It’s the hottest season of the year here in Toronto, things are certainly heating up in our city. Smorgasburg will debut at the waterfront for the very first time, street festivals are back in full swing, and outdoor concerts are taking over the city once again. Check out this list of the coolest things to do this weekend in Toronto so you can make the most of every moment.
Summer in Canary Front Street Festival
This two-day, sidewalk artist and creators festival will shine a spotlight on the people and places that make the Canary District one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. There will be an exciting mix of over 60 top-tier vendors, from Indigenous and BIPOC to Queer, to local Canary and east-end talent, as well as family-friendly entertainment lining the streets.
strong>When: July 23 & 24, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Front St East between Cherry St and Bayview Ave
The FRIENDS Experience
The Friends experience that has popped up in cities around the U.S. has finally opened in Toronto! The event has every element that would make any Friends superfan go crazy, including set recreations and original props and costumes.
You’ll get to dance in front of the fountain, step into the show and explore 12 rooms of set recreations, pose on the couch, take photos to your heart’s content, shop for exclusive merch, and more. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect!
Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre (across from the LEGO store)
When: Reserve your spot
Ice Cream Fest
An entire festival dedicated to ice cream? Say no more! Street Eats Market will host a massive ice cream fest this weekend, featuring local vendors serving up all kinds of creative and delicious takes on this summertime treat. Bring your appetite!
When: July 22—24, 2022
Where: 500 Progress Ave
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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, is coming to 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 starting this weekend, bringing dozens of international food vendors to one place every single Saturday. Check out the full list of vendors here!
Where: 7 Queen’s Quay East
When: July 23 – September 10, 2022
Sponsored Pick: Taste the Caribbean Food Festival
Enjoy the culinary delights of the Caribbean brought to you by local chefs and vendors. Discover food, drink, artisans and travel businesses while feeling Caribbean vibes thru live entertainment, and more. Plus, there will be a Plantain Eating Competition.
When: July 23 & 24, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1609 Eglinton Ave West
Cost: FREE
OssFest
Toronto’s vibrant Ossington Strip is getting its own festival this weekend. Returning for its fifth edition, OssFest will have a health and wellness feature in the morning, followed by artisans and local businesses showcasing their goods all day. There will also be over 25 extended patios alongside music and entertainment programming all day and into the evening.
Where: Ossington Ave between Queen West & Dundas West
When: July 23, 2022
Fun Philippines Toronto Street Festival
A vibrant event showcasing the best of the Philippines is coming to North York this summer. Toronto’s Filipino Street Festival will take over Little Manila this July, filling the streets with delicious food, great music, and fun cultural experiences.
Where: Little Manila, Bathurst St & Wilson Ave
When: July 23-24, 2022
Sponsored Pick: Enjoy the weather on one of Toronto’s best bike trails
There’s not much that beats a good ol’ summer bike ride. And with the seemingly endless options in and around the city, it can be tough narrowing it down. So, check out this list of 6 of our fave trails to take! And ICYMI, CAA coverage also offers roadside bike assistance, even if it is something as simple as a loose chain!
Where: See the best trails here
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The World of Barbie
If “Barbie Girl” by Aqua was, or still is, your theme song, there’s an immersive experience just for you. A 30,00 square foot, life-sized display called The World of Barbie is opening in the GTA this Friday.
Visitors will get to walk through Barbie’s neighbourhood streets, step into a Barbie dreamhouse, sit inside a Barbie camper van and explore interactive rooms inspired by some of Barbie’s careers as a scientist, music producer, astronaut, and more.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga
When: Opens July 22, 2022
Le Voyage
If you’ve always wanted to sail the Côte d’Azur, this yacht party in Toronto might be the next best thing. A new event by Grey Goose Vodka plans to “bring the luxury of the French Riviera and hype of the VIP yacht lifestyle to major cities across Canada” this summer.
You’ll get to spend the day deck-side enjoying French canapés from La Bréhandaise Market and Bobbette & Belle, take part in some on-board mixology classes, dance to the sounds of live DJ Elise Purdon, and most importantly, soak up the views.
When: July 20-24, 2022
Where: 15 Ashbridges Bay Park Rd
Sponsored Pick: Niagara Falls Tourism immersive art experiences
Starting this week, the Niagara Falls Convention Centre will play host to two immersive art experiences – each alternating days so you can see both exhibits on your overnight getaway! The Canadian premiere of Banksy 360 takes viewers through an engaging journey into the work of the world’s most notorious graffiti artist. The second exhibit is the beloved Van Gogh show featuring over 300 works from one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art.
Where: Van Gogh Niagara Falls & Banksy 360, both at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre
When: July 21, 2022 – September 3, 2022 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Van Gogh on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays, Banksy 360 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays)