34 things to do in Toronto this long weekend: June 28 to July 1

Jun 28 2019, 1:27 am

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The long weekend has arrived!

In case you’re not planning on heading to a cottage, you’re in luck as there are tons of great events happening in and around the city all weekend long.

From Canada Day events to music and food festivals, here are 34 events to check out in the city this long weekend.

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Friday, June 28

URBANI-T: Public Playground for Urban Culture and Creativity

 

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What: URBANI_T is a free and public event that celebrates Canadian culture across music, art, fashion, and dance. The three-day festival will include performances by k-os and RYAN Playground, fashion shows by Toronto and Montreal designers, workshops lead by Ryerson and OCAD students, open casting auditions by Cirque du Soleil, and much more.

When:  On now until June 29
Time: Begins at 9 am
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend

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: On now until June 30
Time: Varies by the show
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Tickets: Available online

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: On now until June 30
Where: Mahjong Bar, 1276 Dundas Street West
Price: Varies by what you order

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: 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 Music in the Park

 

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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, 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

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

Toronto Ribfest

What: If nothing says “Canada Day” to you more than a saucy rack of ribs, you’ll find no shortage at Ribfest. In addition to two stages with live music all day, perks for the kids include free KidzZone activities, a massive mobile midway and a variety of daily activities.

When: June 28 to July 1
Time: Friday, 3 pm to 10 pm; Saturday to Monday, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Etobicoke Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road
Price: Admission is free

TD Taste of Asia

What: This three-day festival is worth the journey a little out of the city. You can expect non-stop multicultural foods, over 150 booths to cater to your taste buds and curiosity, and plenty of performances.

When: June 28 to 30
Time: Friday, 7 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Milliken Mills, Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue
Price: Admission is free

Toronto Harbourfront Canada Day Weekend

What: For a Canada Day that’s rich with culture and history for the little ones, the weekend festivities at Harbourfront Centre are a must-see. During the Canada Day Weekend Celebration at Harbourfront Centre, hear the stories of Canada from coast to coast, told through the Canadian Songbook: past, present, and future. Broken Social Scene will also be performing.

When: June 28 to July 1
Time: All day
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Admission is free

Friday Night Live – O Canada

free admission

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What: The best way to ring in the Canada Day long weekend is with a party. And that’s exactly what the ROM is offering with the season finale of Friday Night Live, the museum’s weekly after-hours party. The evening, aptly named O Canada, offers the chance to show off your patriotism amongst dinosaurs, stellar food, and drinks aplenty.

When: June 28
Time: 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Tickets: Available online

Earls Canada Day Long Weekend

What: This long weekend, popular King Street eatery Earls will have half-priced bottles, so you can celebrate Canada while getting your drink on.

When: All weekend
Where: Earls, 150 King Street West

Saturday, June 29

Redpath Waterfront Festival

What: At Redpath Waterfront Festival, you’ll find incredible live performances, a massive ship from the Royal Canadian Navy, delicious food, local shopping, and more.

When: June 29 to July 1
Time: All day
Where: Toronto Waterfront
Price: Free

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 29
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

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: June 29
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: 214 Augusta Ave, the rear outdoor area of El Gordo Foods
Price: Free to attend

Bud Light Dreams

Bud Light Dreams Music Festival

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

Sunnyside 21 – Episode 4

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 29
Time: 5 pm
Where: Sunnyside Pavilion, 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Price: $30

Sunday, June 30

MOCA Community Sundays

What: The Museum of Contemporary Art is offering the perfect way to escape the city by offering free admission to all visitors on one Sunday each month so they can check out all the new exhibits.

When: June 30
Time: One Sunday monthly from 10 am to 2 pm
Where: MOCA – 158 Sterling Road, Toronto
Tickets: You can reserve your free tickets online

The Distillery District Sunday Market

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: June 30
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free admission

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday

What: The 16th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this over the coming months. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday.

When: June 30
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Price: Free

Yoga Classes at The Bentway

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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: June 30
Time:  7 pm to 8 pm
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: Free, but you must bring your own mat

Christie Pits Film Festival

What: Starting June 30, movie buffs can enjoy an impressive lineup of films at the Christie Pits Film Festival as part of Toronto Outdoor Picture Show’s 2019 programme, a summer-long series of outdoor films celebrating the theme, Dynamic Duos. This year’s theme explores “partnership, friendship, coupledom, doppelgängers, and other dualities in a wide variety of cinematic two-handers.” Christie Pits Film Festival will kick off its ninth season on Sunday, June 30, with a screening of the short films: I Like Girls and Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls, and the feature film Rafiki. 

