Spring… we’re starting to think you’ll never show. Like the friend that’s always late to the party, you have us waiting and anticipating. Will Spring EVER come!!!!! Screw it. Stop waiting and start celebrating. Lucky for you the city knows how to have a good time and May is jam-packed with good food, art and more. Party on people and before you know it, you’ll be saying, “Oh, hey Spring! Glad you could finally come!” Take a look at what to do in Toronto this month below:
Cinco De Mayo with Chef Donnie Masterton
May 5
What: The Drake One Fifty is teaming up with guest Chef Donnie Masterton of critically-acclaimed The Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to cook up a pri-fixe menu of Mexican-inspired dishes. On the one-night-only-pop-up, Masterton will collaborate with Executive Chef Ted Corrado for this mouth-watering interpretation of Mexican food. And of course what’s a fiesta without some Tequila cocktail pairings and Latin grooves. Grab tickets for $75.
The Vibe: The suavest fiesta in all Toronto
Veggielicious
May 5 -21
What: Did you know Summerlicious and Winterlicious have a vegetarian cousin? Back for its 6th year, Veggielicious wants you to eat your greens, but only greens worthy of a prix-fixe menu. Notable restaurants include Tabule, Real Mo-Mo’s, Harvest Kitchen, Nana Shake, Eva’s Original Chimneys and more. Plus they’ll be hosting a Veggielicious pop-up on Sunday, May 7 at Artscape Sandbox (301 Adelaide St. W) with dozens of vendors sampling and selling vegan goodies.
The Vibe: The first time you’ll be excited about a vegetable
Leslieville Food & Drink Festival
May 6
What: Get a taste of the East side, you know that place past the Don Valley that downtown folk usually forget about. Hidden gem no longer, the Leslieville Food & Drink Festival is putting everything out in the open. Indulge in the tastiest cuisine, sample craft beers, shop the artisanal market and more, all East of the Don. With over 40 restaurants, breweries and artists, it’s bound to be a lively time.
The Vibe: East meets West – you don’t need to be downtown to be cool
Food on Film
May 10 -June 7
What: If you’re not already a food enthusiast, prepare to be converted at TIFF’s 6th edition of Food on Film. Eat, drink and celebrate food as you join world-renowned chef’s Matty Matheson (Parts & Labour), Susur Lee (Lee) and artist Tanya Tagaq for conversations and special screenings. It doesn’t stop there… Local favourite the St. Lawrence Market will be providing an array of delectable bites and food pairings for each screening that will explore food culture from throughout the ages.
The Vibe: The Rolls-Royce of TV dinners
Artfest
May 20 -22
What: One of Toronto’s most historic sites will be transformed into a smorgasbord of the arts on May 20 to 22. The area-wide Artfest will be taking over Distillery District with public performances, installations, artist vendors, food, drinks and more. If you were late to the bill on Mother’s Day, taking mommy dearest to Artfest may get you back in her good graces. For a list of vendors, head here.
The Vibe: An eclectic collective of arts and history
Electric Island
May 22
What: Everybody’s favourite island dance party is back! Kickoff music festival season with the first of the Electirc Island Summer Concert Series: Victoria Day Editon. Hanlan’s point will be bumpin’ with two stages and 11 DJ’s. It’s best you head out and celebrate – Queen Victoria would expect nothing less on her birthday. Pick up your tickets here.
The Vibe: The only island you want to be stranded on
Inside Out Film Festival
May 24 – June 4
What: A film festival that’s queer, loud and proud. Watch eye-opening Canadian and World Film Premiers with over 200 screenings that break barriers, stop stigmas and explore the LGBT culture and community. And of course, let’s not forget about the parties (including the Launch Party on May 5)! Stay tuned for more details on screenings or purchase your tickets now.
The Vibe: An unapologetic celebration of inclusiveness
Operanation
May 25
What: Not your regular run of the mill Opera… One part party, one part performance, Operanation wants you to be your most uncanny self for a night of elixirs, culinary experiments and musical hybrids across all three floors of Toronto’s Opera House. This year’s theme is “A Night of Curious Creatures,” but we don’t want to give up much else – that’s for you to find out.
The Vibe: A strange but wonderful night
Budlight Radler Brunch Fest
May 26 -28
What: Toronto is getting it’s very own Brunch Fest presented by TasteToronto and Budlight Radler. In other words, food porn that will guarantee some morning wood. Think pancakes, Benedicts, pastries, bagels, smoothies, a speciality cocktail bar featuring Bud Light Radler and more. Whatever type of breakfast food you’re into, they’ve got it!
The Vibe: Brunch you’re willing to wake up for (whatever you did the night before)
Gluten Free Garage
May 28
What: Toronto’s original (and only) gluten-free pop-up shop is taking place at Artscape Wychwood Brans. Back for its 6th edition, the pop-up will be offering a variety of gluten-free foods from over 60 handpicked vendors and food trucks. Plus let’s not forget the libations happening in the courtyard – yes even beer can be gluten-free too! To top it off it’s Celiac Awareness Month, so head to show your support.
The Vibe: Gluten-free but tastes so good that it can’t be real?!?!
RELATED LINK: Toronto Restaurant Openings and Closings: May 2017
Did we miss any must-attend events in Toronto during the month of May? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.