FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
It’s going to be another hot weekend in Toronto.
From concerts and food festivals to free family-friendly events, here are the top 35 things to do in Toronto from July 5 to 7.
See also
- There's a massive block party happening at The Bentway this weekend
- 3 must-see events at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair next weekend
- The Toronto Islands just opened an awesome new splash pad for the summer
Friday, July 5
This is Eye Candy
View this post on Instagram
What: This is Eye Candy is Toronto’s latest Instagram pop-up experience. Tucked away on Queen Street, you’ll find 12 unique rooms, each offering a new immersive experience. From a luxury jet to a cherry blossom forest, there’s a room to pique everyone’s interest.
When: On now
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: 322 1/2 Queen Street West
Price: $20, during the hours of 5 pm till 10 pm; $15, during the hours of 11 am till 4 pm
Rules of the Game: The Best of Jean Renoir
What: You can escape the heat at TIFF Bell Lightbox this summer at this new film series featuring the films of Jean Renoir, son of celebrated impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The series is on until July 7 at TIFF Bell Lightbox featuring 19 of the director’s works.
When: On now until July 7
Time: Screenings vary by day
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Price: Tickets from $14
Toronto Fringe Festival
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: On now until July 14
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Ticketed events start at $11
POSTSCRIPT
What: The Toronto Fringe Festival is returning to the city this month. And with it comes the transformation of one of downtown’s beloved outdoor rinks into an equally-beloved (giant) patio space. With beer, ciders, coolers, wine, gin, vodka and cold brew on tap, there’s a drink to quench every kind of thirst. Plus, Kanto by Tita Flips will be slingin’ Filipino classics like beef tapsilog and lumpia, and Canadian favourites like burgers and fries. The patio will also be a venue to comedy shows, DJ sets, and so much more.
When: On now until July 14
Time: Open from noon to 2 am (4 am on Saturdays)
Where: Harry Gairey Rink – 275 Bathurst Street
Price: Entry is free
Bar Aperol
What: Bar Aperol will be selling Aperol Spritz’s and serving alongside an Italian aperitivo food menu by the Cheese Boutique, and coffee and espresso by Lavazza. Those looking to enjoy an aperitif but don’t want to consume alcohol, Crodino, the Italian non-alcoholic aperitif will be available.
When: Open for the month of July, four days a week (Thursday to Sunday)
Time: Thursdays and Fridays, 4 pm to 11 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: 1030Queen Street West
Price: Admission is free
Union Summer Market
Union Station/Facebook
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: Monday to Wednesday, 11 am to 9 pm; Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Union Station – 65 Front Street West
Price: Entry is free
Bizarre Beach Club Night Market
What: The Bizarre Beach Club gives you the opportunity to lounge poolside at the Grand Bizarre, while many of the city’s most delicious food purveyors sling burgers, tacos, pizza, and more, all around you. General entry is available every weekend, and on top of that, you can call in advance to book a cabana or bottle service for yourself and your nearest and dearest.
When: Saturdays through August 31
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: Grand Bizarre, Exhibition Place – 15 Saskatchewan Road
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
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
Summer Music in the Park
View this post on Instagram
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
Food for Thought Film & Book Friday
What: You can enjoy a free screening of the documentary A Silent Transformation and a talk from Jon Steinman, author of A Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants on July 5. There will also be an outdoor market with many vendors and free samples to enjoy.
When: July 5
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Parklawn and Lakeshore in the Empire Phoenix Sales Centre
Price: Admission is free
The Foodie Festival
What: Not only is admission FREE for this food fest, but so are the samples from a selection of local restaurants and vendors.
When: July 5
Where: Albion Library, 1515 Albion Road, Etobicoke
Price: Admission is free
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+)
12 Beers of Summer
12 Beers of Summer
What: If you’re a beer enthusiast who’s been hankering for the boozy festivities of the holidays, this three-hour taste-a-thon was made for you. Taking a note from their 12 Beers of Christmas Event, the Gladstone Hotel is hosting the 12 Beers of Summer on July 5. Take this chance to sample sips from local brewers, as each will be bringing their best summer options with more than enough suds to go around.
