35 Toronto events worth checking out this June

Jun 5 2019, 2:23 am

As the weather continues to heat up, so does Toronto’s event scene.

And it just so happens we’ve rounded up every major event happening in the city this month to keep you plenty busy.

From food and craft beer festivals to Pride events, concerts and a fancy gala, here are the top June events worth checking out.

Let’s do this, Toronto!

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This is Eye Candy

 

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What: This is Eye Candy is Toronto’s latest Instagram pop-up experience. Tucked away on Queen Street, you’ll find 12 unique rooms, each offering a new immersive experience. From a luxury jet to a cherry blossom forest, there’s a room to pique everyone’s interest.

When: On now
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: 
322 1/2 Queen Street West
Price: $20, during the hours of 5 pm till 10 pm; $15, during the hours of 11 am till 4 pm

Ai Weiwei: Unbroken

What: Ai Weiwei, one of the world’s most influential living artists and human rights activists, is bringing a collection of his ceramic works to Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. Called Unbroken, the exhibit will present an array of Ai’s ceramic works while highlighting “urgent global issues.”

When: On now until June 9
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park
Admission: $15 for adults

The Funhouse

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

Celebrity I Do’s

What: You can get the scoop on the latest celeb relationship and wedding gossip during this intimate evening with Elaine ‘Lainey’ Lui, of LaineyGossip. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some tasty nibbles and delicious bubbly.

When: June 5
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Bayview Village
Price: $15

Artisan Cheese Night Market

What: You’re going to melt over this one. Look forward to sampling Canadian artisan and farmstead cheeses, along with charcuterie, artisan foods, wines, spirits, and beers for one night only at the St. Lawrence Market. Tickets are available online from $30.

When: June 6
Time: 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Market, Temporary North Hall, 125 The Esplanade, Toronto
Price: Tickets are available online from $30

Canadian Sport Film Fest

 

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What: Now in its 11th year, the Canadian Sport Film Festival brings together the theatre of sport and the medium of film to tell unique, provocative and passionate human stories from around the world. CSFF also works to showcase international films and filmmakers not typically screened or widely available.

When: June 6 to 8
Time: Varies by screening
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Price:
 $15 for adults

Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo 2019

What: The Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo is back in the city for its first stop in Toronto since the legalization of adult-use recreational pot. As always, the event will be offering wall to wall opportunities to meet and learn from those working in the new industry. The event is geared towards everyone from patients to consumers, industry professionals, and investors. It’s set to feature over exhibitors from around the world, informed speakers, as well as representatives from major companies across the country.

When: June 6 to 9
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St
Price: Tickets start at $25 for the weekend and go as high as $550 for Business Conference tickets.

Power Ball 2019

What: The Power Plant’s major annual fundraiser, Power Ball, which has set the standard as one of the most influential and vibrant art galas in Toronto, returns this month. To emulate this year’s theme, Power Ball: The 21 Club, The Power Plant will transform into an illicit speakeasy, inviting guests to celebrate the city’s most notorious art world characters, artists and fans of the forbidden.

When: June 6
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Power Plant, 231 Queen’s Quay West
Price: From $175

NXNE 2019

What: Canada’s premier music and gaming festival, NXNE, is returning to the city for ten days starting this week. From June 7 to 16, festival goers can look forward to more curator and club shows, and an extended festival village that will include four stages for live performances. This year’s ‘Club Land’ and ‘Festival Village’ will offer guests an impressive mixture of globally recognized and emerging hip-hop, indie rock, and pop performers at 20 of the top music venues in the city.

When: June 7 to 16
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Wristbands cost $29

Luminato

What: The 13th annual Luminato Festival returns to Toronto this week. From June 7 to 23, the multi-arts and multi-platform event will take over the city for 17 days of free and ticketed programming. From a larger-than-life mirrored maze and provocative new work by one of Canada’s most renowned puppet masters to a massive choral event along Toronto’s waterfront and the North American premiere of a reimagined dance classic, Luminato will host over 165 Canadian and international artists.

When: June 7 to 23
Time: Varies by day
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Varies by event

Sunnyside 21 – Episode 3 and 4

Sunnyside 21/Facebook

What: You can celebrate the 21st season of summer music and events at Sunnyside Pavilion. Come and enjoy an evening filled with good music, people and vibes.

When: June 8, 6 pm; June 29, 5 pm
Where: Sunnyside Pavilion, 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Price: $30

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. This weekend, you can see some of Toronto’s funniest comedians improvise a set based on this emotional radio show. This month features Mark Shyzer, Rebecca Payne, Alex Kolanko, Zohaib Khan, Chelsea Larkin, Daphney Joseph, Liz Johnston, Ajahnis Charley, Andrew Bushell, and Rosh Abdullah.

