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

Jun 21 2019, 11:59 pm

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The easy, breezy days of summer have finally rolled in, complete with park hangs, BBQs, freshly opened swimming pools, and – most importantly – an abundance of events of all varieties.

And luckily for you, we’ve tracked down the hottest summer events happening in the city and put together a curated list that will keep you having fun all season long.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, chances are we’ve found the perfect summer event for you.

See also

June

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

jazz festival

@torontojazzfest / Instagram

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

Open Roof Festival

What: Open Roof Festival will be back for its tenth season this June, and the festival will enjoy its second year at a new venue. Starting June 19, Open Roof Festival will feature live music and film screenings with food and drinks. And remember: The event has moved from Sudbury Street to Sterling Road in the Lower Junction Triangle near the new site of MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art).

When: On now until August 22
Time: Event kicks off at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, movie at 9 pm
Where: Sterling Road in the Lower Junction Triangle (the lot adjacent to 158 Sterling Road)
Price: $15

Yoga Classes at The Bentway

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: Every Sunday until August 25
Time:  7 pm to 8 pm
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: Free, but you must bring your own mat.

UpMarket: The Floral Edit

What: For the second summer in a row, UpMarket returns to The Lane in Yorkville Village. Every Wednesday during summer, you can shop from a highly curated selection of local vendors offering handmade creations, gourmet foods, and unique gifts.

When: On now through August 28
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: The Lane, Yorkville Village
Price: Free to attend

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

Yoga in the Square

What: It’s almost time to get your stretch on. Because Yoga in the Square is officially returning to Yonge-Dundas square in June. The popular downtown Toronto hub is teaming up with lululemon for the second year in a row to bring the city free, weekly community yoga sessions.

When: On Monday’s now through September 2 (except July 1)
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Free to participate

Summer Music in the Park

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 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

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: Every Saturday until September 21
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: 214 Augusta Ave, the rear outdoor area of El Gordo Foods
Price: Free to attend

Evergreen Brick Works Saturday Markets

Feed It Forward

Shutterstock

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: Every Saturday during summer
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

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: Every Sunday through September 29
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Distillery District
Price: Free admission

Henderson Brewing Tour

What: Get ready for a guided tour of the brewery that includes a history of the neighbourhood and brewing in Toronto, samples of the beers currently on tap and a souvenir tasting glass. Make sure you RSVP your attendance for this weekly offering!

When: June 25
Time: 7 pm
Where: Henderson Brewing – 128a Sterling Road
Price: Free without tasting, $5 with tasting

City Cinema: Ghostbusters (1984)

What: This summer, you can enjoy free weekly movies in the heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square. From June 25 to August 27, Yonge-Dundas Square will once again bring an outdoor film series, City Cinema, but this time, with a hilarious live twist. Every Tuesday, City Cinema will host a live performance by The Second City before screening the funniest films featuring The Second City alumni John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Mike Myers, and more.

When: Every Tuesday, from June 25 to August 2
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Free

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

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

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

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

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

Redpath Waterfront Festival

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

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

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: On the final Sunday of the month: June 30, July 28, August 25, and September 29
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Price: Free

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

July

Toronto Fringe Festival

fringe festival

The Toronto Fringe/Facebook

What: With 151 shows at 37 venues that include live theatre, music, dance, arts, buskers, and performances (basically, everything arts-related), there’s something for everyone at the Toronto Fringe Festival.

When: July 3 to 14
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Ticketed events start at $11

Shakespeare in High Park

What: The untraditional rendition of Shakespeare returns on July 4 and will run until September 1. The long-running outdoor theatre event is celebrating its 37th year and takes on two classics this year. This summer’s plays include the comedic tale of love and desire, Much Ado About Nothing, and the timeless story of morality and power, Measure For Measure.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, July 4 to September 1
Time: All performances begin at 8 pm
Where: High Park Amphitheatre
Price: Tickets are pay-what-you-can

Wine Fest Toronto

What: The first annual Wine Fest Toronto comes to the CF Shops at Don Mills, Town Square, to celebrate all things wine this July. The festival promises to take guests on a journey through the world of wine as they sip and explore outstanding vinos from over 12 countries.

When: July 5 and 6
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, 1 pm to 9 pm
Where: CF Shops at Don Mills, Town Square, 1090 Don Mills Rd.
Tickets: $19.99 to $24.99 online (ages 19+).

Taste of Lawrence

What: The east end’s biggest food and cultural festival returns this summer to help with your summer weekend fun. The annual Taste of Lawrence celebration takes place over the July 5 weekend, featuring over 130 vendors serving up local flavours, midway rides, and live music.

