SonyaWhen we ask most of our mommy friends what they want for Mother’s Day (pssst! it’s May 8th this year), majority of them would love some time to be doing things they love and spend a little more time with their families. Getting to that “wishlist” of things we wish we had time for would be nice! Finding something to do that’s an experience would be lovely! So, what’s there to do? Since we have our eyes and ears open all year round about what’s happening in the city, we’re excited to share some experiences we’ve tried and what we think moms would enjoy. By the way, you don’t have to keep it on that one “Hallmark” day! Spread the love!
Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition at Casa Loma: For fans of one of the most popular royals comes this new and exciting photo exhibition. Over 100 of the most iconic images ever taken by Official Royal Photographers, Anwar Hussein and his sons Samir and Zak are on display at Toronto’s most famous castle. The images are displayed throughout the estates upper level corridors and private areas. What’s makes this exhibition unique is the stories behind the images. Some never been told stories are shared by the photographers to the royal family. Not to be missed! (BTW, Casa Loma returns with their popular Mother’s Day High Tea, reservations are open!) Read more about the exhibition here.
I AM HERE: Home Movies and Everyday Masterpieces at the AGO: This new exhibition explores how we’ve captured, documented and cherished some of our favourite everyday moments. From home movies to photography to artwork and how one thing can lead to another. It’s the exhibition we need right now as we sort of emerge from the current pandemic. Accompanying this major exhibition is are also a series of online all-ages pop up art making sessions. Each Wednesday on Zoom, register for a session or two. Each week has a different theme and a fun way to do something together. Read more about the exhibit here. 
Immersive Frida Kahlo: from Lighthouse Immersive, the creators and producers of the wildly popular Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Klimt, and Library at Night comes this latest larger than life display of the works of Mexico’s most famous female artist. Kahlo’s family was involved with the development of this show and offered rarely seen photos from their collections. Read more about it here. 
Jake Epstein Boy Falls From the Sky: Royal Alexandra Theatre is a wonderful autobiographical musical based the life experiences of Toronto raised actor Jake Epstein (he was in Degrassi, on Broadway as Super-Man, on tour in American Idiot, in an originating role in Beautiful: The Carol King Story and much more). It’s witty, charming and heartfelt. As a mom I loved it! Epstein shares about his family traditions of summer road trips and funny moments in his acting journey. Read more here. A few more theatre productions are currently happening in the city with Mirvish including ROOM based on the novel by Emma Donahue, a harrowing story about a mother and son who escapes captivity and adapts to a new life outside the confines they had known. This play closes on May 8. Looking ahead, you may want to secure tickets to the upcoming Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that will be a big deal! Singing in the Rain is coming in September, and I have my eyes set on & Juliet that will be making it’s pre-Broadway North American premiere here this summer. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Fever Candlelight Concerts: This wonderful series of concerts take place in venues across the city. Bathed in a sea of candlelight, accomplished musicians play in intimate settings. Unforgettable nights in the city. Upcoming themes include A Tribute to the Queen, A Tribute to ABBA at Longboat Hall, a night of Film Scores and Hollywood Epics. Read more here.
EATALY Hands-on Cooking Classes & SpringFest: Learn from the experts at one of Eataly’s workshops including “Hands-on Pasta fro the North” a dinner and workshop to discover the secrets of egg pasta making. There are in-person and virtual options available all month long. Or join in the SpringFest 2022 “Best of Eataly” Wine Club and Events filled with delicious dishes, sweet Italian desserts, paired with Italian wines and beers. This standing/wandering event will include live music throughout the night and pasta making demonstrations in their cooking school. Tickets available in advance.
Create your own signature Candle at Kandl Artistique Lab: the first fully customizable candle Lab experience in North America is one of our favourites. Guests can choose, combine and create custom fragrances to create their own personalized scented candle, from start to finish in just 90 minutes. The lab session is guided by their expert team. Reservations for Mother’s Day now open. Read more here.
Le Dolci Baking Classes: (in person and virtual) when my son was younger, we took the public transit to Le Dolci’s bakery and studio for their baking classes and summer camps. They were fun for both of us. Their popular classes continue with even more fun themes like making donuts, apple pies, and even French macarons for the brave. The in-person classes has students taking home their goodies!
