39 Canada Day events worth checking out in Toronto
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When it comes to summer in Canada, celebrating Canada Day its definitely one of the highlights – especially when it happens to be our great nations 150th birthday.
Not sure what to do in Toronto this July 1?
Keep reading our guide to find all of the Canada Day events, firework shows, festivals and other ways to celebrate our glorious country.
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
What: The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has come to be recognized as one of North America’s premier jazz festival and has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and blues. This Canada Day, the festival will be hosting ten free concerts across the city. Just head over to the event website for full concert listings and locations.
Where: Various locations
When: Now until July 2
Nathan Phillips Square Celebrations
What: Ring in Canada Day at Nathan Phillips Square, where music of all forms and genres will be celebrated, in addition to dance, circus and street art and nightly fireworks. Headliners throughout the weekend include The Barenaked Ladies (Friday), Ron Sexsmith and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (Saturday) and Shad (Sunday).
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: June 30 at 5 pm to Monday, July 3 at 11 pm
Toronto Ribfest
What: If nothing says “Canada Day” to you more than a saucy rack of ribs, you’ll find no shortage at Ribfest. In addition to two stages with live music all day, perks for the kids include free KidzZone activities, a massive mobile midway and a variety of daily activities.
Where: Etobicoke Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road
When: June 30 to July 3
Toronto Harbourfront Canada Day Weekend
What: For a Canada Day that’s rich with culture and history for the little ones, the festivities at Harbourfront Centre celebrate the creative contributions of Indigenous and new Canadians.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: June 30 at 6 pm to July 3 at 7 pm
Canada Day at Queen’s Park
What: At Queen’s Park, you can expect a day of food and drink vendors, music and dance performances, roaming performers, face painting, kid-friendly games and a 21-gun salute at noon.
Where: Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley Street West
When: June 1, 10 am to 10 pm
See also
- 11 places to watch Canada Day fireworks in Toronto
- These are the best family-friendly Canada Day events in Toronto
- 104 amazing events and festivals in Toronto to check out this summer
Aretha Franklin at TD Jazz Fest
What: The one and only queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, will be bringing her extraordinary voice to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts this Canada Day as part of the TD Jazz Festival.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
When: July 1, 8 pm to 11:30 pm
Bryan Adams’ Canadians at the ROM for Canada’s 150
What: Paying homage to Canada’s 150th anniversary, Canadians features portraits of noteworthy national icons, all captured by the world-renowned musician and talented photographer Bryan Adams. The show consists of portraits taken by Adams, including Joni Mitchell, Wayne Gretzky, Michael J. Fox, Michael Bublé, The Weeknd, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
When: July 1, 10 am to 5:30 pm
Canada D’eh! Party
What: For the night owls in the group, this is a Canada Day party you won’t’ want to miss. After attending your afternoon activities in the city, head to Toronto’s Nocturne for a two-room epic dance party. The main room will feature House’n’Techno and there will be PsyTrance in the Front Room.
Where: 550 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 10 pm to 5 am
Sailin’ Through the 6
What: Take part in Ontario’s biggest boat festival this Canada Day. Join thousands of Canadians on multiple boats syncing to one sound and one party as you celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. The evening will be complete with an epic fireworks show.
Where: 11 Polson Street and 333 Lakeshore Blvd East
When: July 1, 12:30 pm to 3 am
Red 150 Party
What: Rebel nightclub and Virgin Radio Toronto will be hosting a Red 150 Party for partygoers this Canada Day. Sponsored by Jose Cuervo and 1800 Tequila, this party will have three local DJ’s spinning in multiple party rooms.
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
When: July 1, 10 pm to 3 am
96 TEARS Backyard BBQ
What: This July 1 BBQ is hosted by Toronto’s very own 96 Tears Vintage and will feature music from Cellphone and Komodo, lunch and beer combos, cheap drinks, and of course, 20% off all vintage all day long.
Where: 96 Tears Vintage, 1714 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 1 pm to 7 pm
Canada Day at the Horseshoe Tavern
What: Collective Concerts, Ride the Tempo and Little Coyote present Canada Day at the Horseshoe Tavern! Come and enjoy July 1st listening to some great Toronto bands that include Little Coyote, Luma, Mother Tongues, Vistas and Camp Girls.
