Things to Do to Celebrate 2026 Father’s Day in Toronto & GTA: Events & Activities

Ideas to Celebrate Father’s Day in Toronto

Celebrate this special day with Dad: gift him a memorable weekend of togetherness and enjoy some of the events taking place in and around Toronto. Fathers Day in Toronto

We have listed events for the weekend so you can find something to do on whichever day suits you best.

For more ideas, see Things to Do this weekend in Toronto

I. Father’s Day Brunch/Dinner/BBQ

Enjoy a Father’s Day dinner on the patio or order takeout.

Plenty of restaurants around Toronto are offering dine-in options, with some specifically crafting a Father’s Day menu for the occasion. See the list for a selection of restaurants ranging from classic steaks and hearty comfort food to amazing, unique brunch options to celebrate Father’s Day with quality dine-in food.
Reid’s 4th Annual Father’s Day Mini-Putt Tournament: Make Father’s Day playful at Reid’s Distillery during its 4th Annual Mini-Putt Tournament. On June 21, enjoy nine holes inside the distillery, handcrafted drinks, Strawberry Lime Gimlet samples and BBQ choices like hot dogs, burgers or veggie dogs. Tee times run every 15 minutes from 11 am to 4 pm.

Toronto Harbour Father’s Day Brunch Cruises:

City Cruises Toronto: Set sail for Father’s Day aboard the Odyssey, where Dad can enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, Toronto Harbour views and skyline scenery from a climate-controlled dining room. After the meal, visit the open-air rooftop deck for photos, fresh air and relaxed time together on the water without complicated planning. June 21, 2026, brunch 12 pm @ Queen’s Quay Terminal – South/East Dock Wall, 207 Queen’s Quay West | $45-$80 per person
Tall Ship Cruises Toronto: The Tall Ship Cruises tour company of Toronto has an incredible offer to help with your Father’s Day plans and celebrations. This Father’s Day, Tall Ship Cruises will have a special dining cruise for brunch on board the Obsession III. The experience will include access to a delicious brunch buffet while you spend two hours sailing around the Harbour and downtown shoreline. June 21, 2026, 12 pm @ 235 Queens Quay W | $70-$90 per person

II. Food, Craft Beer, & More

Celebrate Father’s Day and the start of summer by enjoying these great food festivals taking place in Toronto:

1. Father’s Day Food Tour

What’s a better gift for this Father’s Day than taking Dad out on the ultimate food adventure? Explore Kensington Market to experience all of the fantastic flavours that make this neighbourhood so unique. Come hungry, and you will not be leaving with an empty stomach!

June 20 & 21, 2026 @ Kensington Market, 30 St Andrew St, Toronto

2. Toronto Beaches Rib & Beer Festival

Visit Woodbine Park for a family-filled weekend of excitement and delicious food. Experience Country Night, Rock the Park, Music Mash-Up, and Ribs on Sunday. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and more.

June 19 to 21, 2026 @ Woodbine Park, 1675 Lakeshore Boulevard East, Toronto

3. Pickering Ribfest

Discover a delectable array of savoury delights that will delight your taste buds and take you on a journey of mouth-watering flavours, sure to tantalize your senses and leave you wanting more.

June 19 to 21, 2026 @ 1 Esplanade Park, Pickering

III. Go Fishing for Free

Go fishing with Dad for free! OFFE is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish in Ontario without a licence.

Details

June 20 & 21, 2026 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday)

Ontario Waters

Free

IV. Cirque du Soleil

Credit: Anne Colliard/Cirque du Soleil

Luzia – Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA chronicles the encounters of a parachuted traveler with the culture, nature and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA enchants by artistically incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.. @ 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto

V. Vintage Cars and Races

Experience the thrill of a car race, a rodeo or check out the meanest machines this weekend with Dad!

