94 FREE events and festivals in Toronto to check out this summer

May 31 2018, 1:56 am

Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to start planning out what events and festivals you should check out this season, including food and drink festivals, outdoor concerts, street parties, and cultural events.

The only problem is, that all of these amazing events can leave your wallet feeling a little light.

But luckily for you, we’ve tracked down the biggest free summer events happening in the city and put together a carefully curated list that will keep you having fun while also keeping your wallet full.

Food

Waterfront Artisan Market

What: Back for its third year, the Waterfront Artisan Market features 50 bakers, chefs, and artisans hawking summery street foods and locally-made products.

When: Now until October 6
Time: Saturdays 11 am to 8 pm, Sundays 11 am to 5 pm
Where: HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay West

Evergreen Brickworks Saturday Market

What: The Evergreen Brick Works’ Saturday Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Come and enjoy good food from local farmers, food producers, and chefs.

When: Every Saturday of the month
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview

Taste of Asia

What: The largest Asian festival in Canada, Taste of Asia, returns to Toronto for its 15th season. While the line-up of participating vendors has yet to be announced, Taste of Asia is billing 150 exhibitor booths, cultural performances, culinary artists, iconic celebrities, dignitaries, sports fans, artisans, food connoisseurs, and more.

When: June 22 to 24
Time: Friday, 7 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Kennedy Road just North of Steeles Avenue East

Etobicoke Butter Tart Festival

What: The inaugural event is free to attend and will see the best of Ontario butter tarts compete for top honours, plus tons of sampling and sweet treats for sale. Look forward to vendors like TartistryHot Oven BakeryHoly Cannoli and more, all hawking their best sweet treats!

When: June 23
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Plast Toronto, 516 The Kingsway

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.

When: June 29 to July 2
Time: Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm; Monday, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Etobicoke Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road

Union Summer Market

What: The open-air market situated on the doorstep of Toronto’s Union Station returns this summer, hosting an incredible line-up of food vendors, ongoing programming, and events that bring Toronto’s talent, culture, and spirit to life.

When: July 1 to August 19
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Where: 65 Front Street West, Toronto

Taste of Lawrence

What: The east end’s biggest food and cultural festival returns this summer. The annual Taste of Lawrence celebration takes place over the July 6 weekend, featuring over 130 vendors serving up local flavours and lots of family fun.

When: July 6 to 8
Time: Friday, 6 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Lawrence Avenue East, from Warden Ave to Birchmount Road

Orangeville Rotary Ribfest

What: This July marks the 9th anniversary of this great community event, which will feature fabulous ribbers who will be serving up thousands of mouth-watering ribs. With barbequed ribs, a beer tent, continuous live entertainment on the big stage, there’s no better way to celebrate summer. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

When: July 20 to 22
Time: Friday, 4 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Alder Street Arena, 275 Adler Street

Fusion of Taste

What: This one-day festival will feature over 40 diverse food vendors, a food eating contest, local performances, a kid zone, buskers and much more.

When: July 29
Time: 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Albion Islington Square, 925 Albion Rd. #100

Toronto Food Truck Festival

What: This food truck festival takes over Woodbine Park over the civic holiday long weekend. As always, admission is free and in addition to street foods expect live-eating challenges and other entertainment on site.

When: August 3 to 6
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, noon to 10 pm; Sunday & Monday, noon to 8 pm
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East, Toronto

Taste of the Middle East Food Festival 2018

What: Toronto’s inaugural Taste of the Middle East Food Festival is set to take over Yonge-Dundas square for a single day this summer. Toronto’s newest food fest bills itself as a chance to sample “the 1001 flavours Middle Eastern culture has to offer.”

When: August 4
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Pickering Food Truck Festival

What: Friends, kids, pets are all welcome to this park turned foodie haven in mid-August. Admission is free for the weekend of outdoor eating, plus there will be a beer garden, children’s village, beer garden, and stage showcasing live entertainment.

When: August 10 to 12
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: The Esplanade Park, 1 The Esplanade

Waterfront Night Market

What: The annual T&T Waterfront Night Market is back for another exciting run and attendees can expect the awesome outdoor culinary experience along with all the night market awesomeness at a brand new venue.

