Summertime is officially underway! July has finally arrived in Toronto and with it, a ton of great happenings around the city. As we slowly continue to reopen, the options for staying entertained are becoming more and more exciting by the day. Whether it’s an afternoon outside enjoying the sun, a delicious foodie event, or an artsy-fartsy attraction, this summer promises not to disappoint.
**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 25 things to do in & around Toronto this July.
SUPPORT INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ON JULY 1ST
Kick off your July by standing in solidarity with Canada’s Indigenous communities. In light of the devastation that’s been in the news as of late, this year it’s more important than ever. There are plenty of ways to show your support, from educating yourself to donating to wearing orange on July 1st.
Where: Find ways to support here
When: Thursday, July 1st and beyond
TOGETHER APART SUMMER CIRQUE
Canada’s very first physically distanced Cirque event hits the GTA this July. All month long, 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 an entire weekend this July. Just pull up in your vehicle and enjoy!
Where: 1536 The Queensway, Etobicoke
When: Thursday, July 1st – Saturday, July 3rd
CANADA’S WONDERLAND
After a year of closures, Canada’s Wonderland is back in business. Head on out to Vaughan to enjoy all the thrills this world-famous theme park has got to offer. After months on end of staying inside, a little outdoor adventure is more than welcome. Plus, this one’s a summer staple.
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr, Vaughan
When: Re-opening Wednesday, July 7th
THE SMOOTH PUTT
Another event that’s sure to become a Toronto favourite is The Smooth Putt pop-up hitting the Harbourfront this month. Swing by (pun intended) for boozy mini-golf next to the water. Each ticket comes with a 9-hole round and a personalized GREY GOOSE® VODKA Soda cocktail. We’ll certainly cheers to that!
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
When: Friday, July 9th – Sunday, July 18th
THE NIGHT MARKET
Get ready to gorge at The Night Market in Mississauga. The ongoing festival wraps up soon, but you’ve still got one July weekend to enjoy it. Stop by for insane eats like Heirloom Cheesecake (on a stick), Gourmet Guyz loaded poutine, and more. Our mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
When: Ends Sunday, July 4th
EATS NIGHT MARKET
If you miss out on the Mississauga Night Market, don’t worry. All July you can hit up the Eats Night Market in Scarborough as well. Every weekend, head on out to the food truck set up of the century. It’s all socially-distanced for optimal COVID-19 safety. Plus, they’ve got extravagant late-night eats being served all summer. Yum!
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 520 Progress Ave
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this month
LONGEST DINNER TABLE
The same folks behind the Street Eats Night Market are also bringing us a massive outdoor eats festival this July. More details are set to be released soon, but what we know so far is that it’ll be a lineup of outdoor tables stretched as far as the eye can see. The event was created to support all the local restaurateurs, chefs, and caterers who were hit hard by the pandemic.
Where: Location TBA
When: Kicks off this July, Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
RETRO ROLLA
This amazing summer event is throwing things back 70s style. Stop by The Bentway this July 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: Weekends all July
PLAYING IN PUBLIC
While you’re gliding be sure to admire all the interactive art that’s being set up in the area. This summer, 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 month long.
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: All month long
LAVAZZA DRIVE-IN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Canada’s multicultural cinema at the Lavazza Drive-In International Film Festival this July. The event has a ton of great screenings lined up all month, 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: Ends Saturday, July 17th
DRIVE-IN CONCERTS
Speaking of drive-ins, you can also catch a concert or two this summer at CityView Drive-In. All July, they’ve got awesome programming in store. Some of the highlights include The Summer House Party Tailgate, the Drive ‘N Queens Summer Series, and the Horseshoe Chill-O-Rama.
Where: CityView Drive-In, 20 Polson St
When: Check out the full schedule here
TORONTO OUTDOOR PICTURE SHOW
Picture this: summer evening, stars in the sky, a cozy picnic blanket and snacks, and loads of great movies. That’s just what you’ll get at the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show. The multi-week event features curated films and special screenings all summer long. The best part? It’s FREE to attend. Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time due to COVID-19 regulations.
