Valentine's Day collides with Family Day weekend, Lunar New Year fireworks light up City Hall, and Toronto's music scene goes absolutely bonkers. Here's how to spend every single hour.
Look, I've been doing this long enough to know when a weekend in Toronto is about to go completely off the rails, and this is one of those weekends. You've got Valentine's Day landing on a Saturday, the Year of the Snake celebration exploding across Nathan Phillips Square, the Auto Show taking over the Convention Centre, and enough live music to make your ears ring until March. I've narrowed it down to the events actually worth your time, cross-checked everything twice (because one major concert just got rescheduled and another wasn't even on the right date), and sorted through the tourist traps so you don't have to.
Every pick here earned its spot. Some are time-sensitive. Most are genuinely great. A few might change your whole weekend.
How this list works: Events are loosely ordered by when they make sense to attend, with a mix of daytime activities and late-night options. I've noted where things sell out fast.
What: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs Mark Knopfler's iconic score live while the 1987 cult classic plays on the big screen at Roy Thomson Hall. Three performances across the weekend, including a Sunday matinee.
Why go: This is one of those film-to-concert experiences that actually works. The TSO doesn't phone these in, and watching Inigo Montoya's revenge scene with a full orchestra swelling behind it hits completely different. Plus, it's PG, so you can bring kids without worrying about content.
Who it's for: Anyone who's ever quoted "inconceivable" at a dinner party, couples looking for a Valentine's activity that isn't just dinner, families who want something genuinely memorable.
When: Friday, February 13 at 7:30pm; Saturday, February 14 at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, February 15 at 2pm.
Need to know: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). Tickets from $80-$155. The Saturday evening show will sell first, so grab matinee tickets if you're flexible. Parking at Metro Toronto Convention Centre is your best bet.
What: Canada's largest auto show returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for its 2026 edition, featuring new model unveilings, concept cars, electric vehicle zones, and enough horsepower to make your head spin. This is opening weekend, so expect the freshest displays.
Why go: Opening weekend means media buzz, manufacturer reps actually on the floor, and the displays haven't been picked over by a million hands yet. The EV section has grown massively, and this year's concept zone is supposedly worth the price of admission alone.
Who it's for: Car enthusiasts, families with vehicle-obsessed kids, anyone curious about where automotive tech is heading, people who just want to sit in cars they'll never afford.
When: Friday, February 13: 12pm-10pm; Saturday, February 14: 10:30am-10pm; Sunday, February 15: 10:30am-6pm.
Need to know: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West). Adult tickets around $30, kids 6-12 are $15, under 6 free. Friday after 4pm is "family day" pricing. It's massive, so wear comfortable shoes and budget at least 3-4 hours.
What: A one-night-only performance from the China National Peking Opera House, featuring two of the world's most celebrated Peking Opera masters. This is a rare chance to see this art form performed at its highest level in one of Toronto's most stunning heritage venues.
Why go: The Winter Garden Theatre alone is worth the trip, with its preserved ceiling of real beech branches and twinkling lights. Add world-class Peking Opera, and you've got something genuinely special that doesn't come around often. It's also perfectly timed for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Who it's for: Culture seekers, anyone celebrating Lunar New Year, theatre lovers who want something beyond the usual Broadway fare, people who appreciate rare artistic experiences.
When: Friday, February 13 at 7:30pm (one night only).
Need to know: Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge Street). Tickets available through the Ontario Heritage Trust. Dress nicely, it's a heritage venue, and arrive early to take in the architecture. Seriously, look up.
What: Canadian country star Josh Ross brings his "Later Tonight" tour to the newly renovated Massey Hall, with opener Chandler Walters. If you've heard "Trouble" on country radio approximately 47,000 times, this is your guy.
Why go: Massey Hall's renovation made it one of the best-sounding rooms in the country, and Ross is a hometown-adjacent success story (he's from Burlington). His live show leans harder into the rock side of country than his radio singles suggest, which honestly makes it better.
Who it's for: Country music fans, anyone who appreciates a Canadian artist doing well, couples looking for Friday night plans that aren't another generic dinner.
When: Friday, February 13 at 8pm.
Need to know: Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street). Tickets vary by section. All ages show. The venue has excellent sightlines from almost everywhere, but the balcony seats have the best acoustics.
