High teas, artisan markets and drag brunches: What's happening in Toronto this Mother's Day
Here's a look at what activities and events you can check out in the city this Mother's Day
Did you forget Mother's Day is this weekend? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
If you're scrambling to make last minute plans — or just want to find something to do before taking mom out for dinner — there are plenty of events, free and ticketed, going on around Toronto Sunday.
High tea at a castle
Casa Loma will be hosting a Mother's Day high tea. Book a table and enjoy a selection of premium teas, pastries and sandwiches, plus a tour of the castle. Reservations are required, and tickets cost $75 per person.
Shopping in the park
The weather's getting warmer, and the Toronto Artisan Market is headed back outdoors at Trinity Bellwoods Park downtown, with dozens of local artists selling all sorts of goods from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As an added bonus, enjoy the cherry blossoms while you browse the stalls.
Decorate a cake together
Take mom to Le Dolci Culinary Classroom in the Junction Area for a delicious masterclass. Guests will be provided with a pre-baked cake and buttercream icing so you can skip the hard part and focus on decorating your own special cake — which you get to take home at the end. The class takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Take a walk through the flowers
Sunday is the final day of Fleurs de Villes SPRING, a five-day floral display in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. Over 30 floral installations, created by Toronto florists, are set up along a scenic trail that's free to walk. Perfect for a Sunday stroll and a photo shoot.
Breakfast at the zoo
The Toronto Zoo is hosting a special Mother's Day breakfast that starts at 8:30 a.m. The ticketed event includes exclusive early morning access to the snow leopards habitat, breakfast with a show, and a special gift for every mother in attendance.
Brunch at a drag show
Head out to East York for a special brunch buffet and drag show at Fantasy Farm Event Centre and Banquet Hall. This is the second annual Mother's Day drag brunch at the venue. This year's lineup includes Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga impersonators and Jada Hudson of Canada's Drag Race fame. Tickets are available here.
Listen to — and paint — some records with mom
Head to STACKT Market near Fort York for a special Mother's Day painting workshop Sunday for an afternoon of music and art. For $30, guests are given paint, brushes and a record as a canvas to create their own vinyl masterpiece while a special Mother's Day playlist bumps in the background. The workshop runs from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Go fishing
Mother's Day isn't just about brunch, flowers and cakes. And that's why the province of Ontario has made fishing free for all this weekend, no license required. So why not hit the water for some quality time. You might even catch Mother's Day dinner.
Motherless Day party
Mother's Day can be a hard day for some.
For those who've lost their mother, a special party is being held downtown to help honour their parent's memory. The Parentless Club is hosting a Motherless Day party at Waterworks Food Hall downtown Sunday, where people can come together to support each other through the day, enjoying snacks and activities.
It's "the pity party you actually want to go to," according to the event website. "A space to celebrate, commiserate, and honour the moms who made us."