August is almost here, Toronto! And the time is NOW to enjoy the last full month of summer. There are tons of events and activities in our city this August, and many of them are also free. If you’re saving room in your budget for summer fun, then this list of free and cheap things to do in Toronto this month will come in handy.
Let’s hop right into the very best free and cheap things to do in Toronto this August.
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Aga Khan Museum Free Wednesdays
The Aga Khan Museum also offers free admission to the public on Wednesday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM.
No pre-registration is required, just show up in person to receive your free ticket and enjoy!
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: Wednesdays from 4 PM to 8 PM
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has a longstanding tradition of allowing the public to visit the gallery for free every Wednesday evening.
Free general admission tickets must be booked in advance, online.
If you don’t manage to get one, be on the lookout on Mondays when a limited number of free timed-entry tickets are released for the following Wednesday.
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
When: Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM
Cheap night at the CNE
Toronto’s beloved late-summer carnival is making a comeback, and this year, visitors will be treated to an all-new fountain show at the CNE.
Live music and entertainment will be performed across seven stages, and of course, the fair will be filled with rides, games, and carnival eats galore!
You can experience the joys of the CNE for less than usual on opening night and specific days.
When: August 18th to September 4th, 2023
Where: Exhibition Place
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love are back at Kensington Market.
Pedestrian Sundays are back for the season and will continue well into the fall.
The sounds of live music and smells of street food will fill the air and visitors will be treated to live performances, entertainment, art showcases, and displays from local creators.
When: August 27th, 2023
Where: Kensington Market
RESILIENCE
Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark has brought his exhibit, RESILIENCE to Toronto. The internationally acclaimed photographer has showcased his world across the globe since 2015. This series “explores the deep bond between Greece and nature, showcasing the country’s enduring relationship with the olive tree, grapevines, and the vast expanse of the sea,” according to a rep.
“Greece’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future are intricately intertwined with the natural world, and through this exhibition, Prince Nikolaos masterfully captures the essence of the Greek earth.”
It opened to the public on June 29th and runs until August 29th.
When: Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM
Where: Tin & Copper Building – 83 Yonge St
Cost: Free
Free Third Tuesdays & Free Main Floor at The ROM
Bring your friends and fam to The ROM on the third Tuesday night of each month for a free museum visit! This monthly offer includes free access to all of the galleries and exhibitions at the museum.
Advanced tickets are not required and it’s first come, first served, so be sure to arrive on time for a guaranteed spot!
Plus, the ROM has opened up its 80,000-square-foot main floor for FREE every single day until September 4th, 2023. That includes performances, educational opportunities, and exhibition access on the main floor.
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
When: Every third Tuesday of the month
Japan Festival Canada
Japan Festival Canada is said to be the largest Japanese cultural event in North America and it’s taking place in Mississauga this August.
The event will celebrate the best of Japanese food, culture, technology, and heritage with a stacked lineup of programming.
Visitors can expect to see traditional and modern performances, live pop music performances, and plenty of delicious Japanese food.
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
When: August 19th & 20th, 2023
SummerSeries in Trillium Park
A summer-long event is back at Trillium Park and it’s free for visitors of all ages.
This park on the waterfront is the perfect spot to enjoy music, arts, wellness, and nature.
Featuring Ontario-based and international artists, this season’s program features cultural events, live musical performances, and outdoor yoga classes.
When: Until late September 2023
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Summer Music in the Garden
Toronto’s iconic music garden will once again host free live concerts throughout the summer and all are welcome to stop by.
The series presents 18 free concerts in the Toronto Music Garden on most Thursdays and Sundays throughout the summer, featuring a wide variety of musical styles from emerging and established artists.
Concerts will kick off with a live performance from Canada’s first Inuk professional classical singer, Deantha Edmunds, on June 21st in honour of Indigenous Peoples Day.
When: Until August 27th, 2023
Where: The Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West
Cost: Free
Taste of the Danforth
The city’s most beloved street festival, Taste of the Danforth is officially coming back to Toronto this summer.
This iconic event will take over the Danforth with delectable cuisine, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
“From savoury street eats to delicious dessert creations, our festival promises to be a delight for all,” says the description. We can’t wait!
When: August 11th to 13th, 2023
Where: GreekTown on the Danforth
Taste of Manila 2023
Taste of Manila 2023 will take over a piece of Bathurst Street at the corner of Wilson Avenue this August. The beloved festival kicks off on August 19th and will stick around until August 20th for two days of fun.
Over 400,000 visitors from across North America are expected to join in the festivities. Attendees can expect live music, cultural arts, and delicious cuisine.
When: August 19th & 20th, 2023
Where: Bathurst Street & Wilson Avenue
TD Jerk Festival
It’s back and better than ever! This August, the beloved TD Jerk Festival promises to be an even bigger celebration than in years past.
The festival will feature delicious food, interactive food demonstrations, and iconic musical headliners. It’s not one to miss!
When: August 10th to 13th, 2023
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
TD Union Summer
Toronto’s busiest transit hub will once again host a summer-long lineup of free events and experiences this year. Stop by for food, drinks, music, and a variety of activities in the heart of the downtown core.
From blues to salsa, Motown to movies, Union Summer will have a little bit of everything!
When: June 27th to August 28th, 2023
Where: Union Station, 65 Front Street West
Cost: Free
Toronto Chinatown Festival
Chinatown’s popular summer street festival is finally returning this August!
This exciting event not only pays tribute to Chinese culture but also serves as a tourist attraction for visitors from all over to enjoy.
You can expect a neighbourhood-wide celebration of Toronto’s local Chinese community, featuring mouthwatering street food, traditional dancing and dragon dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more.
When: August 19th & 20th, 2023
Where: West of Spadina Avenue between St. Andrew Street & Sullivan Street
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is back in full swing and will end on a high note with a weekend-long celebration in early August. This year, the event is celebrating its 56th annual Grand Parade and there will be over 10,000 masqueraders performing.
Visitors will get to enjoy live performances, food, drinks, and incredible vibes at this longstanding Caribbean tradition here in our city.
When: August 3rd to 7th, 2023
Where: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place Grounds, 115 Princes’ Blvd
TAIWANFest Toronto
This beloved cultural festival will take over Harbourfront Centre this month. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and traditions of Taiwan.
This year, the festival will also feature new programming called Indulge in Indonesia and Discover Malaysia.
When: August 26th to 28th, 2023
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Yorkville Murals
An incredible art-focused event is transforming the Yorkville area this August.
Yorkville Murals will feature interactive art installations, inflatables, pop-up retail containers, exhibitions, dance battles, art talks, screenings, sips, bites, and a block party.
Most importantly, however, the neighbourhood will showcase a variety of mesmerizing murals. They don’t call it “Toronto’s most captivating art and muralism festival” for nothing!
When: August 26th & 27th, 2023
Where: Yorkville Avenue from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue
