44 Toronto events to check out this July

Are you ready to fully embrace the dog days of summer?

If not, this line-up of incredible events, parties, festivals and of course, food and beer events definitely will get you in the mood.

So, if you can drag yourself away from your couch, here are our highlights of the best things to do around town this July.

Odysseo

What: The internationally acclaimed entertainment company Cavalia brings its latest production Odysseo to Mississauga this summer. Odysseo features 65 magnificent horses and 48 talented riders, acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers and musicians.

Where: Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place
When: Now until July 16

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

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

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

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

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

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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

Shakespeare in High Park

What: Toronto’s annual Shakespeare in High Park is back for another exciting summer and will be taking on two classics this year. This season’s performances will include Twelfth Night and King Lear, with all screenings starting at 8 pm. Tickets are pay what you can.

Where: High Park Amphitheatre
When: Tuesday to Sunday, July 1 to 30

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

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

Mariposa Cruises Live on the Lake Cruise Nights

What: Starting July 4th, Mariposa Cruises will be showcasing a different local band aboard its yacht every Tuesday night for Live on the Lake Cruise Nights! Featuring beloved live acts like cover band The Marc Joseph Band, modern blues band  Sons of Rhythm and Latin music group  Sol De Cuba, each 2.5-hour live music cruise on Lake Ontario comes with a fully stocked cash bar and a selection of appetizers for purchase.

Where: Oriole – Mariposa Cruises, 207 Queens Quay West
When: July 4th, 18th, and 25th; doors open at 7 pm and cruise goes until 10:30 pm

Open Roof Festival

What: Things will be bumping again at 99 Sudbury this summer when Open Roof Festival returns for its 8th season. It’s #MOVIESMUSICBEER all summer long with #OPENROOFFEST17.

Where: 99 Sudbury
When: July 4, 11, 18, and 25

Bob Dylan and His Band

What: Music icon Bob Dylan is on tour for Triplicate, a new three-part album of classic American cover songs. Tickets range from $20 to $551.75.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When: July 5, 8 pm

Toronto Fringe Festival

What: With over 60 ticketed events and over 50 free, drop-in events that includes live theatre, music, dance, arts, buskers, and performances, there’s something for everyone at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Where: Various venues
When: July 5 to 16

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull

What: In a concert that will undoubtedly draw a mixed bag of music lovers, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull will grace the stage at the ACC on July 6 for a show that’s guaranteed to become a dance party. Tickets range from $69.95 to $224.95.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When: July 6, 7:30 pm

Ed Sheeran

What: Everyone’s favourite redhead hits Toronto to offer no shortage of feels and music that you can’t help but sing along to – even if you were dragged to the concert. Tickets range from  $46.25-$116.25.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When: July 7, 7:30 pm

Dreams Music Festival

What: For the electronic music and neon loving-set, Dreams Music Festival (formerly Digital Dreams) is a must-attend, as long as you rest up well beforehand. Tickets start at $125.

Where: Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West
When: July 7 to 8

Summerlicious

What: For two mouth-watering weeks in July, residents can savour delicious prix fixe dishes from over 200 of the city’s finest restaurants.

Where: Various restaurants throughout the city
When: July 7 to 23

Summer Lady Beer Festival

What: Since 2014, the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies has been bringing together craft-beer-loving women and this month they’ll be hosting another one of their awesome ‘Bevie’ events. The Summer Lady Beer Festival will have visitors sample their way through a lineup of guest brews, hit up food stalls and browse wares from local vendors.

Where: Henderson Brewery, 128A Sterling Avenue
When: July 8, 1 pm to 5 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Brickfête

What: The multi-day Brickfête fan expo celebrates all that is Lego is back. Run by volunteers, Brickfête features unique Lego builds from international hobbyists.

Where: Delta Toronto East, 2035 Kennedy Road
When: July 8 to 9, 10 am to 3 pm

Toronto Korean Film Festival 2017

What: With the mission ‘To Advance Diversity Through Korean Cinema’, Toronto Korean Film Festival is a non-profit organization that aims to present authentic Korean cinema to the Canadian community and to support local Korean filmmakers.

Where: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue
When: June 12 to 16

Summer Craft Beer Fest

What: Discover some craft beer while enjoying the hot summer nights of Toronto, in one of the city’s beloved neighbourhoods.

Where: Liberty Village, 171 Liberty Street East
When: July 13, 6 pm to 10 pm

Toronto Summer Music Festival

What: From jazz to classical, the Toronto Summer Music Festival will explore the music of Canada and feature the very best of Canada’s many world-renowned classical performers.

