It’s hard to believe that we’re already in our last full month of summer, but here we are! There is so much to do and so little time — but don’t worry, this list of the best things to do in Toronto this August will help you make the most of it.
There are so many amazing festivals, outdoor celebrations, concerts, and carnivals to check out this month, and we’ve got them all right here.
Let’s get into it, friends. Here are the 31 best things to do in Toronto this August. Now get out there and enjoy every moment!
Outdoor Festivals & Events
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love are back at Kensington Market.
Pedestrian Sundays are back for the 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, 2023
Where: Kensington Market
TAIWANFest Toronto
This beloved cultural festival will take over Harbourfront Centre this month.
Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and traditions of Taiwan.
This year, the festival will also feature new programming called Indulge in Indonesia and Discover Malaysia.
When: August 26th to 28th, 2023
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Sponsored Pick — The Best Authentic Pizza in Oakville: Verace
If you haven’t tried out this super popular pizza place yet, you absolutely have to add it to your must-visit list. Verace is a cozy Italian restaurant run by a family, and let us tell you, their pizza is hands down the best in Toronto. They’ve got the official stamp of approval from the Vera Pizza Napoletana Association, which means they meet all the strict standards for genuine and top-notch quality. Plus, they use a special wood-burning oven that adds an incredible flavor to their dishes. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed by how amazingly delicious their food is.
When: Mon – Wed 4 pm – 10 pm | Thurs/Sun 12 pm – 10 pm | Fri – Sat 12 pm – 11 pm
Where: 312 Lakeshore Rd E Oakville, ON, L6J 1J2
Daydream 2023
This enchanting evening event will take place at the picturesque High Park Terrace of Hotel X Toronto.
Enjoy a relaxing yoga class and incredible live music, followed by delicious snacks, drinks, boozy sips, and surprises. Bring your own mat!
When: August, 16th, 2023, 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Where: High Park Terrace at Hotel X Toronto, 111 Princes’ Boulevard
Sponsored Pick — Holistic Wellness at For Health’s Sake
If you’ve been thinking of giving holistic wellness treatments a chance, we’ve got the right place to get your journey started. For Health’s Sake has the perfect blend of traditional and natural healing practices to get your looking and feeling your best- inside & out. Their team of experts on chiropractic care, osteopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, and so much more, will guide you every step of the way.
When: Book your appointment anytime via their online booking service
Where: Leslieville Toronto – 1238 Queen St. East, Suite 200 | Downtown Toronto – 465 Queen Street West, 2nd Floor
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 will be played at four public spaces around the city — Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, and Christie Pits Park.
Eats and treats will be offered as of 7 PM and the show starts at sundown at around 9 PM.
When: Until August 27th, 2023
Where: Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, and Christie Pits Park
Yorkville Murals
An incredible art-focused event is transforming the Yorkville area this August.
Yorkville Murals will feature interactive art installations, inflatables, pop-up retail containers, exhibitions, dance battles, art talks, screenings, sips, bites, and a block party.
Most importantly, however, the neighbourhood will showcase a variety of mesmerizing murals.
They don’t call it “Toronto’s most captivating art and muralism festival” for nothing!
When: August 26th & 27th, 2023
Where: Yorkville Avenue from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue
Sponsored Pick — Friday Night Live at Garden Square
With summer in full swing, there’s no shortage of outdoor events that will make your heartsing and your feet dance. And Friday Night Live at Garden Square is one you must check out! Free concerts, different genres of music every week, and the GTA’s finest headliners on stage? Count us in.When: every Friday throughout August, starting at 7 PM
Where: Garden Square – 12 Main St N, Brampton
Cost: FREE!
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Latin Sparks Festival
It’s time to dance, sip, and snack the day away, Latin style! The highly-anticipated Latin Sparks festival is returning.
Complete with live bands, delicious food vendors, free dance lessons, and incredible entertainment, this event will be nothing short of memorable.
When: August 19th, 2023
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Canadian National Exhibition
Toronto’s beloved late-summer carnival is making a comeback, and this year, visitors will be treated to an all-new fountain show at the CNE.
The year-end tradition would not be complete without returning favourites like the SuperDogs show, the Canadian International Air Show, and the spectacular Drone Show.
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
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
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is back in full swing and will end on a high note with a weekend-long celebration in early August.
