Featured Events in Ontario in April, 2025 (July Updated)

For more than 60 years, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (born 1929) has invited people to participate in her groundbreaking visions of infinity. Over the past three decades, this prolific experimental artist has become an internationally acclaimed art-world icon, with work presented across the globe. INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER features mirrored spheres suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor. A mirrored column inside the room invites visitors to peer into a seemingly infinite field of silver orbs. Thanks to the generosity of over 4,700 #InfinityAGO donors who participated in the AGO's ambitious crowdfunding campaign and the David Yuile & Mary Elizabeth Hodgson Fund, Yayoi Kusama’s INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER is now a part of the AGO Collection.

What makes for a delightful picnic? Food and drink? Poetry? Music? A new installation offers a window into the pleasures, pastimes, and artistic heritage of Iran during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). A royal picnic, depicted on a large, treasured tile arch from the collections, is complemented by exceptional objects from the period. Gracing the Osler Gate on Level 1, a colourful tiled archway made over 350 years ago in Isfahan, Iran takes centre stage, showing picnic-goers out for an afternoon of leisure and luxury. Individual tiles reveal immaculately dressed figures relaxing, enjoying delicious food and drink, and being entertained with music, poetry, and feats of archery. Lively and cheerful, the scenes on the arch offer a wonderful glimpse into the cultural vibrancy of Iran when it was ruled by the Safavids, a Shi'a Muslim dynasty, who were great patrons of the arts and architecture, and who fostered international trade and diplomacy from Isfahan, their newly built capital city. The tile arch provides a magnificent focal point for the installation, which also showcases several stunning objects from the same period. A gorgeous lute with exquisite inlays and detail, an ornately decorated bow and arrow, a delicate swan-neck bottle, and beautifully crafted dishes - one of which carries words by medieval scholar Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) beginning with the lines: "This dish, which the intellect applauds, and on whose forehead it places a hundred kisses!" - bring the action on the tile arch to life. This beautiful collection of objects not only complements the arch scenes, but showcases the stunning artistry and intricacies of artisanal work iconic to the Safavid dynastic period. One has only to take in the physical objects to be transported to the scenes in the arch, enjoying music, poetry, food, and entertainment.

MARVEL AT THE POWER OF COLOUR IN THE NATURAL WORLD. Anywhere you look in nature, colour holds meaning. From the fiery reds of warning to the soothing blues of calm waters, Nature in Brilliant Colour will take you on a kaleidoscopic journey through the vibrant hues of our planet. Awaken your senses, and have your perception forever altered, as you make your way through a series of spaces, each dedicated to a colour of the rainbow. Through over 200 specimens, photo-worthy projections, and shifting soundscapes, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience that will deepen appreciation for the complex artistry of our world and celebrate its vivid and untamed beauty. This exhibition was created by the Field Museum.

Moments in Modernismhighlights the diversity and high quality of the AGO’s modern art collection, which has been built over time by generations of museum curators and patrons. This installation will show collection strengths from artistic movements such as Pop Art, Abstraction, Realism, and Minimalism. An international approach in artistic styles will be presented, including a body of work from the AGO holdings by Brazilian artists, recognizing the global nature of modernism. A selection of contemporary works that respond to modernist movements will also be shown. Many of the artists, including Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Jules Olitski, Gerhard Richter, and Mark Rothko are well known while others are still yet to be broadly recognized such as Tomie Ohtake, Rubem Valentim, Gene Davis and Kazuo Nakamura.A particular focus will be Canadian artists including Alex Colville, Rita Letendre, Jack Bush, Agnes Martin, Guido Molinari and Norval Morrisseau. Moments in Modernismfeatures artworks that will form the cornerstone for the expansion of the new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, starting construction in 2024. The new building is being designed by architects Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect to showcase the AGO's growing collection of modern and contemporary art.

A prodigious collector of contemporary art, the late Phil Lind (1943-2023) was drawn to artworks that illuminated social and political histories. An enthusiastic supporter of what has since come to be known as the Vancouver school of conceptual photography, this exhibition features works by noted Vancouver-born artists Stan Douglas, Rodney Graham, Ron Terada and Jeff Wall. Complementing these lens-based works – some intimate, some large-scale light boxes, some multimedia - are paintings, photographs and sculptures by Thomas Demand, William Eggleston, Antony Gormley, Philip Guston, William Kentridge, Thomas Ruff, Laurie Simmons, Wolfgang Tillmans and Ai Weiwei. This exhibition is curated by AGO's Curator of Modern Art Adam Welch.

