29 things to do in Toronto this weekend: July 12 to 14

Jul 12 2019, 2:10 am

Finally done with your never-ending work week?

Celebrate your freedom in style at one of these exciting events happening throughout the city from July 12 to 14.

From the return of the Honda Indy to a massive South Asian food festival, there’s something for every taste and budget to enjoy.

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Friday, July 12

Toronto Fringe Festival

What: With 151 shows at 37 venues that include live theatre, music, dance, arts, buskers, and performances (basically, everything arts-related), there’s something for everyone at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

When: On now until July 14
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Ticketed events start at $11

POSTSCRIPT

What: The Toronto Fringe Festival is returning to the city this month. And with it comes the transformation of one of downtown’s beloved outdoor rinks into an equally-beloved (giant) patio space. With beer, ciders, coolers, wine, gin, vodka and cold brew on tap, there’s a drink to quench every kind of thirst. Plus, Kanto by Tita Flips will be slingin’ Filipino classics like beef tapsilog and lumpia, and Canadian favourites like burgers and fries. The patio will also be a venue to comedy shows, DJ sets, and so much more.

When: On now until July 14
Time: Open from noon to 2 am (4 am on Saturdays)
Where: Harry Gairey Rink – 275 Bathurst Street
Price: Entry is free

Summerlicious 2019

What: Now in its 17th year, Summerlicious is back, and reservation lines open on June 20. The citywide prix-fixe promotion kicks off July 5 and runs until July 21 at nearly 200 of Toronto’s favourite restaurants.

When: On now until July 21
Time: Varies by restaurant
Where: Restaurants across Toronto
Price: Lunch menus priced at $23, $28, and $33 and dinner is $33, $43, and $53

Bar Aperol

What: Bar Aperol will be selling Aperol Spritz’s and serving alongside an Italian aperitivo food menu by the Cheese Boutique, and coffee and espresso by Lavazza. Those looking to enjoy an aperitif but don’t want to consume alcohol, Crodino, the Italian non-alcoholic aperitif will be available.

When: Open for the month of July, four days a week (Thursday to Sunday)
Time: Thursdays and Fridays, 4 pm to 11 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: 1030Queen Street West
Price: Admission is free

Union Summer Market

What: The open-air market situated on the doorstep of Toronto’s Union Station returns to the city this summer. The outdoor marketplace promises to “showcase the best of Toronto’s eclectic culture, talent and spirit with a curated mix of local food vendors and entertainment.”

When: On now until August 3
Time: Monday to Wednesday, 11 am to 9 pm; Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Union Station – 65 Front Street West
Price: Entry is free

The Funhouse

 

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What: Queen Street West is about to get a brand new immersive installation. And it’s going to be a houseful of fun. Toronto-based art collective Mondo Forma and Universal Music Canada are bringing The Funhouse to downtown. The immersive, experiential art maze, inspired by music and created in collaboration with some of Toronto’s most exciting artists, and will open this Saturday.

When: On now through to September
Time: Doors open at 10 am
Where: 
101 Lisgar Street
Price: $28 general admission

Shakespeare in High Park

What: The untraditional rendition of Shakespeare returns on July 4 and will run until September 1. The long-running outdoor theatre event is celebrating its 37th year and takes on two classics this year. This summer’s plays include the comedic tale of love and desire, Much Ado About Nothing, and the timeless story of morality and power, Measure For Measure.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, July 4 to September 1
Time: All performances begin at 8 pm
Where: High Park Amphitheatre
Price: Tickets are pay-what-you-can

Summer Music in the Park

What: This summer, head to Bloor-Yorkville and snag a seat by the ‘big rock and enjoy some incredible live music that ranges from jazz to traditional Cuban and Greek and Celtic.

When: On now through September 7 (Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Time: Fridays, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; Saturdays, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; Sundays (only in July and August), 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, Bellair and Cumberland streets
Price: Free

Night It Up!

What: The annual night market returns to Markham Civic Centre over the second weekend in July and is bringing together more than 100 booths dishing out everything from ramen burgers and matcha shaved ice all the way to deep fried ice cream.

