Photo via @smorgasburgtoronto Instagram
September is almost here, Toronto! And that means we’re heading into the fall season very soon. NOW is the time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer. There are tons of events and activities in our city this September, 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 September.
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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
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
This festival is a celebration of all things India and will bring together the best of Indian arts, food, music, and culture.
Music lovers are in for a treat as various performers take the stage to showcase their contemporary, traditional, and fusion sounds.
The Hot and Spicy Festival will also showcase the diverse culinary culture of India. From aromatic curries to sizzling street food, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
When: September 1st to 4th, 2023
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Toronto will be a barrel of laughs this September as world-renowned comics bring the funny at 15 stages across the city.
Fans of The Office will get to enjoy an in-person show by Angela and Pam, along with other major headliners like Andrew Schulz, Leslie Jones, and Marlon Wayans.
But we’re here for the free JFL street fest that is returning from September 22nd to 24th outside of Berczy Park, with DJs, bands, local and sets by international comedians.
When: September 21st to 30th, 2023
Where: See all performances
Nuit Blanche is back! The famous city-wide art celebration will run all night long on September 23rd.
There’s a lot to look forward to at this year’s Nuit Blanche. Art installations and interactive experiences will take place from 7 PM to 7 AM in every corner of the city.
Nuit Blanche is completely free to attend and will feature more than 80 art projects from close to 250 artists from a variety of disciplines.
When: September 23rd, 2023, 7 PM to 7 AM
Where: See all exhibitions and installations
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
The annual celebration of culture, art, and music is returning to Roncesvalles this September, in tribute to the neighbourhood, its history, and the people who call it home.
This year, visitors can look forward to fan favourites like Polka and pierogi, local artists, musicians and, of course, food.
There will be countless vendors, exhibitors, buskers, and live performances at four separate stages. It’s going to be spectacular!
When: September 16th & 17th, 2023
Where: Roncesvalles Avenue
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, is back in Toronto every Saturday until early September.
Admission to the “food flea market” is free and there are over 50 hand-picked vendors on-site showcasing their delicious cuisine.
When: Every Saturday until September 9th, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: Captain John’s Pier, 7 Queens Quay East
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
After a four-year hiatus, one of Toronto’s longest-running street festivals makes a return.
The Cabbagetown Festival kicks off this month with a fun-filled weekend of food, entertainment, and shopping.
Since being founded in 1976, The Cabbagetown Festival is considered one of the city’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals.
And with its comeback, we can only expect it to be huge!
When: September 9th & 10th, 2023
Where: Parliament Street, Gerrard Street to Wellesley Street, Carlton Street to Ontario Street
It’s the 50th anniversary of south Etobicoke’s largest street festival.
Get ready to dance, sip, snack, and celebrate all weekend long with midway rides, family-friendly activities, games, performances, music, and tasty food.
When: September 8th to 10th, 2023
Where: Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Street
The annual two-day arts festival in Trinity Bellwoods Park is making a comeback this September for its “roaring 20th” anniversary!
This beloved event is in support of artists and residents in Toronto through art, music, and multiculturalism.
The inclusive arts and multicultural festival will feature an outdoor art exhibition, 2SLGBT+ friendly Kids’ Zone and a Main Stage with music and drag that is 50%+ BIPOC.
Come out and celebrate Toronto’s local talent and diversity!
When: September 23rd & 24th, 2023
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
This September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
If you plan to participate, head down to Nathan Phillips Square for an annual two-day Indigenous Legacy Gathering, dedicated to showcasing and supporting Indigenous culture, tradition, and arts.
Put on by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, this event will feature Indigenous presentations, performances, workshops, food vendors, artisans, and more.
When: September 29th & 30th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
It’s time to celebrate 3,000 years of Chinese art and culture right here in the city!
The annual Toronto Dragon Festival will bring all kinds of entertainment to Nathan Phillips Square this month, including a dazzling water show, dragons, Kung-Fu, acrobatics, fashion, and dance.
Plus, delicious food, of course!
When: September 1st to 3rd, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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