104 amazing events and festivals in Toronto to check out this summer

Jun 5 2017, 11:48 pm

Well Toronto, summer 2017 is almost here.

So we wanted to set you up with a list that gets you excited to tackle the best months Toronto has to offer.

That means it’s finally time to get excited about the season. And luckily for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive roundup of 104 Toronto summer events and festivals so you can enjoy the city all summer long.

Free Events and Festivals in Toronto

Pride Month Toronto

  • What: Now celebrating its 35th year, Pride Toronto is back for another exciting year filled with plenty of fun. The heart of the celebration is in Toronto’s gay village but opportunities for entertainment can be found in LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants and nightlife spots across the entire city.
  • Where: Events located throughout the city
  • When: Now until June 25

Na-Me-Res Traditional Outdoor Pow Wow

  • What: Na-Me-Res is the proud host of Toronto’s Annual Traditional Pow Wow in recognition of National Aboriginal Day and the Summer Solstice. Come and enjoy traditional food, watch over 100 drummers and dancers perform, and explore the information booths, meet First Nations crafters and vendors, and participate in activities and giveaways.
  • Where: Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard
  • When: June 21 to 25

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

  • What: The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has come to be recognized as one of North America’s premier jazz festival and has attracted some of the biggest names in jazz and blues. This summer, the festival will be moving to Yorkville Village, where it will play host to over 100 free concerts across 10 days (NOON-10 pm).
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: June 23 to July 2

Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square

  • What: Canada Days at Nathan Phillips Square will bring Canada’s rich cultural fabric to life through an incredible mix of music, dance, circus, and street arts. There will be performances from the Barenaked Ladies, Belly, Buffy Saint-Marie, Ron Sexsmith & TSO + Ron Cousins, and much more.
  • Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
  • When: June 30 to July 3

Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square

  • What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with hundreds of others at Mel Lastman Square. The event will highlight urban music and culture from Toronto, Canada, and the world through Persian funk, Indigenous hip hop and indie rock, and Afro-Latin soul. There will also be dance performances, family filled activities, and an amazing fireworks display.
  • Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
  • When: July 1, 2 pm to 11 pm

CN Tower fireworks

  • What: Come and celebrate Canada’s 150th, with a huge firework show in the heart of downtown Toronto. The show begins at 10:30 pm with a 30-second light show, followed by five minutes of fireworks set to Canadian music that will end with another fantastic light show.
  • Where: CN Tower
  • When: July 1, 10:30 pm

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

  • What: Now in its 56th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition will feature over 340 visual artists, performers, and sculptures.
  • Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
  • When: July 14 to 16

Night It Up! Summer Night Market

  • What: The volunteers of Power Unit Youth Organization are organizing Night it Up, a free outdoor market styled after Asian night markets. Expect authentic street food and multicultural performances.
  • Where: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham
  • When: July 14 to 16

Warriors’ Day Parade

  • What: The 96th Warriors’ Day Parade honouring the Toronto Garrison will take place on August 19. The event recognizes those who served and those serving today.
  • Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Blvd
  • When: August 19, 10:30 am

Buskerfest

  • What: The Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy Awareness is hitting the beach this year and will be taking place at Woodbine Park.  This year you can expect a beer garden, car show, and plenty of exciting surprises.
  • Where: Woodbine Park, Coxwell Ave at Lakeshore Boulevard
  • When: September 1 to 4
See also

Cultural Festivals in Toronto

Toronto Japanese Film Festival

  • What: Now in its sixth year, the Toronto Japanese Film Festival showcases the finest Japanese films that have been recognized for excellence by Japanese audiences and critics, international film festival audiences and the Japanese Film Academy.
  • Where:  Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court
  • When: Now until June 28, 1 pm to 7:30 pm

Heritage Ontario Festival

  • What: Come and celebrate the heritage, culture and traditions of Ontario through music on multiple stages, interactive exhibits, food and drink vendors, spread out all around the Ontario Place grounds.
  • Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
  • When: June 30 to July 3

Taste of Lawrence

  • What: The East end’s biggest food and cultural festival returns this summer. The annual Taste of Lawrence celebration takes place over the July 8 weekend, featuring over 130 vendors serving up local flavours and lots of family fun.
  • Where: Lawrence Avenue East, from Warden Ave to Birchmount Road
  • When: July 7 to 10

