It never gets any easier to kiss summer goodbye, especially without our favourite carnival to look forward to. While they may not fill the gaping hole in our hearts reserved for cotton candy on the CNE Sky Ride, these events coming up over the next few weeks will surely soften the blow. Just because we missed out on Caribana and Taste of the Danforth this year, doesn’t mean we have to skip out on music and food festivals entirely.
There are still plenty of fun end-of-summer events in Toronto that you can enjoy safely, and here are 8 of the best ones!
LABOUR OF LOVE
If you’re ready to dance your end-of-summer blues away, Steve Aoki is headlining a concert this September at the CityView Drive-In that you won’t want to miss. This venue typically hosts drive-in events, but for this concert, tickets are standing-room only and no cars will be permitted. Other performers include Nightmre, Cheyenne Giles, Dzeko, Ship Wrek, and more. You can buy yours here!
Where: 20 Polson St
When: Sunday, September 5th
BEERFEST T.O.
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Okay, so this event is technically happening in the fall, but we’re willing to bet that the weather will still be warm enough for you to be blissfully in denial of the official end of summer. This will be an outdoor, limited capacity celebration of beer featuring hundreds of local and international brewers, mouthwatering eats, and live music.
Where: Bandshell Park, 100 Princes’ Blvd
When: September 24th & 25th
END OF SUMMER BOAT CRUISE PARTY
There’s no better way to enjoy summer in the 6ix than a nighttime cruise with skyline views. The boat is equipped with 3 full-service bars, live DJs, snacks for sale, and a club-like dancefloor. The event is 4 hours, rain or shine, so dress for the weather!
Where: 11 Polson St
When: September 18th & 19th
ONE SWEET DAY R&B FESTIVAL
Head over to Garrison Common for “one sweet day” of festival vibes in the sunshine. This event will feature live performances and 11 different genres of music, food trucks, dance lessons, and more. There’s even cooler and bottle service for you and your crew to get your drink on. This event will take place at reduced capacity, so you can enjoy the vibes safely.
Where: 100 Garrison Rd
When: Sunday, August 29th
SOUND OF MUSIC FESTIVAL
This event is happening just west of Toronto in Burlington, and there are some incredible acts to see. Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, 54-40, and The Vaudevillian are performing, and you’ll get to watch from a private booth with your friends. Tickets must be purchased in groups of 4 and screening protocols will be in place prior to entry.
Where: Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line
When: August 28th & 29th
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DRIVE-THRU RIBFEST
Canada’s largest Ribfest is going drive-thru this Labour Day weekend. Drive on up to the action in Burlington and order from the gigantic menu of rib vendors. The event will be held in the parking lot and cars will line up at the Fairway entrance to enter. Your food will come right to your window and you’ll get to enjoy some live music while you cruise through the grounds.
Where: Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line
When: Monday, September 6th
MAROON 5 AT BUDWEISER STAGE
Warm weather in Toronto is best enjoyed on the lawn of Budweiser Stage, and the amphitheatre is saving the best acts for last. Maroon 5 is performing at the start of September for a late-summer evening show. If you’re still playing the Songs About Jane album on repeat 20 years after its release, you have to see this iconic group hit the stage in person.
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: Thursday, September 2nd
2021 VIRTUAL CNE
Let’s go to The Ex (without getting off the couch!). The CNE is kicking off this weekend with a whole lineup of virtual programming. This year’s end-of-summer tradition will be a mix of free and paid entertainment and activities for all age groups, from chef-guided cooking lessons to sand sculpting classes to the CNE’s iconic SuperDogs show! Your ticket to everything that this year’s festival has to offer also comes with free admission to CNE 2022.
Where: Virtual
When: August 20th—September 30th and beyond
Sweater weather is fast approaching, so here’s to making the next few weeks count!