When: August 10 to 12
Time: TBA
Where: All new venue and waterfront location TBA soon

Taste of the Danforth

What: One of Toronto’s most famous summer events, The Krinos Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street Festival and is back for its 25th year with plenty of Greek-style eats at this massive street festival.

When: August 10 to 12
Time: TBA
Where: Danforth Avenue

Pan American Food Festival

What: We really are a city all about food. The sixth annual Pan American Food Festival showcases the best food products while celebrating the cultural diversity of the Americas.

When: August 25 & 26
Time: TBA
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Vegetarian Food Festival

What: Local and international chefs will delight your taste buds with a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

When: September 7 to 9
Time: Friday, 4 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Outdoor Movies

Sail-In Cinema film shortlist

Sail-In Cinema

Movie Night in Liberty Village Park: Black Panther

What: Don’t worry if you still haven’t seen Black Panther in theatres yet (even though you totally should have by now, BTW), you’ll be able to see it at a free outdoor screening this June. That’s right, you’ll have the chance to see one of the highest grossing films of all time for FREE at an epic movie night under the stars.

When: June 22
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Liberty Village Park,70 East Liberty Street

Sorauren Park Free Movies

What: Toronto’s Sorauren Park will be hosting free movie screenings this summer, with showings happening on the fourth Saturday of every month from June to September. This year, attendees can look forward to pizza dinners before each screening from the new Sorauren Park Pizza Oven, prepared and presented by Pizzeria Defina.

When: Fourth Saturday of the month, June 23 to September 22
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Sorauren Avenue Park, 289 Sorauren Ave

Christie Pits Film Festival

What: Christie Pits Film Festival will kick off its new season on Sunday, June 24, with a 30th-anniversary screening of the cult comedy classic Hairspray, a film that tackles racial integration in 1960s Baltimore. The film festival will conclude on August 19, with a two-night Closing Weekend, including a surprise “Closing Night” screening of an iconic urban film, which will be announced at the end of the Christie Pits Film Festival season. Although all screenings are free of charge, there is a suggested donation of $10.

When: June 24 to August 19
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West

City Cinema: Rockumentaries

What: Yonge-Dundas Square is providing Toronto the ultimate summer soundtrack with Rockumentaries, a lineup of non-fiction films that explore the life and times of some of North America’s most beloved musical acts, featuring different artists and their signature sounds each week.

When: Every Tuesday, June 26 to August 28
Time: 8 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Movie Nights in The Beach Village

What: Movie Nights are back for 2018! Join The Beach Village for Movie Nights in the Park every Wednesday starting July 4 – August 29. Movies screenings will rotate between Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park. As always, admission (and popcorn!) is FREE! Come out and experience movies under the stars.

When: July 4 to August 29
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park

Corktown Common Park

What: This marks the third season of outdoor films at Corktown Common Park and this summer, the public is invited to enjoy a series of films about four cities in ten short and feature films set in Toronto, Rome, Berlin, and Selma, Alabama.

When: July 5 to 26 (Scheduled rain date August 2)
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Corktown Common Park, 155 Bayview Avenue

Friday Night Lights at Downsview Park

What: Taking place at the football field and running track at Downsview Park, moviegoers can enjoy a variety of recent family-friendly flicks all summer long.

When: July 6 and 27; August 10 and 31; September 7
Time: Roughly 9:30 pm
Where: 79 Carl Hall Road, Football Field & Running Track

Under The Stars – Regent Park Film Festival

What: The annual outdoor summer screening series takes place on Wednesday evenings. The screenings are free, and snacks will be available for sale with proceeds going towards the Regent Park Film Festival. Bring a blanket and get ready for some activities before each film.

When: July 11 to August 15
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Regent Park (the Big Park), 620 Dundas Street East

Parkway Forest Park Free Movies

What: This August, movie buffs can enjoy an impressive lineup of films at Parkway Forest Park as part of Toronto Outdoor Picture Show’s Cinematic Cities programme, a month-long series of outdoor films celebrating cities on screen, at home, and abroad.

