There’s something about Spring in Toronto that feels like a collective exhale. The heavy coats get tucked away (hopefully) and patios start calling our names! The city is slowly blooming back to life—rain showers and all. From inspiring cultural moments to culinary adventures, this is the season where everything starts buzzing again. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get back out there, here’s what’s topping our spring City Girl’s Guide for April in the city!
ReMode 2026 Circular Fashion Festival: Evergreen Brick Works, April 19 11 am to 5 pm
Unlike traditional pop-up markets, there are no new clothes at ReMode. Over 40+ vendors will offer preloved, upcycled, repurposed and repaired clothes. Hundreds of eco-curious fashion lovers, thrifters, students, designers and sustainability advocates are expected to attend. Come shop the swap, bring clothes in need of small repairs. Also, explore the marketplace, listen and learn about how to love your clothes through the Talks and Workshops.
Produced by Canadian non-profit Fashion Takes Action (FTA) and presented by Value Village in partnership with Evergreen Brick Works. ReMode invites you to rethink how you shop, through the 7Rs of Fashion: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Repurpose, Resale, Rent and Recycle. Details here.
Angels Wear Preloved: The Warehouse – 35 Carl Hall Road, Unit 2, April 12
Discover and shop preloved luxury fashion from iconic designer brands in a beautiful 13,000 square foot venue. This massive one-day luxury resale event brings top designer consignment boutiques, online resale stores, and independent curators together in one space — including Luxe Du Jour, Rewind, Mine & Yours, Fashionably Yours, VSP, Oakville Consignment, Designer Consignor Girls, Vintage & The City, Amy’s Finery and many more! More info here.
The Fitzroy’s Annual Retired Rental Sale: 213 Sterling Road, Unit 107B, April 11 and 12
This wildly popular sale will have over a thousand designer dresses for sale at ridiculously low prices. Expect all different styles and sizes including popular renters. tons of fitting rooms for trying on and surprises for the first 100 customers.
One Of A Kind Spring Market in Toronto: Enercare Centre, April 9 to 12
More than a place to shop, One Of A Kind is an experience-driven market designed for discovery and meaningful connection you can’t replicate online. This season, over 500 Canadian artisans will be at this nature-inspired marketplace featuring home décor, fashion, art, beauty, food, and wellness. It’s the best place to find some unique and thoughtful artisan made works for yourself, your home, your office. It’s also a great opportunity to find that perfect gift for upcoming baby showers, weddings, bridal showers, and Mother’s Day!
New this Spring, a Fresh Garden Section with plant inspired goods, a Farmers’ Market Pop Up, Curated Zero-Proof Beverage Section, and more!
*lead in photo of beautiful floral brooches by Ste. Marg.Scot at OOAKS (Spring 2024) that I fell in love with the moments I set eyes on them!
The Living Luxe Show: Toronto Congress Centre, April 17 to 19
Bringing together some of the most exciting names in Canadian design, architecture, and home innovation under one roof. Over three days, visitors can explore immersive design installations, hear from leading industry experts, and discover the latest in luxury home trends. Expect statement kitchens and outdoor living inspiration to emerging Canadian designers shaping the future of the industry. The show is designed to be highly interactive with opportunities to tour curated design exhibits and installations. Check out the live panel talks, and connect with top brands in the industry.
Easter Eggtravaganza at The Distillery District: April 3 to 5, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm (free event)
The Distillery District’s Easter Eggstravaganza returns for three days of family-friendly fun across the historic site. Highlights include “The Main Hunt” where kids can collect their share of 20,000 eggs, then trade them in for a chocolate treat bag. Meet and greet with the Easter Bunny. Colour and activity stations.
Don’t forget to make your Easter restaurant reservations as they will be popular! Must try? El Catrin’s Easter Cocktail feature The 3 Saints Spritz blends Agua Santa mezcal, St. Germain, Aperol, cava, hoja santa, and lime for a bright, botanical cocktail inspired by Mexican tradition and springtime celebration.
Scent of Stillness by RUWT: Ratelier, April 30, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Scent of Stillness is an intimate Toronto experience designed to help people slow their nervous systems through scent, sound, and taste. is a three-hour, design-led sensory evening created with Ratelier, the Perfumery and sound artist Tarek Kabbani. Guests are guided through three emotional chapters – Exhale, Connection, and Play – each expressed through scent, sound, and taste.
