Doors open to the city this weekend, but portion of subway closed

It is the one time of the year when the city opens its doors to spaces that are normally closed to the public. Doors Open also offers a behind-the-scenes look at buildings you walk into all the time.

The annual event is one of many being held this weekend. Also on offer is an outdoor festival for dogs, charity yard sales, walks and runs, waterpark fun, and the start of a pedestrian-friendly party every Sunday.

As you make your weekend plans, a reminder that a portion of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) is closed for TTC work. But shuttle buses will be running to help get you to your destination.

---

Events

Doors Open Toronto
In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, 150 buildings across the city will be opening their doors this weekend.

It’s part of the 18th annual Doors Open Toronto, which offers free and rare access to various locations. There are 50 new participants this year. Some of the buildings include Toronto City Hall, Rogers Communications, City and OMNI Television studios, Gibson House Museum, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and Spadina Museum.

 

This year’s theme is “Fifteen Decades of Canadian Architecture,” with a special focus on centennial-period buildings and architects from the 1960s. Click here for a list of locations and admission hours. Doors Open also features a speaker series, new music program, walking tours, a photo contest and more.

Woofstock
North America’s largest outdoor festival for dogs, Woofstock, is taking over Woodbine Park this weekend. The two-day event is a one-stop shop for everything canine.

The festival features surf lessons, fashion shows, celebrity dog meet-and-greets with stars like Tuna and Smiley, a best costume contest and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Canine Canada Pageant. Dogs will also have the chance to participate in the Woofstock Games, an Olympic-style sporting event.

 

Yard Sale for the Cure
If you like yard sales, then you will have a field day on Saturday with several yard sales taking place to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. One of the large treasure hunts takes place at Trinity Bellwoods Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other organizations and individuals are also hosting their own sales across the city.

The program was started by breast cancer survivor Rachael Smith, who along with friends and family, held the first yard sale in the Beach in 2005. So far, the event has raised $1.8 million.

Splash Works Opening
If you can’t wait to take a dip in a pool, or shoot down a slippery slide, you’re in luck. Canada’s Wonderland’s Splash Works officially opens this weekend.

The water park will operate on weekends only until June 16, when it will then be open daily until September. Splash works is included with park admission and seasons passes. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Season pass-holders are eligible for early entry, at 10 a.m.

Pedestrian Sundays
The streets of Kensington Market are yours every Sunday, starting this weekend and every last Sunday of the month until Oct. 29. From noon to 7 p.m. pedestrians will be able to soak up the neighbourhood’s offerings without having to worry about vehicles.

 

Brunch Fest
Get your brunch on this weekend at the Bud Light Radler Brunch Fest. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, at 99 Sudbury St. near Dovercourt Road.

Brunch Fest brings together an all-star roster of the most iconic brunch spots in the city. Vendors include Bacon Nation, Wafel Bar, Busters Sea Cove, Starving Artist and Morning Roast. There will be a cocktail bar, Caesar bar, smoothies, and of course, coffee. Attendees must be 19 years or older.

Charity walks and runs
Enjoy some exercise and fresh air at several walks and runs taking place this weekend, while you help to raise money and awareness for a good cause.

 

Three events are taking place on Saturday, one of which is The Walk of Life, hosted by the Mikey Network. It takes place at the Ontario Science Centre and E.T. Seton Park at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The event includes the 1K, 3K, and 5K walks; 5K and 10K runs; chair exercises for seniors; and a kids fun run. A barbecue lunch will be served up including snacks and beverages, as well as live entertainment and children’s activities. Money raised will be going to heart health education and getting defibrillators at schools.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also sign up for the Spring Into Action! Walk or Run for Diabetes. The route for the 2K and 5K is through Sunnybrook Park. Proceeds from the event, which starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, go to the York University Diabetes Sports Camp and the Canadian Diabetes Association. There will also be children’s activities and gift bags.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, people will be lacing up for The Walk for Alzheimer’s at Etienne Brule Park in Etobicoke. Walkers who raise more than $100 will receive a free T-shirt.

Two events are taking place on Sunday, including the Toronto Women’s Run Series at Sunnybrook Park. The half-marathon is at 8 a.m. while the 5K is at 8:20 a.m. The entry fee includes a race kit, a memento of the day, digital photos of the race, and a post-run party.

Take a walk along the Sunnyside boardwalk for the Borderline Walk, which raises awareness for dysregulation disorder. The 5K walk on Sunday starts at 10:30 a.m. and is in memory of Sasha Menu Courey, 20, who lived with Borderline Personality Disorder and and died by suicide in 2011.

TTC and road closures

Partial Line 2 shutdown
Subways won’t be running on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) between St. George and Broadview stations due to work on the Prince Edward Viaduct and TTC maintenance.

Shuttle buses will be running and Wheel-Trans buses are available upon request. Regular subway service resumes at 6 a.m. on Monday.

Road closures
University Avenue will be closed in both directions from Wellington Street to Queen’s Park Circle from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Sunday for the Aga Khan World Partnership Walk.

Partial closures will also be effect from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the area bounded by John Street, Wellington Street, University Avenue and Queen’s Park Circle.