The countdown is officially over! It’s time to kick your feet up, relax, and dive into all of the incredible things to do in Toronto this weekend.
If you want to make the most of Canada Day weekend, we’ve got you covered with the very best events, festivals, and celebrations around the city.
So, round up the crew and get ready because the best days are yet to come.
Here are 15 of the very best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Happy Canada Day, friends!
Please note: Fireworks timing and confirmation are accurate as of publication date. Please check your local weather forecast, and the organizers’ websites on the day of the event.
Canada Day at Downsview Park
Canada Day at Downsview Park is making a comeback this year and it’s completely free to attend.
All are invited to come out and enjoy a day full of fun and games at Downsview on July 1st. The event will have live entertainment, games for kids, inflatables, vendors, and excitement for visitors of all ages.
It wouldn’t be complete without fireworks and food trucks, and Canada Day at Downsview Park will have both!
When:Â Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 4 PM
Where:Â Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue- behind the building next to the greenhouse
Q107 Canada Day Weekend
Toronto’s rock station Q107 is throwing a good old fashioned rock n’ roll bash for Canada’s birthday.
The Q107 Canada Day Weekend will be free to the public and it’ll feature a stacked lineup of rock and roll tribute bands.
It wouldn’t be a Canada Day festival without some grand finale fireworks, and the high-altitude light show will be set to a “live” set of amazing rock music.
When:Â June 30th, 2023 & July 1st, 2023
Where:Â Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Sponsored Pick: City of Toronto’s Canada Day Fireworks Shows
What better way to celebrate Canada than with spectacular fireworks shows? This year, the City of Toronto is going all out with 4 incredible shows across the city, adding an extra sparkle to your festivities. And if you’re hosting your own backyard celebration, be sure to check out the fireworks rules, safety tips & disposal guidelines.
When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 starting at 10 p.m.
Where: CLICK HERE to see a list of locations
Cost: FREE!
TD Toronto Jazz Fest
The TD Toronto Jazz Fest is now on until July 2nd, with a stellar star-studded lineup including legendary hip hop and R&B singer Ashanti.
The beloved music festival will take over Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area with 10 days of free outdoor programming. And on top of that, a selection of ticketed concerts featuring the best of the best in musical acts.
Other acts include Juno Award-winning singerJully Black, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Jazz Legends Herbie Hancock and Geroge Benson.
When: Until July 2nd, 2023
Where:Â See full schedule
Sponsored Pick: COLUMBUS™ Charcuterie Tasting Board
Gear up to elevate all of your indoor and outdoor plans for the Canada Day long weekend with the COLUMBUS™ Charcuterie Tasting Board. All of your beloved curated craft meats put together with artisanal sides in one convenient, pre-made board. Adding sophistication to your plans couldn’t be any easier.
Where: Find them in a Sobeys Supermarket in Toronto or in a Safeway Supermarket in Vancouver and CalgaryÂ
Cost: MSRP $20.00
Electric Island
Toronto’s iconic EDM festival is back for its second edition of the season this long weekend.
Get ready for two days of non-stop bangers from major DJs across three separate stages.
This weekend’s event is hosted at the picturesque RBC Echo Beach. It’s not one to miss!
When: July 1st and 2nd, 2023
Where: RBC Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Harbourfront Centre Opening Weekend
Locals will be treated to an entire lineup of free concerts at the Harbourfront Centre on Canada Day weekend to kick off their summer programming.
Starting on Friday, Harbourfront Centre will be kicking off its summer season of programming.
The fun begins with a long weekend lineup of shows from incredible headliners, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and JUNO award-winning rock band The Strumbellas.
When:Â June 30th to July 3rd, 2023
Where:Â Harbourfront Centre (Concert Stage & Stage in the Park)
Celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square
Back for the first time since 2017, celebrations will take over the City Hall grounds on July 1st.
The day event will feature “high-energy performances from Alpha Rhythm Roots, The Hitmen Drumline, family-friendly programming with Muse Arts and Picasso Painters, “The Giant Storybook” activity from the Department of Imaginary Affairs, and more,” says the City.
When: July 1st, 2023, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
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Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square
The annual Canada Day bash that North York looks forward to every year is making a comeback.
Visitors of all ages are welcome to join the fun at Mel Lastman, which will include live performances from The Haneen Woman Choir, Trash Panda Brass, JER, Celtic duo Alana and Leah Cline, and family-friendly activities showcasing newcomer artists.
When: July 1st, 2023, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street
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
ROM After Dark: Be Yourself
The ROM’s iconic after-dark party returns this Friday and if you haven’t been before, this month is the perfect time to check it out.
This edition of ROM After Dark is “an end-of-Pride month extravaganza, with an incredible line-up of live performances, pop-up interactives, games, art, and a vibrant dance floor,” says the museum.
When:Â June 30th, 2023
Where:Â The Royal Ontario Museum
Celebration Canada
This annual celebration takes place at Canada’s Wonderland for a whole week starting on Canada Day.
In addition to thrilling rides, you’ll get to enjoy live music, authentic Canadian food, street performers, and traditional indigenous performances.
And don’t miss the special fireworks show on Saturday, July 1st!
When: July 1st to 9th, 2023
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
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 will feature cultural events, live musical performances, and outdoor yoga classes.
When: July 1st until late September 2023
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Moving Forward: Celebrating Chinese Communities at Fort York
This City-run event will celebrate Canada Day and Toronto’s Chinese communities all in one place.
Programming will include dancing, singing, remarks, face painting, food demos and tastings, storytelling, and all kinds of fun.
When: July 1st, 2023, 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Canada Day Fireworks Boat Cruise & Party
Take your Canada Day festivities on board with this epic cruise.
You’ll get to enjoy three hours of sailing, skyline and fireworks views, DJs, and a dance floor.
There will also be a premium bar, a professional photographer, two decks, and a terrace to catch the amazing sunset.
When: July 1st, 2023, 6:30 PM & 10 PM
Where: Pioneer Queen 333, Toronto
