Welcome to July, Toronto! There’s no denying it, summertime in the city is well underway. Despite what the torrential downpour we’ve been experiencing this week may have you believe… Well, the sun is set to come out again this weekend and we are more than ready for it. We’re stacking our next few days will all the best events and activities Toronto’s got to offer.
**Editors Note: Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, provincial and city guidelines are continually changing. Please double-check business closures and restrictions before proceeding.
Here are 10 things to do in & around Toronto this weekend.
TOGETHER APART SUMMER CIRQUE
Canada’s very first physically distanced Cirque event hits the GTA this July. Beginning this weekend, you can get your tickets to enjoy the show from your very own private physically distanced platform. The show, A Summer Tale, explores the fantastical lives of 10 magical characters who meet at a ball celebrating the summer solstice. It’s sure to be a memorable event.
Where: Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham
When: Kicks off July 1st
TORONTO RIBFEST
All you carnivores out there have got to attend the delicious event that is the Toronto Ribfest. This drive-thru, social-distance-friendly festival is serving up eats from award-winning vendors for all weekend long. Just pull up in your vehicle and enjoy! Is your mouth watering at the thought of it too?
Where: 1536 The Queensway, Etobicoke
When: Thursday, July 1st – Saturday, July 3rd
THE NIGHT MARKET
Speaking of mouth-watering… Get ready to gorge this weekend at The Night Market in Mississauga. The ongoing festival wraps up on Sunday, so you’ve only got a few days left to enjoy it. Stop by for insane eats like Heirloom Cheesecake (on a stick), Gourmet Guyz loaded poutine, and much much more.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
When: Ends Sunday, July 4th
EATS NIGHT MARKET
Don’t want to head all the way out to Mississauga? Another awesome night market is underway right here in the city. Eats Night Market is running in Scarborough all weekend long. Head on out to the food truck set up of the century to enjoy the wildest menu you can imagine. Theses extravagant late-night eats are must-tries this summer. Plus, the event is socially-distanced for optimal COVID-19 safety.
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 520 Progress Ave
When: All weekend long
RETRO ROLLA
This amazing outdoor event is throwing things back 70s-style this weekend. Stop by The Bentway to participate in the exciting pop-up that is Retro Rolla. It seems roller skating is all the rage this year, so rent some skates and glide through one of the city’s favourite outdoor spots!
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: All weekend long
PLAYING IN PUBLIC
While you’re gliding be sure to admire all the interactive art that’s being set up in the area. You can immerse yourself in the ongoing exhibit dedicated to, you guessed it, play. The Bentway will be decorated to the nines with social-distance-friendly but immersive pieces you can admire all summer long.
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: All weekend long
LAVAZZA DRIVE-IN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Canada’s multicultural cinema at the Lavazza Drive-In International Film Festival this weekend. The ongoing event has a ton of great screenings lined up, with a special “Focus Italian” series as well. It’s sure to be the best place to catch titles from across the globe, including works from American, British, Korean, Latinx, African, Chinese, French, Jewish, Japanese, Turkish, Indian, Iranian, Indigenous Peoples, and Russian communities.
Where: Ontario Place Drive-In, 955 Lakeshore Blvd W
When: All weekend long
BIG WRECK AT CITYVIEW
Another stellar drive-in event is the Big Wreck Concert at CityView. This show is ready to rock your socks off, while you enjoy the entire thing from the comfort (and safety) of your own car. It’s the ultimate drive-in party and it’s hitting Toronto this weekend.
Where: CityView Drive-In, 20 Polson St
When: Saturday, July 3rd
ACTIVETO
Get a little outdoor exercise at this city-sanctioned summer fave. ActiveTO is the famous event that blocks of major roads each weekend so that pedestrians and cyclists can get out and get active while maintaining physical distance. It’s a great way to get a little exercise while enjoying a whole new perspective on the city.
Where: Find a map of road closures here
When: All weekend long
ROADTRIP TO NIAGARA
Or get out of the city with a roadie to Niagara. This nearby tourist favourite is loaded with exciting attractions and activities. Whether you’re zooming at crazy speeds on the Niagara Speedway, zip-lining over the falls, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon at a vineyard, there’s never a dull moment here. Be sure to double check travel restrictions before you hit the road.
Where: Niagara, Ontario
When: Any day this weekend
Have a great weekend, Toronto! Let us know what you do first.
