16 FREE Canada Day events happening in Toronto this weekend

[Get this story and more like it delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe to Daily Hive’s Newsletter now!]

Get your red and white gear ready, Canada Day will soon be here.

And while many Torontonians will be packing up and heading to the cottage, there are plenty of awesome events worth checking out right here in the city.

Best of all, there are tons of great events that are completely free.

From fireworks and food festivals to family-friendly events, we’ve rounded up 16 Canada Day events happening in the city this weekend that you can enjoy without spending a dime.

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

What: Bring on the rhythm and toss on those shades, because Toronto’s massive jazz festival is back for another exciting run. Festival-goers can take part in visiting daily interactive activations and roaming bands, not to mention Hazelton Avenue will also be part of the action from Monday, June 24 to Sunday, June 30 with performances by 20 bands from across Canada, the UK, and Italy. Evenings will highlight up-and-coming talent, and you can count on the music going into the night throughout Bloor-Yorkville.

When: On now until June 30
Where: Bloor-Yorkville

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

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

Canada Day Weekend at Ontario Place

What: Ontario Place is the perfect destination to visit when you need to get away from the city – without actually going anywhere. Spend Canada Day walking, biking, or simply relaxing by the waterfront. If you’re looking to add a little fun to your day, there are lots of activities to enjoy.

When: June 28 to July 1
Time: 10:30 am to 8 pm
Where: Ontario Place

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

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

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

Richmond Green Park

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

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

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

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

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square

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

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

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

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