We’ve got an exciting month coming our way, Toronto! There are tons of events and activities in our city this July, 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 July.
Recent Posts:
This Ontario hike is in a nature reserve & it leads to an epic lookout point
This park north of Toronto has a big sandy beach & gorgeous picnic spots
Please note: Fireworks timing and confirmation are accurate as of publication date. Please check your local weather forecast, and the organizers’ websites on the day of the event.
Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
Enjoy a high-energy fireworks display on the water this Canada Day, set to some incredible rock music supplied by the nearby Q107 Canada Day celebration.
When: July 1st, 2023, 10 PM
Where: Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East
Cost: Free
Fireworks at Centennial Park
Fireworks will be on display in Etobicoke’s beloved Centennial Park.
Also happening here on July 1st is the Rotary Club’s Rib Fest!
When: July 1st, 2023, 10 PM
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road
Cost: Free
Fireworks at Milliken Park
The City of Toronto will also put on a fireworks display at Scarborough’s Milliken Park. Grab a blanket and enjoy the show!
When: July 1st, 2023, 10 PM
Where: Milliken Park, 5555 Steeles Avenue East
Cost: Free
Moving Forward: Celebrating Chinese Communities at Fort York
This City-run event will celebrate Canada Day and Toronto’s Chinese communities all in one place.
Programming will include dancing, singing, remarks, face painting, food demos and tastings, storytelling, and all kinds of fun.
When: July 1st, 2023, 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Cost: Free
Harbourfront Centre Opening Weekend
Locals will be treated to an entire lineup of free concerts at the Harbourfront Centre on Canada Day weekend to kick off their summer programming.
Harbourfront Centre will be hosting a variety of cultural festivals and performances throughout the season, and the fun begins with a long weekend lineup of shows from incredible headliners.
When: June 30th to July 3rd, 2023
Where: Harbourfront Centre (Concert Stage & Stage in the Park)
Cost: Free
Stan Wadlow Park
Locals will be treated to a light show at Stan Wadlow Park on Canada Day.
Also happening at the park on July 1st is a community-led event called The East York Canada Day Festival. Perfect timing!
When: July 1st, 2023, 10 PM
Where: Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Avenue
Cost: Free
Q107 Canada Day Weekend
Toronto’s rock station Q107 is throwing a good old fashioned rock n’ roll bash for Canada’s birthday.
The Q107 Canada Day Weekend will be free to the public and it’ll feature a stacked lineup of rock and roll tribute bands.
It wouldn’t be a Canada Day festival without some grand finale fireworks, and the high-altitude light show will be set to a “live” set of amazing rock music.
When: June 30th, 2023 & July 1st, 2023
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Cost: Free
Canada Day Fireworks Boat Cruise & Party
Take your Canada Day festivities on board with this epic cruise.
You’ll get to enjoy three hours of sailing, skyline and fireworks views, DJs, and a dance floor.
There will also be a premium bar, a professional photographer, two decks, and a terrace to catch the amazing sunset.
When: July 1st, 2023, 6:30 PM & 10 PM
Where: Pioneer Queen 333, Toronto
Cost: Free
Celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square
Back for the first time since 2017, celebrations will take over the City Hall grounds on July 1st.
The day event will feature “high-energy performances from Alpha Rhythm Roots, The Hitmen Drumline, family-friendly programming with Muse Arts and Picasso Painters, “The Giant Storybook” activity from the Department of Imaginary Affairs, and more,” says the City.
When: July 1st, 2023, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Cost: Free
Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square
The annual Canada Day bash that North York looks forward to every year is making a comeback.
Visitors of all ages are welcome to join the fun at Mel Lastman, which will include live performances from The Haneen Woman Choir, Trash Panda Brass, JER, Celtic duo Alana and Leah Cline, and family-friendly activities showcasing newcomer artists.
When: July 1st, 2023, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
Cost: Free
Taste of Lawrence
The annual event that takes place in Wexford Heights BIA is considered Scarborough’s largest street festival.
Every year, Taste of Lawrence takes over a strip of Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road, and transforms it into the ultimate festival gathering for all of Toronto to enjoy. It’s set to kick off on July 7th and all weekend, ending on July 9th.
When: July 7 to 9, 2023
Where: Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road
Cost: Free to attend
Backyard Festival
Stackt Market is bringing back its annual free community festival series this year.
Backyard Festival is back in full swing and each edition will feature a different theme.
There are five events taking place in total, with vendor markets, music, food specials, performances, workshops, and good vibes.
When: See events schedule
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
Cost: Free to attend
Street Eats Night Market: North York
The night market will take over Mel Lastman Square just north of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue.
The event is put on by Street Eats Market and will feature over 80 vendors in total! Bring your appetite for the massive variety of international street food and tasty drinks.
Though it’s free to attend, vendors are subject to their own pricing.
When: July 14th to 16th, 2023
Where: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: Free
Midsummer Celebration
Stop by stackt market for a family-friendly event “with multi-sensory experiences rooted in local flora, sustainability, and community.” Art and culture!
When: July 7th, 2023 from 5 PM to 9 PM and July 8th, 2023 from 10 AM to 7 PM
Where: 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free
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: June 21st to August 27th, 2023
Where: The Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West
Cost: Free
Bloor West Streetfest
Bloor West Streetfest returns to the city on July 15th with a ton of family-friendly activities, food, live performances, and more.
The one-day event is a great opportunity to meet and support local businesses in the community, too. You’ll have the chance to shop at the artisan vendor market, west Toronto artist market, and sidewalk sale.
Make sure to come hungry and ready to eat because there will be a handful of food vendors in attendance, serving you the best of the best in the community.
When: July 15th, 2023 – 10 AM to 10 PM
Where: Bloor St West between Runnymede & Jane St
Cost: Free to attend
TD Salsa on St. Clair
Mark your calendars because, on July 8th and 9th, a portion of St. Clair will transform into the ultimate hub for all things Latino. We’re talking food, drinks, performances, and of course, music!
The annual festival, like always, will be held between Winona Dr and Christie St. On both days, it’ll start at noon with Saturday ending around 10 PM and Sunday at 8:30 PM.
The event is free to attend.
When: July 8th and 9th, 2023
Where: St. Clair Ave West – between Winona Rd and Christie St
Cost: Free to attend
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 opens to the public 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
Stanley Park Basketball Court
Stanley Park in Liberty Village has undergone a major transformation that you’re sure to love. The park has just unveiled its brand new basketball court with a stunning mural and facilities, and it’s free for anyone to use.
The revamped court features upgraded surfaces, poles, and acrylic backboards, plus comfortable benches, beautiful plantings, and most notably, a stunning mural titled “DREAMERS” by the renowned artist Ben Johnston. Call up a couple of friends and hit the court!
Where: Stanley Park, 890 King Street West
Cost: Free
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
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love are back at Kensington Market.
Pedestrian Sundays is returning for its second edition this 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: July 30th & August 27th, 2023
Where: Kensington Market
Cost: Free
Smorgasburg Toronto
Attention, foodies of Toronto! The largest weekly open-air food market in America, Smorgasburg, is gracing our waterfront for the second summer in a row.
The market, which is popular in cities like Brooklyn, LA, and Miami, has announced that it will be returning to Toronto every Sunday from late June to early September.
Admission to the “food flea market” is free and there will be over 50 hand-picked vendors on-site showcasing their delicious cuisine.
When: Every Saturday from June 24th to September 9th, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: Captain John’s Pier, 7 Queens Quay East
Cost: Free to attend
