24 things to do in Toronto this long weekend: September 1 to 4

It’s the last long-weekend of summer!

Dance the night away at Electric Island’s closing weekend party, enjoy the cities most mouth-watering burgers at Le Burger Week, cheer for the incredible performances during the Canadian Air Show, and make your weekend memorable by enjoying some Labour Day fireworks.

Whether you prefer to spend your weekend inside or you would rather enjoy the weather, we’ve rounded up the perfect long weekend events for you in the city.

See also

• There are no TTC subway closures over the long weekend
• The AGO is getting a huge Guillermo del Toro exhibit
• 18 Toronto concerts to check out in September

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.

Where: High Park Amphitheatre
When: Now until Sept 3

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. While tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, the suggested amount is $15.  All are welcome, even your four-legged friends!

Where: Withrow Park, between Chester and Pape Street
When: Now until September 3

Lady Gaga #Artbirth

What: Acclaimed tribute artist Athena Reich stars as an expecting Lady Gaga in #ARTBIRTH – a hilarious evening of art, pop and comedy that combines vaudevillian comedy with ARTPOP outrageousness.

Where: Berkeley Street Theatre
When: Now until September 3

FanExpo Canada

What: Fandom at its best! From comics to sci-fi, horror and gaming, all under one massive roof. Guests this year include Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries) and much more.

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd
When: Now until September 3

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: Now until September 4

YYZ Live

What: To celebrate Canada 150, Pearson International is hosting 150 free live music performances all summer long. If you’re at the airport or just looking to enjoy some incredible music, visit the YYZ Live stage in Terminal 1, International Arrivals, or the YYZ Live acoustic stage on the Terminal Link train platform.

Where: Pearson International Airport
When: Now until September 15

Zac Brown Band

What: If you know you like your chicken friend and a cold beer on a Friday night, then you better put on your cowboy boots and head to the Budweiser Stage to catch the Zac Brown Band in concert.

Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lakeshore Blvd. West
When: September 1, 7 pm to 10 pm

Downsview Park Ribfest

What: Downsview Park Ribfest is back and better than ever! The popular Ribfest event returns for its 2nd edition and will feature rides, attractions, music and live entertainment and of course, great food. Admission is $5 for everyone 13 and over and free for little ones.

Where: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue
When: September 1 to 4

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, car show, and plenty of exciting surprises.

Where: Woodbine Park, Coxwell Ave at Lakeshore Boulevard
When: September 1 to 4

Active Ontario Festival

What: This long weekend, come and celebrate Active Living in Ontario. Participate in a team sport like soccer or volleyball, go rock climbing,  learn to dance at one of the festival workshops and much more. Admission is free, so come and celebrate being active this weekend.

Where: Ontario Place
When: September 1 to 4

Hispanic Fiesta

What: Hispanic Fiesta a four-day celebration filled with the splendid sounds, tempting treats and colorful culture that Hispanic heritage is famous for. Featuring 300 local, national and International Hispanic performers from over 20 different Spanish speaking countries.

Where: Mel Lastman Square
When: September 1 to 4

Canada’s Largest Ribfest

What: If you didn’t enjoy enough BBQ this summer, head to Canada’s largest Ribfest this long weekend to get your BBQ fix. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Burlington, all proceeds from the event go to support local charities.

Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road
When: September 1 to 4

Artfest Ontario

What: Artfest Toronto showcases the work of local artists and artisans, with painting, photography, sculptures, fine crafts and more. Peruse the art and pick up a piece or two, and enjoy the live music on the Distillery District stage.

Where: Distillery District
When: September 1 to 4, 11 am to 6 pm

Le Burger Week Toronto

What: Kick off the month by enjoying a week totally dedicated to burgers! At least 10 Toronto restaurants will be participating in Le Burger Week – each of which will be “called upon to create a unique burger; reflective of their overall concept and cuisine. These participating restaurants then offer a special “burger price”, where burger aficionados are encouraged to come eat and vote on the website.

Where: Restaurants across Toronto
When: September 1 to 7

Lechon Festival

What: The Toronto Lechon Festival is a grand and colourful event that will bring the traditional Filipino Fiesta to the area in ways that will transport the visitor to the Philippines. It will be a showcase of Filipino culture that aims to strengthen the ties that bind Filipino-Canadians with the whole community.

Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
When: September 2, 12 pm to 8:30 pm; September 3, 12 pm to 6 pm

Drone Light Show

What: The sky over Ontario Place will come alive with a unique Drone Light Show performance. Hosted by the team at Arrowonics, the first company in Canada to produce a drone show of this kind.

Where: Ontario Place
When: September 2, 11 pm to 11:30 pm

T.Dot Fest

Wha: Come and support more than 30 up and coming local artists as they perform in honour hip hop legend, Choclair.

Where: Yonge and Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street West
When: September 2, 12 pm to 10 pm

Oh! Canada? Pop Up Show

What: Join us on a powerful journey towards peoplehood at OH! CANADA? – an interactive exhibit for all ages. Explore how our lives are shaped by relationship, story, and the places we inhabit. Open your mind to the past, your heart to the future, and discover the unfolding story of Canadian identity.

Where: MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street
When: September 2 to 3

Richmond Hill Food Truck Festival

What: The largest park in Richmond Hill plays host to this free food truck rally and festival in September. Some participating trucks include Buster’s Sea Cove, Hogtown Smoke, Smokes Poutinerie, and Waffle Bar.

Where: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East
When: September 2 to 3, 12 pm to 8 pm

Canadian International Air Show

What: Presented by the CNE, the Canadian International Air Show is the largest and longest running aviation display in North America.

Where: Off the Canadian National Exhibition grounds over Lake Ontario
When: September 2 to 4

Long Weekend Fireworks

What: If there’s a day to visit Canada’s Wonderland, Labour Day weekend would be it! Awesome rides and family fun all day, followed by an epic fireworks display.

Where: Canada’s Wonderland
When: September 3 at 10 pm

Electric Island

What: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to get down to the sounds of Toronto’s biggest electronic DJs. This Labour Day weekend wraps up this summer’s run of Electric Island and there will be two back-to-back parties.

Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
When: September 3 to 4

Brewer’s Backyard: Lester P. Beerson Day

What: The Brewer’s Backyard is a fun afternoon soiree that gives you a chance to learn about, try and meet the people behind the best beer Ontario has to offer, in the casual and relaxed setting of historic Evergreen Brick Works.

Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: September 4, 11 am to 5 pm

Hot & Spicy Food Festival

What: Savour the flavour of the south! Come and enjoy this free food festival that features Southern BBQs, brass bands, and much more.

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: September 4 to 7