When: July 5
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
Tickets: Available online from $30
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
The Brick Bar
What: This summer, you’ll have the chance to relive the days of your youth at this boozey LEGO-themed bar that’s coming to Toronto. The Brick Bar, the first bar of its kind, will consist of over 1 million blocks and will feature sculptures made completely from LEGO bricks.
When: July 5 to July 7
Where: Rosehill Venue and Lounge – 6 Rosehill Avenue
Tickets: Available online here
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
Indie Fridays
kurthoop via ydsquare/Instagram
What: Not only is Yonge-Dundas Square hosting free movies and free yoga this summer, it will also be the site of free concerts. The Square’s free indie concert series kicks off on Friday, June 28 and will run for ten weeks until August 30. With the launch of Chevrolet’s new music discovery program, Chevy Music, this year’s series is set to be the biggest and best yet.
When: Every Friday through August 30: July, 5, 12, 19, and 26
Time: 8 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Price: Free
Beam Me Up Disco!
What: A jam that celebrates the underrated and the obscure of funk, jazz, soul, boogie, proto-house, and more, supplied by the Patchouli Brothers and Cyclist every Friday night this month.
When: July 5
Time: 10 pm
Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
Price $10
Saturday, July 6
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: Every Saturday during summer
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free
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
Kensington Market Flea
kensingtonflea/Instagram
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
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
HBC Stripespotting Tour: Salsa on St Clair
What: While you’re at Salsa on St. Clair, make sure to check out the #stripespotting mobile pop-up, which will feature a selection of Hudson’s Bay’s striped summer essentials, including pieces from the new Sunnylife collaboration. NARS Cosmetics will also be in attendance, providing beauty touch-ups under the #stripespotting cabana. Visitors to the pop-up can look forward to an array of summer activities including bocce ball, colouring and bubbles for the kids, plus many #stripespotting photo moments.
When: July 6 and 7
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: St. Clair Avenue West
Price: Free to attend
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
KIESZA at Drake Underground
View this post on Instagram
What: Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based pop singer Kiesza makes dance-oriented music that touches upon house music, modern EDM, and R&B. With her single ‘Hideaway’ having gone platinum in Canada, USA, Italy, and Germany, this is sure to be a dance party to remember.
When: July 6
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
Price: $33
Sunday, July 7
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
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
Fusion of Taste Festival
What: The Albion Islington Square Business Improvement Area hosts this multicultural festival featuring food and art all day long.
When: July 7
Time: Noon to 9:30 pm
Where: Albion Islington Square, 925 Albion Road, Etobicoke
Price: Admission is free
Sunday Social Series
The Bentway Block Party 2018 / The Beltway / Facebook
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
Music in the Park
What: The Beach Village BIA presents the third annual summer Music in the Park Series. The series takes place in Kew Gardens in the Alex Christie Bandshell, in the heart of The Beaches. The series has been carefully curated to feature some of the Toronto and Canada’s best performers, spanning multiple genres.
When: Every Sunday in July and August, starting on July 7
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Kew Gardens in the Alex Christie Bandshell
Price: Admission is free
Summer Music in the Garden
What: The Summer Music in the Garden concert series will kick off in honour of the Toronto Music Garden’s 20th anniversary, and will feature 18 free concerts of classical, traditional and world music, including a concert on August 25 that will feature the Music Garden’s “theme song,” Bach’s Suite no. 1 in G Major for solo cello.
When: Thursdays and Sundays through September 15
Time: Thursdays, 7 pm; Sundays, 4 pm
Where: 479 Queens Quay West
Price: Free to attend
Blink-182 in Toronto
What: Get ready to relive your teenage angst, legendary rock trio Blink-182 is performing in Toronto this July. Multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated band Blink-182 is hitting the road and going on tour across North America this summer.
When: Sunday, July 7
Time: Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm
Where: Budweiser Stage
Price: From $92
Jennifer Lopez at Scotiabank Theatre
@jlo / Instagram
What: Jennifer Lopez is bringing her highly anticipated “It’s My Party: The Live Celebration” tour to Toronto this month. This is the singer’s first time hitting the road in over six years. Toronto fans will now have two opportunities to see the Jenny From the Block singer take the stage, with a new performance happening on July 7 and 8.
When: July 7 and 8
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 40 Bay Street
Price: From $122
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
Follow Channels and Categories