When: August 9 to 30 (Scheduled rain date August 31)
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Parkway Forest Park, 80 Parkway Forest Dr.

Sail-In Cinema

What: For the first time, the free movie event will be condensed into two action-packed nights that feature all of the same exciting activities, free treats and family fun enjoyed by movie-goers over the past seven years. This year’s theme looks at life outside the ordinary with movies based on the idea of adventure “In Other Worlds.”

When: August 10 and 11
Time: Roughly 9 pm
Where: Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Drive

Canada Day

Canada Day Events

Toronto Canada Day/Shutterstock

Toronto Harbourfront Canada Day Weekend

What: For a Canada Day that’s rich with culture and history for the little ones, the weekend festivities at Harbourfront Centre offer the theme of “One Land, Many Nations.” Highlights include performances from Jully Black and Zak Ibrahim, among others.

When: June 29 to July 2
Time: All day
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

CITE at The Bentway

What: The Bentway Skate Trail will officially open for the season with a summer-long celebration of skate culture, launching on June 30. A great use of public space, CITE is both an art installation and a skatepark, featuring sculptures that boarders are free to ride on. Canada Day celebrations include DJ sets, skate demos, a beer garden, live graffiti, a meet and greet with pros, eats, and an open skate.

When: June 30 to August 12
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd.

Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration

What: At the annual Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration, you’ll find an exciting event lineup that’s complete with multicultural entertainment, a talent search, children’s activities, plus many interesting vendors.

When: July 1
Time: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Amesbury Park, 1507 Lawrence Avenue West

Canada Day at Fort York

What: The historic Fort York will host a day of celebrations for Canada Day, complete with talking points like flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies, demonstrations, drill activity, cooking demonstrations, and tours of the barracks and fortifications.

When: July 1
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Fort York

Canada Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village

What: Grab the kiddos in your life and step back in time this Canada Day. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, you’ll find a 19th-century carnival complete with fire jugglers, performers, live music, and good, a historic brewery, and old-fashioned carnival games. Admission is free on July 1.

When: July 1
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village

East York Canada Day Celebration and Parade

What: Start the festivities with a parade beginning at Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Avenue) that travels through East York, finishing at Stan Wadlow Park for a day of programming and festivities that end at dusk before the fireworks at 10 pm.

When: July 1
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Stan Wadlow Park

Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square

What: The annual Multicultural Canada Day celebrations include 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 in all of their vibrant glory.

When: July 1
Time: 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East

Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square

What: The annual Multicultural Canada Day celebrations include 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 in all of their vibrant glory.

When: July 1
Time: 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square

What: If you’d rather stay clear of the downtown core this Canada Day, Mel Lastman Square will come alive all day for a family-friendly affair of eats and drinks, an eclectic assortment of live music, outdoor theatre, circus arts, and fireworks.

When: July 1
Time: 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street

Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay

What: End a day at the beach (or a day on the town) with a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park

When: July 1
Time: 9:30 pm to 10:15 pm
Where: Ashbridges Bay Park

Music/Dance

summer events

TD Jazz Fest/Bloor-Yorkville.com

Play the Parks

What: Play the Parks is back for the 6th season and will feature free lunchtime concerts in the Downtown Yonge BIA district throughout the summer.

When: Every Tuesday, June to September
Time: 12:30 pm to 2 pm
Where: Trinity Square Park, 19 Trinity Square

City Hall Live

What: You can say goodbye to eating your lunch at your desk this summer, as City Hall Live returns with free lunchtime concerts throughout the city. Taking place at Nathan Phillips Square (Wednesdays and Thursdays) and Union Station (Wednesdays), City Hall Live helps support local musicians and music communities by hosting 25 free lunchtime concerts on select afternoons this summer.

When: Nathan Phillips Square, now until August 30; Union Station, July 4 to August 15
time: Nathan Phillips Square, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm; Union Station, 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square; Union Station

SWEAT Yes Yes Y’all Block Party

What: Toronto’s Yes Yes Y’all just celebrated nine years of sweating it out, ground-breaking DJs and performers, and one of the most inclusive dance parties the city has ever seen – a place to be exactly who you want to be and to let them have it!