Yorkville Exotic Car Show: Walk along the red carpet to get up close with some of the best examples of automotive design from around the world. See over 120 classic and exotic cars, including SuperCars, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and more. June 21 @ Bloor St. W. from Avenue Rd. to Bay St. in Yorkville
VARAC Vintage Grand Prix: Give Dad a special treat this Father’s Day weekend – a trip to CTMP to see beautifully restored cars from the past 50-plus years of motorsports, racing on our world-famous Grand Prix circuit. June 19 to 21 @ Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, 3233 Concession Rd 10, Bowmanville
Halton County Radial Railway: Take Dad for a nostalgic ride on historic streetcars at the Halton County Radial Railway in Milton. With free admission for fathers with a youth ticket, enjoy a scenic journey on vintage electric railcars and explore a unique railway museum together.
The Great War Flying Museum: Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at The Great War Flying Museum with guided tours, engaging stories, and a chance to learn about Canada’s WWI aviation history. Weather permitting, enjoy the thrilling sight of a replica WWI aircraft taking flight—perfect for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike. June 20 & 21 @ The Great War Flying Museum, 13691 McLaughlin Road, Cheltenham

VI. Farm Fun, Midways and more! For the Family

Credit: Art of Brick

Little Laughs, Big Dad Jokes: Bring Dad to Little Canada on June 20 and 21 for Dad Quest, a pun-filled Mini Mission included with admission. Explore the 45,000 sq. ft. miniature world, match dad jokes to detailed scenes, collect letters and solve a final riddle during a playful family adventure built around laughter and discovery. @ Little Canada, 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto.
Highland Creek Heritage Festival: Highland Creek Heritage Festival celebrates one of the earliest settlements in the Scarborough community with a fun-filled day of music, food and entertainment for the whole family! Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ Highland Creek Community Park, 3500 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough
African Safari: Enjoy 9 kms of drive through Game Reserves that takes approximately one hour to complete and see lions, giraffe, cheetah, rhinos and over 1,000 other exotic birds and animals up close.
Pick Your Own Strawberries: Visit GTA & Hamilton Strawberry Farms for a fun outing and pick your own strawberries! Whether you’re craving some fresh fruits or just want to support your local farmer, there is a wide variety of U-pick berry farms!
Desifest: desiFEST features 12 hours of entertaining musical and dance performances in the heart of downtown Toronto. June 19 & 20 @ Sankofa Square.
Caledon Fair: A family-friendly fair showcasing local agriculture, talent, and heritage. Enjoy the Bavarian Gardens, inflatable midway, pony rides, petting zoo, exhibits, and food from Knox United Church. With hands-on displays and community fun all weekend, it’s a perfect outing @Caledon Fairgrounds, 18297 Hurontario Street, Caledon Village
Global Fest Toronto: Spend Father’s Day exploring Global Fest Toronto, a family-friendly multicultural festival celebrating the people, stories and traditions that shape the city. Watch traditional performances, discover modern fusion acts, sample street food, browse global fashion and connect with diverse communities in an inclusive setting made for shared discovery. June 21 @ Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
Guided Walks: Give Dad a history-filled weekend with two guided Toronto walks. On June 20, uncover ghost signs near Sorauren Avenue and learn how old painted ads shaped identity. On June 21, stroll Greektown on the Danforth, tracing postwar migration, faith, food, family businesses and community stories from Playter Gardens with insight.
FIFA Watch Parties: Watch live broadcasts, hear music, enjoy performances, explore art, taste diverse food and join community programming that reflects Toronto as “The World in a City,” capturing tournament passion from kickoff to final whistle.
South by Southeast International Festival: Join Dad at SXSE 2026, transforming Nathan Phillips Square from June 17 to 20 into a vibrant World Cup viewing party and cultural festival. Experience live soccer screenings, Latin DJs, salsa, bachata, samba, Bollywood showcases, Chinese lion dance, opera, mariachi, acrobatics and community pride across Toronto’s global downtown stage together.
Fairbank Summerfest: Take Dad to Fairbank Summerfest for a lively west-end street festival filled with free admission, rides and entertainment. Enjoy carnival games, kids’ activities, live music, cultural showcases and global food vendors while exploring one of Toronto’s largest neighbourhood celebrations, where community spirit and summer energy bring families together. June 19 to 21 @ 1840-2030 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto
Indigenous Arts Festival: Mark Father’s Day with a meaningful Indigenous Peoples Month gathering featuring First Nations, Inuit and Métis music, dance, food and artisan experiences. Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, families can browse handmade crafts, enjoy authentic cuisine and stay for evening performances that honour culture, community and connection across Turtle Island.
International Ceramic Art Fair: For art-loving dads, the Gardiner Museum’s International Ceramic Art Fair offers a thoughtful Father’s Day outing. This exhibition explores contemporary ceramics, design, technology, cities and shared space through the theme “the city and the commons” and public programming for curious visitors.
The Art of the Brick Toronto: Surprise Dad with Art of the Brick in Toronto, a colourful LEGO exhibition featuring more than 130 artworks built from over a million bricks. See reimagined masterpieces, a six-metre T. rex, safari scenes and photography collaborations, then try the play-and-build area before browsing exclusive gift shop items for home creativity.