TD Salsa in Toronto Festival

  • What: One of Canada’s largest Latin-themed celebrations is Toronto’s TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, which takes place over three weeks and features music, food, dance and family events.
  • Where: St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Drive and Christie Street
  • When: July 3 to 23

Anatolia Fest

  • What: Come and celebrate Turkish Culture in downtown Toronto. This free event will feature Turkish folk dance, foods, and live music.
  • Where: Dundas Square, 1 Dundas East
  • When: July 9, 11 am to 11 pm

UNITY Festival

  • What: Every July, UNITY Festival celebrates hip-hop diversity in an action packed event incorporating beatbox, dance, concerts, and spoken word.
  • Where: Multiple locations
  • When: July 13 to 15

Festival of India

  • What: Splashing some spiritual culture into the city, the 45th Annual Festival of India returns on July 16 for two days of nourishing festivities. The event will begin with a euphoric parade down world-famous Yonge Street, followed by a day of festivities for the entire family.
  • Where: Various locations throughout the city
  • When: July 15 to 16

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

  • What: Now in its 50th year, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) is a five-week cultural celebration featuring Caribbean music, dance, costume, and food.
  • Where: Various locations throughout the city
  • When: Starts July 17

Brazilfest

  • What: Now in its 14th year, Toronto’s Brazilfest will offer its attendees the opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian performances and to enjoy Brazilian style foods.
  • Where: Earlscourt Park, 1200 Lansdowne Ave
  • When: July 23, 11 am to 10 pm

Tirgan Festival

  • What: Tirgan is a non-profit, non-religious and non-partisan cultural celebration for Iranian-Canadians with four days of music, dance, food, discussions and historical programming
  • Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
  • When: July 27 to 30, 9 am to 11 pm

Jambana

  • What: Jambana One World Festival represents Canada’s growing cultural diversity in its finest form. Attendees can experience Canada’s multicultural communities through performances by internationally acclaimed bands, artists, and JUNO Award winners, and experience the sights, sounds, taste and global diversity.
  • Where: Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road
  • When: August 6 to 7, 1 pm to 9:30 pm

Kultura Filipino Arts Festival

  • What: This festival celebrates all things Filipino, and features vibrant and contemporary arts, culture, fashion, and food.
  • Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
  • When: August 10 to 13, 12 pm to 7 pm
  • What: What began in 1990 as a way to introduce Taiwanese composers to the Canadian public is now an annual festival. This year’s theme is Kan Pai Japan.
  • Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
  • When: August 25 to 27

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

  • What: A three-day entertainment experience celebrating the Ukrainian Canadian community. From music to food, check out this massive Bloor West festival.
  • Where: Bloor West Village
  • When: September 15 to 17

Roncesvalles Polish Festival

  • What: Wrap up summer by attending North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s best neighbourhood. The festival will feature local and international music, fantastic cuisine from over 40 renowned restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bistros, along Roncesvalles, and of course, lots of traditional Polish fare.
  • Where: Roncesvalles Avenue from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West
  • When: September 16 to 17

Food and Drink Events

The Food Dudes Block Party

  • What: Chefs, artists, and entertainers come together for this non-profit Block Party in support of Red Door Family Shelter. Tickets cost $25.
  • Where: Toronto Event Centre, 15 Saskatchewan Road
  • When: June 23, 7 pm to 2 am

Toronto Craft Beer Festival

  • What: This two-day event is the craft beer aficionado’s dream turning the massive venue of West Island, Ontario Place into one huge beer garden featuring indie brews, live music, and sizzling food vendors.
  • When: June 23 to 24, 3:30 pm to 10 pm
  • Where: West Island of Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West

TD Taste of Asia

  • What: This three-day festival will feature non-stop multicultural foods, over 150 booths to cater to your taste buds and curiosity, and plenty of performances. This year’s feature country is Cambodia.
  • Where: Milliken Mills, Kennedy Road and Steeles Ave
  • When: June 23 to 25

Pinoy Fiesta

  • What: The massive celebration of Filipino culture promises a full day packed full of food, entertainment for all ages, and shopping.
  • Where: Metro Toronto  Convention Centre, Hall A, 255 Front Street West
  • When: June 24, 8 am to 10 pm

