29 things to do in Toronto this weekend: June 21 to 23

Jun 21 2019, 1:54 am

This weekend officially marks the arrival of summer 2019.

Which means it’s time to get outside and check out some of the many events and festivals happening throughout the city.

From food and drink festivals to Pride parties and concerts, these are the biggest events happening in Toronto this weekend.

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Friday, June 21

Luminato

luminato

House of Mirrors/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: On now until June 23
Time: Varies by day
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Varies by event

Union Summer Market

What: The open-air market situated on the doorstep of Toronto’s Union Station returns 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: 5:30 am to 12:45 am
Where: Union Station – 65 Front Street West
Price: Entry is free

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

Summer in the Parks

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 until 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

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

What: Bring on the rhythm and toss on those shades, because Toronto’s massive jazz festival is kicking off strong with a FREE block party in Yorkville during its opening weekend from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23. Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of performances by emerging artists as well as jazz greats like Dan Aykroyd of the Blues Brothers and Paul Shaffer from the Late Night Show with David Letterman.

When: June 21 to 30
Where: Bloor-Yorkville
Tickets: Available online

Free Rooftop Yoga at Hotel X Toronto

weekend

Yoga/Shutterstock

What: Come and celebrate International Day of Yoga in the sky this Friday with Carmelinda Di Manno. Taking place on the 28th floor of Hotel X Toronto, you can overlook the breathtaking Toronto skyline, during an indoor Flow Yoga Practice, suitable for all levels of practitioners. After, carry on the celebration with a delicious lunch at Maxx’s Kitchen. Please remember to bring your own yoga mat.

When: June 21
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection, 111 Princes’ Boulevard
Price: Free

Myseum launches summer program in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day

What: Myseum Toronto is kicking off its summer programming of Wigwam Chi-Chemung this Friday in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. The new programming includes an art installation and Indigenous interpretive learning centre in partnership with Indigenous intellectual, poet, painter, broadcaster, filmmaker, and orator Elder Dr. Duke Redbird. The installation and programming, produced with the support of the Toronto Arts Council, will be located in Ontario Place.

When: June 21
Time: 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Trillium Park & South Marina, Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: Free

Toronto Craft Beer Festival 2019

What: Lasting all weekend long, the Toronto Craft Beer Festival offers the chance to taste the city’s greatest independent craft brewers, all in one place. Anticipate sips from Big Rock Brewery, Beau’s, Common Good, Left Field, Northern Maverick, Side Launch, Thornbury, and many more.

When: June 21 to 23
Time: Friday, 3:30 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 1 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 1:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Ontario Place West Island – 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West
Price: $30 General Admission | $52.50 VIP – Tickets available online

Indigenous Arts Festival

What: This festival is an annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts, and food.

When: June 21 to 23
Where: Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Price: Free

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

Toronto Trans March

Toronto Trans March 2019

What: Toronto’s Trans March is officially one of the largest, most exciting Pride events in the world – not only for all the trans and non-binary folks, friends, and allies who rally and march together in solidarity but for anyone who is lucky enough to witness the landmark event. Trans women of colour and differently abled people are encouraged to lead the march and set the pace for all.

When: June 21
Time: 7 pm
Where: At the intersection of Church and Hayden
Price: Free to attend

Wavelength Monthly Music Series: Solstizo

What: Get your dancing shoes ready. This event, co-presented by Salone di Cultura and Wavelength Music Series, features an array of Italian musicians putting on a wild variety of genre-based music. There will also be contemporary Italian-Canadian art to check out, food, and coffee.

When: June 21
Time: Doors 7 pm
Where: 918 Bathurst Centre, 918 Bathurst Street
Price: $15 at the door

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

Saturday, June 22

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: June 22
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

Toronto Flower Market

Mother's Day

leighkiyoko/Instagram

What: Now in its seventh year, the Flower Market will kick off the season just in time for Mother’s Day weekend on May 11. This season’s vendors are prepped and ready to share all of their locally grown spring blooms such as daffodils, hyacinth, muscari, ranunculus, and oh so many tulips. Plus, there will be seedlings and spring bulbs for planting in home gardens.

When: June 22
Time: 
10 am to 3 pm
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West
Admission: Free

Family Pride

What: Now in its 19th year, Family Pride is a fun-filled oasis on the grounds of Church Street Public School that gets bigger and better every year. With programming geared to those 12 and under and their families, everyone will feel like a kid while taking in the creative and engaging activities, including sports, crafts, face painting, storytime, and extra-special performances.

