Image: Paul Singh, Salsa on St. Clair
Summer in Toronto is filled with exciting events and activities for everyone to enjoy. From live music to street festivals, food festivals, and fun activities for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the list below to plan your summer adventures in Toronto!
Image: Electric Island
Live Music Events
Listening to live music in the fresh air and dancing with friends and strangers alike is such an amazing summer feeling. Here are some of the best live music events happening this summer in Toronto:
- Summer Music in the Garden (June 21-Aug. 27): This outdoor concert series takes place on Thursdays and Sundays by the waterfront at the Toronto Music Garden at Harbourfront Centre, and features a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and world music.
- Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 6-20): Enjoy the smooth melodies of jazz music as you soak up the sun at this popular festival held in the Beaches neighbourhood.
- Afrofest (July 7-9): Celebrate vibrant African culture through music, dance, and food at this free festival that showcases the rich heritage of the African diaspora.
- Electric Island (Aug. 11-12 & Sept. 2-3): Dance the day away at this electronic music festival held on the Toronto Islands. Experience the energy of some of the world’s best DJs as you enjoy beautiful views of the city.
- VELD Music Festival (Aug. 4-6): If you’re a fan of electronic music, this is the festival for you. VELD brings together top EDM artists for an unforgettable weekend of music and dancing.
Street Festivals
Street festivals are a great excuse to get outside, to spend time with friends and family, and to get to know your neighbourhood – or another Toronto neighbourhood – even better. Here are some of the best ones happening this summer in Toronto:
- Salsa on St. Clair (July 8-9): Dance to the rhythms of salsa music at this lively street festival that takes place on St. Clair Avenue. Enjoy live Latin performances, eat delicious and authentic food, and join in on fun dance lessons.
- BIG on Bloor 2023 (July 15-16): Explore the vibrant Bloordale neighbourhood on Bloor St. (between Dufferin and Landsdowne) as it transforms into a pedestrian-friendly street filled with art installations, live music, and local vendors.
- Ossfest (July 22): Celebrate the unique charm of Toronto’s Ossington Avenue at this popular summer street festival featuring live music, street art, and performances.
- Fun Philippines Toronto Street Festival (July 22-23): Experience the flavours of the Philippines at this festival showcasing Filipino cuisine, dance workshops, and live performances.
- Festival of South Asia (July 29-30): Embrace the rich culture and traditions of South Asia at this festival taking place at Gerrard India Bazaar. Enjoy two jam-packed days of family-friendly activities, live performances, food vendors, and a vibrant marketplace.
- Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Aug. 3-7): Join in on the lively Caribbean carnival parade, filled with vibrant costumes, music, and dancing. This festival celebrates Caribbean culture and is a must-see event in Toronto.
Image: Waterfront Night Market Pan-Asian Food Festival
Food Festivals
Who doesn’t love to sample the amazing variety of cuisines available in Toronto? This summer’s food festivals are a great opportunity to try something new or to indulge in an old favourite. Here are some of our favourites:
- Downtown Toronto Rib & Beer Fest (July 14-16): Indulge in mouth-watering ribs from various vendors at this festival that celebrates all things BBQ. Enjoy live music and entertainment as you satisfy your taste buds.
- Foodville: Afro-Caribbean Food Festival (July 29): Celebrate the diverse flavours of African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin cuisine with this festival. Sample delicious dishes from local and international Black-owned vendors, enjoy live soca, dancehall, R&B, Afrobeat, and hip-hop music, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Taste of India Food Festival (Aug. 4-5): Get a taste of India at this festival featuring a diverse range of Indian cuisine, live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions.
- Toronto Food Truck Festival (Aug. 4-7): Taste a variety of delicious street food from different food trucks gathered at Woodbine Park. This festival is perfect for foodies looking for a unique culinary experience.
- Waterfront Night Market Pan-Asian Food Festival (Aug. 11-13): Discover the flavours of Asia at this food festival held at the waterfront. Sample a diverse range of Pan-Asian dishes while enjoying an all-Asian lineup of live entertainment. Symbolically designed in celebration of the QiXi Double Seven Festival (Asia’s version of Valentine’s Day), the 2023 (19 +) edition of the Waterfront Night Market is anchored by the Signature Pan-Asian Food Festival, featuring BeerCraft, Wine & Wok, Kre8ions Cultural Showcase, and the highly anticipated return of the Illuminasian Floating Lantern and Music Festival.
- Taste of the Danforth (Aug. 11-13): Dive into the flavours of Greece at this annual GreekTown food festival. Indulge in delicious cuisine, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in one of Toronto’s most famous street festivals.
Image: Centreville Amusement Park
Things to do with Kids
Want to plan a special day to keep the little ones entertained and delighted? We’ve got you covered!
- Centreville Amusement Park and Centre Island: Take your kids on a fun-filled day at Centre Island. Ride the iconic Centreville rides, enjoy the petting zoo, and relax on the beach.
- Pirate Life: Set sail on a pirate adventure with your little ones. This interactive theatre experience allows kids to dress up as pirates and engage in treasure hunts on a pirate ship.
- Skipperi: Spend a day with the family on Lake Ontario with a monthly subscription to Skipperi, a smart fleet of motorboats without the hassle of ownership. You only pay during the boating season!
- Yorkville Murals (Aug. 26-27): Take a stroll through Yorkville as it’s transformed into an outdoor gallery. Admire colourful and larger-than-life murals created by local artists and enjoy inflatables, art installations, live music, dance battles, art talks, and an evening block party. This outdoor art gallery is sure to captivate the imagination of children.
Image: BlogTO
Cultural Events
From culinary delights to outdoor cinema, craft beer fests, and neighbourhood charm, Toronto has a host of cultural events that you won’t want to miss this summer!
- Summerlicious (July 7-23): Treat yourself to a culinary adventure during Summerlicious, a city-wide restaurant event that offers prix-fixe menus at some of Toronto’s finest eateries.
- Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (on now – Aug. 27): Experience the magic of outdoor cinema at this film festival held in various locations around the city. Enjoy a film under the stars in unique and picturesque settings.
- Leslieville Beer Festival (Aug. 26): Discover local craft breweries and indulge in unique beer flavours at this festival celebrating Toronto’s thriving craft beer scene, taking place on Dundas Street East (from Logan Ave. to Carlaw Ave.).
- Bayside Summer Saturdays (Aug. 12 & 19): Experience a “perfect summer day” in the Bayside neighbourhood with two themed events. “Perfect Cottage Day” will feature board games, arts and crafts, and cottage-inspired food, and “Perfect Picnic Day” will feature food trucks, picnic tables with umbrellas, and fun lawn games.
- Open Streets: Explore the city streets without the presence of cars at Open Streets. Walk, bike, or skate along the open roads and take part in various activities and performances.
- Pedestrian Sundays, Kensington Market (last Sunday of each month until October): Experience the bohemian charm of Kensington Market as the streets come alive with performers, vendors, and food stalls. Take part in the lively energy and explore the unique shops and cafes.
There’s no shortage of fun activities and events to enjoy in Toronto this summer. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or looking for family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your calendar, mark the dates, and get ready to make the most of your summer in Toronto!
Which summer events are you most-looking forward to? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
BAZIS is a real estate development company specializing in developing communities and pre construction condos in Toronto area. We’re committed to excellence in every facet of the commercial and residential real estate development process. Combining visionary architecture, design, marketing and construction with the epitome of corporate integrity and environmental responsibility, BAZIS has become a major force in articulating Toronto’s ever-evolving skyline.