65 things to do in Toronto this Canada Day weekend: June 30 to July 3

Jun 28 2017, 4:22 am

Well, Toronto, the big day is finally here, it’s time to celebrate 150 years of Canada.

The usual concerts, parades, and fireworks will be taking place throughout the city, but for those looking to celebrate the anniversary a bit differently, we definitely got you covered this Canada Day weekend.

From Canadian themed dance parties and trivia nights to firework boat cruises, here are the top 65 events happening in the city.

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 weekend, the festival will be wrapping up, so make sure you don’t miss out on any of the top performances.

Where: Various locations
When: Now until  July 2

Canada Day at Mackenzie House

What: Residents can celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a visit to Mackenzie House. Visitors will be invited to use the1845 press to print a Maple Leaf on a postcard, a poster or a fabric patch.

Where: Mackenzie House, 82 Bond Street
When: Now until July 3, 12 pm to 5 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 2, 11 am to 11 pm; July 3, 11 am to 9 pm

Heritage Ontario Festival

What: Come and celebrate the heritage, culture, and traditions of Ontario through music on multiple stages, interactive exhibits, food and drink vendors, spread out all around the Ontario Place grounds.

Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
When: June 30 to July 3

What: This Canada Day weekend, come and honour the creative contributions of indigenous and new Canadians through a family-friendly celebration of the diverse sounds and stories of the land known as Turtle Island.

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: June 30 to July 3

Toronto Harbourfront Canada Day Weekend

What: If you’re looking to enjoy 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 to July 3

Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square

What: Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square will bring Canada’s rich cultural fabric to life through an incredible mix of music, dance, circus, and street arts. There will be performances from the Barenaked Ladies, Belly, Buffy Saint-Marie, Ron Sexsmith & TSO + Ron Cousins, and much more.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: June 30 to July 3

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

Evergreen Brickworks Saturday Market

What: Come and enjoy good food from local farmers, food producers, and chefs.

Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview
When: July 1, 8 am to 1 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

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

East York Canada Day Parade

What: East York will be hosting its 60th annual Canada Day parade, which will feature marching bands and plenty of fun. The parade will begin at Dieppe Park and move east along Cosburn Avenue to Woodbine Avenue and end at Stan Wadlow Park. Once the parade is done, make sure to enjoy East York’s Canada Day celebrations in the park.

Where: The parade will begin at Dieppe Park and end at Woodbine Avenue and Cosburn Avenue
When: July 1, 10 am

Canada Day at Fort York

What: If you’re looking to embrace the history of Canada’s past, come and celebrate Canada Day at Fort York. Here you’ll find musket drills, tours of the fort, music, face painting, hula hooping and much more.

Where: Fort York Historical Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.
When: July 1, 10 am to 5 pm

Canada Day at Scarborough Museum

What: Scarborough Museum will celebrate the contributions of those who have come together since Confederation to create a diverse Canadian community. The program features traditional and contemporary local crafters, interactive printmaking of iconic Canadian symbols with InPrint Collective artists, a pie-eating contest, blacksmith demonstrations, leather working, traditional fiddler-and-caller square dancing and Canada Day cupcakes. Visitors are invited to share their experiences as Canadians at the community memories kiosk.

Where: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Road
When: July 1, 10 am to 5 pm

ROM Free Admission Day

What: In celebration of Canada 150, the ROM is opening its doors to all visitors with free admission to the Museum’s permanent galleries and select special exhibitions. There will also be a series of live performances and activities for the entire family.

Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
When: July 1, 10 am to 5:30 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 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

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

Canada Day at Queen’s Park

What: Bring the entire family to this annual Canada Day celebration where there’s something to do for everyone. Activities include music and dance performances, roaming performers, games, children’s activities, such as face-painting and arts and crafts.

Where: Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley Street West
When: July 1, 10 am to 10 pm

East York Canada Day

What: Come and enjoy a full day of celebrations in East York and enjoy lots of music and of course, some wicked fireworks to end the day.

Where: Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale Avenue
When: July 1, 10:45 am to 9 pm

Canada Day Picnic

What: Join MP Carolyn Bennett and community groups for a fun family-friendly Canada Day celebration. There’ll be live music, family activities, main floor tours and much more.

Where: Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Road
When: July 1, 11 am to 5 pm 

Canada Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village

What: Give the little ones an interactive lesson in Canadian history at Black Creek Pioneer Village with an 1867-style Canada Day celebration. Here, you’ll find an official Citizenship ceremony, traditional games, and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
When: July 1 to 3, 11 am to 5 pm

Canada Day at Spadina Museum

What: The museum will also be hosting free festivities that will include live entertainment, community information tables, and a barbecue. The museum’s main floor will be open for tours.

Where: Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Road
When: July 1, 11 am to 5 pm

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

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’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 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 6 pm

Pride of Canada Carousel

What: What could be more Canadian than spending the 150th Birthday of Canada on the Pride of Canada Carousel which has 44 unique characters portraying Canadian animals, culture, and history. There’ll also be face painting and balloon twisting activities for little ones.

Where: Pride of Canada Carousel, 8080 Birchmount Road
When: July 1, 12 pm to 5 pm

Canada Day at High Park

What: Colborne Lodge and the High Park Nature Centre will be joining M.P. Arif Virani celebrate Canada 150 in the community.

Where: North End of High Park at the Forest School, 11 Colborne Lodge Drive
When: July 1, 12 pm to 5 pm

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

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

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. The Port Lands are plugged in for the big Canada Day party with this massive concert and picnic.

