The long weekend is upon us, Toronto! Summer is here for a good time not a long time, so you better get out there and make the most of it. Thankfully, there are so many things to do in Toronto this weekend, all you need to do is choose your preferred vibe.
If you’re not spending the long weekend at a cottage like the rest of your Instagram followers, don’t fret. Here are 10 of the best things to do in the city that are even better than days on the lake.
VAN GOGH HOT AIR BALLOON & EXPERIENCE
A nearly 100-foot-tall hot air balloon of the painter himself will be on display on the city’s waterfront in celebration of the Immersive Van Gogh experience’s reopening. Although there were some weather-related delays during Wednesday’s launch, the balloon is set to soar as planned this weekend right beside the exhibit, now open again at 1 Yonge Street.
Where: Queen’s Quay and Yonge Street, Toronto
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 29, July 30, August 1
JAMIE ALLAN’S ILLUSIONARIUM
Jamie Allan’s Illusionarium is a 300,000 square foot experiential magic show chock full of life-size holograms, 3D projections, floor-to-ceiling visuals, and jaw-dropping special effects. You’ll get to wander through a maze of 4 magical rooms including the Palais Royale, The Egyptian Hall, On-Air Studios, and Evo-lusion Theatre. Each room will take you through different eras in time starting all the way back in the 17th century. It’s pretty much the coolest way to see the evolution of magic as you learn from the world’s most famous illusionists.
Where: 1 Yonge Street
When: Opens July 29th
TORONTO OUTDOOR PICTURE SHOW
Pile onto a cozy blanket with your friends for a FREE movie night under the stars. The multi-week film programming will feature curated films and special screenings all August long. This year’s season is called TOPS & Friends, and it’s all about celebrating outdoor film and community. Advanced tickets are sold out, but you can still get same-day tickets for your preferred screening, and all of the details can be found here.
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Late July – Labour Day
ONTARIO’S ONLY SUNFLOWER-SHAPED TRAIL
This sprawling 20-acre field is just an hour and a half drive from Toronto and it has thousands of blooms for you to get lost in. The sunflower-shaped trail is new to the farm this year and it’s the only one of its kind in the whole province. Wander among towering fields of gold petals and snap some photos by the tractor while you’re at it. Because if there aren’t pics, did it really happen?
Where: Hwy 48 & Sideroad 17, Beaverton
When: Opens Friday, July 29th
CHECK OUT MIDORI RAMEN
The grand opening of this Tori-paitan (chicken broth) ramen restaurant, specially curated by chefs Masaru Ogasawara and Natsuhiko Sugimoto, takes place Saturday, July 31st, and you aren’t going to want to miss it. The first 30 people in line will get a free bowl of ramen, and the following 30 will get a free frozen ramen with the purchase of a regular ramen.
Plus, there will be a pop-up $5 karaage bites bar, a spin-to-win prize wheel, raffles and more! The patio and dine-in will be open, so check it out!
Where: 412 Queen St. W
When: Opens July 31st at 11:30 AM
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MARVEL AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N
Train for your upcoming Avengers mission at the new 25,000 sq ft tactical intelligence facility with the die-hard Marvel fans in your life. Wander through the multi-room space, get special access to your favourite heroes, and use real props like Thor’s hammer!
Where: Yorkdale Mall, 3401 Dufferin St
When: Thursday, July 29th — Sunday, September 12th
LET’S DO SUMMER FOOD & WINE BAR
Escape to a summer oasis right in the heart of the city. There are so many activities for you to try at this colourful garden pop-up, from indulging in bites and bevvies to painting flower pots to sharing stories around an open fire under the glow of twinkle lights. You don’t need to trek to cottage country to enjoy long summer nights in the great outdoors!
Where: 621 Richmond St
When: Until Monday, August 16th
IMAGINE DRAGONS AT CASA LOMA
Imagine Dragons Light Forest takes place on the historic Casa Loma grounds. The 2km self-guided walk will take you through dazzling lighting and immersive theatrical medieval displays scattered throughout the gardens, tunnels, and stables. You can expect to see royals, dragons, and maybe even a wizard or two. The experience is guaranteed to take you back in time to a fantastical era from your wildest dreams.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: July 21st-August 29th
SUMMER HOUSE AT HOTEL X
This 75,000-square-foot rooftop feels like a luxe getaway with sprawling views of the lake and city skyline. Enjoy a curated menu full of tropical-inspired eats, lounge by the pool, and soak up the Hamptons vibes. Staycation Saturdays are where it’s at, with live DJs and cocktails from 7 p.m. until the end of the night.
Where: Hotel X, 111 Princes’ Blvd
When: 12 p.m. — 11 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 12 p.m. — late Thursday to Sunday
CARNIVAL FLAVOURS STREET EATS MARKET
In celebration of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival weekend, the Street Eats Market at Scarborough Town Centre will host a variety of local food vendors serving up mouthwatering Caribbean street food, as well as a Carib Beer Tent and cultural entertainment to keep the Carnival vibes high. Plus, general admission is FREE!
Where: 520 Progress Avenue
When: Friday, July 30th — Monday, August 1st
There you have it, folks! 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