When: June 22
Time: 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Bud Light Wellesley Stage, 15 Wellesley Street East

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.

When: June 22 to July 1
Time: Varies by day
Where: Various locations

Blockorama 20

Who: Blockorama showcases Black queer and trans history, creativity and resistance. Celebrate 20 years of Blockorama with a full day filled with incredible Soca, R&B, Soulful House, Afrobeat and Hip Hop.

When: June 24
Time:  12 pm to 11 pm
Where: Bud Light Wellesley Stage, 15 Wellesley Street East

Indie Fridays

What: Chevrolet Canada presents Indie Fridays, a free concert series featuring some of Canada’s top indie musicians on Friday evenings.

When: June 29 to August 31
Time: 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East

The Edwards Summer Music Series

What: Enjoy 10 concerts by an eclectic roster of popular artists, set in the natural beauty of the gardens, rain or shine. (indoors in case of extreme weather). The concerts will take place in the courtyard adjacent to the historic barn in Edwards Gardens.

When: July 5 to August 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave East

Beaches International Jazz Festival

What: A festival that needs almost no introduction, the Beaches International Jazz Festival is celebrating its 30th year.

When: July 6 to 29
Time: Varies by day
Where: The Beach Neighbourhood

TD Salsa in Toronto Festival

What: One of Canada’s largest Latin-themed celebrations is Toronto’s TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, which takes place over three weeks and features music, food, dance and family events.

When: July 7 and 8
Time: Varies by day
Where: St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Drive and Christie Street

Port Union Summer Concert Series

What: For the music lovers out there, there’s a free summer concert series taking place every Sunday night this month that will showcase a variety of local performers.

When: July 8 to 22
Time: 7 pm
Where: 5450 Lawrence Avenue East

Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & BBQ Festival

What: Now in its 20th year, this three-day outdoor music festival will be celebrating incredible Blues performers. There will be free admission to the vendor village, food court, and south stages 1 and 2.

When: September 7 to 9
Time: Varies by day
Where: Port Credit Memorial Park, 20 Lakeshore Road East

Art

Summer events

GDIFestival/Twitter

60 Years of Made in Italy

What: June marks Italian Heritage Month in Canada, which is the perfect time to celebrate the Italian community in our exceptionally diverse country. And Yorkville Village is hosting a world-renowned fashion exhibit, 60 Years of Made in Italy, into the heart of Toronto, just in time for the occasion.

When: Now until June 30
Time: Varies by day
Where: Yorkville Village, 55 Avenue Rd.

A Forest of Canoes at The Bentway

What: A Forest of Canoes by Dana Claxton, is a site-specific installation set up throughout The Bentway and is co-commissioned with Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and curated by Bonnie Rubenstein. The installation highlights the iconic role and symbolism of the canoe in Canadian, Metis, and Indigenous histories.

When: Now until August 31
Time: All day
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd.

Power Plant Opening Summer Party

What: Kick off summer at the Power Plant with a free party featuring works by Ellen Gallagher, Grada Kilomba and Abbas Akhavan.

When: June 22
Time: 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Quay West

Le Grande Continental

What: Le Grande Continental is a public participation show that will take over Nathan Phillips Square for four shows. The performance will feature almost 400 local dancers in a large scale dance piece choreographed and directed by Montreal’s Sylvain Émard. The show concludes with the audience being invited to join the party for a freestyle continental dance party.

When: June 22 to 24
Time: Friday, 9:15 pm; Saturday, 4 pm & 9:15 pm; Sunday, 11 am
Where: Nathan Phillips Square

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

What: Now in its 57h year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition will feature over 340 visual artists, performers, and sculptures. There will also be a beer garden by Henderson Brewing Co. open throughout the day for food, beer and refreshments.