Ocean Wise Ceviche Champion

  • What: Honest Weight, Rose & Sons, Mercatto, The Chase, Oyster Boy, and Nique battle it out for the title of Ceviche champion and attendees get to sample and judge on the winner at this edition of 86’d Monday hosted by Ivy Knight.
  • Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
  • When: June 26, 8 pm

Northern Pasta Tasting

  • What: Enjoy a tasting menu at this ticketed dinner promising four starters, four pasta dishes, dessert, and optional wine pairings from this rustic east side restaurant.
  • Where: The Peasant Table, 782 Queen Street East
  • When: June 26, 7 pm to 9 pm

Toronto Ribfest

  • What: There’s no better way to enjoy a summer’s day than with some mouth-watering ribs! The 17th annual Ribfest is set to take the stage, and Rotary Etobicoke invites you to join. The event offers a Kid Zone, two stages, and lots of ribs.
  • Where: Etobicoke Centennial Park
  • When: June 30, 7 pm to 9 pm

Summerlicious

  • What: For two mouth-watering weeks in July, residents can savour delicious prix fixe dishes from over 200 of the city’s finest restaurants.
  • Where: Various restaurants throughout the city
  • When: July 7 to 23

Fusion of Taste

  • What: This one-day festival will feature over 40 diverse food vendors, a food eating contest, local performances, a kid zone, buskers and much more. This year’s theme is Canada 150, so come and experience the best that Canada has to offer.
  • Where: Albion Road and Islington Ave, 2621 Islington Ave
  • When: July 9, 12 pm to 10:30 pm

Summer Craft Beer Fest

  • What: Discover some craft beer while enjoying the hot summer nights of Toronto, in one of the city’s beloved neighbourhoods.
  • Where: Liberty Village, 171 Liberty Street East
  • When: July 13, 6 pm to 10 pm

Budweiser County Fair

  • What: The inaugural Budweiser County Fair will bring the spirit of the country to the heart of the city with an outdoor boot-stomping party in downtown Toronto. The two-day festival will feature live music from tomorrow’s country music stars, BBQ from some of Toronto’s top chefs, games, and classic carnival eats.
  • Where: 525 King Street West
  • When: July 14, 5 pm to 11 pm; July 15, 12 pm to 11 pm

Burlington Food Truck Festival

  • What: New this season, The Canadian Food Truck Festival is expanding to Burlington! The weekend event takes place in July and will feature food trucks from across Southern Ontario as well as live performers.
  • Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road
  • When: July 22, noon to 9 pm; July 23: noon to 9 pm

The Rosé Picnic

  • What: For one day only, the Garrison Common at Fort York will be filled with blankets, bevies, and some of the best food in the city. The Rosé Picnic has parented with celebrity Toronto chef Mark McEwan, so you’ll have baskets of delicious food to choose from.
  • Where: Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Blvd
  • When: July 22, 12 pm to 6 pm

Toronto’s Festival of Beer

  • What: Hosted by the Beer Store, Toronto’s Festival of Beer is home to over 60 brewers featuring more than 300 brands from all over the world.
  • Where: Bandshell Park Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Blvd
  • When: July 28 to 30

Toronto Food Truck Festival

  • What: Returning to the Toronto Beach(es), this food truck festival takes over Woodbine Park over the civic holiday long weekend. As always, admission is free and in addition to street foods expect live-eating challenges and other entertainment on site.
  • Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
  • When: August 4, 5 pm to 10 pm; August 5, noon to 10 pm; August 6, noon to 8 pm; August 7, noon to 8 pm

Pickering Food Truck Festival

  • What: Friends, kids, pets are all welcome to this park turned foodie haven in mid-August. Admission is free for the weekend of outdoor eating, plus there will be a beer garden, children’s village, beer garden, and stage showcasing live entertainment.
  • Where: The Esplanade Park, 1 The Esplanade
  • When: August 11, 5 pm to 9 pm; August 12, noon to 9 pm; August 13, noon to 8 pm

The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival

  • What: Hosted by Toronto’s beloved Steam Whistle Brewing, the Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival samples the province’s finest brews with the accompaniment of some of the city’s best food trucks.
  • Where: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd
  • When: August 11 to 13

