Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of May 4-5

Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of May 4-5

Jason Priestley
Jason Priestley is a special guest at the 9021-OMG Block Party (Image: George Pimentel)

In this edition of The Weekender, the Contact Photography Festival, a block party with Jason Priestley (yes, Brandon Walsh himself) and three more things to do in Toronto.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Contact Photography Festival
For the next month, Toronto turns into a city-wide art installation. Billboards, subway stations, cafés, stores and even airport terminals become galleries, joining institutions like the ROM and MOCCA in showcasing more than 1,500 artists across 175 venues. Check out exhibits from iconic Toronto photographers Michael Snow and Arnaud Maggs or the controversial work of emerging talent Jonathan Hobin. Our top 10 picks are here. Free! May 1-31. Various locations. scotiabankcontactphoto.com

SPORTS
Sportcard and Memorabilia Expo
With more than 400 exhibit booths, the Expo is the largest hockey collectibles event in the world. Vendors, serious collectors and hobbyists travel to Toronto to find and sell the rarest memorabilia and sports cards. Former Toronto Blue Jays chucker Jack Morris is signing autographs, along with 18 members of the 1993 Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens, including legendary goaltender Patrick Roy. $12 per day ($3 for children); $25 weekend pass. May 3-5. International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga. sportcardexpo.com

PARTY
9021-OMG! Block Party
To mark the final performance of Race, Canadian Stage is hosting its first-ever Berkeley Block Party. The guest of honour: Jason Priestley, who stars in the current production of the David Mamet play. There’s also live music, cheap drinks and food from a Smoke’s Poutinerie truck. $10. May 3. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St. canadianstage.com

FOOD
Food Truck Festival
Better Living Health and Community Services are bringing Stuft, The Feisty Jack and Smoke’s Poutinerie (it’s everywhere!) together for a mobile eating event in North York. Bier Markt is running a beer tent. Free! May 3. 1 Overland Drive. betterlivinghealth.org

ART
The Toronto Strip Show
No, not that kind of strip show. The new month-long showcase at Steam Whistle’s The Roundhouse presents work from dozens of comic strip artists. Free! May 1-31. Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Blvd. steamwhistle.ca