Entertainment and shopping

Be front, centre and first in line for the best shows, events and shopping in Ontario.

Ontario sets the stage for world-class live music festivals, big-ticket concerts, as well as intimate performances from all musical genres. Or get in on the action with pro sports events, casinos, horse racing, comedy clubs and more.

Shop for top name brands and discover one-of-a-kind antiques, souvenirs or bespoke pieces of art by local artisans.

Whatever your style, sound or passion, you're sure to find it in Ontario.

All Arts and cultural experiences Entertainment and shopping Family activities Food and drink Nature and relaxation Outdoor and recreation

Quick guide to entertainment and shopping in Ontario

Find out what’s on

There’s a lot to celebrate in Ontario. Use the handy Festivals and Events Ontario guide to find out what’s happening near you.

Shopping hours of operation

Most shopping centres and retail stores are open every day of the week, with the exception of select public holidays. Daily opening and closing times will vary, so check in advance of your visit.

Did you know?

The spirit of sporting competition and camaraderie runs deep in Canada, where lacrosse, basketball, five-pin bowling, ringette and wheelchair rugby were invented.

Get inspired

Get inspired with articles related to entertainment and shopping in Ontario.

Festive holiday markets in Ontario 2024

Get into the festive seasonal spirit at one of Ontario’s holiday markets.

Romantic fall getaways in Ontario

Here’s a collection of trip ideas to help you plan a romantic fall getaway in Ontario.

Cool places to visit in Ontario

Some Ontario destinations provide fresh ideas and experiences such as contemporary art and cuisine, boutique hotel design or unique ways to enjoy...

Where to go apple picking in Ontario 2025

Apple picking is a popular family-friendly activity in the fall, specifically from late August to the end of September.

Tips to enjoy Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) 2025

Formerly known as Caribana, the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture.

Pumpkin patches and farms in Ontario

Experience one of the highlights of the fall season at these Ontario pumpkin farms.

Holiday light festivals in Ontario 2024

Brighten your season with the stunning holiday light shows and light festival across the province.

Instagram-worthy places to stay in Ontario

Ontario is home to a wide variety of unique places to stay that push the boundaries of design, style and instagrammable charm.

Canadian football season in Ontario

Canadian football is a uniquely Canadian brand of the game, with several differences from its American counterpart.

The local's guide to the St. Lawrence Market  

Get insider tips and information about one of Toronto’s oldest public markets, a popular destination for visitors as well as locals. 

Celebrate Canada Day 2025

Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday on July 1, 2025, with these classic Canada Day activities.

Experience the best of Canadian ice hockey

Learn all about the various leagues, teams, arenas and ways to enjoy Canadian ice hockey in Ontario.

Women’s sports teams to watch in Ontario

Watch these women’s sports games live and cheer on the team’s perfect passes and game-winning shots.

10 great Ontario souvenir ideas

Shop for these uniquely Ontario souvenirs and mementos to keep or give to family and friends back home.

Budget-friendly travel tips in Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara

Plan an unforgettable budget-friendly trip in Toronto, Ottawa or Niagara Falls with discount savings and free attractions and experiences.

Romantic holiday getaways in Ontario

Spend the holidays visiting one of Ontario’s charming small towns for a romantic getaway inspired by Hallmark holiday movies.

Celebrity-inspired getaways in Ontario

Many celebrities know how to rock luxury Canada holidays by living large, exploring the country’s stunning landscapes and indulging in swanky accommodations.

Celebrity-inspired places to stay in Ontario

Imagine spending the night at a hotel inspired by your favourite celebrities and where these famous athletes, movie stars, musicians or writers may have stayed.

Great outdoor venues for live music

Summer celebrations heat up with sensational entertainment at outdoor venues sure to satisfy music lovers of all genres.

Ontario New Year’s travel resolutions

Here’s a list of top Ontario travel ideas to inspire your New Year’s resolutions for 2025.

Insider tips for visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario

Plan your perfect trip now with these insider tips for exploring Niagara Falls.

Spring activities in Ontario

Birds soar. Flowers bloom. And everything feels new and inviting. Don’t miss a thing, spring in Ontario is spectacular.

