The last full month of summer is almost here. August, we’re ready for you. Just like July, we’re expecting the heat to continue and we’re here for it. Don’t mind us, we’ll be outdoors this month, enjoying all the things to do in Toronto from outdoor concerts, activities, festivals and more.

Toronto is gearing up for a big month and there’s so much to get excited about. And boy, we have a list for you!

Here are 44 of the best things to do in Toronto this August.

Recent Posts:
This Ontario park has a ladder you can climb into escarpment rock caves
This stunning waterfall in Ontario is one of the tallest in eastern Canada

Green Day

Get ready to rock at the Rogers Centre on August 1st as Green Day will take the stage at the Rogers Centre.

When: August 1st at 5:30 PM
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
Cost: $106+ per ticket

Island Soul 2024

Get ready to soak up some island flavour, food, music and dancing at the Island Soul Festival.

Expect an array of Island flavours through a unique blend of music, film, food, comedy, multidisciplinary arts and cultural activities.

When: August 1st to 5th, 2024
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free (certain events may have a cost)

VIVE Latino American 2024

This Latino-American festival features music, dance, and more!

According to their website, the festival is to “warm up the spirits of all Canadians.”

When: August 1st, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free admission

PARTYNEXTDOOR

Start summer off right with PND this Friday.

Get your tickets ASAP.

When: August 2nd at 7:30 PM
Where: Budweiser Stage, 909 Lakeshore Blvd W
Cost: $147.60+ per ticket

PAN ALIVE Panorama

The Ontario Steelpan Association is bringing back Pan Alive next month! “Enjoy the sounds of Caribbean culture through the vibrant steelpan performances at the Annual night of exciting competition,” shares organizers.

When: August 2nd, 2024 from 7 PM to 12 AM
Where: 1151 King St W
Cost: $50+

The Grand Parade

Lakeshore Boulevard will transform into a massive Caribbean celebration as the annual Grand Parade takes over the street. Join the thousands of masqueraders as Toronto’s top DJ’s spin the hottest Soca beats! Watch and dance along as the parade makes its way along Lakeshore on August 3rd.

According to organizers, most of the parade route along Lakeshore Boulevard is free for viewing, but there are ticketed areas within Exhibition Place for access to food, refreshments, and a closer view.

When: August 3rd, 2024
Where: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place
Cost: Free Free (extras, tickets can be purchased here)

Toronto Rum Festival

Get ready for Sunday Funday at the Toronto Rum Festival on August 4th, 2024.

“This festival will professionally showcase various Rum of the Caribbean while creating a true Caribbean atmosphere through live entertainment, competition and the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean,” shares organizers.

Cheers to that!

When: August 4th, 2024
Where: Hotel X Gardens
Cost: $40+

Pan In D’Park

Get ready to enjoy Toronto’s top steel bands and steelpan performers showcasing their unique sounds!

This family event will include top steel bands, DJs, Calypso artists, a marketplace, and more.

When: August 4th, 2024 – 2 PM to 10 PM
Where: Neilson Park – 1555 Neilson Rd, Scarborough
Cost: Free

VELD 2024

VELD is bringing the heat to Toronto this August with a number of headliners!

The highly anticipated three-day event is set to take place at Downsview Park from August 2nd to August 4th, 2024.

And in honour of its 11th anniversary, they’re bringing some heavy hitters.

When: August 2nd to August 4th, 2024
Where: Downsview Park
Cost: $272.78+

Canadian Food Truck Festival – Toronto

Woodbine Park will transform into a foodie paradise as food truck masters will serve up some serious eats.

Picture this: 28 acres of lush greenery, the perfect backdrop for a culinary feast. From savoury sensations to sweet treats, the food trucks are rolling in this August with an irresistible spread.

And the best part is that admission is free. So that means you can stroll through the park and explore all the mouthwatering options without breaking the bank.

When: August 2nd to 5th, 2024
Where: Woodbine Park – 1695 Queen St East
Cost: Free

Toronto Patty Fest

One thing about Torontonians is we love a Jamaican patty and there’s even a festival dedicated to it! The Toronto Patty Fest is taking place in August, a chance to chow down on Toronto’s favourite snack.

When: August 3rd, 2024 from 12 PM to 5 PM
Where: 531 Eglinton Ave W
Cost: Free entry

Taste of India Food Festival

Dive into delicious Indian dishes at Taste of India.

Not only will there be vendors serving up authentic dishes, but there will be live performances to enjoy as well.

Now that sounds like fun!

When: August 3rd to 4th, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: Free

National Bank Open

The National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Toronto will feature 15 sessions of world-class tennis played best by notable players over nine days.

Due to the Olympics, the National Bank Open in Toronto starts a day later but you’ll be able to catch the Qualifiers on starting August 4th.

The 407 ETR Family Weekend is on August 4th and 5th, with free admission and no tickets are required.

For other days, tickets start at $20.

When: August 4th to 12th, 2024
Where: Sobeys Stadium – 1 Shoreham Drive
Cost: Starting at $20+

Promise Cherry Beach

What better way to spend your August than with an all-day dance party on the beach?

Promise Cherry Beach is a fun-filled daytime summer electronic music festival series “that has been a cherished fixture on the Cherry Beach Park waterfront for 24 years,” according to organizers.

This annual event has a fully-licensed beach bar and a stacked lineup of DJs ready to spin incredible tunes all day long.

When: August 5th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, 2024, 4 PM to 11 PM
Where: Cherry Beach, 1 Cherry Street
Cost: $50.96+

Shrek The Musical

Brought to you by Fifth Estate Entertainment and Round Room Live, an all-new version of Shrek The Musical will embark on a cross-country national tour and it is stopping in Toronto. Mark your calendars for August 8th to 18th as the thrilling live feature will hit the stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

When: August 6th to 18th, 2024
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre – 300 King Street West
Cost: $59+

Original Genes – Free Community Paint Night

Get ready to paint the town! Toronto’s Waterfront BIA invites all to unleash their inner artists at the upcoming Waterfront Community Paint Night Program.

From beginners to seasoned painters, all are invited to partake in this colourful experience. Original Genes will provide all materials and guide you through the process.

When: August 7th, August 14th, and August 21st, 2024
Where: Toronto Waterfront
Cost: Free

JerkFest Toronto 2024

According to JerkFest Toronto, “The festival was born out of nostalgia, to reminisce, connect and create new memories of the islands in a new country outside of those familiar tropical vibes.”

When: August 9th to 11th, 2024
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, ON
Cost: Free

Indie at Dusk: The Zolas

On August 10th, get ready for an evening of Indie music courtesy of The Zolas, a Canadian indie rock band based in Vancouver.

The evening begins at 7 PM with a live DJ, followed by a 90-minute set by the indie band.

When: August 10th, 2024 from 7 PM to 11 PM
Where: The Well
Cost: Free

Canadian Latin Fest

Get ready to eat, dance and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Canadian Latin Fest.

There will be Latin food vendors, Folk and Arts crafts, and a kids zone area. Expect free entertainment with more than 20 free performances.

When: August 11th, 2024 – 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St. West
Cost: Free

Ice Spice 

The “Deli” rapper Ice Spice is coming to Toronto this August and she’ll be performing at History!

Get your tickets ASAP.

When: August 11th at 8:00 PM
Where: History, 1663 Queen St E
Cost: $110.67+ per ticket

Future & Metro Boomin’

Who’s team are you on? None of that really matters because Future and Metro Boomin’ are coming to Toronto and IYKYK.

Get your tickets ’cause you don’t want to miss this show!

When: August 11th at 8:00 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
Cost: $183+ per ticket

The Canadian National Exhibition 

Toronto’s largest and most beloved annual event is just around the corner! The CNE comes back to Toronto on August 16th for two weeks of carnival fun.

Keep your eyes peeled for cheap tickets coming soon!

When: August 16th to September 2nd, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd

King’s Plate

“One of the highest-profile events in Canadian sports, The Plate is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown and is followed by the Prince of Wales Stakes run at Fort Erie Race Track, and the Breeders’ Stakes run at Woodbine Racetrack,” shares organizers.

Tickets can be purchased here.

When: August 17th, 2024
Where: Woodbine Racetrack
Cost: Starting at $40+

Punk In Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival

Get ready to the Punk In Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival taking place at Downsview Park this August.

According to organizers, expect the best in punk rock music and regional craft beer. “Each festival date will feature up to three hours of craft beer tastings showcasing an impressive selection of craft beers, including some of the regions best and local favorites,” shares organizers.

Tickets can be purchased here.

When: August 17th, 2024
Where: Downsview Park
Cost: $99 + tax

Butterfly Festival

A family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss out on.

The TRCA Butterfly Festival is a free public event at Tommy Thompson Park to celebrate as butterflies embark on their journey to Mexico over the winter months.

More than 50 butterfly species can be expected!

When: August 17th
Where: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie St
Cost: Free

Toronto’s Rose Wine fest & Disco dance party

The ultimate pink and white festival is coming to Toronto this summer for one day only. Get ready to dance and sip on rosé wine at the Rosé Disco this August.

Taking over Toronto’s Fort York for a day of great food, over 30 rosé wines and delicious eats from local chefs is Toronto’s Rosé Wine Fest and Disco dance party.

When: August 17th, 2024
Where: Fort York
Cost: Starting at $35+

Taste of Manila

Taste of Manila is coming back for its 11th edition this August and they’re bringing the heat.

Organized by the nonprofit group, Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community (SPARC), Taste of Manila 2024 will take over a piece of Bathurst Street at the corner of Wilson Avenue.

