Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive! If you’re trying to save some money this summer but still want to get out and enjoy the city then you’ll need to plan accordingly. Luckily, Toronto has a handful of festivities happening in July that are either free or cheap to attend.
Here are 18 free and cheap things to do in Toronto this July.
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Music in the Garden
Sit back along Toronto’s harbourfront and enjoy some free tunes this summer
Happening Thursdays and Sundays in July, Music in the Garden is an intimate live music experience that’s free to go to.
To pick which one you want to attend check out the lineup here.
When: Thursdays & Sundays in July
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free
Free Flicks
Tuesdays in July are the time to enjoy a free movie by the water!
Harbourfront Centre will have a free flick (including classics like Grease and Mean Girls) to enjoy each Tuesday at 8:30 PM.
The full lineup can be found here.
When: Tuesdays at 8:30 PM in July
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free
Canada Day at Woodbine
Woodbine Park is rocking and rolling this Canada Day!
There will be a full evening lineup of live music, fireworks, food and a beer garden.
Feel free to bring the kids as there will also be a Kids Zone.
When: July 1st starting at noon
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E
Cost: Free
Canada Day at Toronto History Museums
“Delve into Canada’s diverse stories at nine Toronto History Museums across the city.”
Admission is free making it the perfect way to spend the day with family this Canada Day!
When: July 1st
Where: Various locations (Toronto History Museums)
Cost: Free
City of Toronto’s Canada Day fireworks
The City is kicking off the month with free Canada Day fireworks at 10:00 PM at the following locations:
Find a good spot and enjoy!
When: July 1st at 10:00 PM
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
ROM Free Main Floor
The ROM is opening its Main Floor for free starting July 2nd!
The floor is opening at no cost seven days a week all summer long with a handful of exhibits awaiting your visit including:
- Currently Gallery
- First Peoples
- Korea
- China
When: Starting July 2nd
Where: The ROM, 100 Queens Park
Cost: Free
Taste of Lawrence
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This three-day street festival along Lawrence will feature international food, music and culture.
- Over 150 street vendors
Exceptional International food options - Main stage featuring the nation’s best tribute bands and local talent
-
Main stage beer garden
These are just a few of the festivities happening, so be sure to head over between the 5th and 7th.
When: July 5th – 7th
Where: Lawrence Ave between Birchmont and Warden
Cost: Free
Salsa on St Clair
Who’s ready to dance, eat and party?!
Salsa on St Clair brings in over 350 Canadian and international performers and has a marketplace of fiery authentic eats and treats to indulge in.
Want to know what to expect? A full lineup of performances can be found here.
When: July 6th & 7th, 2024
Where: St Clair Ave W between Winona Rd and Christie St
Cost: Free
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show free movies
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is showcasing free movies at different parks in the city this summer!
Free flicks will play at Christie Pits on Sundays starting July 7th and Thursdays at Corktown Common beginning July 11th.
Check for movie titles and times here.
When: Sundays starting July 7th (Christie Pits) & Thursdays starting July 11th (Corktown Common)
Where: Christie Pits & Corktown Common
Cost: Free
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Canada’s largest outdoor art fair is taking over Nathan Phillips Square from July 12th – 14th showcasing over 400 artists.
While the event is free to attend there will be art for purchase as well as food and drinks.
When: July 12th – 14th
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free
Salsa on the Beach
Woodbine Park transforms into a dance floor featuring the energetic Latin melodies of Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia for three days in July!
Salsa on the Beach is free to attend and will also feature food trucks and a beer garden.
When: July 12th – 14th
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E
Cost: Free
Shomigo Markets
According to Shomigo Markets, “Dive into a treasure trove of vintage finds, and explore a curated selection of local clothing, jewelry, candles, and much more”
This market spans three weekends in July at Roy Thomson Hall with admission starting at $6.38 per ticket.
When: July 13th – 14th, 20th – 21st & 27th – 28th
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St
Cost: $6.38+ per ticket
The Cookout
Stackt Market is hosting a cookout!
This year’s cookout will feature music, DJs, specialty food, vendors and more.
Attend for free and check back for the full musical lineup here.
When: July 20th from noon – 11:00 PM
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free
Festival of South Asia
North America’s largest South Asian Mainstreet marketplace is free to attend!
The Festival of South Asia offers a wide selection of products and services exhibited in an exotic display of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas.
The festival runs from noon – 11:00 PM on the 20th and 21st so mark your calendars!
When: July 20th – 21st
Where: Gerrard India Bazaar, Gerrard Street E, between Coxwell Ave & Glenside Ave
Cost: Free
Big on Bloor
According to Big on Bloor, this art-focused street fest in Bloordale celebrates “community magic, creativity and diversity through arts and culture, providing opportunities to local disenfranchised artists and showcasing the small businesses that make Bloordale so amazing.”
Take a stroll and enjoy outdoor murals, window displays, public installations and other projects!
When: July 20th – 21st
Where: Bloor St W between Dufferin and Lansdowne
Cost: Free
Streetfest
Between July 25th and 27th Queen Street East will close down nightly from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM for a night full of delicious food, musical performances and dancing!
Check out the lineups and map here.
When: July 25th – 27th
Where: Queen Street East
Cost: Free
Ossfest
Ossington’s biggest celebration!
Ossfest features music, food vendors and more all along one of Toronto’s most popular streets.
While the vendors may cost you, attending is free.
When: July 27th from 11:00 AM – midnight
Where: Ossington Ave between Queen & Dundas
Cost: Free
Kensington Pedestrian Sundays
Pedestrian Sundays are beloved in Kensington Market!
The streets of Kensington turn into a party of dancing, music and vendors on the last Sunday of the month in the summer meaning July’s rendition will take place on July 28th.
When: July 28th from
Where: Kensington Market
Cost: Free
Have a great July and enjoy these free and cheap things to do, Toronto!