Waterfront Night Market

  • What: The annual T&T Waterfront Night Market is back for another exciting run and attendees can expect the awesome outdoor culinary experience along with all the night market awesomeness at a brand new venue.
  • Where: Hearn Generating Station, 440 Unwin Ave
  • When: August 11 to 13

Krinos Taste of the Danforth

  • What: One of Toronto’s most famous summer events, The Krinos Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street Festival and is back for its 24th year with plenty of Greek-style eats at this massive street festival.
  • Where: Danforth Avenue
  • When: August 11 to  13

PanAmerican Food Festival

  • What: We really are a city all about food. The fifth annual Pan American Food Festival showcases the best food products while celebrating the cultural diversity of the Americas.
  • Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
  • When: August 12 to 13

Sweetery Toronto

  • What: The Sweetery Toronto is Canada’s largest sweets festival, bringing everything sweet together for its third year.
  • Where: David Pecaut Square, King Street between Simcoe and John
  • When: August 12 to 13

 CNE Food Truck Frenzy

  • What: Situated on Princes’ Boulevard just inside the historic Princes’ Gates, the Frenzy returns for another year of extreme carnival eats. Details including dates and vendors TBA.
  • Where: CNE Grounds, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
  • When: Dates between August 18 and September 4 TBA

The Big Feastival

  • What: The Big Feastival is a massive summer festival that began in 2011 on a farm in Kingham, UK. And now, the festivities are crossing the pond to Burl’s Creek. The Feastival promises to bring its unique blend of live music, incredible food, and all around family entertainment, giving Canadians a chance to join in on the fun.
  • Where: Burl’s Creek, Oro-Medonte
  • When: August 18 to 20

Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival

  • What: You definitely don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival! Here you’ll find lots of comfort food, craft bevies, music and more.
  • Where: Fort York & Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Boulevard
  • When: August 19, 11 am to 7 pm

Toronto Cider Festival

  • What: This year’s Toronto Cider Festival will showcase amazing ciders paired with delicious food, live entertainment and local Canadian talent. In honour of Canada 150, the Cider Festival will allow you to celebrate the end of summer in true Canadian style.
  • Where: Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Drive
  • When: August 26, 11:30 am to  10:30 pm

Leslieville Beer Fest

  • What: Come and bid farewell to summer at this old fashion neighbourhood street party. Ticket are $20 and include three beer tokens and a beer mug.
  • Where: Dundas Street East
  • When: August 26, 1 pm to 8 pm

Richmond Hill Food Truck Festival

  • What: The largest park in Richmond Hill plays host to this food truck rally and festival in September. Participating trucks have yet to be announced, but parking, food, drinks and entertainment are all promised.
  • Where: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd East
  • When: September 2, noon to 8 pm; September 3, noon to 8 pm

Hot & Spicy Food Festival

  • What: Savour the flavour of the south! Come and enjoy this free food festival that features Southern BBQs, brass bands, and much more.
  • Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
  • When: September 4 to 7

Vegetarian Food Festival

  • What: Local and international chefs will delight your taste buds with a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
  • Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
  • When: September 8 to 10

Food Truck Festival Ontario

  • What:  FTFO has yet to release its 2017 line-up but the time and place are dates are set for the third weekend in September on Toronto’s waterfront.
  • Where: Sherborne Common, 61 Dockside Drive
  • When: September 16 and 17

Toronto Garlic Festival

  • What: Taste delicious garlic-themed dishes paired with Ontario craft beer and wine at this amazing Garlic themed festival. Attendees can enjoy sweet and savoury garlic inspired dishes from 20 chefs this year include, meet farmers, chefs, artists and garlic historians.
  • Where: Artscpape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
  • When: September 17, 9 am to 5 pm

Toronto Oktoberfest

  • What: Bring out the dirndls and lederhosen! Celebrate everything Bavarian at this year’s Oktoberfest. Get eating, singing and mingling, Toronto.
  • Where: Ontario Place Parking Lot 2
  • When: September 29 to 30