When: July 5 to 7
Where: Lawrence Avenue East, from Warden Ave to Birchmount Road
Price: Free admission

Summerlicious 2019

What: Now in its 17th year, Summerlicious is back, and reservation lines open on June 20. The citywide prix-fixe promotion kicks off July 5 and runs until July 21 at nearly 200 of Toronto’s favourite restaurants.

When: July 5 to July 21
Time: Varies by restaurant
Where: Restaurants across Toronto
Price: Lunch menus priced at $23, $28, and $33 and dinner is $33, $43, and $53

Corktown Common Park Summer Movies

What: This marks the fourth season of outdoor films at Corktown Common Park and this summer, also under the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show umbrella, the public is invited to enjoy a series of films focusing on Dynamic Duos at this location too!

When: Thursday evenings, July 5 to 26 (Scheduled rain date August 2)
Time: Films begin at sundown
Where: Corktown Common Park, 155 Bayview Avenue
Price: Screenings are free of charge, but donations are accepted

Meowfest

What: Meowfest, Canada’s ultimate cat festival, will be coming to Toronto this summer.
It will include a full day of vendors, celebricats (including the world’s most followed Instagram cat, Nala Cat), meet and greets, food trucks, entertainment and more.

When: July 6
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works
Price: $20

Junction Night Market

What: Sample the best local food, craft beer, and cider in The Junction this summer at this annual after-dark event. Billed as a community food festival benefiting programs that promote access to local food, this event promises an abundance of food and brews all priced for $5 per serving.

When: July 6
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Pacific Avenue, North of Dundas Street, Toronto
Price: Free admission

TD Salsa on St. Clair

What: One of Canada’s largest Latin-themed celebrations is Toronto’s TD Salsa in Toronto Festival, which takes place this July, featuring music, amazing food, dance, and family events.

When: July 6 and 7
Time: 12 pm  to 10 pm
Where: St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Drive and Christie Street
Price: Free to attend

Bentway Block Party

What: The 2nd Annual Bentway Block Party is free to attend for all ages and it runs throughout the day. You can look forward to plenty of live music and activities that will keep you busy all afternoon and evening, from noon to 10 pm.

When: July 7
Time: Noon to 10 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Price: Free to attend

Sunday Social Series

What: Kicking off on the same day as the Bentway Block Party is the first Sunday of the second season of the Bentway’s Sunday Social Series. The Social Series will present a space for socializing with friends new and old around oversized lounge chairs and picnic tables every Sunday all summer long. Canadian music mag Exclaim! will be presenting plenty of live music, Pilot Coffee and SPIN will be serving food, drinks and bar service, and, like the Block Party, ping pong tables will also be on-site.

When: July 7 to August 25
Time: Noon to 9 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Price: Free to attend

Regent Park Film Festival

Regent Park

@regentparkfilm/Instagram

What: Starting in July, Under The Stars returns to Regent Park for the sixth year in a row, showing widely-loved films that prominently feature Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour on screen. Each week, there will be a pre-show before the film with family-friendly activities that change week to week.

When: Beginning July 10 and runs until August 14
Time: Pre-show begins at 7 pm
Where: Regent Park, 585 Dundas Street East
Price: Free

Honda Indy Toronto

What: Celebrating 33 years of racing on the streets of Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is taking over Toronto in July. It’s fast and furious (and loud) in the city on that weekend

When: July 12 to 14
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

All Day I Dream 2019

What: It’s time to get groovy Toronto. The fourth edition of All Day I Dream in Toronto promises another beautiful blissed out day full of pretty music and good vibes.

When: July 13
Time: 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.
Price: From $50

Festival of India

What: Infusing the city with a dose of colourful and spiritual culture, the 47th Annual Festival of India returns this July for two days of nourishing festivities. The event will begin with a vibrant, high-energy parade down Yonge Street, followed by a day of festivities for the entire family.

When: July 13 and 14
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: Admission is free

Big on Bloor Festival

What: A festival of arts and culture, Big on Bloor is a unique summer street affair that is jam-packed with hundreds of culturally significant events, activities, displays, and exhibitions.

When: July 20
Where: Bloor Street between Dufferin and Lansdowne
Price: Free to attend

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. Also to enjoy is quality live music that includes acts like Ja Rule and Ashanti.

When: July 26 to 28
Where: Bandshell Park Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Blvd
Tickets: Available online here

The Rosé Picnic

What: For one day only, you can enjoy #roseallday as Stanley Barracks at the sleek, luxurious Hotel X Toronto, which will be filled with blankets, flowing rosé, 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.

