This week we have incredibly varied events to show you – including some for Mother’s Day this weekend! From musical shows to birdwatching, from photographic art to meeting Anne of Green Gables…..the choice is yours. Have a great week!
Fujifilm Printlife’s Photo Sweepstakes – until June 11th
Calling all photographers!
It’s finally spring and that means new life is emerging all around us! This year we want to celebrate the joys of the season with the FUJIFILM Printlife Celebrate Spring Sweepstakes.
This year, FUJIFILM wanted to go back to its Japanese roots and highlight one of the most celebrated symbols in Japanese culture: cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms symbolize a time of beauty and renewal and the goal of these sweepstakes is to capture that feeling.
Submit one of your photos that you think represents the themes of beauty and renewal for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Fujifilm Printlife AND your winning photo printed in an 8 x 10 format!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Latcham Gallery Celebrates National Youth Week – May 6th – 6pm
This spring, Latcham Art Centre will celebrate National Youth Week with opportunities for Stouffville youth to express their creativity, learn new art-making skills, and meet other youth through free community-based art events.
Latcham Art Centre’s annual kickstART event takes place on Friday, May 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. kickstART is a free, action-packed evening of art, prizes and creativity specifically designed for youth. The Live Paint Battle, open to ages 12-16, encourages creative ideas and offers a chance to win art prizes. The evening is complemented by button-making, mini canvas collages, music and snacks. Paint Battle spots are limited and registration is required. Spectators are welcome with no registration required.
For more details click here. Paint Battle sign-up here. Price: FREE
Bird-Watching for Beginners Alex Robertson Park – May 7th – 9am
Join the Pickering Naturalists as they discover the birds in Alex Robertson Park and teach you about birdwatching.
This event is geared toward all ages of bird lovers. Join the Pickering Naturalists as they discover the birds in Alex Robertson Park and teach you about birdwatching. You will be led around by an experienced birder who will give you tips and tricks to help you along the trail to spot the many birds in the Pickering area. Each participant will receive a set of binoculars to take home!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Russell’s World – Stage Play – May 5th – June 30th – Online
Recorded this April on YPT’s Mainstage, Russell’s World brings the imagination – and playfulness – of Artistic Director Herbie Barnes to life in this brand new production for on-demand viewing.
Russell’s World invites kids to explore their imaginations along with Russell – a lonely child who finds refuge from bullying in the make-believe world they create in their bedroom – where their imagination (and belongings!) come to life. Innovative puppetry animates Russell’s fantastical friends “Bear”, “Jacket” and “Book” in this humorous and heartwarming play for the whole family.
“We have been hearing that our young ones are struggling to acclimate back into the world and regain social skills after two years of remote schooling and online living,” says Herbie. “As young people re-enter the in-person world, they may again face the bullying and loneliness that our hero faces in this play. Russell’s World helps children understand that creativity and imagination can inspire hope.” – Russell’s World cast and Creative Team
Available online from May 5 to June 30. Once you have selected your performance date, you will have access to the recording for 48 hours.
For more details click here. Price: $10 per household.
Mother’s Day High Tea & Train Ride – York-Durham Heritage Railway – May 7th – 12pm
Take a step back in time, as white-gloved waiters serve you a first-class high tea experience. Filled with live instrumental music, fresh table linens, and a menu that will leave you dreaming about the days of the past. This event sells out every year- so you do not want to miss it!
For more details click here. Price: $99.99
Toronto International Storytelling Festival – May 6th – 16th
The 43rd Annual Toronto International Storytelling Festival returns May 6-15, 2022 for a hybrid festival with events online and in-person at Tranzac Club. Select events will also be available for on-demand viewing. The Toronto International Storytelling Festival celebrates live storytelling, traditional and contemporary, and promotes the sharing of values and cultures that bring us all together.
Family programming at Toronto International Storytelling Festival is free and will take place in the morning on both festival weekends including the Teddy Bear Picnic on May 15, where children and their teddy bears are invited to a rollicking time with storytellers Sally Jaeger and Mariella Bertelli.
For more details click here. Price: from FREE
Ontario Family Fishing Event – May 7th & 8th
This weekend you can fish Ontario waters for free – no license required!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Science Rendezvous at the Toronto Zoo – May 7th – 10am – Online Webinar
Join Toronto Zoo to participate in online science activities and presentations from the University of Toronto Scarborough in partnership with the Toronto Zoo and Let’s Talk Science. Join in for an online science chase: learn about invertebrates, birds and their adaptations, and all about climate change!
For more details click here. To register click here. Price: FREE
Aurora Movies in the Park – May 7th – 5pm
Enjoy LUCA (PG) on the big screen!
The movie will be up on the familiar jumbo screen in the Pfaff Arena located at the S.A.R.C. The ice will be out of the arena, so come and join the fun.
Pre-movie games and activities are provided by Aurora’s Summer Camp staff. This is a great way to meet some of the Summer Camp staff and learn more about why the Town of Aurora’s Summer Camps have been known for being top-notch in York Region. All attendees have a chance to win a FREE WEEK of Summer Camp provided by the Town of Aurora.
This event is FREE! Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Aurora Food Pantry. Your help is greatly appreciated.
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Wadded Up! FMX Tour – May 7th – 7pm – Tribute Communities Centre Oshawa
For the first time ever, the Wadded UP! FMX Tour is coming to Oshawa. On Saturday, May 7, 2022 the Wadded UP! FMX Tour takes over the Tribute Communities Centre for an evening filled with high flying jumps and tricks. Don’t miss out on this great family event.
