Lots happening in multicultural Toronto this holiday weekend May 19-21 that’s free or nearly free. Details are on www.TorontoMulticulturalCalendar.com .

On Saturday, from 12 to 5pm, Colborne Lodge has a Victoria Day Family Scavenger Hunt and Victorian treats, (free with admission, see: http://bit.ly/eMInuf ).

Mississauga’s Carassauga Festival kicks off at 2pm with its free Parade of Nations, multicultural Dance of Nations, and official Opening Ceremony. (The three day Carassauga goes full blast on May 25, 26 and 27.) At 3pm this Saturday May 19, a free showing of the film “Chinese Restaurants: Song of the Exile” will be at Innis Town Hall. This is the story of the Chinese diaspora told through family-run Chinese restaurants in Israel, South Africa and Turkey. A Q & A with the director follows. If you like Chinese food, this is for you, but you have to RSVP to make sure of a seat.

On Sunday, the children’s hunt at Colborne Lodge continues from noon to 5pm. From noon to midnight, Markham International Sedan Chair races for charity will be at Markham Civic Centre, along with a carnival, parade and fireworks. It’s free, unless you are racing. From 4 to 7pm, there’s English Country Dancing in High Park with live fiddle and flute. Pay what you can but $5 is the suggested minimum.

On Monday, with offices, banks, schools, and most stores closed for Victoria Day, the sedan chair races continue in Markham from noon to 5pm. Christie Pits Park will be jumping loudly with Summer Sintings, a free celebration of Jamaica’s 50th years of independence with music, dance and more. See

www.bit.ly/JI7Hlx for the full program schedule. Parking nearby will be impossible. It’s best to take the subway to Christie station.

Let me know of your adventures at any of these for this Blog.