Credit: RBG

ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey: Plan a Father’s Day trip to Royal Botanical Gardens for ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey, opening June 20. Stroll through the Rose Garden among 18 large-scale sculptures, discover playful botanical characters, unlock hidden augmented-reality Cloudwalkers and enjoy an outdoor art adventure blending nature, technology and imagination.

VII. Shop For Last Minute Gifts

Were you not able to shop for Dad? Here are some markets and shows taking place this weekend:

BBQ Skewers and Steak Flipper: Forge a memorable Father’s Day at Pickering Museum Village with a beginner-friendly blacksmithing workshop for ages 16+. Guided by a professional smith, participants craft a BBQ skewer and steak flipper while learning practical techniques. You can leave with handmade grilling tools, new skills and a rugged experience suited to backyard cooks. June 20 & 21, 2026
Riverside Vintage Crawl: Find something special for Dad at Riverside’s Vintage Crawl. Browse vintage shops, sidewalk sales and one-of-a-kind summer finds while enjoying complimentary snacks and refreshments, in-store tax savings and local raffle prizes throughout the neighbourhood for a relaxed pre-Father’s Day outing. June 19 @Queen Street East between Davies and Empire Ave., Toronto
Flavours of the Game: Take Dad to Flavours of the Market for a lively community outing during FIFA festivities. Browse handmade goods, meet local makers and organizations, try interactive activities, then sample global bites from the 707 food containers, including Vietnamese and Ethiopian cuisine. June 20 @ Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Bay Ridges Community Sale Day: Hunt for Father’s Day finds at Bay Ridges Community Sale Day in Pickering, an annual neighbourhood street market filled with handmade goods, small business vendors, garage sale treasures and local discoveries. Browse at an easy pace, pick up something thoughtful for Dad and enjoy a community outing with plenty to explore. June 20, 2026 @ Bay Ridges, 706 Kingfisher Drive, Pickering

VIII. Enjoy a concert!

Take Dad to see some of his favourite artists!

Toronto Jazz Festival: Treat Dad to the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, where Yorkville becomes a walkable summer stage for nearly 60 artists. Free OLG Village performances and Sidewalk Sessions fill parks, public spaces and outdoor venues with emerging voices, established musicians, jazz legends and hidden gems, giving music lovers a Father’s Day outing.
Markham Village Music Festival: Spend Father’s Day weekend at Markham Village Music Festival, with five entertainment stages, 50-plus artists, craft and food booths, farmers’ market finds and a multicultural Taste of Markham. Families can enjoy Kidz Zone activities, while music fans catch Preston Pablo, Ron Sexsmith and Crash Test Dummies live on nearby streets.
Summer Music in the Garden presents Métis soprano Julie Lumsden with pianist Kate Carver on Sunday at 4pm. Their luminous program blends Indigenous music, opera, musical theatre and art song, including Ian Cusson’s cycle Five Songs on Poems of Marilyn Dumont.
Considering Matthew Shepard at Metropolitan United Church is Craig Hella Johnson’s powerful oratorio reflecting on grief, rage, tenderness and hope after Matthew Shepard’s murder. Modern Sound Collective’s youth choirs, soloists and instrumentalists unite over 100 voices for a moving call toward compassion and responsibility.

IX. Theatre and more!

Check out Toronto’s premier cultural festival or attend a theatre show with Dad!

