May brings warmer weather, vibrant community events, and blooming patios to Old Town Toronto! Start your month by discovering craft brews and cask ales at the newly opened Brewing at the Market. Support the Daily Bread Food Bank by grabbing a campaign sandwich at Grandma Loves You as they work to raise $30,000. Treat Mom to limited-edition cherry hearts from ChocoSol Traders, or sip a fresh Pistachio Banana Latte at Balzac’s.
Plus, the design community comes together for the King East Design District (KEDD) Neighbourhood Hop on Friday May 29th, and you can explore the historic Old Fire Hall at a CMU College of Makeup Art & Design open house. It’s the perfect time to get outside, explore, and support your neighbourhood favourites!
40th Anniversary: Penderecki Quartet
The Penderecki String Quartet, renowned for championing contemporary music and based at Wilfrid Laurier University, has premiered over 100 works. This concert features the quartet performing Mozart, Penderecki, and Schubert’s sublime Quintet in C major, with Roman Borys, cello. Presented by Music Toronto.
Music Toronto
27 Front St E, 416-366-7723
www.musictorontoconcerts.com/concerts/penderecki-quartet
Instagram: @music.toronto.concerts
All You Can Eat Hot Dogs at St. Louis Bar & Grill
Shopsy’s + St. Louis = Spring IS HERE! From Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 31st, you can enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Premium Shopsy’s Hot Dogs for just $14.99! Feeling fancy? You can load your dog for an additional $5.00! While this promotion doesn’t require a beverage purchase and doesn’t include fries, fries can be added for only $2.00! Come and join us for another memorable AYCE experience!
St. Louis Bar & Grill
92 King Street East, Unit 114
416 -840-0268
https://locations.stlouiswings.com/on-toronto-5219/
Instagram: @kinge.stlouis
$30,000 mission for Daily Bread Food Bank with Grandma Loves You
Grandma Loves You is turning one sandwich into a $30,000 mission for Daily Bread Food Bank.
Following our 7-year milestone this past March, we are dedicating the entire month of May to giving back through a city-wide initiative called “30 Days of Love.”
As part of this campaign, we will donate $3 from every campaign sandwich sold (this special item only), with a goal of raising $30,000 to support Daily Bread Food Bank, helping families facing food insecurity across our city.
To make participation as accessible as possible, Uber Eats will also offer free delivery on this item throughout the campaign.
Our intention is simple — to turn everyday moments, like sharing a meal, into meaningful support for those who need it most.
Grandma Loves You
42 Wellington St E, 416-887-3262
www.grandmalovesyou.ca
Instagram: @grandmalovesyoutoronto
King East Design District Neighbourhood Hop
On Friday May 29th, from 6-9pm celebrate innovation, design, and community at the annual King East Design District (KEDD) Neighbourhood Hop, organized by DesignTO, in collaboration with Old Town Toronto BIA.
The KEDD Neighbourhood Hop is as an opportunity to explore the King East Design District district, and learn about the products on show at 7 participating “Neighbourhood Hubs.” Offerings span from furniture, lighting, and decor, to kitchen appliances and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design. Whether you hop between hubs or settle in at your favourite, this special night brings together designers, design-lovers, and curious creatives for an evening of connection and discovery.
- BSH Experience & Design Centre, 334 King Street East @ Parliament Street
- Candace & Basil, 75 Ontario Street @ Richmond Street East
- Cosentino City Toronto, 143 Frederick Street @ Front Street East
- Design Within Reach Toronto, 214 King Street East @ Sherbourne Street
- EQ3, 222 King Street East @ Sherbourne Street
- KPMB Architects, 351 King Street East @ Berkeley Street
- Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom, 280 King Street East @ Ontario Street
The KEDD Neighbourhood Hop is free, but attendees need to RSVP. Guests can check in at any Neighbourhood Hub to get a wristband, and then move between venues. Note each venue has unique capacity limits.
Wellness and Longevity Assessment at Altitude Athletic Training
This assessment provides a comprehensive look at your overall health, fitness, and longevity markers. Using research-grade testing technology, we evaluate key indicators of strength, balance, body composition, and cardiovascular efficiency to help you understand your current wellness profile and optimize long-term health and performance.
Learn more about out our Wellness and Longevity Assessment by clicking here. For more about our other Fitness Assessments please click here.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Weekend Brunch at Duke’s Refresher
Brunch? At Duke’s Refresher? It may sound like a trick, but it’s the real deal – every weekend, from 11am – 2pm, you can experience a whole new world of brunch with delicious food and glorious cocktails, all done the Duke’s Refresher way. Whether you’re trying to cure a hangover or getting an early start on the next one, brunch at Duke’s Refresher will get you going!
