25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: August 18 to 20

Aug 16 2017, 11:06 pm

Alright Toronto, the weekend is finally here! So, put that remote down, head outside and check out one of the amazing events and festivals taking place in the city this weekend.

Not sure what to do?

For starters, the CNE is opening its doors this weekend, so you can enjoy all of the epic and obscene treats in store this year.

Sugar Beach will also be transformed into an outdoor movie theatre after dark during Sail-In Cinema. This weekend’s lineup includes Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark on Friday, and Beauty and the Beast.

Whatever you’re into, chances are there’s an event (or two) that’s perfect for you happening in the city this weekend.

See also

Tapas Journey

What: In case you missed your chance to enjoy some of the cities best Mediterranean food, Tapas Journey wraps up this weekend and is a foodie event you won’t want to miss. A total of 36 restaurants across Toronto will be participating in Tapas Journey. In a celebration of the Mediterranean experience of gathering over good food and good drinks, each restaurant will offer a menu of three small plates, all of which have been created exclusively for Tapas Journey. All menus are paired with an Estrella Damm lager, at a cost of $20.

Where: You can find the addresses to all the participating locations here.
When: Now until August 20

African Fashion Week

What: Celebrating five years, African Fashion Week is five days with a show on each taking place at the ROM. It’s a wonderful celebration of culture, diversity, and a spring board for up and coming designers in the city.

Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
When: Now until August 20, 6:30 pm to 11 pm

Sail-In Cinema

What: Sail-In Cinema is coming back to Toronto this summer for its seventh year. And as Sugar Beach will once again turn into the largest outdoor theatre in Toronto this August, you’ll be able to participate from both the shore and the open water thanks to the only duel-sided floating movie screen in the world!

Where: Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Drive
When: Now until August 19

Green Day

What: Grammy-award winning punk rockers Green Day will play the Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place on August 18 as part of their Revolution Radio summer tour. The boys that gave us “Warning,” “Hitchin’ a Rice,” and of course “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” have headlined major music festivals globally, and return with Catfish and the Bottlemen as their support on this tour.

Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lakeshore Blvd West
When: August 18, 8 pm

On Wax: A 90’s Vinyl Party at Gladstone Hotel

What: The ’90s just called; and they want you to get off the internet cause the Dial-up…but no seriously head to Gladstone Hotel for, On Wax, a night filled with ’90’s Hip Hop, RnB and Dance Music played on crates of Vinyl. General admission is $10, but if you’re decked out in ’90’s apparel admission is $7.

Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: August 18, 9 pm

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.

Where: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive
When: August 18 to 19, 10 am to 10:45 pm

The Big Feastival

What: The Big Feastival is a massive summer festival that began in 2011 on a farm in Kingham, UK. And now, the festivities are crossing the pond to Burl’s Creek. The Feastival promises to bring its unique blend of live music, incredible food, and all around family entertainment, giving Canadians a chance to join in on the fun.

Where: Burl’s Creek, Oro-Medonte
When: 
August 18 to 20

Camp Wavelength

What: The stalwart Camp Wavelength music festival returns to the city this weekend. The weekend event will offer an exciting mix of ticketed concerts at the city’s favourite music venues and free outdoor shows in special locations, featuring an impressive lineup of musical artists, along with the same magical arts and activities you’ve come to expect from Camp Wavelength.

Where: Various locations in the city
When: August 18 to 20

Shakespeare in the Ruff

What: Enjoy the magic of a midsummer night as you watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream between the trees in Withrow Park. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can and all are welcome, even your four-legged friends!

Where: Withrow Park, between Chester and Pape Street
When: Opening night is August 18

Beats, Breaks & Culture

What: Come and check out upcoming Canadian talent in hip-hop and dance music. This event will feature free shows from artists like Austra, Dead Obies and Rae Spoon.

Where: Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage
When: August 18 to 20, 8 pm to 11 pm

Seinfeld Pop-Up Cafe

What: Throw on your best puffy shirt and urban sombrero, there’s an awesome Seinfeld-themed pop-up cafe happening in Toronto this weekend. Enjoy art by Jenny Klonteig and Seinfeld themed drinks and snacks. It’s gonna be a peach!