Where: Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 8:30 pm to 1 am
Cabana Pool Bar – Red Party
What: In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, Cabana Pool Bar is hosting a Splash Saturdays Red Party on Canada Day with music by Chris La Roque and 4Korners. Make sure to wear red!
Where: Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson Street
When: July 1, 1 pm to 10 pm
WITH IT! 60s Mod Soul Reggae Record Dance Party
What: Spend Canada Day evening dancing the night away at a ’60s mod soul reggae dance party. DJ Nico and DJ Magnificent will be spinning vinyl all night. Cover starts at $5.
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor Street West
When: July 1, 10 pm to 2:30 am
Canada Day Boat Party
What: Spend July 1 on a Canada Day booze cruise. Dance the night away to popular club anthems and dance mashups and take in a stunning fireworks display from the boat.
Where: 333 Lakeshore Blvd East
When: July 1, 9 pm to 2 am
The Red White and Rage Party
What: Come and celebrate the spirit of the almighty Maple Leafs this July 1 at the sweetest bar in Toronto, better known as Cake. With a FREE guestlist, $4 drinks and beers all night long, you’ll surely be celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in style.
Where: Cake Bar & Nightclub, 214 Adelaide Street West
When: July 1, 10 pm to 2 am
Brewer’s Backyard: Lester P. Beerson Day
What: The Brewer’s Backyard is a fun afternoon soiree that gives you a chance to learn about, try and meet the people behind the best beer Ontario has to offer, in the casual and relaxed setting of historic Evergreen Brick Works.
Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: July 1, 11 am to 5 pm
Canada Days at Scarborough Civic Centre
What: If you’re looking to dance this Canada Day, make sure to head to Scarborough Civic Centre for Canada Days. This multi-stage event will feature performances by local, national and international music acts from desert blues, Taiwanese indie, and electronica to legends of reggae and South Asian hip hop that will get everyone on their feet. There will also be a family activity zone and a hospitality area offering food and beverage will be available for the public throughout the day. A spectacular fireworks finale at 10:55 pm will end the night.
Where: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 pm
Canada 150 at Rogers Centre
What: To kick off a month-long celebration of Canada 150 at Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays will host two home games against the Boston Red Sox Canada Day weekend. There’ll be giveaways, family-friendly activities, and the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a red replica Blue Jays hat.
Where: Rogers Centre,1 Blue Jays Way
When: July 1, activities start at 9 am
Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square
What: The annual Multicultural Canada Day celebrations includes everything from a “Parade of Nations” and a massive singing of “O Canada,” to art, food and live performances from multicultural groups that showcase their diversity.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
When: July 1, 12 pm to 9 pm
Canadian Hip-Hop Duo Deen Squad Performance
What: Viral sensation and Canadian-Muslim hip-hop duo Deen Squad will be performing at Canaday Days in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. The influential rap duo from Ottawa combines the raw essence of urban hip-hop with the core tenets of spiritual values, breaking the stereotypes with being Muslim in the contemporary world.
Where: Scarborough Civic Centre Main Stage, 150 Borough Drive
When: July 1, 10:10 pm to 11 pm
Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration
What: You’re invited to attend the 34th Annual Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration! Here you’ll find an exciting event lineup that’s complete with a talent search, strong man’s show, multicultural entertainment, children’s activities, plus many interesting vendors. This is going to be an event that you surely won’t want to miss.
Where: Amesbury Park, 1507 Lawrence Avenue West
When: July 1, 9 am to 10 pm
Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square
What: If you’d rather stay clear of the downtown core, Mel Lastman Square will be bustling all day for a family-friendly affair of food and drinks, an eclectic assortment of live music, outdoor theatre, circus arts and fireworks to end the evening.
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 pm
Canada Day at Canada’s Wonderland
What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary at Canada’s Wonderland. Attendees can check out West Coast Lumberjack Show, acrobatic shows, street performers, live music, traditional Canadian food, an epic firework display, and all the rides you can think of. Attendees are invited to wear red and those who wear the patriotic colour will automatically be entered to win prizes like front of the line passes.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
When: July 1, 10 am to 10 pm
Humber Bay Park West Celebrations
What: If you’re looking to dance with the kiddos to a day packed full of music, you’ll find it at Humber Bay Park West. You can expect sounds inspired by the rich cultures of the surrounding Etobicoke area and to end the day with a fireworks display.