Free Summer Movies

CityPlace Fort York BIA Movie Night Series

  • What: Starting in June CityPlace Fort York BIA will be hosting a movie night once a month up until September.  Gather up your friends, bring your blankets/chairs and come a little early to enjoy snacks/refreshments.
  • Where: Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd
  • When: Beginning June 17 until September

Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre

  • What: Humpdays in the city are always a little sweeter with Free Flicks. This summer, the popular Harbourfront series returns from June 21 until the end of August and features inspiring and fun films. The free event takes place at 9 pm.
  • Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
  • When: Beginning June 21 and runs until August 30

Christie Pits Film Festival

  • What: This year, the Christie Pits Film Festival’s theme is EYES ON THE PRIZE, and will be screening films about competition and beating the odds. Locally organized, the Christie Pits Film Festival has attracted thousands to its free weekly series of outdoor films. Sundays throughout the summer, the screenings will include a mix of old and new. Although all screenings are free of charge, there is a suggested donation of $10.
  • Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West
  • When: Beginning June 25 and runs until August 20

Open Roof Festival

  • What: Things will be bumping again at 99 Sudbury this summer when Open Roof Festival returns for its 8th season. It’s #MOVIESMUSICBEER all summer long with #OPENROOFFEST17. The event organizers have yet to announce the films and bands, but check back on their website for information.
  • Where: 99 Sudbury
  • When: Beginning June 27 and runs until August 29

City Cinema

  • What: On Tuesday nights, head downtown to the heart of Toronto for City Cinema. The outdoor screenings have limited seating, so be prepared and head down early.
  • Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
  • When: Beginning June 27 and runs until the end of August

Corktown Common Park

  • What: For the second year, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will present weekly films in the beautiful park at Corktown Common, in Corktown. Just minutes from many bustling east-side Toronto neighbourhoods – Riverdale, Regent Park & the Distillery, along with others – this new neighbourhood is home to another great, urban TOPS screening series, under a city skyline that can’t be beat.
  • Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West
  • When: Beginning July 6 and runs until July 27

Movies in the Meadow

  • What: The popular outdoor movie night program is celebrating Canada 150 this summer. Although films are still not announced, the event at Downsview Park will be screening films with a Canadian connection.
  • Where: Downsview Park
  • When: Beginning July 7 and runs until August 25

Cultura 2017

  • What: Cultura is a Free family friendly outdoor festival presenting music, art, food, and film every Friday evening in July at Mel Lastman Square. Cultura celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity featuring world renowned Musicians, tasty international street food, explosive buskers and dance, interactive art activities, and evening film screenings under the stars.
  • Where: Mel Lastman Square
  • When: July 7, 14, 21, 28

Movie Nights in The Beach Village

  • What: Head east to The Beach Village for Movie Nights in the Park every Wednesday in July and August! Vote for your faves here and then experience these movies under the stars in our beautiful parks (screenings will rotate between Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park). Did we mention there’s FREE popcorn?
  • Where: Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens Park
  • When: Wednesdays in July and August

Under The Stars – Regent Park Film Festival

  • What: The annual outdoor summer screening series takes place on Wednesday evenings. The screenings are free, and snacks will be available for sale with proceeds going towards the Regent Park Film Festival. Bring a blanket and get ready for some activities before each film.
  • Where: 585 Dundas Street East
  • When: Every Wednesday from July 12 to August 16

Sail-In Cinema

  • What: Sail-In Cinema is coming back to Toronto this summer for its seventh year. And as Sugar Beach is once again turned into the largest outdoor theatre in Toronto this August, you’ll be able to participate from both the shore and the open water thanks to the only duel-sided floating movie screen in the world!
  • Where: Sugar Beach,25 Dockside Drive
  • When: August 17-19

Movies in the Square

  • What: The Friends of Sorauren Park are planning another season of outdoor movies and special events this summer. The family event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month starting in June.
  • Where: Sorauren Avenue Park, 289 Sorauren Ave
  • When: June 24, July 22, August 26, and September 23

Music Festivals and Block Parties

Electric Island

  • What: Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to get down to the sounds of Toronto’s biggest electronic DJs. With a party every long weekend, Electric Island will be happening at Woodbine Park until the Island to re-opens.
  • Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
  • When: Now until September 4

