As the warm weather continues in this great city of ours, folks all over are looking for stuff to do. We may still be in lockdown for a little bit, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to stay entertained! While that light at end of the tunnel gets closer every day, we’re keeping ourselves occupied with awesome events and socially-distanced actives all month long. We’ve got a feeling this June is going to be a good one, folks.
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 24 awesome socially-distanced things to do this June in Toronto.
PRIDE TORONTO
June is Pride Month, Toronto! Although this awesome celebration can’t go on as usually (thanks, COVID-19), there will still be a full month long celebration. You can log on to the official Pride Toronto website to catch exclusive events and activities for the occasion. There will be awesome talks, live performances, workshops, and more.
Where: Check out the full calendar of events here
When: All month long
INSIDE OUT FILM FESTIVAL
Of course, with Pride Month comes the Inside Out Film Festival. Celebrate all that is LGBTQ+ film at this awesome event taking place early June. There are tons of great films and industry talks lined up. Plus, it’s all happening virtually so you can enjoy the whole things from the comfort (and safety) of your very own couch.
Where: Check it out online
When: Ends Sunday, June 6th
BLOOM FESTIVAL
During these turbulent times, Toronto has bloomed from the ashes. This awesome festival is all about celebrating just that. You can log on any day this month to catch a virtual celebration of all the amazing artworks our city has produced over the past. The festival will be showcasing works from artists in all mediums from all backgrounds.
Where: Check it out online
When: All month long
TORONTO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Log on this June for the 10-day cinematic event that is the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. For the 29th year in a row, this event will be showcasing the best of cinema for and by Jewish folks. Along with all the incredible screenings they’ve got lined up, there’s also some pretty stellar filmmaking awards being given away. It’s sure to be a memorable event.
Where: Check it out online
When: Thursday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 13th
EATS NIGHT MARKET
The Eats Night Market is back this summer! Kicking off early June, you can head on over to the Street Eats Market for weekends full of delicious food. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can stop by to indulge in eats from some of the city’s finest local vendors. The place is open late and full of flavour.
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr
When: Kicks off Friday, June 4th
OPEN TUNING MUSIC FESTIVAL
Who doesn’t love a little live music? For the second year in a row, this one-day local music festival is happening online. The interactive event invites folks from all over to perform live from their living rooms. It’s basically an open mic night, only virtual. You can register to perform ahead of time or just take part as a member of the audience.
Where: Check it out online
When: Saturday, June 5th
EAST COAST MUSIC AWARDS
More great music is coming our way this month, in the form of the East Coast Music Awards. In a regular year, you’d have to travel all the way to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to take part in this award show. But thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can stream it from home. Celebrate Canadian talent with this week-long virtual event.
Where: Check it out online
When: Wednesday, June 9th – Sunday, June 13th
BLACK SHEEP COMEDY
In need of a little laugh? The Black Sheep Comedy show has got you covered. This month, you can tune in to catch a knee-slapping performance from Canadian performer Rebecca Reed. Along with this funny lady, you’ll also catch the comedic stylings of Lianna Mauladin, Amish Patel, and Matt Henry.
Where: Check it out online
When: Friday, June 11th
MEGA WHEELS DRIVE-THRU
This drive-the event is exactly what it sounds like. Explore Mega Wheels on display at this epic 2.5 km drive-thru track. There are tons of monster trucks, custom cars, antique cars, and one-of-a-kind models to admire. If you or a friend is a car person, this event is a must see.
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton
When: Friday, June 11th – Sunday, June 20th
WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE
This next event is certainly a memorable one. The annual city-wide protest against oil dependency and urban pollution has folks baring all (literally) and cycling around Toronto. The international event was first created in Vancouver but has since expanded to over 80 cities worldwide. Whether you participate in it or not, this one will definitely be hard to miss.
Where: Find the Toronto route map here
When: Saturday, June 12th
GLOBAL TORONTO
Tune in this June for a virtual global gathering of music from across the globe. This showcase and conference is all about re-imagining a sustainable, equitable, and accessible future for the music sector. Whether you’re in the industry or not, it’s a cool event to hit. Plus, it’s happening entirely online this year.
Where: Check it out online
When: Monday, June 14th – Friday, June 18th
TD JAZZ: TDOT SPECIAL
Sure, we’re pretty bummed that the TD Jazz Festival had to be cancelled this year, among a ton of other COVID-19 related summer cancellations. But we can still enjoy a slice of what could have been with this June live stream from Koerner Hall. Tune in to catch performances from artists from around the world, including Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Joanna Majokok with Andrew Marzotto, Alexis Barn Quartet, and more. It may not be the same as the full festival, but it’s sure to get you jazzed for next year.