Duke’s Refresher
73A Front St E, 416-603-8826
www.dukesrefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
May Highlights #AtTheOmni
Experience a season of elevated dining, special events, and relaxation at Omni King Edward Hotel this May.
At the Consort Bar, celebrate Caesar Month all May long with a specialty Caesar menu, plus a featured Caesar station on International Caesar Day (May 14).
On May 10, treat Mom to a luxurious Mother’s Day Mimosa Brunch (10:30 AM – 3 PM), followed by Cognac & Conversation: Rémy Martin Night on May 27 at 6:30 PM—an intimate tasting experience designed for sipping and discovery.
Reservations & inquiries: 416-863-9700 | to-festive@omnihotels.com
For rest and rejuvenation, Mokara Spa Toronto is offering seasonal treatments and spring packages through June, including Hydrafacial experiences and full-body rituals designed to refresh and restore.
Spa bookings: 416-863-3131 | MokaraSpaToronto@omnihotels.com
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @omnikingedward
Modular Living at The Chesterfield Shop
There’s nothing like a beautiful, comfortable modular sofa or sectional.
Add on pieces to customize your space perfectly.
Include a chaise or ottoman – with storage.
So many fabrics to choose from.
Multiple configurations, including condo-size.
And the best part- proudly Made in Canada – for you.
Come into 275 King St. East and meet Stephan and his great team of Karen, Binal and Giselle. Mon-Sat. 10-6, Sunday 11-5.
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St. E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Spring Cocktails at Lima Charlie
Our new Spring Cocktail menu has dropped…come join us for our new cocktail menu featuring fresh daily made juices from our friends at Chasers Juice. Summer in a glass!
Happy Hours 2:00pm-6:00pm, 10:00pm-1:00am Monday to Saturday. Open to close on Sundays! Let’s celebrate the end of winter together ☀️
Lima Charlie
189 King St E, 437-880-8379
www.limacharliepub.com
Instagram: @limacharliepub
Support Toronto’s First Post Office Today
The Town of York Historical Society, the sole operator of Toronto’s First Post Office, is in serious financial difficulty. Without additional and continued financial support, our ability to operate and preserve Toronto’s First Post Office will be at real risk. For over 40 years the Town of York Historical Society has operated Toronto’s First Post Office as an Old Town community hub, Post Office, and destination for travellers both from across Canada and abroad. Our mission has always been to bring the history of mail, communication, and early history of Toronto, to our visitors. Our journey to encourage and inspire has reached the farthest corners of the world bringing in over 30,000 visitors a year.
Toronto’s First Post Office is not just a building. It is Canada’s oldest surviving purpose-built post office still in operation, recognized as a National Historic Site, a museum, and stationery gift shop that provides a platform for local and Canadian artists. The Post Office & Museum’s continued operation in these various capacities has become a pivotal asset to the Old Town community and its many visitors, as our offerings of rotating exhibits, guided tours, school programs, and community events connect people with the early history of our city and provide them the opportunity to fulfill the original purpose of the building by utilizing our Post Office.
If the Society is forced to close, Toronto would lose a unique, living history site that connects us back to the foundations of our city, severing a vital connection to our past. Our continued programming to mail letters featuring our specialized and historical Post Mark has sent a small piece of us to the farthest corners of the planet. This is not simply a museum. This is an active living heritage site that helps define Toronto’s identity and deepen residents’ connection to the past while fulfilling the original purpose of the building, the only National Historic Site in Canada to do so.
We are calling on you to show your support and your dedication to the preservation of this unique historic site. Whether through the purchase of a membership or a direct donation, either one time or recurring, your contribution will help keep the Town of York Historical Society & Toronto’s First Post Office open for years to come. Together, we can ensure that this important institution continues to serve the Old Town community and protects this irreplaceable part of Toronto’s story.
Visit www.townofyork.com to donate today!
Toronto’s First Post Office & Town of York Historical Society
260 Adelaide St E, 416-865-833
www.townofyork.com
Instagram: @tos1stpo
Ever Thought About Trying Contacts?
Ever thought about trying contacts? Book a fitting appointment today and you will be eligible for a fitting fee rebate! Get up to $100 of your contact lens fit fee back when you order a supply! The fitting fee appointment includes a teach, fit, and trial contacts to take home to sample. If you are a new patient, book a full eye exam with us and we can add the fitting appointment as well!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
New Summer Drink: Strawberry Iced Matcha at Au Pain Doré
Craving something refreshing with a touch of natural energy? Discover our Iced Strawberry Matcha — the perfect balance between the delicate, earthy notes of matcha and the sweet softness of strawberry. A refreshing, smooth, and lightly energizing drink, ideal for brightening your day. Perfect to sip in the sun, on your break or whenever you need a gentle pick-me-up.