Instead of a traditional workshop, guests move through the night as a fully immersive journey. In each chapter, they’ll smell fragrances, hear a live ambient score composed in real time by Tarek, and taste a cocktail or zero-proof pairing crafted to mirror the emotional theme.
Ratelier leads the guided scent creation, helping each guest blend a bespoke personal fragrance that reflects their chosen emotional notes. RUWT shapes the pacing and ritual moments that tie the chapters together.
The event is intimate – capped at 16 seats – and designed to heighten perception and slow the world down for a few hours. Guests leave with their own custom scent and a refreshed relationship to stillness, attention, and the emotional language of the senses.
Read more about this unique wellness event here.
ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS IN TORONTO:
Hot Docs Film Festival: Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West), April 23 to May 3
Each year, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival—North America’s leading doc festival, conference and market—presents cutting edge films from around the world. A few titles have already caught our attention including…
Love Apptually follow one journalist’s quest to unpack the dating app algorithms. Wha;s shaping modern romance? She reveals how, in an already lonely world, technology, bias and profit are increasingly influencing who we meet and why.
A Fox Under a Pink Moon about 16-year-old Soraya documents her harrowing attempts to flee Iran for Austria. Through surreal animations and sculptures, the young Afghan artist transforms her experiences of domestic violence and displacement into a powerful, self-narrated testament to survival. Filmed entirely on her phone over five years.
It’s Dorothy! This film is about Dorothy’s journey to Oz and she continues to inspire audiences united by their search for belonging. This vibrant, imaginative portrait celebrates her cultural legacy and the diverse communities who claim her as their own. This film also remindes us that no matter how hard things get, we must never stop looking somewhere over the rainbow.
AGO TALKS: The Beatles Never Went Out of Fashion: Art Gallery of Ontario, April 19, 2 pm
Check into this vibrant a panel discussion exploring how The Beatles distinctive style continues to shape contemporary fashion. The conversation brings together Deirdre Kelly, author of Fashioning the Beatles: The Looks that Shook the World; Joey Gollish, creative director of Roots and founder of Mr. Saturday; Toronto designers Lori Mancuz and Catherine Robinson of Call and Response Clothing; and fashion designer and advocate David Dixon. Together, they reflect on the lasting influence of The Beatles’ visual identity and its relevance for designers today.
Game On!: Aga Khan Museum, April 3 till September 7
This vibrant exhibition celebrating the art, culture, and spirit of games through time. From board games to daring sports, each piece invites you to explore how games connect people, spark creativity, and build communities.
Games transcend borders and generations. As a universal language, they inspire learning, imagination, and global exchange, carrying ideas and traditions across cultures. Whether on a chessboard or a polo field, feel the thrill of strategy, the mastery of skill, and the joy of play, with every game telling a story of human creativity and connection.
Explore remarkable artworks, including paintings, photography, historic game boards, and contemporary pieces from the Aga Khan Museum Collections, as well as other world-renowned institutions, all illuminating humanity’s enduring fascination with games.
Nagata Shachu X Ryunosuke Yamazumi: Rhythms in Flight: The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre, April 11, 8 pm
Don’t miss the finale concert “Rhythms in Flight” of Nagata Shachu Japanese Taiko and Music Group’s 2025-2026 concert season. In this performance Nagata Shachu will be collaborating with Ryunosuke Yamazumi, a Japanese circus artist who is specialised in big ball juggling, Chinese pole and antipodism.
Nagata Shachu, has become renowned for its exacting, physically demanding and energetic performances on the taiko, as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit and passion with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline.
Mindfulness Month at the ROM: Royal Ontario Museum, April 9, 15, and 25
ROM invites you to take part in two different mindfulness program series designed to offer space for reflection, presence, and deeper engagement with the Museum. Each program will run three separate sessions throughout the month. You can sign up for one or more. One series focuses on mindful engagement with cultural and natural collections, while the other examines mindfulness through the Museum’s architectural spaces. If you’re curious to experience mindfulness in an interactive and refreshing way, and you have an interest in art, culture, nature, architecture, and mental health.
Look Again: A Meditative Museum Experience takes place in one of the following locations: the galleries of China/Korea; Earth’s Treasures (Minerals); or Dawn of Life/Age of Dinosaurs. Through a guided sequence of meditative practices, you’ll be prompted to reconnect with your senses and experience the objects on display in new ways. The program introduces techniques such as deep looking, body scanning, sensory foraging, and reflective riddles, exposing the variety of practices nestled within meditation—a museum in its own right.
The experience further weaves together moments of shared reflection following each activity, fostering community and connection.
Mindful Spaces: A Creative Journey through ROM Architecture offers a different entry point into mindfulness by focusing on how architectural environments shape our inner experience.
On this mindfulness journey, participants will be led through four unique and stunning architectural locations in the Museum. Locations that spark a sense of awe, curiosity, and beauty. Participants will be creatively guided on how to connect to their senses in each location, and then to their own personal inner world.
Threading South Asia: Phulkari Embroidery of Northern South Asia Workshop: Royal Ontario Museum, April 12, 1 pm to 4 pm
Threading South Asia is a new workshop series at ROM exploring South Asian embroidery techniques and traditions and is inspired by the South Asian textile collections. Led by skilled artists and cultural practitioners, each workshop invites participants to learn foundational stitches, understand materials, and create a small piece of their own. Through this series, participants not only learn the technical aspects of embroidery, but also gain insight into the social, historical, and cultural contexts that shape the work. No prior experience is necessary.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the art of phulkari embroidery of northern South Asia, Participants will select their own colour palette and follow a traditional design while learning the cultural meanings behind the patterns and colours of phulkari. Taking inspiration from textiles in the collections at ROM, this workshop offers a meaningful opportunity to connect craft, history, and community.
Chicago The Musical: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, April 7 to 19
CHICAGO is BACK IN TOWN and is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
The 2025-26 touring cast of CHICAGO features Ellie Roddy in her return to the cellblock as Roxie Hart, Claire Marshall making her debut as Velma Kelly along with Max Cervantes as Billy Flynn, Marc Christopher as Amos Hart, Illeana “illy” Kirven returning as Matron “Mama” Morton and J. Clanton as Mary Sunshine.
Moulin Rouge: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, April 22 to May 10
Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and—above all—Love!
In 2024, Moulin Rouge! The Musical made its highly anticipated Canadian Premiere at Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. In Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Winner of 10 Tony Awards.
Inside American Pie: CAA Theatre (651 Yonge Street), April 14 to May 3
Sure, you know the chorus, but do you know the stories behind the song? It’s no secret that ‘American Pie’ was written by Don McLean to commemorate the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper. What’s less known is that this song about ‘the day the music died’ is jam-packed with riddles and references to other fascinating events in history.
What led to that tragic night in 1959? How do The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Charles Manson all fit in? Why were the Rolling Stones blamed for a murder? And who was Miss American Pie? Direct from Harmony House in Hunter River, PEI, Mike Ross and an incredible band of Island musicians will unlock the mysteries behind this classic song in a concert experience that’s been thrilling East Coast audiences for four years and counting.
Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me: Music by Leonard Cohen: TO Live at Meridian Hall in Toronto April 10 & 11
A breathtaking tribute to Leonard Cohen, where powerhouse dancers bring his legendary music and poetry to life through bold, unforgettable choreography. This is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montréal-based poet, artist, and songwriter, Leonard Cohen.
Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems.
Three internationally renowned choreographers were entrusted with putting movement to Cohen’s legendary songs: Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Ihsan Rustem. Their powerful and profound choreographic world, reflective of Cohen’s singular work, is brought to life by Ballets Jazz Montréal’s 14 artists and the strong, bold dramaturgy of Eric Jean.
Lynn Nottage’s CLYDE’S: Canadian Stage, Bluma Appel Theatre, April 11 to 26
Clyde (Sophia Walker) is hilarious but fierce. She runs her own kitchen like a parole hearing: no nonsense and no appeals. It’s purgatory of her cooks, but running under the surface is the relentless call of second chances and hope.
Known for writing deeply human, emotionally resonate plays that centre around women’s voices, Nottage showcases resilience and strength of community. Her work has earned worldwide acclaim for its warmth and intelligence. This story will spark conversation while stirring your heart and feeding your soul.
Bluebeard’s Castle / Erwartung: Canadian Opera Company. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts: April 25 to May 16
A pair of one-act psychological thrillers makes for an unforgettable double feature from theatrical visionary Robert Lepage. In Bartók’s Symbolist fairy tale Bluebeard’s Castle, a new wife discovers that seven locked doors in her husband’s home conceal gruesome secrets.
