Victoria Day weekend: What’s open and closed, fireworks, events

It’s finally feeling like spring in Toronto and the long weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy everything the city has to offer. But you might want to bring an umbrella with you because there is some rain in the forecast.

Festivals focusing on everything from beer and ribs to art and culture are serving up something for everyone, ending off with the traditional bang of Victoria Day fireworks. But as you make your plans, consult the list below of what’s open and closed on holiday Monday.

What’s open and closed on Monday

Open

• TTC will run on a holiday schedule
• GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule
• Tourist attractions: ROM, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario Science Centre, Canada’s Wonderland, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
• Most malls: Bramalea City Centre (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Eaton Centre (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Square One (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), The Promenade (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Toronto Premium Outlets (9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Upper Canada Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Vaughan Mills (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Yorkville Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Curbside garbage is not collected on any Monday, but other services will be affected. Click here for details.

Closed

• LCBO stores are closed on Monday
• Beer Store locations will also be closed on Monday but some stores will remain open later on Sunday
• Government offices, municipal buildings and banks
• Toronto Public Library locations are closed on Sunday and Monday
• No mail delivery
• Recreation centres and programs in Toronto
• Some malls: Dufferin Mall, Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Events

Rib and Craft Beer Fest

Rib and Craft Beer Fest is a free event that brings barbecued foods from various different cultures along with craft beer vendors together in the heart of the city.
The food up for grabs includes pork and beef ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, barbecue and jerk chicken along with the classic blooming onion and lots more.
An on-site Craft Beer Market will feature several brewers serving up locally brewed lagers and ales.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: May 16 to May 19, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Spring Beerfest TO

Dubbed the “ultimate cottage in the city experience,” Spring Beerfest TO, as the name suggests, is a spring beer festival held in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Ticket holders can expect a wide selection of Ontario craft beers as well as food, outdoor games and music.
Where: Fort York, Garrison Common
When: May 18 and 19 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Harbourfront’s Junior Festival 2019

Now in it’s second year, the Harbourfront Centre’s international children’s festival brings together contemporary artists from Canada and around the world to “animate young minds.”
The festival includes music events, visual arts activities, dance performances and demonstrations as well as interactive events including the popular Fay and Fluffy’s Storytime.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: May 18 to 24.

Victoria Day Fireworks 2019

No Victoria Day long weekend is complete without the sky lighting up with a fireworks display. Canada’s Wonderland and Ashbridges Bay Park both have spectacular displays lined up.

The Canada’s Wonderland display boasts 6,000 explosions over about 15 minutes. The fireworks are included in the price of admission for park visitors.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 9680 Jane Street, Vaughan
When: May 19, approximately 10 p.m., weather permitting.

The Ashbridge’s Bay display is the official fireworks show by the City of Toronto. The free show will feature 2,000 fireworks over about 15 minutes.
Where: Beaches at Ashbridge’s Bay
When: May 20, 9:45 p.m.