The Offspring with Bad Religion
What: Punk legends The Offspring bring their "Supercharged Worldwide" tour to Hamilton's TD Coliseum, with Bad Religion opening. Yes, it's technically Hamilton, but it's barely an hour from downtown and absolutely worth the trip.
Why go: When was the last time you saw The Offspring and Bad Religion on the same bill? The energy at these shows is ridiculous, with crowds spanning multiple generations all losing their minds to "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem." Bad Religion's opening set is almost worth the ticket price alone.
Who it's for: Anyone who grew up on '90s punk, parents who want to show their kids what real punk rock sounds like, people who need to scream lyrics for two hours straight.
When: Friday, February 13 at 7:30pm (doors at 6:30pm).
Need to know: TD Coliseum, Hamilton. About 45-60 minutes from downtown Toronto depending on traffic. Take the GO train to Hamilton GO Centre to avoid parking headaches. Bring earplugs. You'll thank me later.
What: The Royal Ontario Museum's adults-only evening event celebrates Lunar New Year with themed drinks, DJs, live performances, and access to galleries until 11pm. It's basically a sophisticated party where you can wander through dinosaur exhibits with a cocktail.
Why go: ROM After Dark nights have a specific energy that regular museum visits don't capture. Lunar Love brings dragon dancers, cultural performances, and themed experiences throughout the galleries. The crowd skews younger and more social than typical museum visitors.
Who it's for: Adults (19+) looking for a unique Friday night, groups of friends who want something beyond bars, Lunar New Year celebrants, culture-curious crowds.
When: Friday, February 13, 7:30pm-11pm.
Need to know: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park). Tickets $40. Book ahead because these sell out. Bar service throughout the museum. ID required at entry.
What: Toronto's beloved roots music festival returns to the Tranzac Club for four days of folk, blues, and acoustic music across multiple stages. Over 100 artists including Shakura S'Aida, Suzie Vinnick, Sultans of String, and a full schedule of performers you'll discover and become obsessed with.
Why go: Winterfolk has that perfect community festival energy where you stumble between intimate rooms, catch artists you've never heard of, and leave with five new favourite musicians. The Tranzac Club's weird, wonderful layout makes each room feel like its own little world.
Who it's for: Folk and roots music enthusiasts, people who prefer discovering artists over seeing stadium acts, the "I liked them before they were famous" crowd.
When: Thursday-Sunday (our weekend is Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15), shows throughout the day and evening.
Need to know: Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Avenue). Weekend passes around $75, day passes available. Cash bar, casual dress. The Annex neighbourhood has great dinner options before shows.
What: Colombian música popular star Yeison Jimenez brings his "Mi Promesa" tour to Toronto, performing his signature blend of romantic and fiesta-ready tracks. Think heartfelt ballads, despecho anthems, and dance-floor bangers all in one night.
Why go: Jimenez has become one of the biggest names in Colombian regional music, and his Toronto fanbase is passionate and loud. If you've never experienced a música popular concert, the crowd energy alone is worth it. Everyone sings every word.
Who it's for: Latin music fans, the Colombian and Latin American diaspora community, anyone who wants to dance and feel things simultaneously.
When: Friday, February 13 at 8pm.
Need to know: Mirage Banquet & Convention Centre (1917 Albion Road, Etobicoke). Tickets from $55. Expect to be out late, as these events start building energy around 11pm. Spanish is the primary language of the evening.
What: Rising bass music producer and DJ ALLEYCVT takes over Rebel for a stop on her "9 Lives" tour, bringing her signature hard-hitting electronic sound to one of Toronto's premier nightclub venues.
Why go: ALLEYCVT has been climbing the festival ranks rapidly, and catching her in a club setting before she graduates to arena-adjacent shows is smart. Her production is aggressive but melodic, and Rebel's sound system does it justice.
Who it's for: EDM and bass music fans, the festival crowd looking for winter club nights, anyone who wants to dance hard until 3am.
When: Friday, February 13, doors at 10pm.
Need to know: Rebel (11 Polson Street). 19+ only. Tickets from $50+. Uber out, because the Rebel parking situation is always chaos. Dress code enforced.
What: Nathan Phillips Square transforms into a massive Lunar New Year celebration with cultural performances, food vendors, artisan markets, and a major fireworks display on Saturday night. Expect dragon and lion dances, traditional music, and over 80,000 people across the weekend.