Where: Streaming online from Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W
When: Thursday, June 17th
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SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK
Speaking of stellar summer music, Bloor-Yorkville is pulling out the stops this June. With live performances straight out of venues in the area, you can tune in to enjoy Summer Music in the Park. Each show will be live-streamed for you to enjoy from a distance.
Where: Streaming online from select venues in Bloor-Yorkville
When: Kicks off Thursday, June 17th
FATHER’S DAY VIRTUAL CHOCOLATE TASTING
The Day of Dads is happening this June and what better way to celebrate than with some chocolate? Your old man will be delighted to take part in this delicious virtual tasting event. When you register, you’ll be sent a box of goodies including chocolate bars, raw cacao, and truffles. It’s the perfect sweet treat for the holiday!
Where: Check it out online
When: Sunday, June 20th
C-O-N-T-A-C-T IMMERSIVE THEATRE
To experience theatre like you never have before, you’ve got to check out this insane interactive show. The C-O-N-T-A-C-T Show is a groundbreaking performance unlike any other. All you need to do is download the app and show up at your designated showtime. Then you’ll be immersed in an insane soundscape and live demonstration through the streets of the city.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square and College Park, Toronto
When: Shows begin Friday, June 25th
GIRLS NIGHT IN COMEDY SHOW
Every Tuesday this month, you can get a little giggle with the Girls Night In Comedy Show. The interactive performance streams live each week with local funny ladies bringing their A-game. The internationally-acclaimed comedy show is the perfect way to rest and relax in the evenings.
Where: Check it out online
When: Every Tuesday all month long
SPRING STATIONS
Sometimes you just need to stretch your legs. So, next time you’re on a little walk though the city, be sure to check out these beautiful artworks. This June, you can catch inane installations at the Distillery District and at 33 Parliament St. Trust us, you’ll want to check these out.
Where: Distillery District & 33 Parliament St
When: Check out the full schedule here
VISIT THE TORONTO ISLANDS
Is it really summer without a visit to the Toronto Islands? We don’t think so. Hop on the ferry and explore all that this amazing bit of the city has to offer. From the many beaches to the boardwalk to the endless picnic-perfect green space, there’s never a dull moment here.
Where: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W
When: Any day this month
CHECK OUT TORONTO STREET ART
Or make your walk a street art expedition! There’s a ton of insane work on display in pretty much every neighbourhood of the city. From massive murals to hidden gems to entire areas decorated to the nines, this city has no shortage of street art to discover.
Where: Find our favourite spots here
When: Any day this month
EXPLORE TORONTO’S CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
If you’re not in the downtown core, don’t worry. There’s plenty of great work for you to explore too. The City of Toronto’s Cultural Hotspots program is all about celebrating local arts and community based organizations outside the city core. There are tons of great events under the Cultural Hotspots umbrella, from festivals to workshops to art shows and more.
Where: All over the city
When: Find the full schedule and lineup here
ACTIVETO
Get out and get active, Toronto. The city has brought back last year’s Uber-popular ActiveTO program and it’s going strong every weekend. If you haven’t heard of this initiative yet, we don’t know where you’ve been. Every weekend, specific streets are blocked off to vehicle traffic so that pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the roads vehicle-free. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective, plus all that extra roadway makes for plenty of social-distancing space.
Where: Find a map of road closures here
When: Every weekend this month
BIKE THE CITY
Another great way to get active is with a bike ride around the city. Toronto is full of awesome paths and trails that are great to explore on a set of wheels. Enjoy the beautiful weather, see a new part of the city, and get a little exercise all in one. What’s not to love?
Where: Check out our favourite paths and trails here
When: Any day this month
PERUSE A FARMERS MARKET
Once the sun comes out, there’s nothing we love more than a little peruse around a farmers market. Show us someone who doesn’t love fresh produce and artisanal goods, and we’ll show you a liar. There are plenty of awesome farmers markets taking place in Toronto all month long. You’ve just got to know where to look!
Where: Check out our favourites here
When: All month long
HAVE A GARDEN PICNIC
After you’ve hit a farmers market, take those delicious goods to a nearby garden for an afternoon picnic. There are tons of beautiful blooming spots in every neighbourhood of the city. There’s really nothing that says summer more than an walk through one of these amazing destinations!
Where: Check out our favourite Toronto gardens here
When: Any day this month
Have a great June, Toronto! Let us know which of these socially-distanced activities you do first.