When: July 12 to 14
Time: Friday, 7 pm to midnight; Saturday, 2 pm to midnight; Sunday, 2 pm to 8 pm
Where: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham
Price: Admission is free

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

What: Set to take place at Nathan Phillips Square this July, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is back for its 58th year, bringing together over 360 artists and makers of different backgrounds and disciplines. Lasting all weekend long, the event promises to create a space where artists and art lovers can interact and collaborate.

When: July 12 to 14
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Price: Free to attend

Honda Indy Toronto

road closures

hondaindy / Instagram

What: Celebrating 33 years of racing on the streets of Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is taking over Toronto this weekend. It’ll be fast and furious (and loud) in the city, and definitely not an event you’ll want to miss.

When: July 12 to 14
Time: Friday, 8 am to 6:50 pm; Saturday, 8:05 am to 6:35 pm; Sunday, 9:15 am to 3:40 pm
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.
Price: General admission tickets for adults start at $40

Indie Fridays

What: Not only is Yonge-Dundas Square hosting free movies and free yoga this summer, it will also be the site of free concerts. The Square’s free indie concert series kicks off on Friday, June 28 and will run for ten weeks until August 30. With the launch of Chevrolet’s new music discovery program, Chevy Music, this year’s series is set to be the biggest and best yet.

When: Every Friday through August 30
Time: 8 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Free

Beam Me Up Disco!

What: A jam that celebrates the underrated and the obscure of funk, jazz, soul, boogie, proto-house, and more, supplied by the Patchouli Brothers and Cyclist every Friday night this month.

When: July 12
Time: 10 pm
Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
Price $10

Lolli – The Exhibit Nobody Wants to Talk About

What: Tapping into the cultural phenomenon of Instagrammable installations shared daily on social media, visit Toronto’s latest exhibit, Lolli. Learn the meaning behind the tens of thousands of lollipops artistically displayed and help raise awareness for this social epidemic. This exhibit contains content that may trigger unsettling feelings. Visitors must be 18+.

When: July 12 to 14
Time:  12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
Price: Admission is free

Saturday, July 13

Evergreen Brick Works Saturday Markets

What: The Evergreen Brick Works Saturday market has grown to become the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Here you’ll find a wide variety of local and seasonal food from local farmers and producers.

When: Every Saturday during summer
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

BMW M Festival

What: For the first time ever, BMW is bringing its popular M Festival to North America. True to BMW’s passion for motorsport and dynamic performance, you can experience heart-pounding track experiences, vehicle displays, a family-friendly area, and musical performances headlined by Serena Ryder and Dear Rouge. BMW owners can also show off their vehicle at the Show & Shine, while BMW M owners can opt to drive their own vehicle in an adrenaline-packed track experience.

When: July 13 and 14
Time: 9:30 am to 7 pm
Where: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Price: Tickets range from $25 to $250

Kensington Market Flea

What: Starting this Saturday, the weekly Kensington Market Flea kicks off. During the market, visitors will see plenty of independent vendors and artisans from across the city. You can check out plenty of handmade items, art, vintage clothing, records, and other locally designed goods.

When: July 13
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: 214 Augusta Ave, the rear outdoor area of El Gordo Foods
Price: Free to attend

TD Festival of South Asia 2019

Festival of South Asia 2018

Jo-Anne McArthur/Village of Dreams Productions Inc.

What: Toronto’s Little India neighbourhood will host a massive Festival of South Asia this month. The annual street festival is a showcase of South Asian community and culture, and it’s returning to Gerrard Street East on July 13 and 14. Among the many highlights this year, festival-goers can look forward to a Bollywood Dance Energizer. There will also be sidewalk sales and tasting tables hawking delicious eats spanning the gamut of kebabs, curries, and chaat, to dosa, pani puri, pakoras, and more.

When: July 13 and 14
Where: Gerrard Street East from Glenside Avenue to Coxwell Avenue
Price: Free to attend

Festival of India

What: Infusing the city with a dose of colourful and spiritual culture, the 47th Annual Festival of India returns this July for two days of nourishing festivities. The event will begin with a vibrant, high-energy parade down Yonge Street, followed by a day of festivities for the entire family.

When: July 13 and 14
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: Admission is free

All Day I Dream 2019

What: It’s time to get groovy Toronto. The fourth edition of All Day I Dream in Toronto promises another beautiful blissed out day full of pretty music and good vibes.