When: July 27
Where: Stanley Barracks at Hotel X Toronto, 111 Princes’ Blvd.
Price: Tickets from $30 to $5,000 available online

The Office! A Musical Parody

What: In case you’ve already re-watched The Office for the umpteenth time on Netflix, you’ll soon have the chance to see your favourite paper company employees live on for another day. This summer, the off-Broadway performance, The Office! A Musical Parody is heading to Toronto for a four-week run at Mirvish’s CAA Theatre.

When: July 30 to August 25
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm; Sunday evening, 7 pm
Where: CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge Street
Price: From $42

August

Caribana Weekend

caribbean carnival

uranranebi/Instagram

What: Now in its 52nd year, Caribana weekend will take over Toronto this August for a massive, city-wide celebration featuring Caribbean music, dance, costume, parties, and food.

When: August 1 to 4
Where: Multiple venues
Price: Varies by event

VELD

What: If you didn’t get enough of your electronic music fill at Dreams Festival (and are feeling particularly ambitious), you can make up for it in your costume-clad glory at the annual Veld Music Festival.

When: August 3 and 4
Where: Downsview Park, Downsview Park Allen Road
Price: Full weekend from $269.50

Rogers Cup

What: Toronto is the centre of the tennis world as the Rogers Cup returns for another exciting year of intense tennis matches.

When: August 3 to 11
Where: Aviva Centre: York University, 1 Shoreham Drive, Suite 100

Boots and Hearts 2019

What: Dust off your cowboy boots and cowboy hat and get ready to experience Canada’s biggest country music festival. This year’s headliners include Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Marren Morris, Kane Brown, Cole Swindell, and Kip Moore.

When: August 8 to 11
Where: Burl’s Creek, Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Tickets: Available online from $229

SummerWorks: Performance Festival

What: Canada’s largest curated performance festival of theatre, dance, music, and live art is back. It runs for 10 days along the always colourful and character-filled Queen Street West.

When: August 8 to 18
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Multiple venues

Bell Manor Park Summer Movies

What: For the first year, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will be offering screenings at Bell Manor Park. The Dynamic Duo theme stretches to this location as well, and a full list of films is soon to be announced.

When: Beginning August 8 and runs until August 22
Time: Films begin at sundown
Where: Bell Manor Park, 1 Bayside Lane
Price: Free, but donations are accepted

Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest

What: Summer and craft beer are pretty much synonymous. Turning Roundhouse Park into a massive beer garden, Toronto Craft Beer Festival is a craft beer aficionado’s dream. You can expect refreshing brews, live music, and sizzling food vendors.

When: August 9 and 10
Time: Friday, 4 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd.
Price: From $30.50

Krinos Taste of the Danforth

What: One of Toronto’s most famous summer events year after year, The Krinos Taste of the Danforth, is Canada’s largest street festival and is back for its 26th year. The festival shuts down a large portion of Danforth Avenue with plenty of Greek-style eats, vendors, and all-around good times.

When: August 9 to 11
Time: Friday, 6 pm to 12 am; Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Danforth Avenue
Price: Free to attend

Waterfront Night Market

What: The annual T&T Waterfront Night Market is back for another stimulation-filled run and attendees can expect the always delicious and unique outdoor culinary experience along with all the night market awesomeness.

When: August 9 to 11
Where: Ontario Place
Price: Admission is free, but tickets are required for the beer garden

Jerkfest

What: Experience a weekend filled with arts, crafts, cultural entertainment, and – of course – plenty of jerk-style food of all varieties.

When: August 9 to 11
Time: Friday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Centennial Park, at the base of Ski Hills, Etobicoke
Price: From $25

Vegandale Food and Drink Fest

food events vegandale

@vegandalefestival/Facebook

What: Good news, plant-powered people… the Vegandale Food Festival will be returning to Toronto this summer. While this year’s vendor list hasn’t been officially released, the 2018 list has show-options like Champ’s Diner, V-Eats, Southern Fried Vegan and Screamer’s Pizza. If those are any indication of this year’s plans, you know it’s going to be a delicious event.

When: August 10
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Fort York, Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Price: Early bird tickets on sale online from $10

Electric Island

What: Electric Island returns for its seventh annual year with a fresh lineup of local and international DJs. The August lineup has yet to be announced, so stay tuned!

When: August 10
Time: 2 pm to 11 pm
Where: Hanlan’s Point
Price: $49.99

Jaws On The Water

What: This unique screening of Jaws promises that you can “float on the lake, canoe, paddleboard, eat food, and hang out with friends.” The event will offer tubes for sale, so you’re covered. Anticipate a 40-foot screen, high-quality sound and stellar lighting for the actual screening. Surrounding the show, there will be mouthwatering food trucks, fire pits and games to keep you entertained.