Why go: This is Toronto's biggest Year of the Snake celebration, and it's free. The Saturday evening fireworks at 9pm are genuinely spectacular, lighting up the City Hall towers. During the day, wander through cultural demonstrations, grab dumplings, and soak in the community energy.
Who it's for: Families, anyone celebrating Lunar New Year, people who love free festivals, photographers who want those fireworks shots.
When: Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15, 12pm-11pm. Fireworks Saturday at 9pm.
Need to know: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West). Free admission. Dress warmly because you'll be outside. Public transit is your friend here. The ice rink is still operating, so bring skates if you want to double-dip activities.
What: Indian comedian Samay Raina brings his "Still Alive" stand-up tour to Toronto for two Valentine's Day performances. He's one of India's biggest comedy stars, known for sharp observational humour and his wildly popular YouTube presence.
Why go: Raina's comedy translates across cultural lines while still feeling specific and personal. The matinee show is rare for comedy, making it perfect for a Valentine's Day afternoon before dinner plans. His fan following is intense, so expect electric energy from the crowd.
Who it's for: Comedy lovers, South Asian diaspora audiences, couples looking for Valentine's Day afternoon plans, anyone who appreciates smart, contemporary stand-up.
When: Saturday, February 14 at 4pm and 8pm.
Need to know: Meridian Hall (1 Front Street East). Tickets $55-$165. The 4pm show is selling faster than the evening. Show is primarily in Hindi with English mixed throughout.
What: A decadent chocolate tasting experience inside a vintage railway car at the Toronto Railway Museum. You'll sample artisanal chocolates while learning about their origins, all in a beautifully restored heritage train setting.
Why go: Honestly? It's adorable. The combination of chocolate, history, and the novelty of sitting in a vintage train makes for memorable Valentine's content. Each session is small and intimate, making it feel special rather than production-line romantic.
Who it's for: Couples who want something Instagram-worthy but actually fun, chocolate enthusiasts, history buffs, anyone tired of the same restaurant-dinner Valentine's routine.
When: Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, multiple sessions starting at 2:30pm.
Need to know: Toronto Railway Museum (255 Bremner Boulevard, Roundhouse Park). About $55 per person. Book in advance because sessions are small. Located near the Convention Centre, so easy to combine with Auto Show visits.
What: The Saturday edition of ROM's adults-only evening series, themed specifically for Valentine's Day. Love, connection, and maybe some cheesy romance mixed with cocktails, DJs, and dinosaur bones.
Why go: If Friday's Lunar Love sold out, here's your second chance at the ROM After Dark experience. The Valentine's theme adds romantic programming throughout the galleries, making it an unconventional but genuinely fun date option.
Who it's for: Couples seeking alternatives to crowded restaurants, singles looking for social environments, friends celebrating Galentine's Day.
When: Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm-11pm.
Need to know: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park). $40. Book ahead. 19+ with ID.
What: Hungarian circus-dance company Recirquel brings their acclaimed "Paradisum" show to Toronto for two nights only at the Bluma Appel Theatre. This isn't your childhood circus; it's a contemporary fusion of acrobatics, dance, and physical theatre telling a story of renewal and rebirth.
Why go: Recirquel has been touring this show to rave reviews worldwide, and Toronto only gets two performances. The choreography is stunning, the physicality is jaw-dropping, and it's the kind of show that makes you remember why live performance matters.
Who it's for: Dance and circus enthusiasts, people seeking culturally elevated entertainment, couples looking for something genuinely impressive, anyone who appreciates world-class physical performance.
When: Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 at 8pm.
Need to know: Bluma Appel Theatre at St. Lawrence Centre (27 Front Street East). Tickets $49.50-$69.50. Two nights only, so book immediately if interested.
What: The four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical makes its Canadian premiere at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. Based on the classic Marilyn Monroe film, with a modern score that's been collecting accolades since its 2022 Broadway debut.
Why go: Catching a Broadway show during its first Canadian run means seeing it fresh, before everyone's talking about it. The choreography won the Tony, the costumes won the Tony, and early reviews from the tour have been stellar. Valentine's weekend matinees are prime date opportunities.
Who it's for: Theatre lovers, Broadway enthusiasts, couples looking for classic date activities, anyone who wants to be ahead of the conversation.