Then, in Schoenberg’s Modernist Erwartung, a woman’s search for her missing lover explodes a single moment into a blistering descent into madness. Enter—if you dare!—to discover this unforgettable double-bill, hailed for its boldly original design elements.
I Want To Tell You Everything, an Anthology of Love Songs: Soundstreams, Jane Mallet Theatre, April 9
Seven singers, piano, and percussion dives into love, identity, connection, and the power of expression. At the centre of the program is the highly anticipated world premiere of Thierry Tidrow’s I Want to Tell You Everything, a riveting new work that pushes vocal storytelling into fresh emotional and sonic territory.
World’s Gone Wild: MainStage 91st Revue: Second City Toronto
The news is nonstop. Your group chat is unhinged. Life feels messy… Escape with The Second City’s World’s Gone Wild, a fast and fearless comedy show that finds funny in the frenzy. Outrageous characters, hilarious show-stopping musical numbers, and unpredictable improv comedy come together for a laugh-out-loud, anything-can-happen night of comedy mayhem. Smart. Ridiculous. Now. Pull up to The Second City and catch the chaos in real time.
The Division: Crow’s Theatre (World Premiere) April 21 to May 10
From award-wining Ukrainian Canadian writer/director Andrew Kushnir comes this gripping new work on identity, legacy, and the slyness of memory. Kushnir uses his acclaimed blend of documentary theatre and deeply personal storytelling to face th unspoken truths that shape both our individual and collective histories – and our here and now.
The idea for the story sparked after Andrew published a eulogy for his renowned watchmaker grandfather in The Globe and Mail. Confronted by a scathing accusation in the comment section, Andrew embarked on a 19,000 kilometre journey through Ukraine and Europe with daunting questions and rate raise timepiece he inherited. Retracing his grandfather’s footsteps as a soldier and immigrant, he unearths a family mythology that has astonishing implications for the present.
The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark: By Robert Lepage & Guillaume Côté. The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres. April 24 and 26
Experience emotion in motion in this breathtaking version of Hamlet that communicates the depth of Shakespeare’s characters and the intricacies of his plot without a single spoken word. It’s where every gesture, every leap, and every pause is meticulously crafted to convey the deepest human emotions. Dive into a visual spectacle where innovative set designs and ethereal lighting create a surreal atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and the subconscious. An original score accompanies the performance, intensifying the emotional impact and drawing you deeper into the narrative.
Everything 80’s Party in Toronto with Sean Jones and Cleopatra Williams:The El Mocambo, April 30
Entertainer Sean Jones & Powerhouse Singer Cleopatra Williams bring the anthems that defined a generation and can still pack the dance floor. We’re talking the iconic sounds of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston and more the timeless hits you still know word for word. And when the live show ends, the night keeps going: A DJ will take over with more 80’s favourites so you can keep the party rolling. This is a full on 80s dress up event! Big hair! Neon! Tickets here.
Mysterion the Mind Reader: The Comedy Bar Bloor West, April 11
Award-winning Canadian entertainer (aka Christopher Justin Doyle), mentalist, magician and comedic writer. He’s performed on major stages in North America from Vegas to high profile appearances on America’s Got Talent and Canada’s Got Talent. His show is an interactive magic and mind reading experience. Mysterion’s uncanny ability to utilize psychology to know what you’re thinking will leave you stunned.
FOOD EVENTS IN TORONTO THIS APRIL:
Easter at Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto:
It always feels like spring this time of year! As soon as we step into the lobby of the Fairmont Royal York we’re greeting with the stunning Easter lobby installation. Expect a sculptural, oversized egg, adorned with delicate seasonal details and crowned by a canopy of blooming pink branches, bringing springtime renewal. (visit between March 26-April 27).
Easter Brunch at REIGN (Fairmont Royal York) is a tradition for many! Highlights include a decadent Smoked Trout Egg Benedict, a slow-braised Lamb Shank with Spring Veggies, and for your sweet tooth, a Tiramisu Pancake Stack with mini chocolate eggs. (April 4-5). Reservations highly recommended for this very popular Easter brunch.
REIGN is also offering two Easter dinner specials – a braised Lamb Shoulder with Truffled mashed potatoes, and a showstopping Chilean seabass “chateaubriand” for two, turning the French classic on its head with center cut Chilean Sea Bass and Tomato Béarnaise. (April 3-5).