This year, the event is celebrating its 56th annual Grand Parade and there will be over 10,000 masqueraders performing.
Visitors will get to enjoy live performances, food, drinks, and incredible vibes at this longstanding Caribbean tradition here in our city.
When: August 3rd to 7th, 2023
Where: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place Grounds, 115 Princes’ Blvd
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
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Food & Drink Events
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 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.
When: August 4th to 7th, 2023
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Taste of India
Mark your calendars because on August 4th and 5th, the largest food festival in North America will take over Nathan Phillips Square.
Guests can expect to treat their tastebuds to some delicious cuisine and dance the night away.
And just like last year, expect to see classical dances, Bhangra, music, musical melodies by singers, and a live DJ.
When: August 4th and 5th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Taste of Vietnam
This fun-filled event will take over Nathan Philips Square this August for a weekend of arts, food, music, games and cultural parades.
According to organizers, last year’s “event exceeded all expectations with a record-breaking number of 45,000 attendees and participants.”
This year, you can experience the magic of “Sen” firsthand and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Vietnam.
When: August 10th to 12th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Waterfront Night Market
Back for its 14th edition, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market will take over Hotel X at the Stanley Barracks with a huge variety of pan-Asian food vendors and craft beer to try.
Over 100 delicious vendors are said to be at this free event, along with a beer garden.
You’ll get to sip on craft beer while you fill up on mouthwatering street food and cuisine from all over the continent.
When: August 11th to 13th, 2023
Where: Hotel X – 111 Princes’ Blvd
Taste of the Danforth
The city’s most beloved street festival, Taste of the Danforth is officially coming back to Toronto this summer.
This iconic event will take over the Danforth with delectable cuisine, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
“From savoury street eats to delicious dessert creations, our festival promises to be a delight for all,” says the description. We can’t wait!
When: August 11th to 13th, 2023
Where: GreekTown on the Danforth
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
TD Jerk Festival
It’s back and better than ever! This August, the beloved TD Jerk Festival promises to be an even bigger celebration than in years past.
The festival will feature delicious food, interactive food demonstrations, and iconic musical headliners. It’s not one to miss!
When: August 10th to 13th, 2023
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
Toronto Black Vegan Festival
A beloved annual event is returning to Artscape Wychwood Barns this August.
The Toronto Black Vegan Festival is a celebration of plant-based living within the Black Canadian community, promoting sustainability, local businesses, and of course, incredible vegan food and products.
When: August 6th, 2023
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
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
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Music Festivals & Outdoor Concerts
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
Electric Island
Toronto’s beloved outdoor concert and picnic series is back this August and 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 its second edition in July. We still have two more weekends to look forward to this year!
When: August 11th & 12th, September 2nd & 3rd, 2023
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Veld Music Festival
The iconic EDM music festival that Toronto looks forward to every summer is returning.
Headlining this year’s Veld Music Festival are Above & Beyond, Illenium, Loud Luxury, Tiesto, Zedd, Rezzmau5, and many others.
It’s not one to miss!
When: August 4th to 6th, 2023
Where: Downsview Park
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
Boots & Hearts Music Festival
Get ready to hoot, holler, and stomp your boots! The Boots & Hearts country music festival is making a comeback this month.
Located north of Toronto in Oro-Medonte, this event is known as Canada’s largest camping and music festival.
This year’s headliners are superstars Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Nickelback, and Tim Hicks, plus many other big-name acts.
When: August 10th to 13th, 023
Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 240 8th Line South, Oro Station
Arts & Entertainment
Lasting Impressions in 3D
Art lovers, you’re in for a treat. Famous paintings are coming to life in our city this August!
This “breathtaking and unique” new art event will take you inside 160 masterworks by 17 of the greatest Impressionist painters in history.
“State-of-the-art cutting-edge 3D motion sculpting technology and holographics allow audiences to step into some of the most famous and beloved paintings of all time,” the description says. There’s truly nothing else like it!
When: August 10th to October 8th, 2023
Where: CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge Street
FAN EXPO Canada
This one’s for the fans! FAN EXPO is coming to our city at the end of this month and it’s a massive playground of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay.
Celebrity guests include Hayden Christensen, Chevy Chase, Christina Ricci, Zachary Levi, Ethan Peck, and Danny Trejo, as well as many superstar voice actors.
When: August 24th to 27th, 2023
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