From the Bader Collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the AGO welcomes a remarkable selection of seventeenth century Dutch paintings. Shown in dialogue with paintings from the AGO’s European Collection of Art, at the centre of this focused installation are seven artworks attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), shown together for the first time. Featuring intensely observed still life paintings, detailed interiors and mesmerizing portraits, these striking artworks offer a rare glimpse of Dutch artistry at work. This exhibition is co-curated by Adam Harris Levine, AGO Associate Curator European Art and Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader Curator of European Art, Agnes Etherington Art Centre. This exhibition is co-organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen's University.

An unprecedented exhibition that examines the history and legacy of Auschwitz. Created by Nazi Germany, the most significant site of the Holocaust, Auschwitz, was not a single entity. It gradually became a system of camps that combined two functions: a concentration camp and a killing centre in which some 1 million Jews— and tens of thousands of others, including Poles, Romani people, and Soviet POWs — were detained and murdered in a systematic and industrialized fashion. This powerful exhibition, which arrives in Toronto just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025, explores the dual identity of the Auschwitz camp as a physical setting — the largest documented mass murder site in human history— and as a symbol of the borderless manifestation of hatred and human atrocity.

As part of our annual zodiac installation, January 29, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Snake (蛇), the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born under this sign are believed to be wise and charismatic. The snake rarely appears as a decorative motif in Chinese art and design, however, when depicted with a tortoise, the pair have come to symbolize the mythical creature Xuanwu (玄武, the Dark Warrior), later evolving into the god Zhenwu (真武, the Perfected Warrior). The snake and tortoise symbolize the interplay of power, wisdom, and harmony of nature. Experience an exquisite array of snake and tortoise-themed objects and cultural belongings in this specially curated zodiac case. Marvel at impressive ceramics, including a mythical double-headed serpent from the early 500s. This and much more are now on view in this unique display celebrating the powerful snake.

The Shaw Festival is a charitable theatre festival in Ontario, Canada. It is the second largest repertory theatre company in North America, after the Stratford Festival in Canada. The Shaw Festival was founded in 1962 to present works by George Bernard Shaw, but was later modified by Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell to broaden the range of plays. As of 2019, the company is considered one of the 20 largest employers in the Niagara Region.

Emmanuel Osahor’s practice focuses on beauty as a necessity for survival, respite, and sanctuary. Known primarily for his paintings of lush, verdant gardenscapes—inspired by real and imagined locations—these works meditate upon the complicated histories of these sites that entail the domestication of lands, plants, and individuals alike. To dream of other places is the artist’s first major solo presentation in his home city of Toronto and includes paintings, drawings, prints, ceramic sculptures, and a site-specific photographic wallpaper commissioned for the Fleck Clerestory gallery at The Power Plant.

Experience Free Public Art at Union Station celebrating Black Artists & Cultural Legacy “A Transit Through Time” features a six-artist group exhibition co-curated by Union and MakeRoom Inc. as well as a special featured project by renowned artist Jordan Sook, “Nothing More Nothing Less”. The entire exhibition reminds viewers that everyone is part of the past, and we are responsible for shaping the future. Championing Black Artists with “A Transit Through Time” The featured works of artists Destinie Adélakun, Pixel Heller, Segun Caezar, Heritier Bilaka, Rico Poku and Camille Kiffin encourage exploration of the connections between the past and present, and the traditions that have shaped culture through time. They offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy and boundless creativity of Black communities. Transformative Beauty with “Nothing More Nothing Less” In addition to the group exhibition, Union has selected special guest artist Jordan Sook to present the solo exhibition, Nothing More Nothing Less, a collection of images of butterflies showcased in various mediums throughout Union for people to discover. The butterflies, containing the artist’s signature hand painted spots, represent self-expression and the joyfulness of the human spirit. Each piece merges entomology with curiosity, exploring themes of metamorphosis, transformation and evolution