When: July 6 to 8
Time: Friday & Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West

Museum of the Moon

What: The world-renowned Museum of the Moon is a touring art installation by artist Luke Jerram, and will be landing in Stratford as it makes its first-ever appearance in the province. The strikingly realistic, scale-model moon exhibit has been visiting major cultural cities around the world since 2016, inspiring and entertaining with its blend of science and art.

When: August 16 to 25
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Avon River, Tom Patterson Island

Family-Friendly Events

Toronto flower market

Toronto Flower Market

Yoga in the Square

What: The popular downtown Toronto square is teaming up with lululemon to bring the first series of its kind, a free, weekly community yoga sessions to the public.

When: Now until September 3
Time: 12 PM
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Toronto Flower Market

What: There will be 18 incredible vendor stalls on display to visit and admire, each selling an assortment of seasonal showstoppers including tulips, daffodils, gerbera, orchids, hyacinths, muscari, lilacs, and more. Plus there will also be an array of dahlia tubers, seedlings, garden planters, handmade pots and indoor plants also for sale.

When: June 23; July 14; August 18; September 15
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West

RE-energize at Lunch Time

What: Spend your lunchtime enjoying incredible live performances from a variety of high energy artists of all different styles while enjoying the sunshine.

When: Every Thursday, June to September
Time: 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Where: College Park Courtyard, 444 Yonge Street

Pedestrian Sunday’s in Kensington Market

What: The 15th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this summer. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday.

When: Last Sunday of the Month until October
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market

Redpath Waterfront Festival

What: At Redpath Waterfront Festival, you’ll find incredible live performances, a massive ship from the Royal Canadian Navy, delicious food, local shopping, and more.

When: June 22 to 24
Time: TBA
Where: Toronto Waterfront

Pride Toronto Street Fair

What: During the whirlwind of events, parades, marches, and parties don’t forget to do you. Or grab a gaggle of friends and wander through the Village to connect with the community – and maybe do a little shopping while you’re at it.

When: June 22 to 24
Time: Friday, 7 pm to 2 am; Saturday, 12 pm to 2 am; Sunday, 12 pm to 11 pm
Where: Church-Wellesley Village

The Junction Summer Solstice Festival

What: The Junction Summer Solstice is not only the largest event of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, it’s also a great chance for locals and visitors alike to explore everything the unique area has to offer. This block party allows visitors to enjoy local restaurants and businesses as they set up on the street for a once-a-year opportunity.

When: June 23
Time: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Dundas Street West from Quebec Avenue to Indian Grove

Om T.O. 2018

What: Come and enjoy free yoga classes all day, outdoors by some of the best yogis in Toronto in the heart of Toronto’s historic Distillery District.

When: June 24
Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Distillery District, 51 Mill Street

Pride Parade

What: Costumes, choreography, and colour. Stand loud and proud with more than 120 groups marching in Pride Toronto’s Pride Parade, one of the largest in North America.  There will be unforgettable performances, floats, marchers, and all the glitter you can handle.

When: June 24
Time: 2 pm
Where: The parade begins at Bloor and Church, South on Yonge Street to Yonge and Dundas Square

Agincourt Mall Summer Outdoor Night Market

What: Taking place at Agincourt Mall, this three-day Canada Day weekend outdoor night market will feature rows of delicious street-style food options, live entertainment from singers from Hong Kong, a variety show, shopping, and much more.

When: June 29 to July 1
Time: Friday, 3 pm to 12 am; Saturday, 10 am to 12 am; Sunday, 10 am to 12 am
Where: Agincourt Mall, 3850 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough

Union Summer

What: Union Summer will run from July 1 to August 19 this year bringing an eclectic offering of food, musicians, film screenings and live performances to Union Station.

When: July 1 to August 19
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 65 Front Street West, Toronto

Yoga in St. James Park

What: Break up your afternoon with a free outdoor yoga class in St. James Park led by the YMCA. Classes will run every Wednesday of the month.

When: July 4 to August 29
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: St. James Park, 120 King East

Maker Extravaganza 2018

What: For one weekend only, the city’s most creative people and their projects gather together at the Toronto Reference Library to share their latest creations, demonstrate their newest projects and make things together.

