28 things to do in Toronto this long weekend: August 31 to September 3

It’s the last long weekend of summer.

You can 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.

Friday, August 31

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.
Price: Free

Fan Expo Canada

What: Fandom at its best. From comics to sci-fi, horror and gaming, all under one massive roof. Guests this year include Jason Momoa (DC Justice League), Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future), Evangeline Lilly (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Joe Keery (Stranger Things), Rob Schneider (Saturday Night Live), and more.

When: Now until September 2
Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Monday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Price: From $25

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

What: No summer is complete without a visit to the EX. Get some food, and win some ridiculously large prizes.

When: Now until September 3
Time: The grounds are open daily from 10 am to midnight, but attractions and rides all close at different times
Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
Price: General admission is $19.99

Asian Market at the CNE

What: New to the CNE this year is the Telus Asian Market, which is billed as a “bustling beehive of interactive experiences in a colourful and aromatic marketplace that will feature distinctive artisan creations, fabulous food, and engaging entertainment offerings.”

When: Now until September 3
Time: 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Exhibition Place, Princes’ Boulevard
Price: Free with CNE admission

Rogers Ignite TV Command House

What: Starting today, entertainment enthusiasts are invited to attend the city’s largest ‘house party’ where fan-favourite content will come to life. This five-day entertainment extravaganza will feature non-stop free activities including movie screenings, celebrity meet-and-greets, opportunities to rub elbows with current and former Blue Jays and Maple Leaf players and plenty of family-friendly activities.

When: Now until September 5
Time: Friday, 9 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm; Sunday and Monday, 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd.
Price: Admission is free

The Art of Banksy

What: A new massive exhibit curated by Steve Lazarides, Banksy’s former manager, is now open in Toronto displaying the largest collection of the artist’s works. According to organizers, with over $35 million in art, this is the largest Banksy exhibit ever assembled.

When: Now until September 16
Time: Monday and Tuesday, 11 am to 7 pm; Wednesday, 11 am to 8 pm; Thursday and Friday, 11 am to 10 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 12 am; Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: 213 Sterling Road, Toronto
Price: Tickets start at $35

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

What: This summer, the ROM welcomed a new exhibit, Spiders: Fear & Fascination and trust us, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The exhibit explores the hunting, burrowing, and weaving world of these eight-legged creatures and will feature more than 400 live and preserved spiders, cutting-edge interactive experiences, and new scientific discoveries.

When: Now until January
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $32 for adults

Artfest

What: You can enjoy painting, photography, sculpture, fine craft, live music and more from Canada’s top artist set up throughout the cobblestone lanes of the historic Distillery District this long weekend.

When: August 31 to September 3
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: The Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
Price: Admission is free

Chudleigh Cider Summer Nights

What: Chudleigh’s Farm re-opened in July, unveiling a brand new way to experience the farm. As part of the new experience, the farm is launching Summer Cider Nights, which will take place on Friday and Saturday nights throughout August, featuring live music, delicious food, wagon rides, the new Chudleigh’s Hard Cider and so much more.

When: August 31 and September 1
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills, ON
Price: $10 per person

Toronto Rib, Bacon and BBQ Fest

What: Hogtown is going hog wild. The Toronto Rib, Bacon and BBQ Festival is taking over Downsview Park over Labour Day weekend and is promising a massive Ribfest bolstered by the addition of vendors specializing in bacon and barbecue as well.

When: August 31 to September 3
Time: Friday, 4 pm to 11 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 11 pm; Monday, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road, North York
Price: General admission is $5. Kids under 12 are Free

Aquatic Con

What: Whether you’re arriving by a telephone booth, an old DeLorean, or even a
spaceship, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy at this all-ages Aquatic Con themed evening event.

When: August 31
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Blvd
Price: $30

Indie Fridays

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

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

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. Tonight’s screening is Black Panther. 

When: August 31
Time: Roughly 9:30 pm
Where: 79 Carl Hall Road, Football Field & Running Track
Price: Free to attend

Saturday, September 1

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: September 1
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview
Price: Admission is free

Free Yoga at Ontario Place

What: Every weekend this summer, Ontario Place hosts yoga at Trillium Park. On Saturday and Sundays, from now until August 26, the morning classes will be offered with no sign ups necessary. Yogis just need to bring a mat for practice.

When: September 1 and 2
Time: Saturday, 10 am; Sunday, 11 am
Where: Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Price: Free

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. The market runs every Saturday and Sunday.