This exhibition brings together two of the 20th century’s greatest painters—Rita Letendre (1928–2021) and Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007). Demonstrating the expressive potential of bold colour and line, these two artists pushed the boundaries of painting. During a career that spanned over sixty-five years, Letendre used brush, airbrush, palette knife, and her hands to make her work. Vibrating with physical and emotional energy, her paintings, —five of which are on view here, —embody her ongoing quest for connection and understanding. Morrisseau’s six-panel masterpiece, Man Changing into Thunderbird (1977), illustrates the theme of transformation, an idea central to Anishinaabe philosophy. This painting records the artist’s personal evolution into Miskwaabik Animiiki, or “Copper Thunderbird”, a name he received in a healing ceremony. The name carries connotations of protection, healing, mystery, and power, and Morrisseau used it as his signature. Merging personal narrative with intense colour and elaborate design, Morrisseau called this work, “the ultimate picture for me,” - it is featured here alongside two other works by him from the 1970s.

Tracing Blackness through its many migrations and manifestations, the interdisciplinary artist Oluseye blends the ancestral with the contemporary and the physical with the spiritual. Inspired by merindinlogun, a Yoruba divination ritual, Oluseye presents a new installation that illustrates the spiritual, mythological, and biographical elements that have shaped his worldview and art practice. In Yoruba culture, cowrie shells symbolize wealth and prosperity and are used by diviners to communicate with ancestors and receive guidance. Paying homage to that cultural practice and his own narratives, Oluseye presents 16 large-scale bronze cowrie shells, resting atop a hand-carved divination tray.

How do our experiences shape our perceptions? ROM Connection Stations invite you to reflect on Museum objects to build a deeper understanding of the world and how others may experience it. How does your personal background shape your perceptions? How can current interpretations differ from when an object was produced? How could other people view the same object? These interactive stations can be enjoyed alone or with other guests and invite visitors to share in a collective conversation to recognize biases, consider the impact of perceptions, and foster greater understanding.

Recipient of the 2022 Gershon Iskowitz Prize at the AGO, American-born, Toronto based artist Tim Whiten, has, for almost five decades, fashioned a powerful visual language all his own. Drawing upon various spiritual traditions, mythologies, and rituals, Whiten’s work evades easy categorization, manifesting itself in ways that are spellbinding and technically profound. The more than 30 works on display range from works on paper and cotton, to sculpture, other three-dimensional objects, and mixed media installations. The exhibition features many of the artist’s most essential works, made with organic matter such as leather, bone, and stone, and precarious materials such as glass and crystal. This exhibition is organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario in partnership with the Gershon Iskowitz Foundation.

Join us for the ultimate End of Year Party specially curated for Nigerian youths! It’s time to unwind and celebrate the end of the semester in style. Expect: Delicious food and refreshing drinks Fun party packs for attendees Good music, great company, and unbeatable Naija vibes Games, dance, and plenty of fun moments Come ready to party, connect, and create unforgettable memories! Information Source: CUNSA | eventbrite

Hamilton Pro Wrestling returns with Spring Slam 6 on Friday April 4th, featuring Championship matches and more at our home of the Germania Club of Hamilton! (Free parking on site, plus cold drinks and hot food!) Plus all your favourite HPW talents in action, as you witness hard hitting, high flying action and championships get defended, in what promises to be a fun night for all ages, as we bring our family friendly entertainment to you once again! Grab your tickets now for only $20, before they sellout, and join in on what several have called one of the best outings in the city! Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you ringside! #HPW #hamiltonprowrestling #hamiltonwrestling #hamiltonevents #HamOnt #Hamilton #prowrestling #IndieWrestling #thingstodo #welovewrestling #datenight #germaniaclub #wrestlingevents #thingstodoinhamilton #risingstars #nightout #wrestling #spring #springslam Information Source: Hamilton Pro Wrestling | eventbrite

Snow Patrol is set to embark on their North American Tour, with a stop in Boston at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The event will take place on April 5, 2025, at 2 Lansdowne St., MA, 02215. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with the band's signature alternative rock sound and captivating performances. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Snow Patrol live in concert at this iconic venue in Boston.

