25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: June 16 to 18

It’s Friday, Toronto! Time to kick back and celebrate in style at one of the many exciting events happening around town.

From concerts and festivals to Father’s Day events and activities, here are your top events for the weekend.

See also

• 10 things to do with dad for Father's Day in Toronto that are actually fun
• Every outdoor movie night in Toronto this summer
• Open Roof Festival returns to Toronto for summer '17

Taste Toronto

What: Garrison Common at Fort York will transform into a foodie wonderland as the World’s Greatest Restaurant Festival returns for four days of fantastic food, drink and summer fun.

When: Now until June 18
Where: The Garrison Common at Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd

Luminato Festival

What: From June 14 to 25, Toronto will be covered in art of all kinds thanks to Luminato, one of the largest arts festivals in North America. Make sure to visit the festival’s website, as you can plan your own unique festival experience based on genre, cost, location, and experience. Attendees need to check out The Famous Spiegeltent during Luminato which is an intimate performance space for music, theatre, spoken word, and cabaret.

When: All weekend long
Where: Events throughout the city

Toronto Art Book Fair

What: The fair will feature 80 Canadian and international exhibitors, three curated exhibitions, and community programming that includes readings, panel discussions, book launches, performances and workshops, and is fun for the entire family.

When: Now until June 18
Where: Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street

Vaughan Food Truck Festival

What: Taking place Father’s Day weekend, this food festival is just north of Toronto and the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your old man! In addition to food trucks, this festival promises a beer garden, local talent showcase, kid zone, and more.

When: June 16, 5 pm to 11 pm; June 17, 11 am to 11 pm; June 18, 11 am to 9 pm
Where: MacKenzie Glen Park, 220 Cranston Park Ave

All- Star Gala in Support of SickKids

What: The third annual All–Star Gala in support of SickKids will bring over 1,250 celebrities, young professionals, and pro athletes together at Toronto’s historic Arcadian Court. This year’s glamorous semi-formal event invites party-goers to enjoy a night of complimentary cocktails, luxury live and silent auctions and live entertainment by DJs and musicians including Legacy Band. Past athlete attendees include PK Subban, Morgan Rielly, Peter Holland, James van Riemsdyk, Devante Smith-Pelly, Luke Gazdic and Brian Conacher.

When: June 16, 8 pm to 2 am
Where: Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street

Nasty Women: ROBYN Edition

What: Come and enjoy an evening celebrating electro females who just don’t give a damn. This event will spotlight the Swedish Queen of Electro: ROBYN.

When: June 16, 10:30 pm to 2 am
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

Beaches Rib Fest

What: Want to be the child of the year? Take your dad to Beaches Rib Fest for Father’s Day! There will be a craft beer market, wine & spirits area, kids zone, life-size board games, and an incredible selection of BBQ vendors. Admission is free!

When: June 16, noon to 7 pm; June 17, 11 am to 11 pm; June 18, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Woodbine Beach Park, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd East

Wine & Spirit Festival

What: Attractions at this 19+ event include pairing seminars, sampling opportunities, live music, and a breeze off the lake.

When: June 16, 5 pm to 11 pm; June 17, 2 pm to 10 pm
Where: Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Drive

Taste of Little Italy

What: The annual street fest celebrates College Street’s Italian history over Father’s Day weekend. Per tradition, look forward to patios spilling into the streets, live music, and of course, tons of food.

When: June 16 to 18
Where: College Street West, between Shaw Street and Bathurst Street

Taco Fest

What: Tacos, hot sauce tastings, margarita bars, nacho and salsa samplings, Mexican street corn, and live mariachi music are all on the agenda at this weekend fiesta.

When: June 16, 11 am to 10 pm; June 17, 11 am to 10 pm; June 18, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West

Baby Point Gates Strawberry Festival

What: Now in its fifth year, the Baby Point Gates Strawberry Festival is back for another sweet year and will surely satisfy everyone’s strawberry cravings. Aside from the selection of strawberry infused eats, guests can look forward to family-friendly entertainment including a bouncy castle, small animal petting zoo, children’s face painting, and roaming musicians. Admission is free.