Where: Humber Bay Park West, 2225 Lakeshore Blvd. West
When: July 1
Canada 150: Discovery Way
What: If you’re looking for an untraditional way to celebrate the big 150, head over to the Ontario Science Centre for Discovery Way. From the far reaches of space to common household items, this installation focuses on the Canadian stories behind transformational inventions and innovations.
Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road
When: July 1, 10 am to 8 pm
Electric Island Canada Day Party
What: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to get down to the sounds of Richie Hawtin, Maceo Plex, Recondite, Chaim, and much more. Hanlan’s Point is plugged in for the big Canada Day party with this massive concert and picnic.
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
When: July 1, 1 pm
Canada’s 150th at Steam Whistle Brewing
What: Steam Whistle Brewing in partnership with The Hudson Bay Company will be celebrating Canada’s 150th in true Canadian fashion; with live music, great Canadian comfort foods, an iconic Canadian retail pop-up shop and of course, Canada’s Premium Pilsner.
Where: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Blvd
When: July 1, 11 am to 1 am
Canada 150 Celebration with The Strictly Hip
What: Come celebrate 150 years of Canada with North America’s best tribute to The Tragically Hip. To all of the serious Hip fans out there, the Strictly Hip band performs all hits accurately, passionately, respectfully and with reverence to its creators.
Where: Adelaide Hall, 250 Adelaide Street West
When: July 1, 7 pm
Canada Day 150 at Celebration Square
When: July 1, 2 pm to 10:30 pm
Jubilee Cruise
What: Raise a glass and cheers to Canada turning the big 150 aboard a Jubilee cruise. Guests can enjoy a dinner cruise followed by a beautiful firework display.
Where: 539 Queens Quay
When: July 1, 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Cuban – Canadian Jazz Collective Celebrates Canada Day
What: In celebration of the contributions of Cuban-born players to the Canadian jazz scene, Cuban – Canadian Jazz Collective brings together nine leading jazz musicians from four provinces to play their original compositions, revealing both the breadth and the depth of their individual musical explorations.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm
Downsview Park Canada Day Festival
What: Come and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, Downsview Park-style. Attendees will be able to partake in an action-packed day of festivities with rides, food, music, entertainment and of course, a grand firework display at dusk to end the day.
Where: Downsview Park, Downsview Park, Keele/Sheppard
When: July 1, 11 am to 10 pm
Canada Day Celebrations 2017 at Aga Khan Museum
What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in the Aga Khan Park with food and fun-filled activities for the entire family.
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: July 1, 12 pm to 3 pm
Fireworks Cocktail Cruise
What: Celebrate Canada Day in style aboard a Mariposa Cruises cocktail cruise as you take in a brilliant fireworks display illuminating the Toronto skyline and reflecting on the harbour.
Where: Mariposa Cruises, Pier 6 207 Queens Quay West
When: July 1, 8:30 pm to 12:30 pm
Canada Day Fireworks
What: There’s no better way to celebrate the 150th birthday of our home and native land than with an incredible fireworks display. Luckily for Torontonians, there are 11 places to watch a firework show taking place around the city. So, regardless of where you’re celebrating there should be a show close to you.
Where: Locations throughout the city
When: July 1
CN Tower Fireworks
What: Come and celebrate Canada’s 150th, with a huge firework show in the heart of downtown Toronto. The show begins at 10:30 pm with a 30-second light show, followed by five minutes of fireworks set to Canadian music that will end with another fantastic light show.
Where: CN Tower
When: July 1, 10:30 pm
Canada Day Family Reggae Festival
What: Get ready to dance Canada Day away at this two-day family event. There’ll be plenty of Carribean music, food, performances, and dancing, so make sure to wear your dancing shoes.
Where: Parkshore Golf Club, 7797 Goreway Drive
When: July 1 to 2, 2 pm to 12 pm
Redpath Waterfront Festival
What: At Redpath Waterfront Festival, you’ll find a Canada 150 Fund project written specifically for the occasion, an interactive performance by internationally-renown street artist DJ Creeasian, the plaid-filled West Coast Lumberjack Show and a large artisan market.
Where: Toronto Waterfront
When: July 1 to 3
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