We’re officially halfway through August, and instead of fretting about how little summer we have left, let’s focus on all of the exciting things our city is getting up to this weekend. As always, there are plenty of things to do in Toronto this weekend, including food festivals, concerts, night markets, and even a free block party under the Gardiner.

Let’s dive right in to the 15 best activities and events around the city from Friday to Sunday!

Latin Food Fest

A huge Latin food festival is coming to Mississauga this weekend and it’s sure to pack a punch. Attendees can expect to try some of the best Latin and Latin-inspired fusion eats and, of course, the best music to keep the party going.

That’s not all! What’s a fun event without some live performances? Good food, good music, and good vibes!

When: August 12 -14, 2022
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga

Summerlicious Toronto

One of Toronto’s most popular foodie events is returning! The Summerlicious restaurant festival is back this Friday, offering Torontonians a way to celebrate the city’s diverse culinary scene with set menus and price points. Check out some of Toronto’s best restaurants with three-course menus for as little as $27.

Where: See all restaurants here
When: August 12-28, 2022

Smorgasburg Toronto

Foodies are in for a huge treat in Toronto! Smorgasburg, America’s largest weekly open-air food market popular in cities like L.A. and Brooklyn, has arrived in the city for the first time ever, complete with an ice cream alley and fully-stocked SmorgasBAR.

Smorgasburg’s Toronto edition will run for eight weeks straight, bringing dozens of international food vendors to one place every single Saturday.

Where: 7 Queen’s Quay East
When: August 13, 2022

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Fried Chicken Fest

Hope you’re hungry, Toronto! A fried chicken festival is coming our way this weekend and it’s an all-in-one destination for all things crispy, golden and delicious.

In addition to tasty eats, the festival will have live bands, DJs, axe throwing, arcade basketball shootouts, giant jenga, eating contests, artisans, outdoor activities, craft beers, ciders and more.

Where: Street Eats Market x STC, 500 Progress Ave
When: August 12-14
Cost: $5 per person, 12 & under free

Sponsored Pick: Spend the day with over 2,000 butterflies

We all know and love the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, spanning across almost 100 acres of vibrant seasonal blooms and overflowing gardens, but did you know about the Butterfly Conservatory?! Not only is it one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, but with over 45 species and a tropical oasis setting, your next Niagara getaway can be more magical than ever.

Where: 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Big Bounce Canada

Free your inner child at this massive inflatable theme park dubbed the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle coming to the Toronto area this weekend.

The Big Bounce Canada by XL Event Lab, is touring Canada and will be stopping in Markham. The fun-filled event features four massive inflatable attractions including the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE.

When: August 12-14, 2022
Where: Markham Fairgrounds – 10801 McCowan Road

Waterfront Night Market

Back for its thirteenth edition, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market will take over Ontario Place this weekend with a huge variety of pan-Asian food vendors and craft beer to try.

Over 100 delicious vendors are said to be at this event, along with a beer garden overlooking the water. You’ll get to sip on craft beer while you fill up on mouthwatering street food and cuisine from all over the continent.

Where: Ontario Place, West Island
When: August 12-14, 2022

 Herward Farms Lavender Festival

This Ontario lavender farm is hosting its first annual festival this Saturday. The purple fields will be transformed into an outdoor celebration where you can pick your own blooms, dance, eat, drink, shop for local products, snap photos, and more.

When: August 13, 2022
Where: Hereward Farms, 141051 Belwood Rd, Grand Valley

The Bentway Block Party

A street-wide celebration called The Bentway Block Party has been set for this Sunday, which will take place under the Gardiner Expressway.

The free 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.”

Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: August 14, 2022

Sponsored Pick: HIT UP BATTLE416 & SEE YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE TURN INTO A BASKETBALL COURT

Ballers, this one is for you! Battle 416 is making its grand return with fun for the whole family. Basketball clinics for the kids, food vendors, a beer garden, fashion shows, live music, and best of all – the only 5 on 5 outdoor basketball tournament on a full-size NBA court.Don’t miss out on the celebrity player charity game with participants such as Andrew Nicholson, Larry “Bone Collector” Williams, Joel “King Handles” Haywood, Canadian Football League stars Stephen Adekolu, Jerome Messam, Mike Daly & more – proceeds collected will benefit SickKids hospital.

When: August 12 to 14, 2022
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St E
Cost: FREE entrance!

Pitbull: Can’t Stop Us Now

Mr. Worldwide himself is coming to Budweiser Stage this weekend for a high-energy outdoor performance. If there’s anything we know about Pitbull, it’s that he knows how to pump up the crowd with his catchy chart-topping songs. Hope you’re ready to get up and dance like it’s 2010 again. Dale!

Where: Budweiser Stage
When: August 13, 2022

Alicia Keys: ALICIA The World Tour

Alicia Keys is making her way to Toronto this weekend for a performance with Canadian singer and musician JP Saxe. Experience the incredible vocals and melodies that have made Alicia Keys one of the most successful artists of all time, live and in person.

Where: Budweiser Stage
When: August 14, 2022

 

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 Leslieville Flea Night Market

Hunt for vintage treasures on the gorgeous grounds of Ashbridge Estate at this one-night-only flea market, in collaboration with the Leslieville Farmers Market.

Enjoy food, drink, activities, and music under the lights and summer night sky, along with incredible vintage and handcrafted flea vendors selling their goods.

Where: Ashbridge Estate, 1444 Queen St East
When: August 13, 2022, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Kendrick Lamar: The Big Steppers Tour

The one and only Kendrick Lamar will be tearing up the stage at Scotiabank Arena this Friday and Saturday. Given how popular he is, you can probably expect a wildly exciting show. We love when major artists come through our city, and Kendrick is just one of many concerts in Toronto this August that are totally worth seeing.

Where: Scotiabank Arena
When: August 12 & 13, 2022

Sponsored Pick: Celebrate the culture of the NWT with an artisan market, illuminated Falls & fireworks 

This Saturday, immerse yourself in a cultural celebration at the Canada Summer Games 13 for 13 Festival. Hosted in the gorgeous Queen Victoria Park and running from 3 pm to 10 pm, you can expect an artisan market, painting & storytelling, live performances by local artists, and more. Plus, the Falls will be illuminated to channel some serious Aurora Borealis vibes, followed by a firework show at 10 pm.
When: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Where: 6161 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls
Cost: Free

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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