11 things to do in Toronto today: Monday, September 2

It might be Monday, but the weekend’s not over yet. It’s Labour Day, and while the banks might be closed, there’s still plenty of awesome events going down in Toronto today.

Make the most of the holiday and have some fun today, September 2.

See also:

• 33 FREE events to check out in Toronto this September
• There’s an interactive Dr. Seuss exhibit popping up in Toronto this fall
• All the A-list celebrities to spot in Toronto during TIFF this year

CNE 2019

What: No summer is complete without a visit to the EX to take in the sounds, tastes, rides, and animals. Get some food, and win some ridiculously large prizes.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
Price: All attractions and shows are FREE with admission to the CNE

Canadian International Air Show

What: And while you’re at the CNE, check out the 70th annual Canadian International Air Show. The CIAS will wow crowds with a new show that will include the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, as part of their North American Western Hawk 19 tour.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Above the CNE grounds

Labour Day Parade

What: Keeping with tradition, the annual Labour Day Parade, celebrating the strength and solidarity of workers, is set to take place on Monday, September 2, 2019. This year, Labour Day will be celebrating 125 years! The parade travels along Queen Street from University Avenue, and eventually enters the CNE.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 7 am to 4 pm
Where: Parade leaves Queen St. W. at University Ave. at precisely 10 am, heading west on Queen West to Dufferin, then turns south and enters the CNE grounds at Dufferin Gate

Breaking Benjamin concert

What: Rockers Breaking Benjamin are stopping in Toronto as part of their latest North American tour. Playing at the Budweiser Stage they’ve brought Dorothy, Diamante, and Three Days Grace along with them so get ready for an evening of great tunes and nostalgia all rolled into one.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Budweiser Stage
Admission: Tickets start at $39.75, available online

Late Mic T.O.

What: Late Mic Toronto, the only late-night talk show that is also an open mic. Submit monologue jokes to be read at the top of show and sign-up to perform stand-up (three minutes) or sit on the couch and have a chat/do a bit/play a character/do whatever (five minutes).

When: Monday, September 2
Time: Sign-up at 7:45 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave

One Love Festival TO – Legends Night

What: It’s the last day of a four-day event that showcases some of the biggest names in the Reggae, Dance Hall, and Soca music industry. Monday marks Legends Night where partygoers can celebrate the heritage of reggae music and dance to the classic hits of its culture’s roots.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: Event runs until 4 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road
Admission: Tickets start at $50, available online

Free Meditation in High Park with Buddhist Monk

What: All are welcome to join in for a free meditation session with Buddhist Monk Jason Simard, student of Tibetan Monk Lama Samten. There will also be a short introduction to meditation and a talk about human emotions and how to deal with them according to Tibetan Buddhist wisdom.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: The Labyrinth, High Park
Admission: Free

Mariposa Cruises’ Labour Day Lunch Cruise

What: Torontonians can celebrate the last long weekend of the summer aboard Mariposa Cruises’ Labour Day Lunch Cruise. Guests will enjoy a leisurely cruise along Toronto’s harbour on Monday, September 2nd, with stunning views of the skyline and the best viewing spot in the city to watch the spectacular Air Show.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: Boarding, 12 pm to 12:30 pm; sailing 12:30 pm to 2:30
Where: Queen’s Quay Terminal, 207 Queen’s Quay West
Admission: Adults, $60.90; children, $45.90; children under three cruise free

Brewer’s Backyard – The Fruits of our Labour

What: Brewer’s Backyard is back to celebrate our final festival of the summer with the Fruits of Our Labour event on Monday, September 2. What better way to start September off right than with another BB beer festival? Check out an amazing line up of breweries that will be pouring including Big Rig, Black Oak, Collective Arts, Eastbound, Exchange Brewery, Indie Alehouse, Shacklands, and St. Mary Axe. You won’t want to miss this one.

When: Monday, September 2
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Evergreen Brickworks
Admission: Free to attend

Artfest Toronto Fall Show

What: Artfest Toronto at the Distillery Fall show takes place on Labour Day weekend for four days. This show focuses on fine art and craft with a splash of gourmet food. A curated selection of 80 artists from across Ontario, Quebec and beyond will be exhibiting their fine art and craft throughout the Historic Distillery District.

When: Monday, September 2
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street
Admission: Free

Oktoberfest at the CNE

What: Let’s all go to the Ex! It wouldn’t be summer in Toronto without at least one trip to the CNE — and this is the last weekend to do just that. And while you’re there why not attend a massive Oktoberfest celebration. Inspired by traditions started in Germany over 200 years ago, the CNE Oktoberfest will bring festivities to the fair through food, performances, and merriment.

When: Monday, September 2
Where: Canadian National Exhibition – 210 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: General admission to the CNE is $19.99, available online