Experience all the nonstop, high-flying action as the pros perform death-defying tricks! Nac-nacs, superman seat grabs, backflips and so much more. Plus, don’t forget to get your Pit Party Passes so you can get pictures and meet the riders at the pre-show pit party!
For more details click here. Price: from $19.25
Gardening in a Changing Climate Webinar – May 9th – 6.30pm
Join the TRCA for an introduction to stormwater-friendly landscaping at home. Learn how to adapt to the changing climate with rainwater harvesting, native plants, rain gardens, and permeable paving.
Receive a free copy of the Greening Your Grounds Homeowner’s Guide with detailed instructions on how to implement these projects at home!
This presentation is intended for a General Audience:
– Beginner level information
– Includes intermediate concepts
– Content intended for adults
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Mother’s Day Anne Experience – May 7th & 8th – Pickering Museum Village
A very special Mother’s Day Anne Experience. Feel the maternal connections with Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert as you explore the world of Anne of Green Gables in a behind-the-camera tour of the Pickering Museum Village, the set of various ‘Anne’ productions for almost forty years. Enjoy a picnic lunch, taste a scone as you blend your own tea, and listen to an audio tour with Anne recounting some of her favourite memories. Visit the historic houses and learn about Lucy Maud Montgomery and historic fashions from Anne’s time. Take part in a painting workshop as you bring the past to life in this fun experience.
Lunch includes a 1/2 egg salad sandwich, a 1/2 turkey and cheese sandwich; a drink, and a snack of an apple and cookies. Scone is served with cream and jam, and tea is blended by participants. No substitutions are available.
For more details click here. Price: $45.20 + tax
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – until May 31st – various venues
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is the largest photography event in the world, and a premiere cultural experience in Canada, with over 200 exhibitions and happenings throughout the month of May in the Greater Toronto Area. Founded in 1997, CONTACT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and fostering the art and profession of photography.
CONTACT presents work by a diversity of acclaimed and emerging artists, documentary photographers, and photojournalists in locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Each year, the Festival expands to reach many different communities and reflect the work of not only local artists, but also artists who bring an international perspective to the city. Themes addressed in 2022 reflect many of the ongoing conflicts and global unrest of the present day. Subjects include the state of the environment and the impact of humanity and geopolitics on climate change; Black culture and identity; effects of and responses to colonialism and systemic racism; and perspectives on land, borders, intergenerational knowledge, and histories.
2022:
The preliminary list of artists includes Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Farah Al Qasimi, Lara Almarcegui, Claudia Andujar, Deanna Bowen, Sandra Brewster, Jorian Charlton, Kota Ezawa, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Sasha Huber, Mahtab Hussain, Onyeka Igwe, Vid Ingelevics & Ryan Walker, Brendan George Ko, Kwasi Kyei, Kadine Lindsay, Andréanne Michon, Tyler Mitchell, Esmaa Mohamoud, Suzanne Morrissette with Clayton Morrissette, Gisela Motta & Leandro Lima, Aïda Muluneh, Shirin Neshat, Bidemi Oloyede, Oluseye, Frida Orupabo, Rajni Perera, Anastasia Samoylova, Vivek Shraya, and Ilene Sova. Projects by artists rescheduled from 2021 include Persijn Broersen & Margit Lukács, Wendy Coburn, and Alberto Giuliani.
For more details click here. Price: most of exhibitions and events are FREE
MapleFest Bowmanville – May 7th – 9am-5pm
There’s nothing more Canadian than freshly harvested Maple Syrup! Come celebrate the start of spring in Historic Downtown Bowmanville on the first Saturday in May.
This highly anticipated festival showcases many of our local syrup producers who offer up the best of the region. Maple products abound at MAPLEFEST and you will be delighted to find treats such as maple doughnuts, cheese, candy, nuts, fudge, and so much more. Stroll along four city blocks to explore unique items from our craft and food vendors.
The children will be thrilled with the many kid-friendly activities.
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without browsing through the many independent shops and restaurants in Historic Bowmanville. So come down and SHOP! DINE! DISCOVER!
For more details click here. Price: FREE admission and FREE parking.
The Fantasticks – Musical Theatre – May 5th – May 21st – Scarborough Theatre
A funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.
The original off-Broadway production ran for 42 years over 17,162 performances – the world’s longest-running musical!
For more details click here. Price: From $23
Heads Up for Future Events!
6 Guitars – Flato Markham Theatre – May 13th
2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival award-winning show for Best Solo Performer, Best Male Actor, and Best Musician is coming to Markham on May 13th!
6 GUITARS is a pitch-perfect blend of music, comedy, and characters. A single performer portrays 6 different guitar playing characters each sharing their own style of music.
As the show unfolds, audiences are treated to great songs from each genre that showcases breathtaking musicianship. This sonic feat is done not merely with just one performer but just one guitar as well.
There are plenty of laughs too! Each character, from the young rock prodigy to the weary blues picker, shares hilarious anecdotes that only a life playing music can give. These balance out the moving stories each delivers about how music has touched their lives and made them a better person along the way. You don’t need to play music to love this show. You just need to love it.
Grab your tickets now before they sell out!
For more details click here. Price: from $15.00