Can you believe it’s already August? We certainly can’t. Summer is flying by, and now’s the time to make the most of it. There are tons of things to do in Toronto this August to make those lasting summer memories, from iconic returning events like The CNE to brand new experiences, festivals, and more.
Dive into the very best things to do in and around Toronto this month, so you don’t miss a beat this August.
Outdoor Events & Celebrations
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Let’s go to The Ex! The long-awaited return of The CNE in Toronto is finally here and this year’s attractions, vendors, and events are being unveiled.
The iconic late-summer carnival will take place from August 19 to September 5, after two long years on hiatus. In addition to midway rides and games, attendees can always look forward to over-the-top carnival eats, new attractions, rides, performances, and happy summer memories.
Where: Exhibition Place
When: August 19-September 5, 2022
The Rosé Picnic
The biggest picnic of the summer is returning to Toronto! Get ready to throw on your finest pink and white ensemble for this boozy bash known as Toronto’s Rosé Picnic at a new location.
Get ready to sip some rose in a larger venue, and don’t worry, every guest will receive a break-free wine glass for outdoor enjoyment! You’ll be treated to a full day of sips, bites, dance parties, photo ops, and entertainment of all kinds.
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
When: August 20, 2022, 12 pm to 11 pm
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.
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The Lights Festival
Fill up the night sky with stunning floating lanterns at this one-night-only event near Toronto this August.
The Lights Festival is kicking off on August 20, about an hour west of Toronto. The event aims to gather people from all backgrounds to share “an uplifting, positive, and unforgettable experience,” according to organizers. Get ready to witness some beautiful sights!
When: August 20, 2022
Where: Johnson Farm – 3721 4th Line, Ohsweken, ON
163rd Queen’s Plate
One of Canada’s “most prestigious events” is coming back this August and you’re invited. This historic tradition will celebrate its 163rd edition and spectators can enjoy the races, entertainment, and sumptuous dining packages.
This event is also famously fashionable, with big hats and garden party chic attire being the unofficial dress code. Throw on your finest attire and head off to the races!
When: August 21, 2022
Where: Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Blvd
Japan Festival Canada
Japan Festival Canada is said to be the largest Japanese cultural event in North America and it’s taking place in Mississauga this August. Visitors can expect to see traditional and modern performances, live pop music performances, and plenty of delicious Japanese food.
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
When: August 20-21, 2022
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.”
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: August 14, 2022
Backyard Festival
The August edition of this summer festival at Stackt Market is basically a giant outdoor party, complete with a local vendor market, music series, food station, a showcase of artists, and all things MadeinTO. What better way to enjoy summer in the city than with good tunes, good bites, and good company in an outdoor oasis?
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: August 20, 2022
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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, says the Chinatown BIA.
You can expect a neighbourhood-wide celebration of Toronto’s local Chinese community, from multi-cultural street food to traditional dancing and dragon shows, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more.
When: August 20 & 21, 2022
Where: West of Spadina Ave, between St Andrew St & Sullivan St
Herward Farms Lavender Festival
This Ontario lavender farm is hosting its first annual festival this August. 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
Union Summer
The city’s busiest transit hub is now busier in the best way possible. Toronto’s Union Summer is running until the end of this month, with a whole lineup of movie screenings, cuisine, dance parties, and entertainment offerings all summer long.
The market occupies a large space in front of Union Station with non-stop programming every day and into the late evening.
Where: 65 Front St West
When: June 27—August 28, 2022
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
The season of movies under the stars is back! The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) has returned with a new series of programming called Curtains Up!. The films pay tribute to all of the performing artists we’ve missed seeing live during the pandemic, from dancers to circus acts to musicians and more. Check out the full movie schedule right here.
Where: See locations
When: Until August 28, 2022
Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington Market
After a two-year hiatus, the Sunday street parties we know and love are officially back at Kensington Market. Pedestrian Sundays are back for the summer and will continue into the fall. On the last Sunday of August, Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood will host a street-wide celebration of community, culture, and ecology.
Where: Kensington Market
When: August 28, 2022
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Music Festivals
Boots & Hearts
Ontario’s favourite country music festival is back this August with some seriously iconic headliners. Get ready to stomp your boots and sing along with Shania Twain, Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, and tons more. Don’t forget to reserve your campsite at the festival grounds for a true country experience.
When: August 5-7, 2022
Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro Medonte
Electric Island
Toronto’s summer-long EDM fest is returning for another edition this August and there are so many performers to see. Shows will take place back to back all day long on the festival’s three outdoor stages on the Ontario Place grounds.
You’ll get to dance and picnic the day away while listening to the sounds of international house and techno artists, along with Canada’s top electronic music talent.