Offer valid for a limited time in our participating cafés.
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
Scoop Into Sunshine Season at Bomba Gelato
May is all about Gio’s handcrafted Italian gelato here at BOMBA GELATO, made the way it should be, rich, silky, and packed with real flavour in every scoop. This is the kind of gelato that belongs in your hand while you wander the market, soak up the sunshine outside, and take your time enjoying a fun moment in the city.
Swing by, grab your favourite, try something new, and make it part of your spring ritual.
📍 St. Lawrence Market, Lower Level
☀️ Sunshine, strolls, and seriously good gelato
Bomba Gelato
St. Lawrence Market, South Market Lower Level, Market St. Side
647-348-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @BombaGelato
Meet the new Pistachio Banana Latte at Balzac’s
Treat yourself to the smooth, rich flavour of our newly launched Pistachio Banana Latte (PBL) Menu! These unique drinks perfectly blend creamy pistachio milk with sweet banana syrup for an unforgettable taste experience. You can enjoy it hot or iced in a classic latte, refreshing matcha latte, rich mocha or a hot tea latte. Stop by today to explore the full PBL Menu and find your new favourite combination!
Balzac’s Coffee Ltd.
10 Market St, 416-368-4949
wwwbalzacs.com
Instagram: @balzacscoffee
A Date Night That Brings You Closer at Bahn Thai Spa and School
This May, skip the usual plans and share an experience that feels meaningful. Our Intro Thai Massage Workshop is a relaxed, hands-on evening where you’ll learn simple ways to care for each other through touch and presence. Expect connection, laughter, and a chance to truly slow down together. You’ll leave with more than a memory, you’ll take home skills you can use anytime. Plus, when you sign up for any Intro Class this May, enjoy our special promo: Buy One Get One 50% off Thai Fisherman Pants, the perfect way to continue the experience in comfort!
Bahn Thai Spa and School
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispaschool
Mother’s Day & Burgers for a Cause at Café Nicole Bistro + Bar
This May, Café Nicole Bistro + Bar is giving locals two reasons to visit Old Town Toronto!
Join us on Sunday, May 10 for a festive Mother’s Day brunch featuring freshly baked pastries, fruit, smoothie jars, yogurt parfaits, salads, charcuterie, a made-to-order omelet station, eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, bacon, quiche, and more.
Available from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
Adults – $39.95 | Children under 12 – $24.00
(Taxes and gratuities not included)
Mother’s Day can be reserved on May 10, 2026
Book your table: https://www.opentable.ca/cafe-nicole-novotel-toronto-centre
Throughout the month, Café Nicole is also serving The Burnt Burger in support of Mental Health Month, with $5 from every burger sold donated to The Burnt Chef Project to support mental health resources for hospitality professionals.
Café Nicole Bistro + Bar
45 The Esplanade, 416-860-5151
www.cafenicole.ca
Instagram: @cafenicolebistro
Open House in Toronto’s Old Fire Hall at CMU
CMU College of Makeup Art & Design is a hidden gem in Toronto. Housed in Toronto’s original fire hall at 110 Lombard Street, we are the only college offering training in all eight disciplines of makeup, hair and design. Come celebrate a slice of Toronto’s history and learn more about the exciting programming and career opportunities at CMU.
Open to the Public: Come explore a unique blend of history and creativity in an inspiring, hands-on environment.
- learn inside a converted historic fire hall in downtown Toronto
- capture photos in our unique heritage building
- movie special effect exploration
Discover the story behind the space while engaging in interactive experiences that bring artistry and imagination to life.
Two dates (FREE) available:
CMU College of Makeup Art & Design
110 Lombard St, 416-968-6739
www.cmucollege.com
C’est What Beer Garden is back!
The C’est What Beer Garden (94 The Esplanade) is officially opening for the season on May 8th, and we can’t wait to welcome you back. Join us once again to enjoy a relaxed outdoor setting with our full food menu available, alongside a Beer Garden–specific draught and beverage list curated just for the season. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or kicking back with friends over good food and great beer, we’re looking forward to seeing you all out in the beautiful weather. Cheers to another great summer at C’est What!
C’est What?