When: June 22 and 23
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Church Street Public School, 83 Alexander Street
Price: Free to attend

Kensington Market Flea

What: The weekly Kensington Market Flea returns today. 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: June 22
Time:  11 am to 6 pm
Where: 214 Augusta Ave, the rear outdoor area of El Gordo Foods
Price: Free to attend

TOPMAN at Hudson’s Bay: Pride Brunch with Tynomi Banks

What: Toronto Pride is fast approaching and TOPMAN is welcoming Tynomi Banks to bring you brunch and beats with Pride. Come and enjoy refreshments, a tie-dye station, and an exclusive performance. TOPMAN will also donate $5000 to The 519, a charity committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities.

When: June 22
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Toronto Queen Street, 5th Floor, 176 Yonge Street
Price: Free to attend

The Junction Summer Solstice Festival

What: The Junction Summer Solstice is not only the largest event of its kind in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, it’s also a great chance for locals and visitors alike to explore everything the unique area has to offer. This block party allows visitors to enjoy local restaurants and businesses as they set up on the street for a once-a-year opportunity.

When: June 22
Time: 12 pm to 12 am
Where:
 Dundas Street West from Quebec Avenue to Indian Grove
Price: Free to attend

The Deadstock Depot Vintage Flea Market

The Deadstock Depot

What: Toronto’s only vintage streetwear flea market is back. Shop from dozens of local and international vendors who have come together to form Canada’s largest selection of handpicked garments catering to the 80s, 90s, and 2000s street and sportswear aesthetic.

When: June 22
Time: Doors open at 1 pm
Where: Ossington Tire, 146 Ossington Avenue
Price: $10 entry fee

Dyke March

What: The Toronto Dyke March is a political demonstration of critical mass, welcoming all self-identified dykes to create political and visible space. This grassroots event is not a parade. The women and trans people of the community take over the streets of downtown Toronto to celebrate our power, strength, diversity and passion of their experiences and identities.

When: June 22
Time: March rally at 1 pm, the march begins at 2 pm
Where: At the intersection of Church and Hayden
Price: Free to attend

HGTV’s Tiffany Pratt talks design for condos and townhomes

What: Join designer, author, and television personality Tiffany Pratt for an entertaining and informative talk highlighting key steps to make the most of your condo or townhome through design and décor.

When: June 22
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
Where: The Poet Presentation Centre, 1170 A Queen Street East
Price: Free to attend

Electric Island

What: Electric Island returns for its seventh annual year with a fresh lineup of local and international DJs. This weekend, Seth Troxler, DJ Harvey, Blond:Ish, and Tom Trago are hitting the main stage.

When: May 22
Time: 2 pm to 11 pm
Where: Hanlan’s Point
Price: $49.99

Here Comes the Sun Laneway Party

What: In celebration of the first weekend of summer, The Laneway Project and Ossington BIA are hosting “Here Comes the Sun,” a laneway block party in the alleys just northwest of Queen and Ossington. And in good summer fashion, there will be street art, music, beer, wine, fashion, games and plenty more.

When: June 22
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ossington Laneways from Humbert to Foxley. Meet on Foxley Place at Ossington Ave and Foxley Street
Price: Free to attend

Arkells: A Rally Cry Summer Night

Arkells/Live Nation Canada

What: Hot off the heels of their double JUNO wins for Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year, the Arkells are performing an outdoor concert at Budweiser Stage this Saturday. Titled, “A Rally Cry Summer Night,” the concert will feature all the band’s chart-topping hits, plus Arkells’ famed “soul review” Motown dance-party cuts.

When: June 22
Time: 7 pm
Where:
 Budweiser Stage, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Price: Tickets from $78

Sunday, June 23

Pride Parade

What: Costumes, choreography, and colour! Stand loud and proud with more than 120 groups marching in Pride Toronto’s Pride Parade, one of the largest in North America. There will be unforgettable performances, floats, marchers, and all the glitter you can handle.

When: June 23
Time: 2 pm
Where: The parade begins at Bloor and Church, South on Yonge Street to Yonge and Dundas Square
Price: Free

Carly Rae Jepsen Performance at Pride Parade

What: Presented by Bud Light, Carly Rae Jepsen will be performing at the Pride Parade with emerging Toronto artist, Jordan Alexander. Together, the two artists have recorded a Pride Remix of Jepsen’s song, “Feels Right,” to which Alexander added a verse.

When: June 23
Time: 2 pm
Where: Yonge Street from Church and Bloor to Dundas Street West
Price: Free

Bar Stray’s Sons of Anarchy Viewing Party

What: Every Sunday this summer, Bar Stray will be hosting a Sons of Anarchy viewing party. Bar Stray’s industrial-chic atmosphere blends a biker lifestyle with a welcoming vibe that will bring you straight to the town of Charming. The modern biker-themed cocktail bar will offer viewers a variety of Boilermakers for $10 and bottomless popcorn for $5.

When: June 23
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Bar Stray, 532 College Street
Price: No cover

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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