Unique, antique and one-of-a-kind places to shop

Ontario is home to a wide variety of shopping experiences, including quirky, eclectic and antique stores where you’ll find great gifts and souvenirs.

Inside Ontario’s basketball culture

Basketball has strong roots in Canada, with the sport invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891.

The local's guide to Ottawa's ByWard Market 

The ByWard Market has grown into a neighbourhood of indoor and outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Toronto Blue Jays and baseball season in Ontario

Ontario is the perfect destination for both longtime baseball lovers and those new to the sport.

Book a family getaway in Ontario this holiday season

Celebrate the holiday season on a fun-filled family getaway in Ontario.

Romantic downtown and out-of-town weekend getaway ideas

Enjoy a romantic date with good food, drink and fun activities or whisk your partner away on an overnight excursion.

Local's guide to St. Jacobs Market District

Find fresh farm produce, unique crafts and budget-friendly outlet stores at Waterloo Region’s St. Jacobs Market District.

Try your luck at these Ontario casinos

Try your luck at these iconic Ontario Casinos, offering everything from sit-down poker games to stadium games and casual slots.

Find an Ontario farmers market near you

Find farmers’ markets throughout Ontario and stock up on farm-to-table fresh seasonal produce, homemade goods and local arts and crafts.

Holiday fireworks displays in Ontario

Witness the excitement of bright, colourful pyrotechnic displays in the sky that mark holidays and special celebrations in Ontario.

Toronto neighbourhood shopping guide 

Toronto is one of North America’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, offering world-class attractions, entertainment and shopping.

Farm markets, bakeries and roadside stands in Ontario

Here is a selection of on-the-farm food stalls, roadside stands and farm markets across Ontario to put on your radar for your next summer road trip.

Iconic live music venues in Ontario

Live music concerts are a huge part of Ontario’s cultural mosaic, with homegrown talent and global artists celebrated.

Top live music festivals in Ontario 2025

From rock to blues, indie to pop, electronic to jazz, and everything in between, move to your favourite tunes at a summer music festival in Ontario.

Indigenous art galleries and gift shops

Visit Indigenous art galleries, cultural centres and gift shops in Ontario.

Ontario holiday shopping gift guide

Add a touch of local Ontario charm for everyone on your list with this selection of hand-picked presents and holiday gifts.

Best comedy shows and festivals in Toronto 2025

From stand-up to improv and sketch comedy, comedy shows in Toronto are recognized for their calibre of comedic talent.

Halloween events for grown-ups in Ontario 2024

Here’s a list of bone-chilling Halloween events, tours and activities in Ontario designed to entertain and scare teens and adults.

Christmas tree farms in Ontario

For many who celebrate the holiday season, a Christmas tree is a fun and festive part of the seasonal tradition.

Top car shows in Ontario 2025

From antique vehicles and vintage automobiles to cutting-edge, modern designs and exotic cars, Ontario’s top car shows will appeal to all auto enthusiasts.

Best art gallery and museum gift shops in Ontario

Here's a list of Ontario museums and galleries with gift shops that are just as thoughtfully curated as the exhibits.

Cool things to do in Toronto this winter

Grab your toque, throw on your gloves, bundle up and head out on an urban winter adventure.

Weekender's casino guide to Niagara Falls

If you’re looking to add some casino excitement to your next getaway, you’ve hit the jackpot with Niagara Falls.

Play and stay at these Ontario casinos

It’s your lucky day to play slots, poker or blackjack before retiring to your room at these Ontario casino hotels.

Ontario art and craft shows in 2025

Ontario is home to incredibly talented artists, designers and craftspeople who often showcase their products at a local art and craft show.

Speedways and car racing in Ontario

Experience the thrill of speedway racing in Ontario. Plan your next trip to some of the most heart-pounding races in the province.

Experience the best of soccer in Ontario

Soccer, or football as its originally known, is the world’s most popular sport, and Ontarians just can’t get enough of it.

Comicon, anime and fan expos in Ontario

Experience the thrill of fandom culture at Ontario’s leading gaming, anime and fan conventions.