It’s finally here, Toronto! The August long weekend is a chance to get outside, explore the city, and make those lasting summer memories. With so many things to do in Toronto this Civic Holiday weekend, we assure you that the best days are yet to come.
Between the Caribbean Carnival, foodie events, and music festivals galore, you’ll be making the most of every moment.
We present you with our very best picks of things to do in Toronto this Civic Holiday weekend.
Stay safe and hydrated, but most importantly, have fun!
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
Toronto Black Vegan Festival
A beloved annual event is returning to Artscape Wychwood Barns this long weekend.
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
Sponsored Pick: Taste of India Food Festival
Cancel your plans because the Taste of India Food Festival is coming back to Toronto this summer, and it’s bigger than ever. With 150 food vendors, 300 artists, and the first open-air Glow Party to ever grace Nathan Phillips Square, it’s a weekend for stretchy pants, good company, and zero responsibilities.
When: Friday, August 4th 3 PM to 12 AM & Saturday, August 5th 12 PM to 10 PM.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Cost: free to attend
Toronto Food Truck Festival
We love food trucks and we love food truck festivals even more!
The Toronto Food Truck Festival is returning this long weekend, 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
Sponsored Pick: Danforth Comedy Festival
A massive comedy festival is taking over the Danforth this August. Enter: The Danforth Comedy Festival! Produced by Comedy Nuggets, a staple in Toronto’s comedy scene, the festival features five days of non-stop hilarity. Expect diverse acts including stand-up, improv, sketch and more from local and renowned comedians.
When: Friday, August 4th-6th and Saturday, August 11th-12th
Where: Multiple locations in Danforth (Comedy Bar, SoCap Comedy, The Don on Danforth)
Cost: $35-$40 – click here for marked down, advance tickets
Promise Cherry Beach
What better way to spend a summer holiday weekend than an all-day dance party on the beach?
This annual event has a fully-licensed beach bar and a stacked lineup of DJs ready to spin incredible tunes all day long.
This popular Toronto event has been bringing good vibes to Cherry Beach for 23 years now, and this year is no different!
When: August 7th, 2023, 3 PM to 11 PM
Where: Cherry Beach, 1 Cherry Street
Recent Posts
Ontario has a scenic beach boardwalk & it’s in ‘Canada’s prettiest town’
This Toronto pop-up is serving a $5 menu made by Matty Matheson
View this post on Instagram
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is back in full swing and will end on a high note with a weekend-long celebration!
On Saturday, August 5th, 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
We Are Lost Festival
Let’s get lost, Toronto. This popular festival is returning for its third Canadian edition and it’s going to be off the charts!
Featuring five international and three Canadian artists across two stages, this event will be bringing great tunes and even better vibes all day long.
When: August 6th, 2023
Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue
Toronto Patty Fest
Toronto locals love their Jamaican patties, and this weekend, you can attend a festival dedicated to this beloved savoury treat.
Toronto Patty Fest will be held in none other than Little Jamaica — the free event will feature entertainment, music, and many vendors showcasing delicious takes on this Caribbean snack.
When: August 5th, 2023, 1 PM to 7 PM
Where: 1531 Eglinton Avenue West, Green P Car Park
Smorgasburg Toronto
Attention, foodies of Toronto! The largest weekly open-air food market in America, Smorgasburg, is back at our waterfront for the second summer in a row.
The market, which is popular in cities like Brooklyn, LA, and Miami, takes place 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: August 5th, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: Captain John’s Pier, 7 Queens Quay East
