25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: June 2 to 4

May 30 2017, 4:28 am

Happy first weekend of June, Toronto!

From food and drink festivals to a star-studded music festival and even a ketchup slip n’ slide, these are the top 25 events taking place in Toronto this weekend.

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Inside Out

What: Inside Out, Toronto’s very own LGBT film festival, is back for another action-packed season and will feature a hefty mix of world premieres, local features, industry programs and a festival lounge. There’s a variety of movies taking place all weekend, make sure to check the website for full listings and times.

When: Now until June 4
Where: Events happening throughout the city

Toronto Festival of Clowns

What: Now entering our 12th year, the Toronto Festival of Clowns returns to the city, bringing five full days of clown festivities. The annual festival aims to bring together clowns and physical theatre artists of all disciplines and backgrounds and provide a common space to showcase their work.

When: Now until June 4
Where: Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street

Michael Christidis Exhibit at Circle Arts

What: If you want to immerse yourself with some fine Canadian art this weekend, we recommend checking out Canadian landscape painter Michael Christidis exhibit at Circle Arts. The exhibition will showcase work by Canadian artists practicing in a variety of mediums including paintings by Michael Christidis.

When: All summer long
Where:  Circle Arts, 14 Bay Street

ROOF FEST at Mascot Beergarden

What: There’s no better way to kick off the month than with an epic rooftop party. Admission is, you guessed it, FREE before 10 pm. Here you’ll be able to take in the amazing views, sip on brews, taste Mascot’s delicious menu and kick it with some of the best DJs in the city.

When: June 1 to 4, 4 pm to 9 pm
Where: Mascot Brewery, 31 Mercer Street

Pride Month Toronto 

What: Now celebrating its 35th year, Pride Toronto is back for another exciting month filled with plenty of fun. The heart of the celebration is in Toronto’s gay village but opportunities for entertainment can be found in LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants and nightlife spots across the entire city. There’s a variety of events taking place this weekend including Field Trip Festival with Pride Toronto sponsored artist Tei Shi and Senior Pride Network. Check Pride website for full event details.

When: June 1 to 25
Where: Events located throughout the city

Canada’s National Ballet School’s Sharing Dance Day

What: Canada’s National Ballet School will kick off its celebration for Canada 150 with a nationwide dance party at Yonge-Dundas Square on June 2. This family-friendly event will bring communities together and empower them to enjoy the physical, social, emotional and cultural benefits of dance for all Canadians. The events will include professional dance performances, open free dance classes, activity booths, music, and engaging activities for all ages.

When: June 2, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East

Waterfront Artisan Market

What: This free outdoor festival happening every Saturday until October is presented by The Waterfront BIA and operated by the Scadding Court Community Centre. Aside from the sweet lakeside setting, look for to a “carefully curated mix of 75 local, up-and-coming artisans, crafters, chefs, and bakers.”

When: June 2, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay West

National Doughnut Day

What: Celebrated the first Friday in June, this annual food day has been celebrated since 1938 as a way to honour those who served doughnuts to soldiers during the first World War. In Toronto, some bakeries and cafes are serving up special features, while others are offering freebies, and/or accepting donations for charity. We rounded them up for you right here.

When: June 2
Where: Bakeries and cafes across Toronto

Sausage Party

What: Laneway Pop-ups returns to The Steady Cafe & Bar for this presents this vegetarian hot dog pop-up. Expect two new dogs from the same people that already introduced a Seoul Food Dogs and the Fleetwood Mac and Cheese.

When: June 2, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Steady Cafe & Bar1051 Bloor Street West

In Conversation: David Sedaris

What:  Join humorist, radio contributor and New York Times bestselling author David Sedaris as he discusses one of the most anticipated books of 2017, Theft By Finding: Diaries 1977-2002. There will also be a book signing to follow to those who have purchased his book.

When: June 2, 7 pm to 8 pm
Where: Indigo Bay Bloor, 55 Bloor Street West

Mac and Cheese Festival

What: This deliciously free festival will feature over 50 variations of mac and cheese on, as well as, an all-cheese marketplace, craft brewers, wine makers, carnival games, marshmallow fire pits, a gaming zone, and live entertainment on site.

When: June 2 to 4, Friday at 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday at noon
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

What: In celebration of World Environment Day, The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup invites locals to lead their own shoreline cleanup or to join one! Let’s work together to get Toronto’s shorelines clean.