TORONTO Japanese Film Festival: Share Father’s Day through cinema at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival, marking its 15th anniversary with 24 acclaimed films, visiting filmmakers, Japanese food and cultural programming. Explore samurai epics, contemporary dramas, comedies, action, children’s stories, art-house titles and anime, offering Dad a thoughtful screen journey into Japan’s creative world together.
Luminato Festival: For arts-loving dads, Father’s Day at Luminato offers a bold Toronto outing shaped by this year’s theme, PLAY. Explore performances, media, visual art and conversations blending whimsy, imagination, justice, reconciliation and power dynamics, with Canadian creators and international artists transforming the city into a thoughtful, boundary-crossing cultural stage for families.
& Juliet at Royal Alexandra Theatre reimagines Shakespeare’s heroine choosing life beyond Romeo. This witty pop musical delivers romance, comedy, empowerment and chart-topping anthems in a fresh, feel-good theatrical twist.
Primary Trust at Guloien Theatre follows Kenneth, whose steady bookshop routine unravels after job loss. Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer-winning drama offers a tender, funny, deeply human portrait of grief, connection and courageous personal change.
American Devotion premieres at Streetcar Crowsnest, imagining Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and Norman Mailer in 1957. Set amid McCarthyism, it explores marriage, politics, ambition and celebrity power.
Tiger Bride at Young Centre for the Performing Arts transforms Angela Carter’s tale into a punk-rock gothic song cycle, blending cabaret, horror, desire, fury and feral female metamorphosis.
The Caged Bird Sings at Tarragon Theatre radically reimagines Rumi’s Masnavi, following imprisoned lovers Rumi and Jin with mysterious Sal. Blending Sufi mysticism, ghosts and demons, it examines freedom, self-made cages and transcendence.
Paranormal Activity at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre brings the terrifying film series to the stage, following James and Lou as their move from Chicago to London reveals that hauntings live within people, not places.
You Must Change Your Life at Alumnae Theatre reshapes Richard Foreman’s text into a disorienting comedy directed by Ilana Khanin, probing language, superstition, attention and life’s absurd contradictions with theatrical playfulness.
PUNCH: A New Musical at Factory Theatre follows an abandoned monkey raised by humans, then released among 60 monkeys. Andrew Seok’s heartfelt story explores belonging, rejection, loneliness, hope and self-worth.
MADDADDAM by National Ballet of Canada at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts immerses audiences in Margaret Atwood’s post-apocalyptic world through Wayne McGregor’s ballet, scored by Max Richter, confronting technology, colonialism, greed, extinction, invention and humanity with urgent Canadian moral vision force.
The Outsiders at Princess of Wales Theatre brings Ponyboy, Johnny and the Greasers to 1967 Tulsa, blending friendship, rivalry, identity and belonging through a dynamic score inspired by Hinton’s novel and Coppola’s classic film.

X. For the Gardener Dad!

Enjoy a stroll in the gardens: Gorgeous gardens span across the Greater Toronto Area, and range from flowers that come in all colours of the spectrum to shrubs and bushes that make up a visually beautiful green backdrop for a stroll.
Sculpture Gardens: Take a leisurely walk through outdoor sculpture gardens. Sculpture gardens are the perfect blend of nature and art, featuring art installations from local and international artists and encompassing multiple different themes. As you stroll or bike through these outdoor galleries, you’ll find yourself experiencing a unique story at each location.
Garden Centres: Shop for plants and spend some time creating a garden with Dad.

More Fun: Go on an adventure

There are many fun outdoor activities to do this weekend. For more activities, see Ontario adventures!

Cruises & Paddling: Water-based experiences are everywhere in Toronto. Here are a few places to go to enjoy fun on Lake Ontario.
Go Lazy River Tubing: Round up the family and go tubing. Ontario has many slow-flowing rivers that are safe and surrounded by some of the province’s best examples of nature.
Test Your Monkey Skills at Treetop Trekking: Treetop Trekking is a place where you and your family can safely and responsibly enjoy an amazing and unforgettable day of outdoor fun! Surround yourself in nature while exploring the forest during one of the park’s many unforgettable adventure activities.
Hiking: There are plenty of opportunities across the GTA to enjoy nature. Enjoy a leisurely walk with Dad at any of these locations: