We still have so much summer left to enjoy, and there are some incredible summer events in Toronto coming up that you can’t afford to miss.
From music festivals to foodie fairs to iconic carnivals, there’s a little bit of everything to look forward to.
Let’s dive into 21 of the best summer events in Toronto, as well as incredible activities to make the most of the season.
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: August 27th, September 24th & October 29th, 2023
Where: Kensington Market
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, 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
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Toronto’s beloved summer tradition of free movies in the park is officially back!
There are 21 films to see this summer and they are being played on various nights of the week at four public spaces around the city — Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, and Christie Pits Park.
The grand finale will take place at Evergreen Brick Works, where three nights of outdoor movies will run at the end of August.
When: Until August 31st, 2023
Where: Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, Christie Pits Park & Evergreen Brick Works
Canadian National Exhibition
Toronto’s beloved late-summer carnival is making a comeback! The CNE opens its doors on Wednesday, August 16th.
The annual fair has announced exciting new things to come this year, including a Las Vegas-style fountain show and North America’s tallest travelling Ferris wheel.
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!
When: August 18th to September 4th, 2023
Where: Exhibition Place
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The Bentway Block Party
A street-wide celebration called The Bentway Block Party has been set for this August, which will take place under the Gardiner Expressway.
The event is described as a “celebratory street party across The Bentway site, featuring performances, music, street food and drink, family-friendly workshops, fashion shows, and more.”
When: August 13th, 2023, 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: 250 Fort York Boulevard
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
Electric Island
Toronto’s beloved outdoor concert and picnic series is back this September.
This year’s festival is back for its 11th year and bigger than ever with eight days of music throughout the spring and summer.
Electric Island held its opening weekend back in May and we still have one more weekend to look forward to this year!
When: September 2nd & 3rd, 2023
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Music on the River
Boating, music, warm nights — put ’em all together and you have what might just be the coolest live concert experience Toronto has to offer.
Music on the River is a concert series right on the Humber River and you’ll get to paddle your way to the show.
Your ticket comes with a boat rental, paddle, lifejackets, access to the show, and a glowstick to wave along with the music.
When: Various dates until October 2023
Where: Humber River Paddling Centre, 9 Old Mill Rd
Wet n’ Wild
At a whopping 45 acres and featuring dozens of slides and attractions, this is one of the biggest water parks in Canada, not just Ontario.
It features wave pools, adventure slides, vertical freefalling chutes, thrilling slopes, and slides with terrifying twists and turns.
When: Daily until September 4th, 2023
Where: 7855 Finch Ave West, Brampton
Toronto Water Bikes
Nothing beats being on the water on Toronto’s hot summer days. This year, you can check out a new experience on the lake by renting water bikes.
Toronto Water Bikes will be open and available all summer to give you a new water sport experience! Think “cycling meets water”, and a fun exercise while adventuring around the lake. The best part is, you can get an individual bike or a tandem water bike for two.
Where: Book online
Toronto Glow-in-the-Dark Kayaks
Toronto Kayaks supplies the city’s only transparent-LED-light-and-bluetooth-equipped-hybrid-kayak-canoe, which you can rent by the hour.
You’ll be straight vibing when you glide across the water in these illuminated boats with your summer playlist providing the soundtrack.
Your rental also comes with a waterproof pouch for your electronics, bug repellent, a safety kit, and a life jacket, in addition to the boat, paddle, and bluetooth speaker.
Where: Humber Bay Park & Humber Arch Bridge
King’s Plate 2023
One of Canada’s “most prestigious events” is coming back this August and you’re invited.
Formerly known as The Queen’s Plate, this historic tradition is returning with an all-new name in honour of the UK’s new monarch, King Charles III.
Spectators can enjoy the races, entertainment, and sumptuous dining packages.
This event is also famously fashionable, with big hats and garden party chic attire being the unofficial dress code. Throw on your finest attire and head off to the races!
When: August 20th, 2023
Where: Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Blvd
The Toronto Waterfront Festival
The quack is back this September for our last hurrah of the summer on the water.
Toronto’s annual Waterfront Festival will have a special returning guest this year — the world’s largest rubber duck!
The duck will be stationed at 7 Queen’s Quay for all to enjoy, and the festival will feature all kinds of fun programming, activities, and entertainment.
When: September 16th & 17th, 2023
Where: 7 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto
Hot and Spicy Festival
Thos 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.
Among the performers are JoSH The Band, a Canadian Indo-Pakistani Bhangra music group, the enchanting sitar musician Mausiqui, and Autorickshaw, a unique fusion of jazz, folk, pop, and Indian classical music.
But the highlight of the festival is the legendary Padmashri Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa, who will set the stage on fire with their Bollywood folk music!
When: September 1st to 4th, 2023
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Yorkville Murals
Yorkville Murals will bring all kinds of fun to our city this August, including fun games, street parties, and — you guessed it — captivating murals!
Described as an “electrifying explosion of creativity and joy,” this festival will transform 50,000 square feet of concrete jungle into a “remarkable weekend of arts and entertainment.”
The free festival invites all visitors to play and connect in this immersive cultural wonderland while unleashing their inner artist, dancer, and dreamer.
Plus, a giant block party will take place at the Cumberland Parkade from 5 PM to 11 PM on August 26th.
When: August 26th to 27th, 2023
Where: Yorkville Avenue from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue
TD Union Summer
Toronto’s busiest transit hub is once again hosting 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: Until August 28th, 2023
Where: Union Station, 65 Front Street West
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
Leslieville Beer Fest
Cheers to the summer! The popular neighbourhood street party known as Leslieville Beer Festival returns this August.
The event will take over Dundas Street East from Logan Avenue to Carlaw Avenue, featuring regional brewers, community food vendors, and local artisans.
Your ticket grants you a commemorative sample mug and two sample tokens.
When: August 26th, 2023
Where: Dundas Street East from Logan Avenue to Carlaw Avenue
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 is hosting 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.
When: Until August 27th, 2023
Where: The Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West
Wavelength Summer Thing
This waterfront festival is free for all to attend and will feature three days of live music, art, food, drink, community, and good vibes.
It’s part of the SummerSeries in Trillium Park at Ontario Place and will showcase a diverse, inclusive lineup of artists curated by Anishinaabe musician and composer Daniel Monkman.
When: August 18th to 20th, 2023
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
