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- MAYHEM Weekly: May 15-20
MAYHEM Weekly: May 15-20
Victoria Day weekend is almost here, and we've got a fantastic lineup of events to help you celebrate this special long weekend! With kids off school on Monday, it's the perfect opportunity for family adventures and memory-making. From spectacular fireworks displays to seasonal farmers' markets, we've rounded up the best ways to enjoy the unofficial start of summer in the GTA.
In today's newsletter:
🎆 Free Victoria Day fireworks across the GTA
🍽️ Food festivals and celebrations
🏛️ Museum events and activities
🌽 Farmers' markets opening for the season
🎡 Seasonal attractions and celebrations
🎯 Preview of next week's exciting events
👇Follow our new account for day-of event updates, weather changes, and last-minute tips! We share real-time info about conditions and "wish I had known before arriving" details to make your family outings smoother @mayhemadventure.
VICTORIA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Ashbridges Bay Park Victoria Day Fireworks
Monday, May 19, 10:00 PM Ashbridges Bay Park (1561 Lake Shore Blvd East)
Experience Toronto's spectacular Victoria Day fireworks display! The show lasts approximately 14 minutes and features thousands of dazzling fireworks over the lake. TTC accessible via 92 Southbound from Woodbine Station or 501 Queen Streetcar.
Nobleton Victoria Day Fair, Parade & Fireworks
Monday, May 19, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | 15 Old King Rd, Nobleton
Celebrate King Township's 175th anniversary at the annual Nobleton Victoria Day celebration! Located about a 30-minute drive from Toronto, this event features a parade, fair activities throughout the day, and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Woodbine Mohawk Park Fireworks Family Fun Night
Saturday, May 17, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM | 9430 Guelph Line, Milton
Located about a 45-minute drive from Toronto, Woodbine Mohawk Park offers a fun evening for the whole family! Watch exciting live Standardbred horse racing, enjoy food and drink specials, and stick around after the final race for a special LED light show followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
🔥 HOT TIP: The fireworks show is weather dependent, so check Woodbine Mohawk Park's social media channels for updates before heading out.
Stouffville Memorial Park Victoria Day Celebration
Monday, May 19, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Memorial Park, Stouffville
Join the kickoff to the town's summer events! Enjoy food trucks, live music, free face painting, and a spectacular fireworks display that begins at 9:30 p.m. A perfect family outing to celebrate Victoria Day!
FOOD & CULTURAL FESTIVALS
🍽️Toronto Halal Bites Festival
May 16-18 | Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. West)
Friday 6PM – 10PM | Saturday 12PM – 10PM | Sunday 12PM – 8PM
FREE admission
This vibrant three-day celebration showcases Toronto's diverse halal cuisine along with art and cultural performances. Perfect for families with a dedicated Kids' Zone, live cooking shows, art installations, and interactive exhibits. Experience the best of multicultural Toronto in the heart of downtown!
🍽️Vaughan Ribfest
May 16-19 | Assembly Park, Vaughan
Friday-Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Monday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
$5 admission, children 10 & under FREE
Vaughan Ribfest returns for Victoria Day Long Weekend! Featuring 5 of North America's Best Rib Teams serving award-winning BBQ smoked ribs. Enjoy a variety of festival foods, live music all weekend featuring amazing tribute bands, midway rides, and carnival games for all ages. Free parking, pet-friendly, free concerts with admission. 🎆Fireworks show included!
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
🏚May Weekends at Scarborough Museum
May 15-18 (and beyond), 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 1007 Brimley Rd, Toronto
FREE admission
May is Museum Month at Scarborough Museum! Visitors are invited to explore the theme of "home" through hidden histories and narratives that shape our community. Enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks prepared on the museum's historic stove, get creative with hands-on crafts, and learn about new perspectives on museum spaces.
🏛️Free Wednesdays at Aga Khan Museum
Wednesday, May 15, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM 77 Wynford Drive, North York
FREE admission
Explore the Aga Khan Museum's beautiful collections and exhibitions for free every Wednesday! Perfect for families looking to expand cultural horizons and enjoy world-class exhibitions without admission fees.