Witness the unforgettable experience of half alive's Persona World Tour as it makes a stop in Charlotte at The Fillmore Charlotte on April 8, 2025. Immerse yourself in an evening of soul-stirring music and captivating performances at this iconic venue located at 820 Hamilton Street. Don't miss this opportunity to see the band live in action and create lasting memories at this exclusive event in the heart of North Carolina.

KEBLACK LIVE IN OTTAWA SHOWCASE Get ready for an unforgettable night with Keblack as he takes the stage in Ottawa! Join us on Sat, Apr 12, 2025 at 400A Dalhousie St KEBLACK has taken the music scene by storm with hits like Boucan , and Aucune attache. Don't miss this chance to see him light up the stage with a high-energy performance that will keep you dancing all night long. 📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 ⏰ Time: Doors open at 10 PM Time: Doors open at 10 PM 📍 Location: 400 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa (Downtown), ON The show will run from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, followed by an after party from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM for those who want to continue partying. Information Source: Fusion entertainment | eventbrite

Welcome to the Annual Eggstravaganza – an Easter Egg Hunt at Pulsars Newmarket ! Join us for a fun-filled day of searching for colorful eggs and enjoying the holiday spirit. The event will take place at 1206 Ringwell Dr , where kids can participate in the egg hunt. Get ready to hop around and collect as many eggs as you can! Don't miss out on this egg-citing event – see you there! Information Source: Pulsars Gymnastics Club | eventbrite

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter as some of the funniest desi comics take the stage at The Rec Room, Mississauga! From Bollywood gossip to desi politics, from trending topics to classic Indian culture references—nothing is off-limits! Join us on Friday, April 18th at 7:30 PM for a comedy show like no other, featuring: 🎤 Harv Khatow 🎤 Jwalit Bharwani 🎤 Jagan Krishnan 🎤 Aditya Chaudhary Expect a hilarious mix of Hindi, Hinglish, and English comedy, packed with relatable jokes, witty observations, and the perfect dose of nostalgia. Whether you're a die-hard Bollywood fan, a chai-loving debate expert, or just someone who loves a good laugh—this show is for you! Don't miss out—grab your tickets now and let’s get desi with the LOLs! Please Note: Comedians will be performing in the following languages Hindi, English and Hinglish. Information Source: Harvasp Khatow | eventbrite

Saturday Paint Night Come join us for a fun and relaxing painting event at our studio on the TOP FLOOR of 365 Bank St ! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to unwind after a long week, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Grab a canvas, pick up a brush, and let your imagination run wild. No experience necessary - our talented instructors will guide you every step of the way. Don't miss out on this chance to unleash your inner artist and enjoy a night of painting and laughter with friends. See you there! Beautiful and Fly 19th April, 2025 Information Source: I Can Draw | eventbrite

Easter Egg-stravaganza is happening on April 19 from 10 am-2 pm, and it's the perfect event for families with young kids! Join us for a fun-filled day featuring exciting egg hunts for little ones and elementary-aged children, food trucks, face painting, and inflatables. The festivities will take place outside the church under the big tent and throughout the parking lot. Don't miss out on this egg-citing celebration—bring the whole family for a day of laughter and adventure! Information Source: PORTICO Community Church | eventbrite

Qawwali Night- Performed by Ladies Group: A Celebration of Love & Togetherness 🎶 Join us for a magical evening of soulful Sufi music featuring Toronto’s own Muneeba Sheikh! Celebrate love and togetherness as she captivates with her enchanting voice, blending Eastern traditions with Western influences in a performance that’s perfect for all. 📅 New Date: Saturday, 19th April 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM 📍 Venue: Marriott Courtyard Brampton 🎟️ Ticket Price: $49.95 per person ✨ Children under 10: Free 🍽️ Includes: Dinner & Complimentary Henna for Girls This is a night for everyone—couples, families, and friends. Celebrate love and devotion with beautiful Qawwali music, delicious food, and festive vibes. 🎫 Book your tickets now for an evening to remember! ❤️ Information Source: Dream Media Agency & Cocktail Intl Group, Inc. | eventbrite