When: September 1 and 2
Time: Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay West
Price: Admission is free

Canadian International Air Show

What: Whether you’re watching from your condo, the CNE or along the Harbour Front, there’s no better way to end summer than by watching the Canadian International Air Show. It’s not only Canada’s largest and longest-running aviation display but its easily the most popular way to enjoy the Labour Day weekend in the city. The CIAS is best viewed at the southwest waterfront grounds of the CNE, south of the bandshell.

When: September 1 to 3
Tim: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Over Lake Ontario
Price: Free with CNE admission

Sunnyside 20 – Episode 07 with Dubfire and friends

What: This Saturday, celebrate the 20th season of summer music and events at Sunnyside Pavilion. Come and enjoy an evening filled with good music, people and vibes.

When: September 1
Time: 4 pm to 11 pm
Where: Sunnyside Pavilion, 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Price: $25 to $30

Le Burger Week

What: This year, Le Burger Week has gone national will be taking place across six provinces. In Toronto, there will be nine participating restaurants competing for the title of their city’s best burger, including Holy Chuck, Zeal Burgers, The Broadview Hotel, Allstar W&R Restaurants to name a few.

When: September 1 to 7
Time: Hours vary by location
Where: Restaurants throughout the city
Price: Varies by location

Femme Fatale 2.0

What: The second Femme Fatale showcase will celebrate the unique and inspiring women in Toronto’s music community. There will be performances from Karis, Effie Sky and Jessie Jean.

When: September 1
Time: 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Supermarket, 268 Augusta Avenue
Price: $10 at the door

Sunday, September 2

Electric Island 2018

What: Get your sunglasses and dancing shoes ready, Toronto’s favourite summer concert and picnic series is wrapping up its season with an epic two-day bash at Hanlan’s Point.

When: September 2 and 3
Time: 2 pm to 11 pm
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
Price: Tickets start at $50.84

Promise Cherry Beach 2018

What: Come and enjoy an unmissable chance to take in the best of Toronto’s underground music scene surrounded by sun and fun at the beach.

When: September 2
Time: 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cherry Beach, Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue
Price: $20

Shakespeare in High Park

What: Toronto’s annual Shakespeare in High Park concludes this evening with a performance of its frolicking comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  The longest-running outdoor theatre event is celebrated its 36th year this summer.

When: September 2
Time: 8 pm
Where: High Park Amphitheatre
Price: Pay what you can

Labour Day Weekend Fireworks

What: Say goodbye to summer break by catching Labour Day fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland. The theme park is hosting a huge fireworks display taking place on Sunday, featuring over 6,000 fireworks will light up the sky to choreographed music.

When: September 2
Time: 10 pm
Where: Canada’s Wonderland — 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Price: Free with admission to the park

Labour of Love

What: Toronto’s popular Labour Day weekend music festival returns! Toronto’s own Deadmau5 is spinning alongside Monstergetdown and Mazone & Strong.

When: September 2
Time: 10 pm to 3 am
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
Price: $88.93 (includes taxes)

Monday, September 3

Brewer’s Backyard

What: Celebrate the final weekend of summer with a few brews. The line-up of breweries includes Big Rock, Collective Arts, Eastbound, Exchange Brewery, GLB, Goose Island, Northern Maverick, and Red Thread alongside food vendors including Arepa Republic, FeasTO, Fidel Gastro, Meltdown Cheesery, and the Pop Stand.

When: September 3
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Price: Admission is free

Labour Day Lunch Cruise

What: Soak up the last long weekend of summer in true Toronto style — out on the water with spectacular views of the skyline and delicious eats prepared by executive chef Andrew Capone, formerly of The Drake, Thuet and The Harbord Room. Perfect summer cocktails are also available for purchase.

When: September 3
Time: Boat begins boarding at 1 pm, cruise ends at 4 pm
Where: Mariposa Cruises
Price: $59.95

Promise Cherry Beach 2018 Summer Finale

What: You can say farewell to summer and this year’s run of Promise Cherry Beach that this finale party. Come and enjoy a lineup of new faces and lifelong favourites and a mix of sunny electro, house, and techno music.

When: September 3
Time: 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cherry Beach, Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue
Price: $20

See also

• Here is what's open and closed in Toronto on Labour Day
• 6 top food picks at BuskerFest in Toronto this weekend
• You can get FREE coffee at cafes across the city starting today