When: June 8
Time: 11 pm to 12 am
Where: Bad Dog Comedy Theatre
Price: $10

Pehr Pop-up

What: Pehr, which is known for its modern and ethically made baby and kids goods is hostings its first-ever pop-up this month where you can shop for the newest Pehr collections of baby, kids décor, bedding, storage, apparel, and accessories.

When: June 8 through June 30
Time: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays; 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesdays, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm

Patria Rosé Sundays

What: Slept in too late for brunch? Patria has you covered. Patria is now offering Rosé Sundays where you can try bottomless rosé paired with delicious servings of Spanish pintxos for only $50. Skip the siesta and come enjoy one of the best and romantic patios Toronto has to offer.

When: Starts June 9
Time: From 1 pm
Where: Patria, 478 King Street West
Price: From $50

Promise Cherry Beach

What: Put on your dancin’ shoes and head to Promise Cherry Beach for an afternoon (and evening) of fun. Come and enjoy a lineup of new faces and lifelong favourites and a mix of sunny electro, house, and techno music.

When: June 9
Time: 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cherry Beach, 1 Cherry Street
Price: $20

Historical Craft Beer Tour

happy hour

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What: Take a journey through the Greenwood – Coxwell neighbourhood and explore unique spots in Toronto’s expanding craft brewery scene. Your tour will include samples of several varieties from each brewery you visit, plus the opportunity to learn about the city’s past and love of beer.

When: June 9 and 23
Time: 12 pm
Where: Greenwood Station
Price: $80.73

The Bandit Sit-Down Series

What: Sit-Down sessions at Bandit take place in an exclusive space right in the middle of the brewhouse and include a tour of the facilities and a guided tasting of 6 (4 oz) beers. Brews are paired with a rich selection of house-made charcuterie and a variety of cheeses.

When: June 11
Time: From 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Bandit Brewery, 2125 Dundas Street West
Price: $30

Cabana Pool Party

What: Cannonball into Pride with an epic party at one of the most stunning venues in the city. Pride Toronto is returning to Cabana Pool Bar for one night only, as LGBTQ2+ folks take over the entire space to dance, swim, sip cocktails, and take dozens of photos with the jaw-dropping view of the city skyline as a backdrop. This year’s RuPaul’s Drag Race All-star winner Monèt X Change will be headlining the festivities. It’s a bring-your-bathing-suit-to-work day because this pool fiesta starts at 6 pm.

When: June 13
Time: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson
Price: From $24.32

Jonathan Simkhai Luxury Pop-Up Shop

What: Jonathan Simkhai, women’s luxury ready-to-wear designer and 2015 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, is delighted to announce his first pop-up shop in Toronto at The New Trend (TNT), showcasing select pieces from his Pre-Fall 2019 Collection, which will be offered for a limited time only.

When: From June 13 till the end of July
Where: TNT in Yorkville, 87 Avenue Rd.

#FNLROM: Colour ROM Proud

What: The celebrations continue with an official Pride Toronto dance party at #FNLROM: Colour ROM Proud. Come and enjoy a night of queer art, expression, music, dancing, food, and performances. It’s a night to feel proud, while you party.

When: June 14
Time: 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: From $19.21

The Wine & Spirit Festival

wine and spirits festival

Drink Inc. Events/Facebook

What: This drinks-centric beach party is one solid reason to head down to Toronto’s waterfront to celebrate spring and the promise of summer. Ticket prices include a sampling cup and wristband for admission to complimentary seminars.

When: June 14 and 15
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Drive, Toronto
Price: You can get your tickets online from $23

Oprah Winfrey in Toronto

What: The media mogul is embarking on a multi-city Canadian tour, where she’ll be sharing her key lessons and the personal stories that helped set the course for her best life. Winfrey will speak about the moments throughout her life that helped direct her on her path before being joined on stage by a special guest who impacted her journey for a unique one on one conversation.

When: June 14
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Price: From $149

The Art of Craft Beer Leslieville

What: The Art of Craft Beer Outdoor Festival, in the heart of Leslieville, is returning to the city for its third year. Anticipate new and returning craft beer and food vendors, an Art Expo featuring new illustrators and printmakers, amazing live music, and a print shop!

When: June 15
Time: From noon to 8 pm
Where: 1444 Queen Street East
Price: $15 to $45

Foodalicious 2019

What: Toronto’s third annual Foodalicious Food Festival will take over Downsview Park this month. Enjoy food from some of the city’s top local vendors, while relishing in live music and attractions top-tier entertainers.