When: June 17, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Baby Point Gates Gardens, Jane Street and Metheun Avenue

The Danforth Thrill of the Grill

What: Thrill of the Grill returns for its 8th mouth-watering year. This community event showcases local merchants and excellent eateries and raised funds for kidney cancer research.

When: June 17, 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Playter

Roncy Rocks 2017

What: Come and celebrate one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Roncesvalles! At Roncy Rocks Music + Arts Fest West, you can check out local musicians, artists, food, fashion and film, dog shows, demos, specialties and plenty of fun for the little ones.

When: June 17
Where: Along Roncesvalles Avenue

Nuit Rose Light Parade

What: The Nuit Rose Light Parade returns for its third year. The annual parade is free and open to the public. To join in, you simply need to wear or carry a light-emitting object. This year’s theme is What Lies Between Venus and Mars? Visitors from space are also welcome.

When: June 17, 9 pm to 11 pm
Where: James Canning Gardens, 15 Gloucester Street

John Legend: Darkness and Light Tour

What: If you’re looking for a romantic (and politically-fuelled) date night option, John Legend will hit Budweiser stage for his Darkness and Light tour, named after his fifth studio album.

When: June 17, 8 pm
Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lake Shore Blvd West

Carly Rae Jepsen 

What: Three-time JUNO Award–winning and GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen is in town to make her must-see TSO début. Hear Carly Rae Jepsen perform her iconic hits with full Orchestra, plus intimate sets featuring guitar and string quartet.

When: June 17, 7:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

CityPlace Outdoor Movies

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 and refreshments. This week’s screening is the ’90s hit The Sandlot.

When: Beginning June 17 until September
Where: Canoe Landing Park, 95 Fort York Blvd

VillageFest 2017

What: Come and celebrate community and everything queer as Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ neighbourhood hosts a fun-filled weekend-long street party.

When:  June 17 to 18, 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Church Wellesley Village, 65 Wellesley Street East

Father‘s Day Brunch Cruise

What: Set sail with the family for a two-hour afternoon getaway on the water with gorgeous views of Toronto’s skyline and harbour, a full cash bar and a feast of the chef’s signature Father‘s Day brunch buffet featuring market-fresh fruits and salads, chef’s famous french toast, and AAA Roast Beef carving.

When: June 18, 11:30am to 2:30pm
Where: Northern Spirit – Mariposa Cruises, 207 Queens Quay West

Do it For Dads Walk Run

What: You can get active for a good cause on this Father’s Day this year, and this 5km walk/run raises money for men battling cancer and the families that are supporting them.

When:  June 18, 10:30 am
Where: Ashbridges Bay Park, 1675 Lakeshore Blvd East

Father’s Day Buffet

What: You know he’ll need to eat so why not make that meal a buffet? Old Mill Toronto is throwing both brunch and dinner buffets on Father’s Day, all delivered at the helm of Executive Chef Martin Buehner. Expect options like roast beef, poultry, pasta, seafood and desserts from tortes to mouses to cakes, all available to indulge in.

When: June 18, various seatings throughout the day
Where: Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Road

Yorkville Exotic Car Show

What: Car enthusiasts can see over 120 cars from the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini,  Ferrari, among many others. The event is also supporting Prostate Cancer Canada and has raised over $200,000 to date for prostate cancer research.

When: June 18, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Bloor Street, between Avenue Road and Bay

Father’s Day Food Tour

What: If your dad is a foodie, make sure to take him on a delicious food tour through Toronto’s Kensington Market. During the tour, you’ll explore the history and culture of the market while discovering some of the mouth-watering flavours Toronto has to offer.

When: June 18, 11:30 am to 2 pm
Where: Kensington Market, 321 Spadina Ave

Father‘s Day Dinner Cruise

What: Spend the evening of Father’s Day on a stunning dinner cruise on Lake Ontario with breathtaking views of the Toronto Harbour at sunset. There will be a DJ playing music all night long, full cash bar, and a buffet fit for a king featuring a St. Louis rib station, grilled jerk chicken, and cranberry quinoa salad.

When: June 18, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Northern Spirit – Mariposa Cruises, 207 Queens Quay West