free events toronto

10 free things to do in Toronto this January

Free things to do in Toronto this January won't let you rest after the holidays, but will give a break to your wallet. There are several major design festivals, a pants-free subway ride and an outdoor art project.

Here are my picks for the top free things to do in Toronto this January.

  • Free events you don't want to miss
    Date
    About the Event
    Location
    • January 8
      Pants are just a fancy word for leg jail, according to organizers of the annual No Pants Subway ride. Happening in cities around the world, it's a celebration of silliness to bring a smile to commuters' faces. Check the official site for times and after-party details.
      TTC
    • January 8
      Admission is free to this exclusive series of Japanese films at Hot Docs. Presented by The Japan Foundation, the movies will all have subtitles. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime, and arrive early to get a seat to see acclaimed flicks.
      Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
    • January 7
      Rediscover the sounds of the underground party scene – the night clubs, lofts and warehouses, where disco was reborn (and house music was born).... but on a skating rink by the lake, for free! This night comes to you from the Digital Needle and Cyclist crew, who bring your their monthly Beam Me Up Disco dance party.
      Harbourfront Centre - Natrel Rink
    • January 16-22
      The Toronto Design Offsite Festival (TO DO) is Canada’s largest cultural celebration of design with over 100 exhibitions and events. This fest takes design and art out of the studio and onto the streets and corners of the city for you to experience.
      Multiple venues across Toronto
    • January 21 - February 26
      Ice Breakers is a month-long public art exhibition that will showcase five wintertime art installations at different public locations on Queens Quay.
      Various locations along Queens Quay
    • January 18 - April 9
      The Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) and Black Artist's Networks Dialogue (BAND) team up to present "a season of exhibitions exploring historical and ongoing struggles for justice between people of colour and police forces representing the state."
      Ryerson Image Centre and other locations
    • January 21-22
      Get outside and into the woods down the in the Don Valley with workshops and cooking demonstrations from special guest chefs and vendors at this post-holiday winter weekend at the Brick Works. You can also experience the farmers' market, the street food market, and all kinds of outdoor activations on the property.
      Evergreen Brick Works
    • January 21
      Come Up To My Room is a major art and design event at the Gladstone from January 19 to 22. It's not free, but the Love Design Party is! It's the opening reception that lets you explore, drink and dance the night away in the Ballroom while admiring work by Rana Malik.
    • January 27
      Celebrate the launch of The Power Plant's winter 2017 exhibition season and be the first to experience exhibitions by Jonathas de Andrade, Maria Hupfield and Kapwani Kiwanga and more. Don't know any of these artists? Even more reason to check out this ultra cool gallery by the water.
    Lead photo by

    Jesse Milns

Lead photo by

Jesse Milns


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