With rising interest rates and food, gas and housing costs increasing dramatically, many Torontonians are looking to save money wherever they can. Usually, the item that gets eliminated from the budget are the entertainment dollars. Fortunately, there are a lot of free things to do in Toronto to ensure that you get your fix of arts, culture and leisure. Continue reading to learn about free things to do in Toronto in 2023:
Royal Ontario Museum
Complimentary admission to ROM 2023
Enjoy complimentary admission to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on every third Tuesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In addition, the ROM offers free admission at other times to the following groups:
- Free Tuesdays for Post-Secondary Students: Present your student ID for admission; valid for full-time students attending a Canadian college or university
- Indigenous Peoples
- Attendants supporting persons with disabilities: Receive free admission to the level of admission purchased by the person they are supporting
- Toronto Public Library Museum + Arts Pass: Present your MAP pass for free admission; each pass allows a maximum of four visitors
- Institute for Canadian Citizenship Canoo program: Present the Canoo app on your phone for admission; Canoo membership provides new Canadians (18+) in their first five years of permanent residence, or first year of citizenship, with free General Admission for themselves and up to four (4) dependent minors.
Free Admission at Art Gallery of Ontario 2023
The Art Gallery of Ontario at 317 Dundas St. W. is offering free public access to their permanent collection:
25 and Under Free
Anyone 25 years and under can enjoy free admission. Visitors 18 – 25 years must show valid ID to claim their pass.
Indigenous Peoples
The AGO offers complimentary admission to all Indigenous Peoples.
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
Get free admission to the AGO collection galleries every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets must be pre-booked online.
Soulpepper Theatre Free Tickets for 25 and Under
Soulpepper Theatre at the Distillery District produces many well-known works of Canadian and international playwrights. Free tickets are available for 25 and under. Here are the guidelines:
- Book 2 free tickets to Soulpepper Mainstage and Concert performances.
- Available in advance for preview performances and on the same day throughout the run beginning at 8 a.m.
- Your tickets must be picked up by you, in person at the Will Call Desk at least 30 minutes before the performance.
- Valid photo identification with your date of birth must be presented at pick up.
- Tickets must be booked online. Participants can bring a guest of any age.
- Tickets are subject to availability. Note: Not all productions are eligible for Free 25 & Under tickets.
- Limit of 2 tickets per production.
- If you need to cancel your tickets you must do so by phoning the Box Office at 416.866.8666 x1 at least one hour before the performance.
- Tickets may be forfeited if not picked up at least 30 minutes before the performance from the Will Call Desk (located in the lobby of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts).
Soulpepper Theatre is located at 50 Tank House Lane in the Distillery District.
Skating at City of Toronto Outdoor Rinks
The mild winter we’ve been having encourages many of us to get outside more. The perfect and affordable opportunity presents itself if you choose to skating at City of Toronto outdoor rinks since it is free. Outdoor skating rinks downtown include Nathan Phillips Square, Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park, and The Bentway Skate Trail.
Free Yoga at Kimbourne Park United Church
Certified yoga teacher Kristiina conducts yoga classes at Kimbourne Park United Church in Toronto’s east end. All ability levels are welcomed. Pre-registration preferred but not required; drop-ins are welcomed. Please bring your own yoga mat. Sessions are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10.
There is an accessible, family-friendly & gender-neutral washroom on-site. Kimbourne Park United Church is located at 200 Wolverleigh Boulevard (Danforth Avenue and Coxwell Avenue).
On January 15, February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14, 2023, yoga classes will be at 1 p.m.
Free Yoga on Tuesdays in The Junction
Andrea Bogdanovic, certified yoga instructor, teaches weekly vinyasa yoga classes at 10 Heintzman Street in the Junction on Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The classes will include breathing techniques, a vinyasa flow, and a meditation.
Props will be provided and there will be some mats at the studio. If you have your own mat, you’re more than welcome to bring it. Sessions are pay what you can and they will be accepting cash and card.
Free Meditation Class
Enjoy free meditation classes on Tuesday evenings at Edithvale Community Centre. Participants will sit on hairs to meditate, so no need for mats or special clothing.
Weekly sessions feature introductory talks, guided meditations, videos, practical workshops, with time for questions. Regular meditation sessions are run by knowledgeable volunteers and are free. Classes are Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Edithvale Community Centre is located at 131 Finch Avenue West.
Free Concerts at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Enjoy free concerts including vocal, piano, and chamber music at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Concerts are performed on some Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at noon throughout the year. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before the performance. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is located at 145 Queen Street West.
Free Noon Hour Concerts at Roy Thomson Hall 2023
Enjoy free concerts at Roy Thomson Hall featuring the magnificent Gabriel Kney pipe organ and the music of Canada’s finest choirs and organists. Concerts begin at noon and are for one hour with no intermission. Concerts are suitable for ages 6 and up. For school reservations of 20 or more, e-mail: groups@mh-rth.com
Front doors open at 11 a.m.; auditorium doors open at 11:30 a.m.
I hope you enjoyed learning about free things to do in Toronto in 2023. Please let me know in the comment section if you have any listings to add.
You may be interested in reading, “What I’m Crushing On in February 2023“.