When: August 10
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Binbrook Conservation Area, Hamilton – 5050 Harrison Road, Binbrook
Tickets: Email [email protected] for ticket info

Sweetery Toronto

What: This one is for those with a sweet tooth. The Sweetery Toronto is Canada’s largest sweets festival, bringing everything sweet together for its fourth year – from ice cream and candy to pastries.

When: August 10 and 11
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: David Pecaut Square, King Street between Simcoe and John
Price: Free to attend

We Are Lost

What: The beat will be dropping in a music festival brand-new to Toronto this summer, as the city hosts the electronic Amsterdam-based We Are Lost Festival. There have been two editions of the festival so far in Amsterdam, but on August 11, Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works will be the home of its first event in North America.

When: August 11
Time: 
Begins at 3 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: $50

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

What: No summer is complete without a visit to the EX to take in the sounds, tastes, rides, and animals. Get some food, and win some ridiculously large prizes.

When: August 16 to September 2
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Canadian National Exhibition, 210 Princes’ Boulevard
Price: All attractions and shows are FREE with admission to the CNE

Open Streets TO

What: Open Streets TO returns to the city again this summer, for two weekends of car-free afternoons of fun. Taking place in August and September, this family-friendly event is bringing back the largest free recreation program in Canada and will be shutting down parts of Toronto’s Bloor Street and Yonge Street to host the festivities.

When: August 18 and September 15
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Bloor and Yonge Streets
Price: Free to attend

Fan Expo Canada

What: The Fan Expo offers costume-filled fandom at its best to end the summer on a high note! From comics to sci-fi, horror, and gaming, you will find it all under one massive roof.

When: August 22 to 25
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Price: Tickets start at $20

Toronto Cider Festival

What: This year’s Toronto Cider Festival will showcase an assortment of refreshing and amazing ciders paired with delicious food, live entertainment, and local Canadian talent, offering a no-fail way to wrap what will be an epic summer.

When: August 23 and 24
Where: 
Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Drive
Price: From $48

Journey Cannabis & Music Festival

What: The Journey Cannabis & Music Festival will be landing in Boyd Conservation Park in Vaughan this August. Billing itself as Canada’s first legal cannabis and music festival, the massive affair is hoping to draw a crowd in the tens of thousands.

When: August 23 to 25
Where: Boyd Conservation Park, Vaughan
Tickets: $45 for a weekend pass

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.

When: August 31 to September 2
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Off the Canadian National Exhibition grounds over Lake Ontario

September

Toronto International Film Festival

Javier Bardem is coming back! (Shutterstock)

What: There’s no better way to say goodbye to summer than with the city’s biggest film festival – and one of the most influential in the world. Whether you catch a flick, party hard, or go celeb spotting, there’s something for everyone at TIFF.

When: September 5 to 15
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Some events are free, while many are ticketed

Taste of the Kingsway

What: Toronto’s Taste of the Kingsway street festival returns for three days of outdoor eating and entertainment this September.

When: September 6 to 8
Time: Friday, 6 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road
Price: Free to attend

Vegetarian Food Festival

What: Local and international chefs will delight your taste buds with all the vegetarian and vegan dishes you didn’t know you were missing in your life.

When: September 6 to 8
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Free admission

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

What: Closeout what will surely be an epic summer with a three-day entertainment experience celebrating the Ukrainian Canadian community. From music to food, this massive Bloor West festival is definitely worth checking out.

When: September 13 to 15
Where: Bloor West Village

Terry Fox Run

What: All across the country, the annual Terry Fox run takes place in September to raise funds for cancer research. Register to run, find a run, or sponsor a runner and show your support.

When: September 15
Where: Various locations

Toronto Garlic Festival

What: Taste comforting garlic-themed dishes paired with Ontario craft beer and wine at this not-to-miss garlic themed festival. Attendees can enjoy sweet and savoury garlic-inspired dishes from close to two-dozen chefs, and meet farmers, cooks, artists and garlic historians.

When: September 15
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Price: $5

Just For Laughs JFL42 Comedy Festival

What: Toronto is going to echo with laughter this September as the JFL42 festival takes over the city once again with a stellar lineup. Among the headliners this year that will be performing at Sony Centre are Saturday Night Live stars John Mulaney and Pete Davidson, as well as Gabriel Iglesias, Marc Maron, and many more. Also at the Sony Centre will be this year’s special event, a Q&A show with comedian, author, and actress Carol Burnett.

When: September 19 to 29
Where: Headliners at Sony Centre, and other comics and programming at various venues to be announced
Price: Festival passes range from $59 to $299

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

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