free events toronto may

The top 5 free events in Toronto: May 18-24 2015

Free events in Toronto this week will have you exploring the city with Doors Open Toronto. Check out some historic buildings and take a couple snaps; it's sure to be an Instagram-worthy event. If you'd rather see a movie, there's a free screening of Cold as Ice. Yes, that would cold as Vanilla Ice. So grab some popcorn and get ready for some 90's movie magic.

Here's what to do in Toronto when you're on a budget this week.

Doors Open Toronto (May 23 & 24)
You know the deal: Toronto's historical or otherwise closed-access buildings will open the doors to the public. Ready your neck for looking up, and don't forget to bring a DSLR or you'll feel left out. AJ

Cool as Ice (May 24)
Too broke to take your date to the movies? Head to the west end to see Vanilla Ice flex his acting muscles on the silver screen. Cold as Ice may be the cheesiest movie ever, but who cares when you don't have to drop a dime?

Quiet Company (May 19)
INDIE88 and Audio Blood are teaming up to put on a free Quiet Company show at The Horseshoe this Friday.

Monster Rock Orchestra (May 22)
Ever wanted to hear "Livin' On A Prayer" played by a symphony orchestra? Now's your chance. Orchestra musicians will be playing all your favourite rock hits from Bon Jovi to Guns N' Roses this Friday at Dundas Square.

GO TO YOUR ROOM Comedy Show and Karaoke (May 20)
Hit up 120 Diner for some good old-fashioned stand up comedy. If you feel like embracing your inner Celine Dion, there is karaoke following the show.

ONGOING FREE EVENTS IN TORONTO

Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.

Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.

AGO Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).

Aga Khan Free Evening (Wednesday, Aga Khan Museum)
The brand new Aga Khan Museum for Islamic art has launched Free Wednesdays from 4-8pm.

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
The Innis Town Hall is back with free movies every Friday. Follow the Cinema Studies Student Union or check out our event section.

Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."

MOCCA (Tuesday - Sunday)
While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our event calendar using this form.

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

With contributions from Aubrey Jax.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Radar

15 things to do in Toronto this week

Toronto is getting a holiday-themed night market with three bars and 150 vendors

15 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Stranger Things the musical is coming to Toronto

15 things to do in Toronto this week

10 haunted houses and attractions in and near Toronto this year

15 things to do in Toronto this weekend

10 major festivals and events taking place in Toronto this fall