When: August 6, 2022
Where: West Island, Ontario Place
Food & Drink Events
Waterfront Night Market
Back for its thirteenth edition, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market will take over Ontario Place 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
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. Check out the full list of vendors here!
Where: 7 Queen’s Quay East
When: Until September 10, 2022
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Summerlicious Toronto
One of Toronto’s most popular foodie events is returning! The Summerlicious restaurant festival is back this August, offering Torontonians a way to celebrate the city’s diverse culinary scene with set menus and price points.
According to the City, this year’s Summerlicious is all about supporting the “recovery and revival of Toronto’s restaurant scene” by making it easier for restaurants to participate and offer their “enticing experiences and delectable food” to the public.
Where: See all restaurants here
When: August 12-28, 2022
Dine in a strawberry field
If you enjoy locally-sourced, fresh meals, this new dining experience near Toronto may be for you! Eat on the Acre is a farm-to-table experience that is set to take place this August, and will enable diners to enjoy fresh fare at a communal table in the gorgeous colourful setting of a strawberry field.
When: August 18, 2022
Where: Andrews Farm, 10 Side Road, Milton
Toronto Cider Festival
Cider enthusiasts, there’s a festival coming to Toronto this August that’s just for you. The Toronto Cider Festival is returning this summer for two days of cider tastings, delicious food pairings, and live music to rock out to while you sip.
Award-winning artists and DJs will provide the soundtrack as you sip your way through the festival, snap photos in the photo booth, explore the interactive graffiti art show, and relax in the fire pit lounge.
Where: The Toronto Inukshuk Park, 789 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: August 26-27, 2022
Jamaican Patty Festival
A festival dedicated to flavourful beef and flaky golden shells is coming to the city. Toronto’s Jamaican patty festival is happening this August and you’ll get to sink your teeth into some seriously delicious takes on this popular snack.
Presented by the Afro-Caribbean Farmers’ Market and the York-Eglinton BIA, the patty fest will take place on Saturday, August 6th in Toronto’s Little Jamaica on Eglinton West.
When: August 6, 2022
Where: York-Eglinton (Little Jamaica)
Vegandale Toronto
Toronto’s annual celebration of food, music, arts, and culture is making a comeback this summer. Vegandale will hit Historic Fort York & Garrison Common in early August!
A huge lineup of plant-based food vendors will take over the outdoor venue and serve up mouthwatering vegan bites, specialty beverages, sweet treats, and more. As you eat your way around the festival, live DJs will supply the tunes and an MC will be hosting games and giveaways on stage throughout the whole day.
Where: Historic Fort York & Garrison Common, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: August 6, 2022, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Attractions & Entertainment
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 now open in the GTA, and here’s a sneak peek inside!
Visitors can 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: Book your visit here
Toronto Bob Marley One Love Experience
A new immersive experience is now open in Toronto and it’s a celebration of art, culture, and the pioneer of reggae himself, Bob Marley. Toronto’s Bob Marley experience will feature never-before-seen memorabilia and an experience that transports you to the Jamaican forest.
Described as a “unique multi-room exhibit,” the Bob Marley experience will feature six massive distinct spaces, each of which is dedicated to a different chapter of the musician’s life and legacy.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Various times
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Attention Potterheads, this is not a drill! The highly-anticipated production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is finally in Toronto. This version of the world’s most award-winning play features an all-Canadian cast and it brings the wizarding world of Harry Potter to life on the Mirvish stage. Plus, you may even score some cheap seats in the weekly ticket lottery.
Where: 244 Victoria St
When: Select dates
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
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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 month.
The Big Bounce Canada by XL Event Lab, is touring Canada and will be stopping in Markham in August for two weekends. The fun-filled event features four massive inflatable attractions including the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE.
When: August 5 to 7 and 12 to 14
Where: Markham Fairgrounds – 10801 McCowan Road
Lake Shore Inflatable Waterpark
Looking for a new summer, day-time adventure? Or perhaps a way to experience the lake in a new way? A new inflatable water park experience is open right in the city this summer and it’s the largest of its kind in Ontario.
According to the new waterpark, “you’ll be able to enjoy 2 full hours of water fun! You’ll have a blast trying everything from teeter-totters to frog stomps, large slides, orbits, and more.”
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Canada’s Wonderland & SplashWorks
Canada’s premier amusement park has reopened with new attractions, restaurants, and entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Plus, SplashWorks has a brand new cliff-jumping attraction called Mountain Bay Cliffs, along with Canada’s largest outdoor wave pool, 17 water slides, and a Lazy River.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Wet n’ Wild
At a whopping 45 acres and featuring dozens of slides and attractions, this is one of the biggest water parks in Canada, not just Ontario. It features wave pools, adventure slides, vertical freefalling chutes, thrilling slopes, and slides with terrifying twists and turns.
Where: 7855 Finch Ave West, Brampton
