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If you’re looking to save some extra dough this month, we have you covered with the top free Toronto events happening across the city.
There’s no need to break the bank to have fun in the city, especially during the summer.
See also
- 104 amazing events and festivals in Toronto to check out this summer
- 44 Toronto events to check out this July
- 150 things you have to do in Canada before you die
From the top food festivals, live music, outdoor films, cultural celebrations, and so much more, here are 30 totally free things to do in Toronto this month.
Enjoy!
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.
Where: St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Drive and Christie Street
When: July 3 to 23
City Cinema
What: On Tuesday nights, head downtown to the heart of Toronto for City Cinema. The outdoor screenings have limited seating, so be prepared and head down early.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: July 4, 11, 18, and 25
Movie Nights in The Beach Village
What: Head east to The Beach Village for Movie Nights in the Park this month. This month’s feature film is Uncle Buck and there’s FREE popcorn!
Where: Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen Street East
When: July 5
Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre
What: Humpdays in the city are always a little sweeter with Free Flicks. This summer, the popular Harbourfront series will be running until the end of August and features inspiring and fun films. The free event takes place at 9 pm.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: July 5, 12, 19, and 26
Corktown Common Park
What: For the second year, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will present weekly films in the beautiful park at Corktown Common, in Corktown. Just minutes from many bustling east-side Toronto neighbourhoods – Riverdale, Regent Park & the Distillery, along with others – this new neighbourhood is home to another great, urban TOPS screening series, under a city skyline that can’t be beat.
Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Avenue West
When: July 6, 13, and 20
Carnival Night Market
What: Come see Creole (French Caribbean), Spanish, and Jamaican communities display their creativity and pay tribute to the Caribbean founders with “Rum ‘n Reggae”, music and of course, plenty of food. The event will also include a three-day exhibition of Carnival and historical artifacts at Metro Hall.
Where: David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West
When: July 7 t0 8, 11 am to 11 pm
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 8 weekend, featuring over 130 vendors serving up local flavours and lots of family fun.
Where: Lawrence Avenue East, from Warden Avenue to Birchmount Road
When: July 7 to 10
Movies in the Meadow
What: The popular outdoor movie night program is celebrating Canada 150 this summer. The event at Downsview Park will be screening films with a Canadian connection and this month’s lineup includes La La Land, Moana, and Doctor Strange.
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road
When: July 7, 14 and 21
Cultura 2017
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.
Where: Mel Lastman Square
When: July 7, 14, 21, 28
Beaches International Jazz Festival
What: A festival that needs almost no introduction, the Beaches International Jazz Festival is celebrating its 29th year.
Where: The Beaches
When: July 7 to 30
Maker Extravaganza 2017
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.
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
When: July 8, 9 am to 5 pm
Christie Pits Film Festival
What: This year, the Christie Pits Film Festival’s theme is EYES ON THE PRIZE, and will be screening films about competition and beating the odds. Locally organized, the Christie Pits Film Festival has attracted thousands to its free weekly series of outdoor films. Sundays throughout the summer, the screenings will include a mix of old and new. Although all screenings are free of charge, there is a suggested donation of $10.
Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Avenue West
When: July 9, 16, 23, and 30
Anatolia Fest
What: Come and celebrate Turkish Culture in downtown Toronto. This free event will feature Turkish folk dance, foods, and live music.
Where: Dundas Square, 1 Dundas East
When: July 9, 11 am to 11 pm
50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love Picnic
It’s been 50 years since the first Summer of Love in Toronto in 1967 and this summer’s picnic will be taking place at Trinity Bellwoods Park. This will be a coming together of intentional, conscious groups of people, everyone from musicians, dancers, artists, shamans, psychedelic groups, meditators, contact improv, dancers, yogis, singers, drummers, and anyone else who is interested in hanging with a spiritual community.
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen Street West
When: July 9, 12 pm to 6:30 pm
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. This year’s theme is Canada 150, so come and experience the best that Canada has to offer.
Where: 2621 Islington Avenue
When: July 9, 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Carnival 2017 Offical Launch
What: The 50th Anniversary Festival Season begins with the Official Launch ceremony. This kick-off event gives the city of Toronto 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.
Where: David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West
When: July 11, 12 pm to 2 pm
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.
Where: 585 Dundas Street East
When: July 12, 19, and 26
UNITY Festival
What: Every July, UNITY Festival celebrates hip-hop diversity in an action packed event incorporating beatbox, dance, concerts, and spoken word. There’ll be a free dance exhibition and beatbox competition and a Unity concert.
Where: Multiple locations
When: July 13 to 15
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
What: Now in its 56th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition will feature over 340 visual artists, performers, and sculptures.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 14 to 16
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.
Where: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd
When: July 14 to 16
Carnival Village
What: The history of Carnival will be shared with Regent Parks community with an afternoon complete with interactive participation in Carnival Art.
Where: Regent Park Community, 585 Dundas Street East
When: July 15, 10 am to 6 pm
CityPlace Fort York BIA Movie Night Series
What: CityPlace Fort York BIA will be hosting a free movie night once a month up until September. Gather up your friends, bring your blankets/chairs and come a little early to enjoy snacks/refreshments. The month’s film is Half Baked.
Where: Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd
When: July 15
Festival of India
What: Splashing some spiritual culture into the city, the 45th Annual Festival of India returns on July 16 for two days of mouth-watering festivities. The event will begin with a euphoric parade down world-famous Yonge Street, followed by a day of festivities for the entire family.
Where: Various locations throughout the city
When: July 15 to 16
Movies in the Square
What: The Friends of Sorauren Park have planned another season of outdoor movies and special events this summer. The family event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month and this month’s film will be a PG-rated summer blockbuster.
Where: Sorauren Avenue Park, 289 Sorauren Avenue
When: July 22
Junior Carnival and Family Day
What: Come out and see the future of Carnival. Join the young producers, performers, and presenters as they put their imprint on the Festival. This will be a day filled with music and dancing and an event not to miss.
Where: Malvern Park, 36 Sewells Road & Neilson Parks, 1555 Neilson Road
When: July 22, 11 am to 8 pm
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.
Where: Bloor Street between Dufferin and Lansdowne
When: July 22 to 23
Brazilfest
What: Now in its 14th year, Toronto’s Brazilfest will offer its attendees the opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian performances and to enjoy Brazilian style foods.
Where: Earlscourt Park, 1200 Lansdowne Avenue
When: July 23, 11 am to 10 pm
Tirgan Festival
What: Tirgan is a non-profit, non-religious and non-partisan cultural celebration for Iranian-Canadians with four days of music, dance, food, discussions and historical programming
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: July 27 to 30, 9 am to 11 pm
Toronto International Youth Dance Festival
What: The Toronto International Youth Dance Festival will be taking over Nathan Phillips Square for three days this summer for a multi-cultural celebration of dance.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: July 28 to 30
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market
What: The 14th 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.
Where: Kensington Market
When: July 30
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