67 Front St. East (patio at 94 The Esplanade)
416-867-9499
www.cestwhat.com
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Limited Edition Earl Grey + Lavender Bar at ChocoSol Traders
A floral twist on a beloved classic, this limited edition bar begins with our Vanilla Sea Salt dark chocolate finished with a delicate scattering of Earl Grey tea and locally sourced lavender. Inspired by baking traditions that pair these two unique flavours, our head chocolatier, Michelle, crafted a bar that is both comforting and unexpected. Notes of citrusy bergamot rise through the richness of cacao, while lavender adds a soft, aromatic finish—creating a layered tasting experience that lingers.
The lavender and Earl Grey were sourced from a local vendor at St. Lawrence Market, connecting this bar to the community around our boutique. Don’t wait! These bars are available exclusively at our St. Lawrence Boutique for a limited time.
ChocoSol Traders
St Lawrence Market, 93 Front St E Unit 22B
416-923-6675
www.chocosoltraders.com
Instagram: @chocosoltraders
Get concert ready with Wildlife Thrift!
Concert season is finally here, and whether you’re heading to an outdoor festival, a packed arena show, or a local gig, one thing’s for sure you need to travel light, stay hands-free, and look effortlessly cool doing it.
Swing by soon before the best pieces disappear because just like your favorite band’s tickets, these won’t last long!
Got a concert coming up? Show us your thrifted look—we love seeing how you style your finds!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Candace & Basil Joins KEDD Party 2026
Candace & Basil Toronto is proud to be part of this year’s King East Design District Neighbourhood Hop Party, presented in partnership with DesignTO, taking place on May 29 from 6–9 PM.
Located in the heart of Toronto’s design district, our showroom will be one of the featured stops for an evening dedicated to creativity, community, and design. Guests are invited to explore the space, connect with fellow designers and enthusiasts, and experience what we do up close.
Throughout the evening, we’ll be serving light snacks and drinks, with music setting the tone for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re part of the design trade or simply appreciate well-crafted interiors, it’s a great opportunity to engage with the local design community.
About Candace & Basil
Candace & Basil is a Canadian, family-owned furniture brand specializing in bespoke, luxury upholstery with in-house manufacturing. From custom sofas and sectionals to upholstered beds and seating, every piece is built from scratch with a focus on quality, comfort, and thoughtful design.
We work closely with both homeowners and the design trade, offering a highly customizable process that allows clients to tailor every detail—from dimensions and materials to finishes and comfort preferences. Our showroom serves as both a design destination and a collaborative space where ideas come to life.
We look forward to welcoming you on May 29 and celebrating design together in the King East Design District.
Candace & Basil
75 Ontario St, 1-800-468-9067
www.candb.ca
Instagram: @candaceandbasil
In the Market for Something Refreshing? Brewing at the Market is Open!
Brewing at the Market is now open on the lower level of the St. Lawrence Market (near the south entrance off Market Street). Complete with brewing kettles, taproom, and a patio on Market Street at The Esplanade, it’s the perfect spot to grab some market eats and wash it down with locally made craft beer. You can also take some home to complete your shopping trip. For more info, please see the review in 6ix Retail https://6ixretail.com/2026/04/cest-what-st-lawrence-market-toronto/
Brewing at the Market
St. Lawrence Market, Market Street and The Esplanade
437-918-9115
www.cestwhat.com/brewery/
Instagram: @cestwhatdurham
Olympic Cheese: From St. Lawrence Market to the World Stage
A familiar face at St. Lawrence Market recently received an international honour that reflects decades of dedication to the craft of cheese.
Nick Tsioros, Managing Director of Olympic Cheese, has been inducted into the prestigious Guilde Internationale des Fromagers, a globally respected organization recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of cheese.
The induction took place during SIAL Canada, one of North America’s leading international food industry exhibitions, in Montreal, with the official ceremony held in Old Montréal at the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History.
“This recognition is an immense honour. It’s not just personal, it reflects the strength of our community,” says Tsioros. “St. Lawrence Market has always been a place where tradition meets discovery, and I’m proud to represent that spirit on a global stage.”
Visitors are invited to experience this passion and expertise firsthand at Olympic Cheese in the heart of Old Town Toronto.
Olympic Cheese
93 Front St E, 416-363-7602
www.olympiccheese.com
Instagram: @Olympic_Cheese
What is Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
What are the Boundaries of Old Town Toronto?
How to Submit to This Newsletter
Do you represent a commercial property, or a business located within a commercial property, inside the boundaries of the Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area? If you are not currently receiving our Members Newsletter (which includes the monthly submission form for Where To Support Local), please subscribe by clicking here.
Am I a Member? All commercial property owners and businesses located within them, within the Old Town Toronto BIA boundaries, are automatically members of our not-for-profit organization and are eligible to submit one entry per publication of Where To Support Local.
