We have a long weekend coming up – May 19-21 – there’ll be quite a few events specially held during this weekend with fireworks displays usually on the Monday (public holiday). Banks, schools, many stores and restaurants are closed on the Monday. Call ahead to find out about other attractions and tourist spots. Public transportation will run on a holiday schedule.
Asides from the usual attractions you can go to, here’s a couple of extra events that are happening:
Royal Visit
If you’re interested in getting a glimpse of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, well you’ll have a chance to this weekend in Toronto. To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Prince Charles and Camilla are visiting Toronto for a couple of days and it happens to be during our long weekend.
They will arrive in Toronto on Monday, May 21 (Queen Victoria Day), 5:10 pm at Toronto Pearson International Airport and will be watching the Fireworks Display (I believe at Ashbridges Bay – The Beaches) at around 9:30 pm.
Then they have a full day visiting in and around Toronto on Tuesday, May 22. After that they will leave Toronto for Regina.
As you will see from their Itinerary, it’s a ‘whirlwind’ visit but there will be chances for you to catch them on Yonge Street or elsewhere in our city.
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Brewer’s Backyard
On the Monday (May 21) at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave, Toronto) the Brewer’s Backyard, a new craft beer series, will be kicking off the summer at the BrickWorks.
Expect to see beers from Great Lakes Brewing of Toronto and sandwiches from Fidel Gastro’s.
Where: Koerner Gardens & Holcim Gallery
When: Noon–4pm
Cost: Beer tasting: $6 per glass; Sandwiches: $6 each
- Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by the Premier of Ontario, meet with members of emergency services and their families to highlight the importance of service in communities, before observing Toronto’s fireworks display in honour of Victoria Day.
Every year the MMVAs are held at CHUM City/MuchMusic building along Queen Street West and with each year, it just keeps getting bigger. Past years have seen performers such as Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, New Kids on the Block “NKOTB” and so many others who have presented or made appearances – David Guetta, Selena Gomez, The Wanted just to mention a couple.
This year, it’s not going to be any different. This awards show offers the fans an up close and personal night with their idols.
In order to get INTO the parking lot to be ‘real close’ to the stages and performers, you must have a wristband. These babies are not easy to come by as there is such a high demand for them. AND, remember, if you have a wristband you won’t be able to check out the red carpet as wristband holders usually have to be in their specified area by 7:15 pm.
Now, if you still want to try and get one of these wristbands, be prepared to line up (for days/nights) with others who camp out outside the building (keep in mind, they only give out so many). But there are other ways you might get the chance to own one of these precious items. Through contests and via @MuchMusic on Twitter.
According to Niagara Falls Tourism, the first tightrope walker to cross the falls was Jean Francois Gravelet, better known as “The Great Blondin,” in 1859. The last person to cross the gorge on a wire was James Hardy in 1896, but Wallenda said he will be the first to cross directly over the waterfall.