When: Beginning June 30 and runs until August 25
Time: 7 pm
Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West
Price: Free, but a $10 donation is encouraged

GOT7 Keep Spinning World Tour

What: South Korean boy band and K-Pop stars GOT7 is making their highly anticipated return to Toronto this Sunday night as part of their upcoming ‘Keep Spinning World Tour.’

When: June 30
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm
Where: 40 Bay Street, Scotiabank Arena
Price: Tickets from $113

Monday, July 1

East York Canada Day Celebration and Parade

What: Start the festivities with a parade beginning at Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Avenue) that travels through East York, finishing at Stan Wadlow Park for a day of programming and festivities such as live music, artisans, rides, and children’s activities. The programming ends at dusk before the fireworks kick off at 10 pm.

When: July 1
Time: 10 am to 10 pm, fireworks at 10 pm
Where: Stan Wadlow Park
Price: Admission is free

Canada Day at Black Creek Pioneer Village

What: Grab the kiddos in your life and step back in time this Canada Day. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, you’ll find a 19th-century carnival complete with fire jugglers, performers, live music, a historic brewery, and old-fashioned carnival games. Admission is free on July 1.

When: July 1
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village
Price: Admission is free

Canada Day at Richmond Green Park

 

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What: Looking to celebrate Canada Day uptown? You’ll find all sorts of fun-filled activities throughout the day at Richmond Green Park in Richmond Hill, including a midway, a beer garden patio, food vendors, and of course, plenty of live entertainment and music. Oh, and this year will be superhero themed—so come dressed as your fave superhero and look forward to a superhero parade and lots of superhero-themed activities! There will be a fireworks display set to music at 10 pm.

When: July 1
Time: 11 am to 11 pm, fireworks at 10 pm
Where: Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park
Price: Admission is free

Canada Day Yoga at Ourland Park

What: You can enjoy a special Canada Day vinyasa yoga class at Ourland Park this July 1. This event is all-levels and free for everyone. The class will take place from 12 pm to 1 pm, between the playground and the tennis courts.

When: July 1
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: 36 Ourland Avenue, Etobicoke
Price: Admission is free

Mandarin’s Canada Day Free Buffet Celebration

What: The Ontario chain of all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants will be offering patrons who are Canadian Citizens a FREE buffet on July 1 in honour of Canada Day and its 40th Anniversary. That means patrons can head to one of the eatery’s 29 province-wide locations and enjoy heaps of free food along with complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee if they bring proof of citizenship in the form of a Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Passport, or Canadian Citizenship Card.

When: July 1
Time: From noon to 8:30 pm
Where: All 29 Mandarin Restaurant locations
Price: Admission is free

Multicultural Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square

What: The annual Multicultural Canada Day celebrations include everything from a “Parade of Nations” and a massive singing of “O Canada,” to art, food and live performances from multicultural groups that showcase their diversity in all of their vibrant glory.

When: July 1
Time: 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Price: Free

Downsview Park Canada Day Festival

What: Celebrate Canada’s birthday Downsview Park-style. Kicking off at 4 pm, attendees will be able to partake in an action-packed day of festivities with inflatables, face painting, vendors, and live entertainment and a line up of food trucks. And of course, a grand firework display at dusk to end the day.

When: July 1
Time: 4 pm to 11 pm, fireworks at dusk
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road, North York
Price: Admission is free

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square

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What: If you’d rather not go the downtown core this Canada Day, Mel Lastman Square will come alive in the evening for a family-friendly affair of eats and drinks, face painting, an eclectic assortment of live music, arts and fireworks.

When: July 1
Time: 6 pm to 10:30 pm, live performances from 8 pm, fireworks at 10:30 pm
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
Price: Admission is free

Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration

What: Generally at the annual Amesbury Park Canada Day Celebration, there’s an exciting event lineup that’s complete with multicultural entertainment, a talent search, children’s activities, plus many interesting vendors… and of course, fireworks.

When: July 1
Time: Fireworks around 10 pm
Where: Amesbury Park, 1507 Lawrence Avenue West
Price: Admission is free

Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay

What: End a day at the beach (or a day on the town) with a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park.

When: July 1
Time: Fireworks start at dusk
Where: Ashbridges Bay Park
Price: Admission is free

Fireworks at Milliken Park

What: This is a delightful spot to appreciate the outdoors near the northern edge of Scarborough. And while out there, enjoy fireworks on Monday.

When: July 1
Time: 10 pm
Where: 5555 Steeles Avenue East
Price: Admission is free

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