Victoria Day Weekend Festivities

May 15, 2008

The Victoria Day long weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. Here’s a look at what’s open and what’s closed in Toronto, plus our picks of the best events and attractions to attend.

Victoria Day Weekend Events

Toronto International Circus Festival
Harbourfront Centre

The circus is in town for the long weekend with a crew of jugglers, aerialists, fire eaters and stunt professionals. Kid-friendly workshops let little ones explore their inner daredevil and learn how to juggle, or design a speed racer.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

The Alvin Ailey Dance Company celebrates 50 years of blending African-American cultural expression and American modern dance with a performance that explores the themes of beauty, hope and passion.

Inside Out: Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

This film fest features both international and local film screenings, artist talks, parties and installations by members of the gay community. Check out the complete lineup of films.

Beer & Cocktail Show
Downsview Park

After last year’s turn out, the Beer and Cocktail Show moves its collection of spirits, mixes and lagers to Downsview Park, so there’s more room to party. Not only a place to get your drink on, the show also features live music and entertainment, as well as interactive demonstrations and bartending tips and tricks.

South Asian Festival
International Centre

This distinguished festival is celebrating its fifth year of South Asian cultural diversity. Fill up on savoury food, music and dance performances, plus an outdoor carnival, kids' zone and much more.

Italian Seasons Food Festival

Twenty restaurants participate in a celebration of Italian food with special spring menus. Restaurants involved include Zucca Trattoria, Spiga, Vertical Restaurant and La Fenice.

Stories From Our Black Books
Six Degrees Club

This production comes complete with cocktails and camaraderie. Based on the book by Carissa Reiniger, the play features real stories by real women that explore the experience of dating, from bad first dates to falling in love. After the performance, the audience is encouraged to stay and share their own stories about the quest to find Mr. Right.

See All Victoria Day Weekend Events

Victoria Day Fireworks

Canada's Wonderland - Sunday at approximately 10 p.m. Price: free with admission.
Ontario Place - Sunday and Monday at dusk. Price: free with admission to the grounds.
Mosport International Raceway - Saturday at dusk. Price: free with admission.

Public Transit

For Victoria Day both the TTC and GO Transit are running on holiday schedules.

Shopping

Only some shopping destinations remain open on Monday, most with reduced hours. Here’s a list of what’s open and closed on Victoria Day.

Eaton Centre – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vaughan Mills – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre – Closed
Sherway Gardens – Closed
Fairview Mall – Closed
Scarborough Town Centre – Closed
Square One – Closed
Bloor- Yorkville – Some venues in this area remain open, call ahead before heading out.

Attractions

This long weekend, big ticket attractions are open to the public on Monday.

Wonderland – Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Toronto Zoo – Open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ontario Place – Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ontario Science Centre – Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ROM – Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Centre Island/ Centreville Amusement Park – Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CN Tower – Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What’s closed on Victoria Day

LCBO/Beer Stores
Supermarkets
Libraries
Schools
Banks