Where: Field Trip Cafe, 3 Westmoreland Avenue
When: August 18 to 20, 7 pm to 2 am

 The CNE

What: No summer in Toronto is complete without a visit to the EX! Come and check out the incredible food, catch a show, and try your hand at winning some ridiculously large prizes.

Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
When: August 18 to September 4

Butterfly Festival

What: To celebrate the Monarch Butterflies impressive 3,500 km migration south to Mexico for winter, Tommy Thompson Park is hosting its 9th annual Butterfly Festival this weekend. On Saturday, visitors can learn about these beautiful flying insects through many activities, nature hikes, and educational displays, while discovering the more than 55 species of butterflies recorded at the park to date.

Where: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street
When: August 19, 10 am to 3 pm

Figment Toronto 2017

What: For one weekend each summer, Figment transforms a Toronto park into a large-scale collaborative artwork – and then it’s gone. This weekend, come and enjoy an interactive and participatory art event that is artist, volunteer, and community focused.

Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Park Avenue
When: August 19, 10 am to 8 pm

Warriors’ Day Parade

What: The 96th Warriors’ Day Parade honouring the Toronto Garrison will take place on August 19. The event recognizes those who served and those serving today.

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

Rastafest

What: Rastafest is a multi-disciplined festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafarian lifestyle and culture. From music and dance to drumming and poetry, this weekend’s events are both entertaining as well as educational.

Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 7060 Jane St
When: August 19, 1 pm to 8 pm

Toronto Vegan Food Festival

What: You definitely don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival! Here you’ll find lots of comfort food, craft bevies, music and more.

Where: Fort York & Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Boulevard
When: August 19, 11 am to 7 pm

Cityfest 2017

What: Join thousands of Torontonians at Canoe Landing Park for an all-day celebration of local music, art, and community this month.

Where: Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd
When: August 19, 1 pm to 11 pm

Taste of Manila

What: This weekend, the corner of Bathurst and Wilson (the epicenter of Toronto’s Filipino community) will be transformed into an incredible Filipino street festival. Come and check out the local businesses, take in the culture and feast on Philippine delicacies and authentic Filipino culinary delights.

Where: Bathurst and Wilson Street
When: August 19 to 20, 11 am to 11 pm

Toronto Chinatown Festival

What: Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhood of Chinatown is inviting Torontonians to come and celebrate its culture and history at the 17th annual Chinatown Festival.  The free, family-friendly event will host related engaging performances alongside vendors and interactive activities that will both showcase Canada’s cultural and communal diversity while helping to improve local tourism and economy.

Where: West side of Spadina Avenue
When: August 19, 12 pm to 11 pm; August 20, 11 am to 8 pm

Wild Blueberry Weekend

What: This berry special edition of the Brick Works’ weekend market will see 20+ food producers, preserves, bakers, and chefs highlight this delicious super fruit in products and dishes.

Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: August 19 to 20

Christie Pits Film Festival

What: The Christie Pits Film Festival is wrapping up this weekend and will be hosting a special closing weekend lineup of two surprise films. This year, the Christie Pits Film Festival’s theme is EYES ON THE PRIZE, so you can expect to catch a flick about competition and beating the odds. Although all screenings are free of charge, there is a suggested donation of $10.

Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West
When: August 19 to 20

Open Streets TO

What: Open Streets TO is the city’s largest free recreation program, unlike any other in the country. Certain city streets will temporarily open to people and close to cars and the streets will become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their health.

Where: Along Bloor and Yonge Streets
When: August 20, 10 am to 2 pm

East End Beer Fest

What: Three hundred east side beer enthusiasts will raise a glass at The Broadview Hotel at this inaugural event taking place Sunday, August 20 in the newly opened event space, Lincoln Hall.

Where: The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Avenue
When: August 20, 3 pm to 6 pm

India Day

What: Celebrate India’s 70th Independence Anniversary at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square this Sunday. This free, family-friendly event will feature cricket pitch, kids zone, a variety of mouth-watering Indian food, traditional clothes and fashion accessories for sale and much more.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: August 20, 12 pm to 10 pm

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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