Toronto loves its summer festivals and the city is brimming with them this July. From food to music to arts and culture, there is a little bit of everything in the city this month and the best part is that you can check it out for free. Here are 15 of the best free things to do in Toronto this July, so you can save your cash to fill your tank for scenic summer road trips.
The best things in life (and in the summer) are free, and these are the best you’ll find in Toronto this month.
Canada Day at Downsview Park
The annual July 1st celebration is returning to Downsview Park, with entertainment, games for kids, inflatables, vendors, food trucks, and of course, fireworks! Grab a blanket and your best pals for a free Canada Day celebration and light show.
Where: Downsview Park
When: July 1, 2022, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Toronto Food Truck Festival
We love food trucks. And we love food truck festivals even more! The Toronto Food Truck Festival is returning this summer, with vendors like include The Kathi Roll Express, Pharaohs Kitchen, Food Dudes, Buster’s Sea Cove, and Craig’s Cookies.
Admission will be free, and organizers say there’s something for everyone!
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E
When: July 29-August 1, 2022
Taste of India 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the fifth annual Taste of India festival returns to Nathan Phillips Square this summer. The free two-day event begins on July 31, bringing a diverse exhibition of culture and culinary art.
This year, expect to experience a “foodie utopia” as well as classical dances, Bhangra, music, and musical melodies by singers and a live DJ from noon until 10 p.m.
When: July 31-August 1, 2022
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
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Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
The season of movies under the stars is back! The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) has returned for a summer of FREE films and this year’s theme is called Curtains Up!. The films will pay tribute to all of the performing artists we’ve missed seeing live during the pandemic, from dancers to circus acts to musicians and more. Check out the full movie schedule right here.
Where: See locations
When: Until August 28, 2022
TD Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival
Dust off your dancing shoes because the countdown to Salsa on St. Clair is officially on! Known as the biggest Latin street festival in Canada, Toronto’s TD Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival is making an in-person comeback this July with all the lively Latin flair that you can handle.
Where: St. Clair Avenue W (Winona Dr to Christie St)
When: July 9-10, 2022, 12 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.
Caribbean Carnival Grande Parade 2022
After two long years, Caribana is back! This iconic festival of Caribbean culture and traditions is the largest of its kind in North America and draws massive crowds throughout its duration.
This year, attendees will experience an all-new Grand Parade Central, hosted on the Exhibition Place Grounds. Admission to the parade is free, but admission is required to see the parade of the Mas Bands, where a masquerade party is held until 6 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Place & Lake Shore Blvd
When: July 30, 2022
Backyard Festival
The July edition of this summer festival at Stackt Market is basically a giant outdoor party, complete with a local vendor market, music series, food station, a showcase of BIPOC artists, and more. What better way to enjoy summer in the city than with good tunes, good bites, and good company in an outdoor oasis?
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: July 16, 2022
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100 Days of Summer by Art & Water
Toronto’s waterfront has released its jam-packed summer programming and kicking things off is Canada’s first and only floating arts and culture festival running until September 5. “Performances will bring together songwriters, musicians, and other artists from all walks of life to deliver art and culture into the daily lives of Torontonians,” the description says. It’s not one to miss!
Where: 585 Queens Quay West & 1 Queens Quay West
When: Until September 5, 2022
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
After a two-year hiatus, the Sunday street parties we know and love are officially back at Kensington Market. Pedestrian Sundays are back for the summer and will continue well into the fall. On the last Sunday of every month for the next several months, Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood will host a street-wide celebration of community, culture, and ecology.
Where: Kensington Market
When: July 31, 2022
OssFest
Toronto’s vibrant Ossington Strip is getting its own festival this July. Returning for its fifth edition, OssFest will have a health and wellness feature in the morning, followed by artisans and local businesses showcasing their goods all day. There will also be over 25 extended patios alongside music and entertainment programming all day and into the evening.
Where: Ossington Ave between Queen West & Dundas West
When: July 23, 2022
Toronto International BrazilFest
The largest Brazilian festival in Canada is taking over Earlscourt Park this month. Entry to the event is free and you’ll get to experience the very best of Brazilian and international food, music, art, culture, and more.
When: July 16-17, 2022
Where: Earlscourt Park
Taste of Lawrence
The annual Taste of Lawrence festival is returning for a weekend of non-stop entertainment this July, including an array of music and dance performances, mouthwatering multicultural cuisine, midway rides, and more family-friendly fun.
When: July 8—10, 2022
Where: Lawrence Ave, Warden Ave to Birchmount Rd
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Filipino Street Festival
A vibrant event showcasing the best of the Philippines is coming to North York this summer. Toronto’s Filipino Street Festival will take over Little Manila this July, filling the streets with delicious food, great music, and fun cultural experiences.
Where: Little Manila, Bathurst St & Wilson Ave
When: July 23-24, 2022
Free day-use at Ontario Provincial Parks
No summer is complete without a day trip (or several) to Ontario’s provincial parks. The soaring trees, glittering lakes, and wide-open views just don’t compare to anything you’ll find in the city. And for one day only this July, you’ll be able to visit them for free.
Ontario Parks is launching a one-day celebration called Healthy Parks Healthy People. You’ll have until 10 p.m. to enjoy the parks with the complimentary pass that you’ll be issued when you arrive.
When: July 15, 2022
Where: See all Ontario Parks here
Toronto Public Pools
City-operated outdoor pools are now open and there are so many of them to choose from. There’s nothing like taking a refreshing dip on a hot summer day and you’ll be able to do so at pools all over the city, all summer long.
Where: See locations
When: Open until September 2022
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