Easter at The Ritz Carlton, Toronto:
The Classic Easter Escape offers a cheerful spring retreat in a spacious Corner Suite, complete with a special in-room Easter amenity for children, hotel-wide scavenger hunts and charming Easter giveaways throughout their stay.
For those seeking an elevated experience, The Elevated Easter Family Experience includes a stay in a Club Corner Suite with access to the Club Lounge, along with all of the inclusions from the Classic package. Families will also enjoy a hands-on cookie-decorating activity and exclusive Club-level egg-decorating experiences.
Easter Brunch Buffet at TOCA (April 5). The experience features a premium seafood bar and Easter-inspired desserts,
For a playful pre-Easter activity, Easter Decorate & Sip at LANO is the perfect choice. This interactive experience invites guests to decorate Easter cookies while enjoying non-alcoholic Easter-themed specialty brews created for the occasion. The experience is priced at $65 per person and is ideal for families, friends, or anyone looking for a creative and delicious way to celebrate the season.
From April 4th and 5th, enjoy EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace’s Easter Afternoon Tea for $85 per person, featuring a refined selection of seasonal pastries and thoughtfully curated tea pairings in an elegant setting.
Easter Brunch at Casa Loma: April 5
Set within the grand, historic interiors of Casa Loma, this annual Easter tradition offers a refined brunch experience surrounded by stunning architecture and sweeping city views. Guests are invited to wander through the castle’s elegant rooms, hidden corridors, and gardens before or after their reservation, for a full-day experience that blends dining, history, and discovery. Reservations highly recommended as this event sells out fast.
Global Chef Series with Jean-François Rouquette of PUR’ (Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme- One Michelin Star) at Park Hyatt Toronto: April 24 & 25
The Global Chef Series is an exclusive culinary program welcoming internationally acclaimed chefs for highly limited collaborations at Joni Restaurant. Each residency pairs a celebrated guest chef with Park Hyatt Executive Chef Jonathan Williams to craft immersive, multi-course tasting menus bringing the distinct flavours and signature dishes of the chef’s home city to Toronto for a brief moment in time. Each residency will be complemented by a curated selection of fine wines and spirits, selected to enhance and elevate each menu. Details here.
Easter Brunch at The Windsor Arms in Toronto: April 5
This Easter Sunday, the hotel is hosting a lavish Easter Brunch Buffet in its Courtyard Ballroom! It’s a perfect setting for families and friends looking to celebrate the holiday in an elegant setting. Expect the full buffet style brunch to include carving stations (prime rib, lamb, and salmon Wellington), brunch classics, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and a decadent dessert offering. Kid-favourite options. Reservations through OpenTable (Gatsby Restaurant)
Cool Stuff Happening in the GTA and Outside of Toronto:
The Festival of Literary Diversity: April 26 to May 3
Over 30 Canadian authors are taking part in this festival including Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Sharon Bala, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Chantal Braganza, Farzana Doctor, Antonio Michael Downing, Canisia Lubrin, Joss Richard, David A. Robertson, Liann Zhang, and many more. The only literary festival of its kind in Canada, the festival connects a diverse range of incredible Canadian storytellers with readers and writers through initiatives and events that illuminate the transformative power of stories, building a stronger and more inclusive literary culture. The festival runs April 26 to 29, virtually, and April 30 to May 3 in person in Brampton, ON.
The Nashville Takeover: Begins April 12 and continues to October 4
A new music experience is coming to communities across Canada. Today, The Nashville Takeover announced the 13 cities and towns selected to host its series of weekend-long, multi-venue cultural events, bringing Nashville’s storied songwriting culture to local stages in New Brunswick, Ontario, and British Columbia.
Kicking off in Stratford, Ontario, from April 10 to 12, The Nashville Takeover’s first weekend marks the start of this year’s spring-to-fall run of up-close performances, secret artist lineups, and behind-the-music moments. Tickets are on sale now at thenashvilletakeover.ca, with full weekend passes starting at $99.
From Friday to Sunday, breweries, patios, cafés, restaurants, and secret spaces in each city will transform into immersive listening rooms, intimate showcases, and late-night after-parties featuring a mix of established performers, breakout artists, and top songwriters from Canada and Nashville. For one weekend in each town, music won’t live on a single stage; it will move through each town, creating shared moments in every venue. All performances are surprise-only, with no lineup reveals or headliners, offering the closest thing to experiencing the essence of Nashville’s creative ecosystem without booking a flight.
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