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Late July – Labour Day
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Miss out on TOPS? Don’t worry. You can also catch great screenings under the stars at Downsview Park this July. For the 5th year in a row, the spot is hosting a lineup of amazing movies all month long. They’ve already released most of the titles, but they’ve still got an exciting surprise screening presented by the City of Toronto and ReelWorld Film Festival to announce.
Where: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave
When: Find the full schedule here
Related Posts:
A delicious Summer Food Series with multiple courses returns to The Bentway this year
10 of the coolest things you can do in Niagara this summer
THE GIVING PLACE YOGA & PICNIC
Find your zen this July with the outdoor yoga and picnic event happening at The Giving Place. With just a quick drive from the city, you can relax and refresh next to a beautiful stretch of lavender fields. Your ticket includes a tour of the grounds and a delicious lunch featuring refreshing lavender infused water. Yum!
Where: 19618 E Townline, Mount Albert, ON
When: Sunday, July 18th
THE LESLIEVILLE FLEA
Peruse for goodies at The Leslieville Flea. This July, the curated market is popping up at Stackt to offer Toronto a selection of vintage and handcrafted goods. It’s the perfect stop to make before enjoying a patio drink at one of the on-site restos.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: Saturday, July 24th
IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH
If you still haven’t checked out Immersive Van Gogh, this summer is your chance to. The most talked-about exhibit of last summer is back this season. Stop by for a fully immersive display of the famous artist’s greatest works. This exhibit can be enjoyed in person or from the comfort of your car drive-in-style.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Re-opens Thursday, July 29th
ILLUSIONARIUM
The same folks behind Immersive Van Gogh have got a magical exhibit headed our way this summer. Illusionarium is all about, you guessed it, magic! There will be live magicians, holograms, 3D projections, and more. Plus, all of it is set to span over a massive 300,000 cubic foot lot, so there will be plenty of room for physical distancing.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Opens Thursday, July 29th
TORONTO CARNIVAL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
The regularly scheduled Toronto Carnival sadly had to be cancelled this year because of pandemic regulations, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a celebration. Instead, the event has opted for a socially-distanced food truck festival. Stop by the very last weekend of July to indulge in delicious eats from loads of local vendors.
Where: Location TBA
When: Kicks off Saturday, July 31st
DREAM IN HIGH PARK
All month long, you can catch a lineup of live shows at the High Park Amphitheatre. This outdoor venue is putting on performances from local acts you won’t want to miss. They’ve got everything from theatre, to dance, to comedy, to contemporary and baroque music, and more.
Where: High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor St W
When: Check out the July show schedule here
PARKFITTO
Get out and get active with the new city initiative ParkFitTO. This ongoing summer programming offers Torontonians a chance to enjoy city-sanctioned outdoor fitness classes that adhere to all necessary COVID-19 regulations. Classes are happening all month long, so be sure to head online and register.
Where: Register for an outdoor workout class here
When: Happening all month long
ACTIVETO
Or just hit the streets each weekend for an outdoor walk or run. The summer favourite from last year has made its return in Toronto. If you’re somehow still unfamiliar with ActiveTO, it’s the 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: Every weekend this month
EXPLORE AN ONTARIO SWIMMING HOLE
You can also get out of the city altogether when you take a trip to a nearby swimming hole. These Ontario spots are must-sees for the summer. There’s nothing better than an outdoor day hiking and swimming in a natural pool. All of these locations come with amazing views and great water to match.
Where: Check out our favourites here
When: Any day this month
ROADTRIP TO NIAGARA
For a more commercial road trip vibe, you can always head on out 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.
Where: Niagara, Ontario
When: Any day this month
TAKE A WEIRD ROAD TRIP
You can also mix things up entirely with an out-of-the-box Ontario destination. There are tons of easy road trips available that’ll bring you to all kinds of memorable locations. You may not have known that these weird spots were so close by, but after your weird and wild road trip, you certainly won’t forget it!
Where: Check out our destination recommendations here
When: Any day this month
Have a great July, Toronto! Let us know which of these awesome summer activities you check out first!