When: June 15 and 16
Time: Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Drive
Price: From $8.85

The Stop’s Night Market

What: The Stop’s Night Market is back for the 2019 festival season. Taking place over two evenings in June, the annual event will transform a section of the city into a vibrant open-air marketplace, populated with one-of-a-kind food carts and open bars.

When: June 18 and 19
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
Price: $125

Something New

 

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What: Get the lowdown on all of the latest wedding trends with Alison McGill, editor-in-chief of Weddingbells. Guests can enjoy delicious treats from the sweets table, featuring Finespun Cakes & Pastries, Joni & Cake, Gloryhole Doughnuts, and Laduree as they explore this pop-up. there will also be custom fashion illustrations from Monica Smiley.

When: June 19
Time: 
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Bayview Village
Price: $15

Toronto Vegan Boat Cruise

What: Back for the second year in a row, Toronto’s Vegan Boat Cruise will be boarding on June 21, marking the first day of summer with a night full of plant-based eats and drinks. Cruise through the Toronto Islands and make new friends on your voyage while you enjoy bites from many of the GTA’s favourite veggie vendors.

When: June 21
Time: 7 pm
Where: 11 Polson Street
Price: Tickets are available online from $50

Night at the Aqueerium

What: The fourth annual Night at the Aqueerium is going down this month. Dive into all the colours of the rainbow and dance the night away with music by DJ Cozmic Cat & Lucie Tic, while enjoying live entertainment by the Spice Queens, refreshments and plenty of photo ops. Get your gills flappin’ and purchase your tickets early before they shell out.

When: June 21
Time: 8 pm to 12 am
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium
Price: From $40

All-Star Gala in support of SickKids

What: The fifth annual All-Star Gala in support of SickKids will see 1,250 celebrities, young professionals, and pro athletes come together for a glamorous night hosted by the beloved voice of the Raptors, Jack Armstrong. Guests can look forward to an open bar, silent auction, and live music from The Reklaws and Matisse, plus top DJs to keep the party going well past midnight.

When: June 21
Time: 8:30 pm to 2 am
Where:
 Toronto Event Centre, 15 Saskatchewan Rd.
Price: From $125

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

What: Now in its 33rd year as one of the premiere jazz festivals in North America, the
TD Toronto Jazz Festival returns this month. The Jazz Festival will offer 10 music-packed days showcasing the very best in jazz from Toronto, across the country and around the world.

When: June 21 to 30
Time: Varies by the show
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Tickets: Available online

Negroni Week

Negroni Week

What: This June, Negroni Week returns, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the timeless cocktail. This year, Campari Canada is taking over Toronto hotspot Mahjong Bar for an exciting week filled with Negroni Week activities. While the negroni will be the star of the menu, a gift shop will also be open to patrons for a chance to walk away with Campari merchandise like vintage artwork prints. Items are available for purchase throughout the week, with proceeds going to charity.

When: June 24 to 30
Where: Mahjong Bar, 1276 Dundas Street West
Price: Varies by what you order

Rosé in the City

What: Visit Yorkville Village to experience Rosé in the City. The event will feature a live DJ alongside rosé tastings, paired with specially curated eats. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with Rosé experts and learn more summer’s favourite sip.

When: June 27
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: 136 Yorkville Avenue
Price: Tickets start at $75 and are available online

Queen’s Plate Festival

What: One of Toronto’s must-attend events of the summer, the 2019 Queen’s Plate Racing Festival will begin on Friday, June 28 and run through Saturday, June 29. The fashion-forward festival features world-class horse racing, live entertainment and delicious dining experiences.

When: June 28 and 29
Time: Friday, from 3 pm; Saturday, from 11 am
Where: 
Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Blvd.
Price: 
Tickets start at $40

Bud Light Dreams

What: Get your dancing shoes ready, Bud Lights Dreams returns to Toronto this month! Enjoy two days of top dance and electronic music from local and international DJs including Zedd, Rezz, Louis The Child, and more.

When: June 29 and 30
Time: 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: RBC Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: From $123.65

Tall Ships at Redpath Waterfront Festival

What: This year’s Redpath Waterfront Festival will welcome a fleet of majestic vessels to the city’s waterfront, as part of the Tall Ships Challenge Series. From June 29 to July 1, these ships will be docked along Toronto’s waterfront and will be open to the public for deck tours. So if you’ve ever wanted to explore one of these massive ships, now’s your chance.

When: June 29 to July 1
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Toronto’s Waterfront
Price: Adults are $20.28, while children five and under are free, and children (6 to 12) and seniors (65+) are $15.13

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