When: July 7 & 8
Time: Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street

Oakville Children’s Festival

What: Families are invited to enjoy the fifth annual Oakville Children’s Festival at Oakville’s beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre which will transform into an arts and culture playground for kids of all ages. This fun-filled event will feature free live performances, activities that engage the little one’s imaginations and foster creativity. Take part in interactive building and art activities, story times, scavenger hunt, sports zone, face painting, and more.

When: July 8
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road

Night It Up! Summer Night Market

What: The volunteers of Power Unit Youth Organization are organizing Night it Up, a free outdoor market styled after Asian night markets. Expect authentic street food and multicultural performances.

When: July 13 to 15
Time: Friday, 7 pm to 12 am; Saturday, 2 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 2 pm to 8 pm
Where: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham

BollywoodMonsterMashup

What: Enjoy the dazzling colours, intoxicating beats, and the beautiful people designs that make up the world of Bollywood. This family-friendly event shares the elegant yet ecstatic Bollywood culture with everyone and helps bring cultures together.

When: July 20 & 21
Time: July 20, 4 pm; July 21, 2 pm
Where: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive

Big on Bloor Festival

What: A festival of arts and culture, Big on Bloor is a unique summer street fest featuring hundreds of culturally significant events, activities, displays, and exhibitions.

When: July 21 & 22
Time: 12 pm to 12 am
Where: Bloor Street between Dufferin and Lansdowne

OssFest

What: This year, OssFestwill celebrate the fun, fashion, food, and fitness found throughout the Ossington area. During this free festival, the street will be closed for a pedestrian and four-legged friend takeover to discover and rediscover everything Ossington has to offer.

When: July 28
Time: 8 am to 11 pm
Where: Ossington Avenue (between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West)

Pin + Patch Show

What: The Pin + Patch Show will showcase a variety of local flair designers selling their unique pins and patches all under one roof in Toronto.

When: July 29
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 2104 Dundas Street West

Toronto International Youth Dance Festival

What: The Toronto International Youth Dance Festival will be taking over Nathan Phillips Square for two days this summer for a multi-cultural celebration of dance.

When: August 3 and 4
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West

Warriors’ Day Parade

What: The 97th Warriors’ Day Parade honouring the Toronto Garrison will take place on August 18. The event recognizes those who served and those serving today.

When: August 19
Time: 10:30 am
Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Blvd.

Open Streets TO

What: Open Streets programs, also known as Ciclovias, open streets to people and close them to cars encouraging participation in physical activity and healthy recreation. They are free, regularly occurring programs, and offer communities the opportunity to experience their city streets in a whole new way.

When: August 19 & September 16
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Bloor and Yonge Streets

Bloorcourt Festival

What: This festival boasts one of Toronto’s largest gatherings of artists, musicians, artisans, and masters of all crafts. There will be vendors, emerging artists and veterans alike. There will be plenty of family fun complete with inflatables, crafts, and interactive entertainment for the children to enjoy.

When: August 25
Time: 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Bloor Street West, Dufferin Street to Montrose Avenue

Buskerfest

What: The Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy Awareness is hitting the beach this year and will be taking place at Woodbine Park.  This year you can expect a beer garden, midway, family fun zone, and plenty of exciting surprises.

When: August 31 to September 3
Time: Friday, 12 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm; Monday, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Woodbine Park, Coxwell Ave at Lakeshore Boulevard

Cultural Events

caribbean carnival

uranranebi/Instagram

Indigenous Arts Festival

What: The festival, produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and The Friends of Fort York, is an annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts, and food.

When: Now until June 24
Time: Friday, 10 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7:30 pm
Where: Fort York,  250 Fort York Boulevard

Toronto Trans March

What: Toronto’s Trans March is officially one of the largest, most exciting Pride events in the world – not only for all the trans and non-binary folks, friends, and allies who rally and march together in solidarity but for anyone who is lucky enough to witness the landmark event. Trans women of colour and differently abled people are encouraged to lead the march and set the pace for all.