When: June 2 to 5
Where: Locations throughout the city

Ketchup Slip ’n Slide

What: Yes, you read this event name right. there’s an actual Ketchup Slip n’ Slide taking place in Toronto this weekend. The event hosted by “self-proclaimed Ketchup Chip keener”, and former Toronto Blue Jay Brett Lawrie, offers a chance for fellow ketchup fiends to suit up in coveralls, helmets, and goggles then hurl themselves down a condiment covered slide in an attempt to set a world record we never even considered: The Most Canadians to Slip Down a Ketchup Slippery Slide in One Hour.

When: June 3, noon
Where: Front Street West and Simcoe Street

Appleseed Cider Festival

What: Are you looking for a sweet event this summer? Or perhaps a dry one? Whatever you prefer, Appleseed Cider Festival has you covered! There will be two sessions available, one for families and one that’s 19 plus.

When: June 3, 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street

Field Trip

What: Field Trip is back to take over Fort York for two days of music, art, comedy, family activities and plenty of food. Musical guests include Broken Social Scene, Phoenix, Feist, A Tribe Called Red, and so many more!

When: June 3 to 4, all day
Where: 100 Garrison Road

Dundas West Fest

What: Come and celebrate the vibrant community of Dundas West and experience all that it has to offer. Recognized as one of the city’s coolest neighbourhood street festivals, Dundas West Fest is a collection of local restaurants, clothing vendors, coffee shops, antiques, bars and a couple small stages. A festival of food, music, and lots of fun.

When: June 3 to 4, 10 am
Where: 204-1457 Dundas Street West 

Food Truck Festival at Boyd Conservation Area

What: The conservation area in Woodbridge hosts their first every food truck festival the first weekend in June. Adults can enjoy half-price admission, while kids are free. Come and feast on plenty of delicious food truck offerings and step up your picnic game at this majestic greenspace.

When: June 3 to 4, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Boyd Conservation Area, 8739 Islington Avenue, Woodbridge

The Riverdale ArtWalk 2017

What: The Riverdale ArtWalk is a FREE two-day, public fine art exhibition showcasing established and emerging artists in Toronto’s flourishing Queen East arts district. The first outdoor art show of Toronto’s season, the Riverdale ArtWalk is a great place to connect with artists and buy that perfect piece for your home.

When: June 3 to June 4, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Jimmie Simpson Park & Community Centre

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest ‘Celebrates 150’

What: Taste the Eats and feel the Beats in Riverside! Spanning 10 vibrant blocks between the Don Valley Parkway to just past De Grassi Street on historic Queen Street East. This year, the festival is celebrating Ontario and Canada’s 150th anniversary and Indigenous roots with special events and festivities.

When: June 3 to 4, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Riverside (Queen St E between the DVP and Empire Ave)

Toronto Taste

What: Mark your calendars and experience Toronto’s premier culinary fundraiser. Experience the best from over 60 of Toronto’s top chefs and enjoy beverages from 30 purveyors while enjoying breathtaking views and incredible entertainment.

When: June 4, 6 pm
Where: Lakeside, Corus Quay

Neil Diamond

What: Neil Diamond makes a Toronto stop to celebrate his five decades of creating chart-topping music, complete – of course – with all of his timeless hits.

When: June 4, 7:30 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

Canada’s Largest Barber Expo

What: This exciting event will feature Canada’s top barbers as they compete in six creative categories all under one roof. Come witness Lady Barbers, Traditional hair category, Perfect Fade and the super exciting Tag-Team category.

When: June 4, 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cathedral, 237 Sackville Street

InFAMOus Persian Brunch

What: Chef Babak Fahmi shares a taste of his heritage at this special event held inside the Sherbourne sandwich shop he and his wife Shabnam own and operate. Look forward to a menu laden with precious ingredients; noble nuts, elegant dried fruits, and fragrant spices.

When: June 4, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: FAMO Sandwiches, 122 Sherbourne Street

Jack Johnson

What: To kick off the lazy days of summer on a chill note, Jack Johnson hits Toronto for a (couples-filled) concert in support of his new single, “Fragments.”

When: June 4, 7:30 pm
Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West

Raise the Caliber – Art Creates Change

What: Aimed to drive awareness about illegal gun violence and gun control issues, this art exhibit will feature multi-medium works from artists Doug Schwartz (DetroitWick) and Tracy Hiner (Black Crow Studios) who use decommissioned guns and bullets, confiscated through amnesty programs. These artists show how tools of destruction can be transformed into beautiful works of art.

When: Now until June 15, 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Only One Gallery, 5 Brock Ave

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