Where: Port Lands, 51 Commissioners Street
When: July 1, 1 pm

Canada Day Tea at Montgomery’s Inn

What: Visitors can enjoy iced tea on the new patio of Montgomery’s Inn’s. There will also be a Canada Day menu that will feature a pinwheel sandwich tea plate and a celebratory Canada 150 layer cake. At 2 p.m., a special introduction to the inn will precede a tour where visitors can learn more about how the building is being revitalized. There will also be children’s activities, cooking and strawberry ice cream in the historic kitchen.

Where: Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West
When: July 1, 1 pm to 4:30 pm

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 Vintage1714 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 1 pm to 7 pm

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

True North, Strong & Free: Canadian Citizenship in Toronto

What: Discover the meaning and importance of Canadian citizenship on this free guided tour through downtown. The walk features engaging stories about key symbols of Canadian identity and notable figures who shaped Toronto’s diversity and built the country we know today.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 1:30 pm to 3 pm

Canada Day 150 at Celebration Square

What: Join other Canadians and celebrate Canada’s 150th in the heart of Mississauga, at Celebration Square. Inspired by new beginnings, the Canada 150 event tells the story of the city, celebrating what connects the community together.

Where: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive
When: July 1, 2 pm to 10:30 pm

Basia Bulat

What: Check out one of Canada’s most conspicuous talents in the west end of the city on Canada Day. Basia Bulat is a Juno-nominated indie-folk singer who wows audiences with the help of her soaring auto-harp, stomping feet, and powerful voice. This line-up also includes DakhaBrakha and SATE.

Where: Humber Bay Park West, 15 Marine Parade Drive
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 pm

Ron Sexsmith and Charlotte Day Wilson

What: As part of Toronto’s major four-day celebration at Nathan Phillips Square, there will be a special Canada 150 collaboration featuring the renowned Toronto Symphony Orchestra and one of the great songwriters of his generation, Ron Sexsmith; joined by PEI’s remarkable singer/songwriter Rose Cousins, for a monumental performance touching on some of Sexsmith’s most memorable songs from his 30+ year career. Charlotte Day Wilson and Kid Koala will also be performing on Canada Day before the fireworks.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 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, 2 pm to 11 pm

Busty and the Bass

What: Get dancing in the city’s North end as Busty delivers a dance-filled live performance influenced by hip-hop and jazz that is unmatched in energy and vibe. Be sure to head down early to check out The Jerry Cans, representing Canada’s north through a unique mix of Inuktitut alt-country, throat singing, and reggae influences.

Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 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 Day at Mel Lastman Square

What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with hundreds of others at Mel Lastman Square. The event will highlight urban music and culture from Toronto, Canada, and the world through Persian funk, Indigenous hip hop and indie rock, and Afro-Latin soul. There will also be dance performances, family filled activities, and an amazing fireworks display.

Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 pm

Gibson House Museum Canada Day Celebrations

What: Gibson House Museum staff and volunteers will provide hands-on activities in Mel Lastman Square including a make your own skipping rope station. Residents will also be encouraged to participate in a community exhibition celebrating Canada and Canada’s 150th by creating their own memory jar (kit to be provided) for display at Gibson House Museum.

Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
When: July 1, 2:30 pm  to 5:30 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

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

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 D’Eh 2017 Trivia and Karaoke

What: Get in the Canada 150 spirit at this amazing evening of kitschy Canadiana trivia and karaoke.

Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen West
When: July 1, 7  pm to 2 am

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 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

See also

What: And for fans of silent parties, The Clinic drops at the Phoenix Concert Theatre with an all-star DJ line-up and unforgettable performances. No other silent headphone party in Canada has been able to assemble a lineup like this, which features Dr. Jay, Willy Chin, DJ Young Chow, Artiste Team, Jester, Bandit, Junya Menace, DJ Shy, DJ Royal Star, DJ Kevin, Kit Kut, Dirty Dez, and Eman.

Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
When: July 1, 10:30 pm

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

Our Lady Peace

What: The Queen’s Plate Festival kicks off on July 1 in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday with live racing, incredible activations and a show-stopping post-race concert by home-grown talent, Our Lady Peace.

Where: Woodbine Racetrack
When: July 2, 1 pm

dvsn

What: Toronto’s dvsn are home this month for a free show. On OVO’s label, dvsn released a highly successful debut album in 2015 and will be bringing their signature lush sounds to the stage at Nathan Phillips Square this long weekend.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 2, 9:55 pm

Celebrate Canada Day Long Weekend with Foodora and Bacon Nation

What: Nothing’s more Canadian that enjoy Canada 150 with some delicious Canadian bacon! This holiday Monday, come and enjoy a $1.50 Bacon Sandwich from the Bacon Nation food truck, available exclusively through foodora’s app or website using the pickup feature. Crafted with peameal bacon, Canada’s iconic breakfast food, the sandwich is topped with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, fried egg, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo, and served on a brioche bun.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 3, 12 pm to 11 pm

CARICOM Flag Raising Ceremony

What: As part of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, members of the Caribbean Consular Corps will be paying tribute to Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary with a commemorative flag raising ceremony.

Where: North York Centre
When: July 3, 12 pm to 12:30 pm

Promise Cherry Beach

What: Promise Cherry Beach is officially back Toronto! This holiday Monday, you can experience all your favourite local DJs, good weather, plenty of dancing, and most importantly, a fully licensed beach bar!

Where: Cherry Beach
When: July 3, 3 pm to 11 pm

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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