When: August 17th & 18th, 2024
Where: Bathurst Street & Wilson Avenue

Toronto Flower Market

Stop and smell the roses – literally!

The Toronto Flower Market displays and sells flowers from vendors from all around the GTA. It’s beautiful, smells amazing and is a great photo opportunity.

When: August 17th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Where: 1001 Queen St W
Cost: Free

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 17th & 18th, 2024
Where: West of Spadina Avenue between St. Andrew Street & Sullivan Street
Cost: Free

Missy Elliott

Get your freak on with Missy Elliot this August! Tickets are still on sale. We repeat, tickets are STILL on sale!!

When: August 19th at 7 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
Cost: $126.50+ per ticket

Toronto Korean Festival

The Toronto Korean Festival is the biggest Korean festival in all of Canada, happening this August!

Visitors can expect yummy food, live performances and a vendor’s market. 

When: August 23rd to 25th, 2024
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, North York
Cost: Free

Tamil Festival 

The largest Tamil street festival of its kind outside of the Indian subcontinent takes place in Toronto this August.

Cultural food, artistic talents and more will fill the streets so bring the family and have an amazing time.

When: August 24th – 25th
Where: Markham Road, Scarborough, ON<
Cost: Free

Mabuhay Philippines Festival  

Celebrate Filipino heritage at this festival coming to Nathan Phillips Square in August. The multi-day event will feature food, vendors and entertainment.

When: August 24th & 25th, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: Free

Yorkville Murals 

Get ready to be blown away by some awesome art!

Yorkville Murals transforms the street into a “cultural extravaganza, where visitors will be entertained with every step.”

When: August 24th & 25th, 2024
Where: Yorkville Ave
Cost: Free

2024 Toronto Dragon Festival

This festival celebration of Chinese culture is happening at Nathan Phillips Square and will feature food vendors, martial arts demonstrations, lion and dragon dances and live music.

When: August 30th to September 1st, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free

Toronto International Busker Fest

One of the biggest street performer festivals in North America is coming back to Toronto!

Watch talented buskers show off their skills at this beloved late-summer event

Adrenaline junkies, music lovers, comedy fans, acrobatic enthusiasts, and foodie fanatics, you don’t want to miss this.

When: August 30th to September 2nd, 2024
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Cost: Admission starts at $10 and goes to charity

Blue Jays game

The Jays have over ten home games in Toronto in August with tickets in the 500s as low as 20 bucks a pop.

When: Various dates in August
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
Cost: $20+

Music in the Garden

Sit back along Toronto’s harbourfront and enjoy some free music this summer.

Happening Thursdays and Sundays in July, Music in the Garden is an “intimate live music experience” that’s free to attend.

To pick which one you want to attend check out the lineup here.

When: Thursdays & Sundays
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show 

We love free flicks! Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is showcasing free movies at different parks this August.

Free flicks will play at Christie Pits on Sundays and Thursdays at Corktown Common.

Bell Manor Park will also be showing free films from the 15th to 17th.

Check for movie titles and times here.

When: Sundays (Christie Pits), Thursdays (Corktown Common), August 15th – 17th (Bell Manor Park)
Where: Christie Pits, Corktown Common & Bell Manor Park
Cost: Free

Formula 1 Exhibition Toronto

If you’ve always wanted to get up close and personal with the race cars or even experience what it’s like to be behind the wheel, this is for you.

Guests can expect iconic F1 race cars from different eras, racing simulators and never-seen-before artifacts spanning six specially designed rooms in an over 20,000 sq. ft space.

When: Wednesdays to Mondays (select timeslots)
Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace, 1 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Cost: $30+

Free Flicks

Tuesdays in August are the time to enjoy a free movie by the water! This is

Harbourfront Centre will have a free flick to enjoy each Tuesday at 8:30 PM.

The full lineup can be found here.

When: Tuesdays at 8:30 PM in August
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free

Summer Market at the Garden

Held on Thursdays at the Toronto Botanical Garden, this market brings “the freshest local produce, artisanal products, and unique food items from farmers and small businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.”

When: Thursdays from 3 PM to 7 PM
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Cost: Free

Yoga in Trillium Park

These free yoga classes at Trillium Park are taught by a certified instructor offering a mix of hatha and vinyasa yoga.

The classes “focus on mindfulness, strengthening the core, and cultivating the connection between the breath and body.”

When: Saturdays from 10 AM to 11 AM
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Cost: Free

Symphony in the Gardens

Every Monday this August, enjoy an enchanting performance by the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra inside the castle’s glass pavilion.

“Enjoy stunning views of the city, majestic castle and the beautiful estate gardens while listening to the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra under the stars. Guests also have an abundance of al fresco food and drink options while onsite,” shares organizers.

When: Mondays (Doors at 5 PM, show at 7:30 PM)
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: $45+tax

And there you have it! Booked and busy.

Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

Read articles