When: July 13
Time: 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: From $50

TD Festival of South Asia 2019

What: Toronto’s Little India neighbourhood will host a massive Festival of South Asia this month. The annual street festival is a showcase of South Asian community and culture, and it’s returning to Gerrard Street East on July 13 and 14. Among the many highlights this year, festival-goers can look forward to a Bollywood Dance Energizer. There will also be sidewalk sales and tasting tables hawking delicious eats spanning the gamut of kebabs, curries, and chaat, to dosa, pani puri, pakoras, and more.

When: July 13 and 14
Where: Gerrard Street East from Glenside Avenue to Coxwell Avenue
Price: Free to attend

Lovers and Other Strangers: Improvised

What: Lovers and Other Strangers aired nightly on CHFI 98.1 in the ’90s. It had inspirational readings, soft rock, and synthesizers. Come see some of Toronto’s funniest comedians improvise a set based on this emotional radio show. Featuring Anders Yates, Callum Wratten, Rebecca Payne, Alex Kolanko, Zohaib Khan, Liz Johnston, and Rosh Abdullah.

When: July 13
Time: 11 pm
Where: Bad Dog Comedy, 875 Bloor Street West
Price: 
$10

Sunday, July 14

City Shred 

What: City Shred returns this month and gives you the chance to be a part of an epic one-day group-training experience. Set on the turf where it all began at Central Tech Stadium, City Shred will test your strength, endurance, agility, and speed to complete a killer HIIT workout like no other. 

When: July 14
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Central Tech Stadium, 725 Bathurst Street
Price: $35

The Distillery District Sunday Market

distillery

Distillery District/shutterstock

What: If you’re looking to splurge on some tasty treats, hit up this market happening every Sunday until the end of September. Vendors selling cured meats, organic preserves, ready-to-eat treats, and handmade gourmet chocolates are just some of the things you can feast on. And of course, you’ll be able to shop for all sorts of artisan crafts.

When: Every Sunday through September 29
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free admission

Sunday Social Series

What: Kicking off on the same day as the Bentway Block Party is the first Sunday of the second season of the Bentway’s Sunday Social Series. The Social Series will present a space for socializing with friends new and old around oversized lounge chairs and picnic tables every Sunday all summer long. Canadian music mag Exclaim! will be presenting plenty of live music, Pilot Coffee and SPIN will be serving food, drinks and bar service, and, like the Block Party, ping pong tables will also be on-site.

When: Every Sunday through August 25
Time: Noon to 9 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Price: Free to attend

Notting Hill Block Party

What: This Sunday, come and join Lanterra Developments for a British-inspired celebration for their newest development coming to Etobicoke: Notting Hill Condominiums. The whole neighbourhood is invited for a live British cover band, British Guards, delicious food and an afternoon of fun where everyone can get a taste of Notting Hill living.

When: July 14
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Plant World, 4000 Eglinton Avenue West
Price: Admission is free

Music in the Park

What: The Beach Village BIA presents the third annual summer Music in the Park Series. The series takes place in Kew Gardens in the Alex Christie Bandshell, in the heart of The Beaches. The series has been carefully curated to feature some of the Toronto and Canada’s best performers, spanning multiple genres.

When: Every Sunday in July and August, starting on July 7
Time: 
2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Kew Gardens in the Alex Christie Bandshell
Price: Admission is free

Summer Music in the Garden

What:  The Summer Music in the Garden concert series will kick off in honour of the Toronto Music Garden’s 20th anniversary, and will feature 18 free concerts of classical, traditional and world music, including a concert on August 25 that will feature the Music Garden’s “theme song,” Bach’s Suite no. 1 in G Major for solo cello. Taking place on Thursdays and Sundays through September 15.

When: July 14
Time: 4 pm
Where: 479 Queens Quay West
Price: Free to attend

Yoga Classes at The Bentway

What: You’ll be able to balance yourself out every week at The Bentway’s free yoga classes this summer. The weekly yoga classes are run by Tribe Fitness and go every Sunday from mid-June to the end of August. Just remember to bring your own mat!

When: July 14
Time:  7 pm to 8 pm
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: Free, but you must bring your own mat

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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