Irie Music Festival

  • What: The TD Irie Music Festival has been held since 2002 in collaboration with the Toronto Urban Music Festival. Irie offers Toronto some awesome reggae, world music and gospel.
  • Where: Mississauga Celebration Square
  • When: July 23 to 24

NXNE – Port Lands

  • What: At NXNE, not only will you find thirty acts that span multiple genres, added perks include midway rides, carnival games, food trucks, art installations and goodness-packed food trucks. Tickets start at $80.
  • Where: 51 Commissioners Street
  • When: Friday, June 23-Sunday June 25

Dreams Music Festival

  • What: For the electronic music and neon loving-set, Dreams Music Festival (formerly Digital Dreams) is a must-attend, as long as you rest up well beforehand. Tickets start at $125.
  • Where: Echo Beach
  • When: July 7 to 8

Beaches International Jazz Festival

  • What: A festival that needs almost no introduction, the Beaches International Jazz Festival is celebrating its 29th year.
  • Where: The Beach Neighbourhood
  • When: July 7 to 30

Afrofest

  • What: Come and celebrate African music and culture in the heart of the city. The festival features music, dance, drumming, and theatre, with over 35 bands both local and international, workshops, and spoken word artists, making this festival have something for everyone.
  • Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
  • When: July 8 to 9

Toronto Summer Music Festival

  • What: From jazz to classical, the Toronto Summer Music Festival will explore the music of Canada and feature the very best of Canada’s many world-renowned classical performers.
  • Where: Venues throughout the city
  • When: July 13 to August 5

WayHome

  • What: Back for its third year, the very fun multi-day arts and music festival is everything we crave about summer festivals. The WayHome Music & Arts Festival is fast becoming one of the largest festivals in the region, all due to its wicked vibes, and incredibly diverse lineups, which includes Flume, Cage The Elephant, Imagine Dragons, Solange, and School Boy Q.
  • Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 180 8th Line South
  • When: July 28 to 30

Art and Music Ontario Festival

  • What: Enjoy a weekend filled with all forms of artistic expression with a focus on Ontario and newcomer artists in music, theatre, dance and more!
  • Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
  • When: August 4 to 7, 1 pm to 11 pm

VELD

  • What: If you didn’t get enough of your electronic music fill at Dreams Festival, you can make up for it in your costume-clad glory at Veld Music Festival. Headliners include Major Lazer, Future, Tiesto, and Zedd.
  • Where: Downsview Park, Downsview Park Allen Road
  • When: August 5 to 6

Boots and Hearts

  • What: Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready to experience Canada’s biggest country music festival. This year’s headliners include Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, and Brantley Gilbert.
  • Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 180 8th Line South
  • When: August 10 to 13

Outdoor Events

The Junction Summer Solstice

  • What: Say hello to the new season with a full day of music, art, outdoor patios and shopping.
  • Where: The Junction
  • When: June 24

Yoga in the Park

  • What: Take your workout outside this summer and enjoy yoga classes in various Toronto parks.
  • Where: Various outdoor locations
  • When: Various dates, check their Facebook page for details

Pedestrian Sunday’s in Kensington Market

  • What: The 14th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this summer. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday.
  • Where: Kensington Market
  • When: Last Sunday of the Month until October

Redpath Waterfront Festival

  • What: The annual Redpath Waterfront Festival promotes Toronto locally and internationally as a premier waterfront destination. With music, food, nautical programs and entertainment, the Festival has something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Where: Sherbourne Commons, 61 Dockside Drive
  • When: July 1 to 3

Big on Bloor Festival

  • What: A festival of arts and culture, Big on Bloor is a unique summer street fest featuring hundreds of culturally significant events, activities, displays, and exhibitions.
  • Where: Bloor Street between Dufferin and Lansdowne
  • When: July 22 to 23

Jerkfest

  • What: Come and experience a weekend filled with arts, crafts, cultural entertainment, and plenty of jerk-style food.
  • Where: Centennial Park, at the base of Ski Hills, Etobicoke
  • When: August 10 to 13

Terry Fox Run

  • What: All across the country, the Terry Fox run takes place in September. Register to run, find a run, or sponsor a runner and show your support.
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: September 17