Where: Venues throughout the city
When: July 13 to August 5

Budweiser County Fair

What: MRG Events and Budweiser are throwing an epic County Fair in the city this month, that will bring the spirit of the country to the heart of the city with an outdoor boot-stomping party in downtown Toronto. The two-day festival will feature live music from tomorrow’s country music stars, BBQ from some of Toronto’s top chefs, games, and classic carnival eats.

Where: 525 King Street West
When: July 14, 5 pm to 11 pm; July 15, 12 pm to 11 pm

Honda Indy Toronto

What: Celebrating 31 years of racing on the streets of Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is taking over the streets in July. It’s fast and furious in the city on that weekend.

Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd
When: July 14 to 16

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

What: With his classic hits that everyone seems to know every word to, Tom Petty’s Toronto concert will become a stadium-wide sing-along and one you surely won’t want to miss. Tickets range from $30 to $171.75.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When:  July 15, 8 pm

Halal Food Fest Toronto

What: North America’s largest halal food festival is coming back to the city for its fifth mouth-watering year. For two full days, the event will bring together nearly 200 exhibitors and some of the Toronto’s best halal bakeries, restaurants, and specialty stores. Notable guests include Amanda Saab, past contestant on MasterChef on FOX, and Yvonne Maffei, author of the wildly popular blog-turned-cookbook, My Halal Kitchen.

What: Metallica is on tour with a new album called Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, where they’ve played both old and new favourites, complete with pyrotechnics and a massive video screen. Tickets range from $55.50 to $3299.

Where: Rogers Centre
When: July 16, 6 pm

Queen & Adam Lambert

What: Queen and their new frontman Adam Lambert will hit Toronto with a new stage production and set list. Expect nods to the 40th anniversary of Queen’s “News of the World” album. Tickets range from $49.50 to $200.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When: July 18, 8 pm

Take Off, Eh!

What: Join Canada’s greatest comic stars for a once in a lifetime evening of music, comedy and special guests. Join Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis, Martin Short and many more at The Second City’s iconic cabaret theatre for this one night only benefit raising funds for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario and Jake Thomas’ Road To Recovery.

Where: Second City Mainstage Theatre, 51 Mercer Street
When: July 18, 8 pm to 11 pm

Muse

What: Popular UK band Muse will make a Toronto stop with their Drones world tour, which will open with Thirty Seconds to Mars. Tickets range from $39.25 to $932.75.

Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West
When: July 18, 7 pm

Toronto Burlesque Festival

What: The tenth annual Toronto Burlesque Festival is back for another sultry season.  This sizzling four-day extravaganza will feature performances and parties with a dazzling cast of innovative artists from all across the globe.

Where: Venues throughout the city
When: July 20 to 23, 7 pm to 11:30 pm

The Rosé Picnic

What: For one day only, the Garrison Common at Fort York will be filled with blankets, bevies, and some of the best food in the city. The Rosé Picnic has parented with celebrity Toronto chef Mark McEwan, so you’ll have baskets of delicious food to choose from.

Where: Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: July 22, 12 pm to 6 pm

Bastid’s BBQ 2017

What: Bastid’s BBQ is gearing up for its 7th year of summer good times in Toronto, and this one promises to be the biggest and best yet. This event will feature tons of live music so make sure to wear your dancing shoes.

Where: 525 King Street West
When: July 23, 2 pm to 10 pm

Kendrick Lamar: The DAMN. Tour with Travis Scott & D.R.A.M

What: Hotter-than-ever Kendrick Lamar will make a Toronto stop for his chart-topping, critically acclaimed album, DAMN, joined by a few of his famous friends. Tickets range from $75 to $270.

Where: Air Canada Centre
When: July 25, 7:30 pm

Lole White Tour Toronto

What: For the 5th year in a row, the Lolë White Tour will be stopping in Toronto this summer. Last year, some 3,000 yogis met for a special sunset session at Exhibition Place that was simply stunning. The beauty of the event is in no small part due to the all-white dress code and the thousands of yellow mats.

Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd
When: July 27, 6:15 pm to 10 pm

Toronto’s Festival of Beer

What: Hosted by the Beer Store, Toronto’s Festival of Beer is home to over 60 brewers featuring more than 300 brands from all over the world.

Where: Bandshell Park Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Blvd
When: July 28 to 30

WayHome

What: Back for its third year, the very fun multi-day arts and music festival is everything we crave about summer festivals. The WayHome Music & Arts Festival is fast becoming one of the largest festivals in the region, all due to its wicked vibes, and incredibly diverse lineups, which includes Flume, Cage The Elephant, Imagine Dragons, Solange, and School Boy Q.

Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 180 8th Line South
When: July 28 to 30