🖼️ International Museum Day at Markham Museum
Sunday, May 18 | Markham Museum
FREE admission
Celebrate International Museum Day with hands-on family activities, explore cutting-edge tech in the Transportation Hall, see live weaving and printing demos, play a round of historic mini putt, and dive into exhibitions. Claim your free ticket online. A limited number of walk in tickets will also be available.
👑 Once Upon a Time at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Black Creek Pioneer Village
Experience fairy tales and folklore come to life in the historic village! More details coming soon.
FARMERS’ MARKETS OPENING
This weekend marks the opening of many seasonal farmers' markets across the GTA! Here are some of the fresh markets kicking off their 2025 season:
Aurora Farmers' Market & Artisan Fair
Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 49 Wells Street, Aurora
Browse fresh, local farm produce, international prepared foods, handmade crafts, and art. Kids will love the popular Kids Craft Zone while local entertainment sets the mood!
Woodbridge Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 9201 | Islington Avenue, Woodbridge
A true farmers market run by volunteers and affiliated with the Woodbridge Agricultural Society. All farmers are located in or near the Greenbelt, supporting local agriculture, healthy food, and the environment.
Village Market at Toronto Waldorf School
Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 9100 Bathurst Street, Vaughan
Purchase directly from farmers and small business owners with a focus on organic and healthy foods in the lower gym of the Toronto Waldorf School. A weekly celebration with food, community, and music.
Newmarket Main St. Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket
An upbeat local market where you can buy farm-fresh produce, unique foods, homemade baking, and artisan hand-made crafts. A great place to meet up with friends over breakfast or lunch!
Brooks Farms
Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 122 Ashworth Rd, Uxbridge
Visit the farmers' market at Brooks Farms for fresh seasonal produce and local goods while the kids enjoy the farm's playland activities! Playland open daily, last entry 4:00 PM
East Gwillimbury Farmers' Market
Thursdays starting May 22, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon
Celebrating its 15th year! Connect with local farmers, indulge in sweet treats, browse unique artisan vendors, and enjoy the family-fun atmosphere while supporting local businesses. Weekly entertainment includes live music and kids activities.
SPECIAL EVENTS
🍦 Chapman's Ice Cream Festival at Casa Loma
Saturday, May 17, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Casa Loma, Toronto
Perfectly timed to kick off ice cream season, Toronto's historic landmark Casa Loma will host the first-ever Chapman's Ice Cream Festival! The festival will feature many fun activities, games and contests for people of all ages. All included with general admission.
🔥 HOT TIP: Visit the castle gardens for the best ice cream sampling stations with shorter lines!
📚 Circle Time with Dar
Sunday, May 18, sessions at 1:00, 2:30 & 4:00 PM | YZD Experience Centre, 34 Hanover Road, North York
Ages 0-6 years with caregivers. FREE event!
Join these fun, interactive community playdates featuring stories, songs, and activities designed to inspire young minds and bring caregivers and little learners together. This event runs every Sunday in May with free-play available from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
🚪Doors Open Toronto
May 24 & 25
The annual Doors Open Toronto event is coming! We've put together a special feature newsletter on our favorite kid-friendly spots to visit, from airports to fire stations. This popular annual event gives you the rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes at some of Toronto's most interesting buildings and spaces not typically open to the public.
💦 Cirque Italia Water Circus
May 23-26 | Promenade Mall, Thornhill
Experience the magic of Cirque Italia's Water Circus - a European-style circus featuring a 35,000-gallon water stage! This year's show "Aquatic Spectacular" presents mermaids, pirates, and sailors in an epic voyage. Enjoy aerialists, hand balancers, contortionists, and the Wheel of Death—all enhanced by dancing fountains and dramatic lighting effects.
🔥 HOT TIP: Use code FACEFREE when booking online for ONE FREE CHILD per paid adult in levels 2 and 3! Tickets start at $46.
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