Art Festivals and Activities

Luminato

  • What: Now in its 11th year, the multi-arts and multi-platform event will take over David Pecaut Square for its run of free outdoor programming this June.
  • Where: David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West
  • When: Now until June 25

Michael Christidis Exhibit at Circle Arts

  • What: If you want to immerse yourself with some fine Canadian art this weekend, we recommend checking out Canadian landscape painter Michael Christidis exhibit at Circle Arts. The exhibition will showcase work by Canadian artists practicing in a variety of mediums including paintings by Michael Christidis.
  • Where:  Circle Arts, 14 Bay Street
  • When: All summer long

Shakespeare in High Park

  • What: Toronto’s annual Shakespeare in High Park is back for another exciting summer and will be taking on two classics this year. This season’s performances will include Twelfth Night and King Lear, with all screenings starting at 8 pm.
  • Where: High Park Amphitheatre
  • When: Tuesday to Sunday, June 29 to Sept 3

Toronto Fringe Festival

  • What: With over 60 ticketed events and over 50 free, drop-in events that includes live theatre, music, dance, arts, buskers, and performances, there’s something for everyone at the Toronto Fringe Festival.
  • Where: Various venues
  • When: July 5 to 16

Vector Festival

  • What: The 2017 Vector Festival will showcase emergent, critical, and experimental new media, curated by Skot Deeming and Martin Zeilinger.
  • Where: 9 Ossington Avenue
  • When: July 13 to 16, 11 am to 12 am

SummerWorks: Performance Festival

  • What: Canada’s largest curated performance festival of theatre, dance, music and live art is back, and runs for 10 days along Queen Street West.
  • Where: Various venues
  • When: August 3 to 13

Shakespeare in the Ruff

  • What: Enjoy the magic of a midsummer night as you watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream between the trees in Withrow Park. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can and all are welcome, even your four-legged friends!
  • Where: Withrow Park, between Chester and Pape Street
  • When: August 15 to September 3

Toronto International Film Festival

  • What: There’s no better way to say goodbye to summer than with the city’s biggest film festival! Whether you catch a flick or go celeb-spotting, there’s something for everyone at TIFF.
  • Where: Various venues throughout the city
  • When: September 7 to 17

Fun for the Entire Family

Odysseo

  • What: The internationally acclaimed entertainment company Cavalia brings its latest production Odysseo to Mississauga this summer. Odysseo features 65 magnificent horses and 48 talented riders, acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers and musicians.
  • Where: Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place
  • When: June 23 to July 16

Sailor Moon Day

  • What: Back for a third year, the international Sailor Moon Day in Toronto will have fans fighting evil by moonlight and winning love by daylight all over again.
  • Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road
  • When: June 24, 11 am to 9 pm

Brickfête

  • What: The multi-day Brickfête fan expo celebrates all that is Lego is back. Run by volunteers, Brickfête features unique Lego builds from international hobbyists.
  • Where: Delta Toronto East, 2035 Kennedy Road
  • When: July 8 to 9, 10 am to 3 pm

Honda Indy Toronto

  • What: Celebrating 31 years of racing on the streets of Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is taking over the streets in July. It’s fast and furious in the city on that weekend.
  • Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd
  • When: July 14 to 16

Toronto International Youth Dance Festival

  • What: The Toronto International Youth Dance Festival will be taking over Nathan Phillips Square for three days this summer for a multi-cultural celebration of dance.
  • Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
  • When: July 28 to 30

Rogers Cup

  • What: Toronto is the centre of the tennis world as the Rogers Cup returns for another exciting year.
  • Where: Aviva Centre: York University, 1 Shoreham Drive, Suite 100
  • When: August 5 to 13

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

  • What: No summer is complete without a visit to the EX! Get some food, and win some ridiculously large prizes.
  • Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
  • When: August 18 to September 4

Fan Expo Canada

  • What: Fandom at its best! From comics to sci-fi, horror and gaming, all under one massive roof. Guests this year include Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Paul Wesley (Vampire Diaries) and much more.
  • Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd
  • When: August 31 to September 3

Canadian International Air Show

  • What: Presented by the CNE, the Canadian International Air Show is the largest and longest running aviation display in North America.
  • Where: Off the Canadian National Exhibition grounds over Lake Ontario
  • When: September 2 to 4
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