When: Running February 10-March 15. This weekend: Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday at 2pm.
Need to know: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre (244 Victoria Street). Tickets from $99+. The Saturday matinee is your best bet for Valentine's Day theatre. Book on AllEvents or through Mirvish directly.
What: Four days of all things sweet taking over Stackt Market with vendor markets, live music, workshops, and experiences. Think artisan chocolatiers, bakers, dessert makers, and the people who love them all congregating in Toronto's trendiest shipping container market.
Why go: Free admission to the market area means you can wander, sample, and discover without commitment. The workshops let you actually learn to make things, and the timing with Valentine's Day means peak romantic sugar content.
Who it's for: Dessert enthusiasts, couples seeking casual Valentine's activity, families looking for Family Day weekend options, anyone who photographs food.
When: Thursday, February 13 through Monday, February 16, 12pm-10pm (varies by day).
Need to know: Stackt Market (28 Bathurst Street). Free to browse, individual vendors and workshops priced separately. King West location means easy combination with other downtown activities.
What: EDM superstar Steve Aoki brings his legendary high-energy DJ set to Rebel, complete with his trademark cake-throwing antics. JOYRYDE and Nostalgix support.
Why go: Love him or roll your eyes, Aoki knows how to throw a party. The cake-throwing, the crowd surfing, the relentless energy. It's spectacle as much as music, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. Rebel's production for these headliner shows is always solid.
Who it's for: EDM fans, people who want to dance until their legs give out, anyone who's always wanted to see the cake-throwing thing in person.
When: Sunday, February 15 at 10pm.
Need to know: Rebel (11 Polson Street). 19+. Tickets from $77. Wear something you don't mind getting cake on (seriously). The show runs late, so plan your Monday accordingly.
What: Two-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter brings his rich baritone and soulful presence to Massey Hall. His voice is the kind that makes you stop what you're doing and just listen.
Why go: Porter is one of the most acclaimed jazz vocalists working today, and Massey Hall's acoustics were basically designed for voices like his. This is music for people who want to feel something, delivered in a venue that amplifies every emotional note.
Who it's for: Jazz lovers, anyone seeking Sunday evening sophistication, couples extending the Valentine's weekend, people who appreciate genuine vocal mastery.
When: Sunday, February 15 at 7pm (doors at 6pm).
Need to know: Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street). VIP packages available ($345.50) include meet-and-greet. Regular tickets vary by section. This is a sit-down, shut-up-and-listen kind of show, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Valiant: Passenger Princess Deluxe Tour (Saturday, February 14, 6pm at Rebel) – The Jamaican dancehall star brings his Valentine's Special to Toronto. If you know the words to "Dunce Cheque," you already have tickets.
OG Kadhal 2026 featuring DJ Black (Saturday, February 14, 9pm at Dopamine Lounge) – Tamil Valentine's party with India's DJ Black (official DJ for Hip Hop Tamizha). South Asian party vibes done right.
Cupid's Night Off Singles Night (Friday, February 13, 9pm at Taylors Landing) – For singles who want to meet other singles instead of pretending Valentine's weekend doesn't exist.
StrobeFest 35th Anniversary (February 13-15, various venues) – Toronto house music pioneers Strobe Records celebrate 35 years with a multi-venue festival. Deep cuts and deeper history.
AGO Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea (February 13-15) – Art, scones, and sophistication at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Bookings required.
Harbourfront Centre Family Day Weekend (February 14-16) – Free skating, crafts, films, and family programming along the waterfront. Your kids will remember this.
What should I book immediately? Paradisum (two nights only), The Princess Bride in Concert (limited performances), ROM After Dark nights (they sell out).
Best free things to do? Toronto Spring Festival at Nathan Phillips Square, browsing Sweet City Fest market, Harbourfront Centre programming.
Is the Auto Show worth it? On opening weekend? Absolutely. The displays are pristine and manufacturers actually have staff present to answer questions.
Weather check? February in Toronto means layers. Indoor backup plans are smart. The outdoor festivals will happen regardless of cold.
Where do I find more Toronto events? AllEvents has comprehensive listings for concerts, nightlife, and cultural happenings across the city.
Now stop scrolling and start planning. This weekend isn't going to experience itself.