When: June 22
Time: 7 pm
Where: Church and Hayden

Drag Ball

What: Drag Ball has steadily grown into the marquee drag show for Pride, featuring international queens, a who’s-who of the top Toronto queens and kings, and a few surprises. Bigger hair, bigger stunts, bolder dance moves, and everybody out to slay, this year is no exception.

When: June 23
Time: 6 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas

Afrofest

What: Afrofest is the largest free African American festival in North America, dedicating two days to celebrating African culture.

When: July 7 and 8
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Where:  Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East

Cultura 2018

What: Cultura is a free family-friendly outdoor festival presenting music, art, food, and film every Friday evening in July at Mel Lastman Square. Cultura celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity featuring world-renowned musicians, tasty international street food, explosive buskers and dance, interactive art activities, and evening film screenings under the stars.

When: July 7, 14, 21, 28
Rime: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Mel Lastman Square

Carnival 2018 Offical Launch

What: The festival kicks off with the Official Launch ceremony, which gives the city a taste of what’s to come in the upcoming weeks ahead. There is an array of performances by popular Caribbean music artists. It is a cultural showcase and celebration of the creative spirit of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

When: July 10
Time:  12 pm to 2 pm
Where: David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West

Festival of India

What: Splashing some spiritual culture into the city, the 46th Annual Festival of India returns on July 14 for two days of nourishing festivities. The event will begin with a euphoric parade down world-famous Yonge Street, followed by a day of festivities for the entire family.

When: July 14 and 15
Time: Saturday, 11 am to 2 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Various locations throughout the city

Brazilfest

What: Now in its 15th year, Toronto’s Brazilfest will offer its attendees the opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian performances and to enjoy Brazilian style foods.

When: July 22
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Earlscourt Park, 1200 Lansdowne Ave

Caribana Parade

What: The Caribana Parade is a must-see summer event. Featuring extravagant costumes, dancing, and music, the parade will stretch along Lakeshore Boulevard.

When: August 4
Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Where:  Various venues

Manifesto

What: Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture returns this August, taking over downtown Toronto with multi-arts events that end with a FREE concert and community gathering at City Hall.

When: August 9 to 19
Time: 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Various venues

Mississauga ITALIFEST

What: ITALFEST celebrates all that is Italian. Featuring delicious food and crafts from 40+ vendors and artisans, cultural and family-oriented activities, entertainment from local and international talent, a thriving “marketo” and much more, the festival spotlights a community rich in heritage, entertainment and family values.

When: August 17 and 18
Time: Friday, 2 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10:50 pm
Where: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive

 TAIWANFest

What: What began in 1990 as a way to introduce Taiwanese composers to the Canadian public is now an annual festival. This year’s theme is Fete with the Philippines.

When: August 24 to 26
Time: TBD
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Scarborough Afro-Carib Fest

What: The 7th annual Scarborough Afro-Carib Fest will feature live musical performances, exciting entertainment from local and international artists, mouth-watering ethnic cuisine, visual arts, drum and dance workshops, kid’s zone, dance competitions, and much more! Definitely not an event to miss.

When: August 25 and 26
Time: 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: Albert Campbell Square, 150 Borough Drive

Cabbagetown Festival

What: This family-friendly affair will feature loads of things for the kids to do, live music and entertainment, food, made in Canada merchandise, a Kids Zone, and plenty of fun events and activities.

When: September 8 and 9
Time: Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Carlton and Parliament Streets

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

What: A three-day entertainment experience celebrating the Ukrainian Canadian community. From music to food, check out this massive Bloor West festival.

When: September 14 to 16
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 10:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday, 10:3 am to 7 pm
Where: Bloor West Village

Roncesvalles Polish Festival

What: Wrap up summer by attending North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s best neighbourhood. The festival will feature local and international music, fantastic cuisine from over 40 renowned restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bistros, along Roncesvalles, and of course, lots of traditional Polish fare.

When: September 15 and 16
Time: Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Roncesvalles Avenue from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West

Bi Arts Festival

What: This year marks the second annual Bi Arts Festival, the world’s largest celebration of bisexual voices in art and culture.

When: September 18 to 23
Time:  10 am to 12 pm
Where: Various venues

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