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Lula Lounge!Arrive between 7 pm and 8 pm to indulge in a delectable three-course dinner and explore the carefully curated Lula bar menu, featuring signature tropical cocktails. The beginner dance lesson at 9 pm will ease you into the Lula Latin groove, preparing you for a night of dancing to the tropical rhythms of one of Lula's world-famous live salsa orchestras, performing two sets starting at 10 pm and midnight. Between live music sets, Lula's talented DJs keep the party going with a mix of top 40, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and other Latin hits. Don't miss out on this electrifying night! Reserve for dinner for 2 or large parties : https://www.lula.ca/cuban-fridays ! Dine & dance the night awayFor the ultimate night out, look no further than our $69* dinner prix fixe! Not only does it include admission to the event, but you'll also get to enjoy a lively salsa lesson, sizzling live music, a skilled DJ, and a sumptuous three-course dinner. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a festive birthday celebration, an anniversary party, a stagette, or any other celebration of life, this package has everything you need for a night to remember. So why wait? Come join the fun and let us help you make unforgettable memories! Lula's Menu is below After dinner, you can keep your table for the rest of the night — just order a bottle for your party! * price per person, tax and gratuity are additional Dancing only ticketsIf you're ready to dance the night away and don't need a reserved seat, we have just the ticket for you! Our online General Admission or Line By-Pass tickets are the perfect way to experience our lively venue without any fuss. These tickets are perfect for dancing enthusiasts and include admission to our venue and the 9pm dance lesson. Please note that these tickets do not include seating or food, but they're a great way to enjoy the music, atmosphere, and energy of our venue. Don't miss out on a night of fun and dancing. Get your tickets today! About Ricky FrancoOf Mexican descent, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ricky Franco Velasco is one of the city's most popular salsa frontmen. With his unique R&B tone, Franco is equally a master of bachata, bolero, cumbia and merengue. Salsa Celebration Special!Planning a special occasion and want to make it truly unforgettable? Lula has got you covered! Book a party of 12 or more guests and receive one complimentary Prix Fixe Dinner. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other milestone, our package includes everything you need for a night of celebration. Book your party now: https://www.lula.ca/celebrations The Salsa Celebration Special includes:Cover for the live band, dance lesson, and DJ to keep the party going all night long.A scrumptious three-course dinner from our delicious prix fixe menu.A free 1oz mojito for the guest of honor to get the festivities started right.If you're planning a large party, don't wait – book your celebration today and let us take care of the rest. With our Salsa Celebration Special, you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable night of food, drinks, and dancing with your closest friends and family! Elevate your party with the private VIP balcony!Looking to elevate your party experience to the next level of luxury and exclusivity? Look no further than Lula Lounge's VIP Balcony Bar! Our VIP Balcony is the perfect space for hosting a private party, reserved exclusively for you and up to 60 of your guests during our famous Friday and Saturday salsa nights! More information - https://www.lula.ca/balcony-bar With sweeping views of our vibrant venue, the VIP Balcony offers a premium party experience unlike any other. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, engagement, or any other special occasion, our VIP Balcony is the perfect place to make your party unforgettable. Enjoy a private space for your group, complete with your own bar and dedicated staff to cater to your every need. Don't wait – book the VIP Balcony for your next private party and experience the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity at Lula Lounge. Get ready for your night out! Now that you've chosen the version of the Lula Experience that's right for you, get in the mood by listening to our Spotify Salsa Del Mundo playlist featuring chart-topping music by Toronto salsa bands including the stars of our Lulaworld Records label! Information Source: Lula Lounge Toronto | eventbrite

Welcome to **Farmer Vendors | Canada's Easter Weekend Market** at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa! Join us on **Sun, Apr 20, 2025** at the Horticulture Building for a day filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats. Meet and support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, delicious snacks, or just want to explore, this event is perfect for a fun Easter weekend outing. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop local and celebrate the holiday with us! Information Source: Rai | eventbrite

This is THE event you don’t want to miss—bringing together over 25 incredible vendors, 8 powerful keynote speakers, and a community committed to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness! Information Source: THRIVE IN 2025: TOTAL WELLNESS SUMMIT | eventbrite

Information Source: It's Time! Consulting & Event Management | eventbrite

Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Japanese Breakfast on The Melancholy Tour as they take the stage at The Fillmore Charlotte on April 27, 2025. The Fillmore Charlotte, located at 820 Hamilton Street, Charlotte, NC, 28206, will provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable evening. Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of the most acclaimed indie bands live in concert in the vibrant city of Charlotte.