirits.
• Live Entertainment: Experience live cooking demonstrations, wine pairings, street performers, DJs, and salsa dancing classes.
• Local Products: Explore Ontario-made sauces, spices, honey, and preserves.

Festival Hours

• Saturday, May 17: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, May 18: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Monday, May 19: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Admission

• Adults: $12 (Early Bird Promo, includes 5 food/drink tokens)
• Children: $10 (Early Bird Promo, includes 5 food/drink tokens)
• Note: This is a cashless event; tokens are used to purchase food and drinks.

8. Chapman’s Ice Cream Festival

Get ready for a delightful experience at the Chapman’s Ice Cream Festival, happening on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma! This inaugural event promises a day filled with sweet treats, fun activities, and live entertainment, making it a perfect outing for families and ice cream enthusiasts alike.

Festival Highlights

• Free Ice Cream Samples: Indulge in Chapman’s latest Super Premium Plus flavours, including the much-anticipated Butter Tart variety.
• Interactive Activities: Enjoy a range of family-friendly games, contests, and immersive experiences throughout the castle grounds.
• Live Entertainment: Experience live music performances and ice cream-themed shows that will keep you entertained all day.
• Chapman’s Showcase: Discover the rich history of Chapman’s Ice Cream through interactive exhibits and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable moments with unique props and backdrops set against the enchanting backdrop of Casa Loma.

Ticket Information

• Adults (18–64): $44.49
• Youth (14–17): $39.32
• Seniors (65+): $39.32
• Children (4–13): $28.98
• Children under 4: Free with a ticketed adult

Tickets include general admission to Casa Loma and access to all festival activities. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Casa Loma website.

9. BACKYARD: Asian Night Market

Get ready for a vibrant evening of flavors, culture, and community at the BACKYARD: Asian Night Market, happening on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at STACKT Market, located at 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6.

Event Highlights

• 50+ Asian-Owned Vendors: Explore a diverse array of curated businesses offering everything from handmade candles and jewelry to unique art and fashion pieces.
• Authentic Eats & Drinks: Savor a variety of delicious Asian cuisines and beverages, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the community.
• Live Performances: Enjoy a dynamic lineup of cultural performances, including two exclusive showcases debuting at the event.
• DJ Sets: Dance the evening away with live DJ sets spinning throughout the night, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.

Admission Details

• Early Bird: Free admission with guaranteed access and expedited entry between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. RSVP required; available exclusively to newsletter subscribers.
• General Admission: Free entry on a first-come, first-served basis. No RSVP needed; entry not guaranteed.
• Priority Access: $10 for VIP lane access, guaranteed entry, and expedited entry at any time during the event. Ticket required.

Location

STACKT Market
28 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6

10. Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience

Experience the Marvel Cinematic Universe like never before at the Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience, premiering at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Event Details

• Dates: Friday, August 30 & Saturday, August 31, 2024
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Venue: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA
• Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel
• Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic

Special Features

• Live-to-Film Performance: The LA Philharmonic will perform the iconic scores live, synchronized with scenes from the MCU films.
• Visual Enhancements: Enjoy stunning projection mapping on the Bowl shell, fireworks, and light-up PixMob wristbands to enhance the immersive experience.
• Pre-Concert Activities: Starting at 6:00 PM, explore the Marvel Style booth and take photos with a life-sized Funko Pop! The first 2,500 guests will receive a complimentary Funko Pop! Marvel figurine.

Ticket Information

• Availability: Tickets are on sale now.
• Purchase: Visit the Hollywood Bowl website to buy tickets.
• Discount: Marvel.com readers can use the discount code HBMARVEL for 20% off Friday night tickets.

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Enjoy the festive spirit and vibrant cultural offerings of the GTA this weekend!