We officially made it to the long weekend, so cheers to us! We may not be spending it on the CNE Ferris wheel, but there are tons of exciting things to do in Toronto to keep you smiling. Not only can you shop for vintage streetwear and chow down on burgers and ribs, but you can also party the day away at a festival headlined by Steve Aoki, chase sunsets at a Labour Day outdoor party, and even feel like Cinderella for a day. Plus, our beloved CF Snowbirds are taking to the skies for their annual air show.
Needless to say, you won’t be bored for a second. Here are 10 of the best events and activities in Toronto this Labour Day weekend.
LABOUR OF LOVE
If you’re ready to dance your end-of-summer blues away, Steve Aoki is headlining a concert this weekend 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
TORONTO AIR SHOW
Look up in the sky this long weekend as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds soar through the clouds for the 50th-anniversary show. You’ll have to head down to the water to get the best view, as the show takes place above Lake Ontario right across from the Liberty Grand. You’ll be able to see all of the action along the 14 km stretch between Humber Bay Bridge and Billy Bishop Airport. If you’d like more info about the 2021 event and schedule, you’ll find it here.
Where: Southside of Lakeshore Blvd at Exhibition Place
When: Saturday, September 4th & Sunday, September 5th, 12 p.m. — 3 p.m.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS VS. OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Show our Jays some love in the stands while you still can! There are different seating options to choose from, depending on whether you prefer to sit closer to the action or with social distancing measures in place. This weekend’s game schedule is packed solid, so you still have plenty of opportunities to hit the Rogers Centre if you haven’t already.
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
When: Friday, September 3rd — Sunday, September 5th
CHASING SUNSETS LABOUR DAY PARTY
Party in the sunshine at this long weekend day party and BBQ right in the heart of the city. Indulge in something delicious made right on the wood-fire grill, hang out on the patio and enjoy the music of two live DJs. This oasis will make you forget you’re in the downtown core, so if you’re not planning to venture out of the city this weekend but still want an escape from your busy surroundings, this is the place to be. Online tickets are sold out, but there will still be some for sale at the door for $30 each.
Where: 621 Richmond St W
When: Sunday, September 5th & Monday, September 6th
FRAGMENTS OF EPIC MEMORY EXHIBIT
This exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario explores Caribbean history and culture through over 200 photographs, as well as paintings, sculpture, and video works by modern and contemporary Caribbean artists. According to the AGO, the exhibit will “invite visitors to experience the multiple ways of encountering the Caribbean and its diaspora, from the period following emancipation through today.”
Where: 317 Dundas St W
When: September 1st, 2021 to February 21st, 2022
SUGAR RUSH TORONTO
This is your last weekend to check out the immersive open-air experience with 40,000 sq ft of colourful candy-inspired installations at Square One Shopping Centre. You’ll get to walk among larger-than-life candy art displays which will provide you with tons of Insta pic opportunities.
Where: 100 City Centre Dr, Corner of Duke of York Blvd & Square One Dr
When: Until September 6th
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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
LE BURGER WEEK TORONTO
Canada’s biggest burger event of all time, Le Burger Week is back and they’ve released a list of all the restaurants participating in the event so far. From local bars to cafes, Toronto is in for a very special TWO weeks of some wildly tasty creations in celebration of the festival’s 10th anniversary and we are in for a real treat.
Where: Various locations
When: Wednesday, September, 1st to 14th
STC VINTAGE MARKET
Stock up on vintage and sustainable streetwear at this epic market at Scarborough Town Centre’s Activating Centre Court. The market will have pieces for sale from 23 vendors, so if you haven’t gotten your fall wardrobe on point yet, this is definitely your chance. There will even be a floral wall and a DJ booth so you can jam while you shop and pose for photos with your new finds.
Where: 300 Borough Dr
When: Saturday, September 4th & Sunday, September 5th
CINDERELLA POP-UP EXPERIENCE
A magical event is taking place at the Distillery District this Friday, giving you the chance to step into the world of Cinderella through “scenic design and interactive technology.” You’ll get to walk in Ella’s shoes at the Village Market, visit Ella’s dress shop, and even transform into the Disney princess herself. Tickets are selling out fast but limited quantities are still up for grabs — you can check on availability here.
Where: The Fermenting Cellar, 28 Distillery Lane
When: Friday, September 3rd
There you have it, Toronto! Ten incredible things to do in Toronto this weekend.
