Toronto 
Current Weekend – Things to do this weekend in Toronto
I. Para Pan Am Games & Celebrations
1. Parapan Am Games
Parapan Am Games will host more than 1,600 athletes who will compete in 15 sports at 11 different competition venues, which have been designed to operate and deliver accessible options for both athletes and spectators.
Friday, August 14th – 5:00 PM – Final Swimming Medal Session
2. Panamania
PANAMANIA, presented by CIBC, is a 35-day TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games arts and culture festival. Unprecedented in scale, PANAMANIA will feature more than 1,300 artists in 250 performances and exhibitions across Toronto from July 10 to August 15. The festival will showcase the diverse cultures and artistic excellence of Ontario, Canada and the Americas through music, theatre, dance and more!
3. Cultural Village
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Cultural Village – Constructed at Fort York, the village will have the feel, sights and sounds of a traditional Mississauga nation village. Visitors will journey back through time to experience a working round house. Dressed in traditional clothing, workers will show how life was lived with authentic artifacts. Artisans will teach basket weaving, braiding and other crafts.
4. Ontario’s Celebration Zone
Experience 38 days of the BEST of Ontario during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The Best of Ontario. All in One Place. One Epic Celebration. Events include 38 nightly concerts,live Games coverage, 40 ft. rock climbing wall and adrenaline jump, weekly farmer’s market,culinary experiences, Ontario craft beers and award winning wines and more. Details
I. Live Music & Concerts
Soul in the City – Casa Loma will play host to live performances by Sean Jones in the spectacular Glass Pavilion – Monday Evenings in August | Doors – 05:00 PM | Regular Admission.
1. Free Concerts across GTA
Sunday Serenades at Mel Lastman Square
Casablanca Orchestra: @ Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre in Earl Bales Park, Toronto on Tuesday, August 11 | 07:00 PM (Earl Bales Summer Entertainment Series).
Concert @ College Park Courtyard, 777 Bay Street, Toronto on Wednesday, August 12 | 12:00 PM (Play the Parks).
Kaia Kater @ Trinity Square, Distillery District on Wednesday, August 12 | 6:00 PM (Music City Summer Series)
Concert @ Trinity Park on Thursday, August 13 | 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM (Play the Parks).
Quique Escamilla @ Roy Thomson Hall Patio, Toronto on Thursday, August 13 | 05:00 PM (Live on the Patio).
Richmond Hill Has Talent @ Mill Pond Park Gazebo, Richmond Hill on Thursday, August 13 | 07:00 PM (Concert in the Park).
Lido Pimienta @ St James Park, Toronto on Thursday, August 13 | 07:00 PM (Music in St. James Park).
Eddie Bullen Trio @ Toronto Botanical Garden on Thursday, August 13 | 07:00 PM (The Edwards Summer Music Series).
Summer Breezes @ Toronto Music Garden, 475 Queens Quay West on Thursday, August 13 | 07:00 PM (Music in the Garden).
Jeanine Mackie – Jazzin’ it up for Markham Jazz Festival @ Unionville’s Millennium Bandstand, Markham on Thursday, August 13 | 7:30 PM – 09:00 PM (Thursday Nights at the Bandstand).
Raz Hilland Trio @ Village of Yorkville Park on Friday, August 14 | 11:30 AM – 02:30 PM (Bloor Yorkville Summer Music).
Nano Stern @ Roy Thomson Hall Patio, Toronto on Friday, August 14 | 05:00 PM (Live on the Patio).
AHI @ Garden Square, Brampton on Friday, August 14 | 07:00 PM (Friday Night Artist Spotlight).
Zaki Ibrahim @ Yonge-Dundas Square on Friday, August 14 | 08:30 PM (Indie Fridays).
David Leask @ Village of Yorkville Park on Saturday, August 15 | 1:30 PM – 04:30 PM (Bloor Yorkville Summer Music).
Concert @ Alex Robertson Park, Pickering on Sunday, August 16 | 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM (Esplanade Concert Series).
Ragas by the Lake @ Toronto Music Garden, 475 Queens Quay West on Sunday, August 16 | 04:00 PM (Music in the Garden).
Toronto All-Star Big Band @ Mel Lastman Square, Toronto on Sunday, August 16, 2015 | 07:30 PM (Sunday Serenades).
See Free Summer concerts in GTA
Symphony in the Gardens – Toronto Concert Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Kerry Stratton at Casa Loma | Tuesdays, till August 25, 2015 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
2. Markham Jazz Festival
The 2015 Markham Jazz Festival has a wonderful line up this year with many talented musicians. This year, we’re serving up a savoury fusion of jazz essentials and innovative music-making. Artists include Canadian musicians, including these 2015 winners: singer Diana Panton (Vocal Jazz Album of the Year), saxophonist Kirk MacDonald (Jazz Album of the Year: Solo) and guitarist Steve Hill (Blues Album of the Year) and more! Details
August 13 – 16, 2015
3. Time Festival
Independent music festival featuring Die Antwood, Mac Demarco, Ariel Pink, BadBadNotGood, Yung Lean, Alison Wonderland and more!
4. EdgeFest
Final concert of EdgeFest Concert Series. On Aug 15 – Mother Mother.
Saturday, August 15, 2015 | 05:00 PM
II. Theatre & Other Events
1. Performing Arts Events
Performing Arts & Theatre in August
Events this weekend include
Dusk Dances @ Alex Robertson Park, Pickering
Oh Canada What a Feeling! @ Princess of Wales Theatre
Always ABBA @ Lower Ossington Theatre
Best of Second City @ The Second City Theatre
Kinky Boots @ Royal Alexandra Theatre
Newsies @ Ed Mirvish Theatre
The Comedy of Errors & Julius Caesar. – Shakespeare in High Park @ High Park Amphitheatre
Shakespeare in the Square @ Ken Whillans Square, Brampton
Warrior Woman & the Planet of Robots @ Majlis Theatre, 163 Walnut Street, Toronto
On Golden Pond @ Rose Theatre, Brampton
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 | Celebration Square, Whitby
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 | Roswell Park, Clarington
Thursday, August 13, 2015 | Millennium Square, Pickering
Saturday, August 15, 2015 – Sunday, August 16, 2015 | Scugog Shores Historical Museum, Port Perry
Bard in Berczy: Love’s Labour Lost @ Berczy Park, Toronto
dance: made in canada @ Betty Oliphant Theatre
Kathak Mahotsav Canada @ Fairview Library Theatre Toronto
2. Free Movies
Godzilla @ Garden Square, Brampton on Tuesday, August 11 | 09:00 PM ( Throwback Flicks).
Dick Tracey @Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto on Tuesday, August 11 | 09:00 PM (City Cinema).
The Descendants @ WestJet Stage, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto on Wednesday, August 12 | 08:45 PM (Free Flicks Harbourfront Centre)
Dial M for Murder @ David Pecaut Square, 215 King St W, Toronto on Wednesday, August 12 | 09:00 PM (TIFF in the Park)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) @ Mississauga Celebration Square on Thursday, August 13, 2015 | 08:00 PM (Movie Nights).
Hotel Transylvania@ Flemingdon Park, 150 Grenoble Drive, North York on Friday August 14, 2015 | 9:00 PM – (TIFF in your Park)
The LEGO Movie @ Garden Square, Brampton on Saturday, August 15, 2015 | 09:00 PM ( Movies Under the Stars).
There Will Be Blood @ Christie Pitts Park, 779 Crawford St, Toronto on Sunday, August 16 (Christie Pits Film Festival – PWYC – Suggested $10)
See more Free Summer Movies in GTA
3. Marvel Universe Live!
Comic book superheroes come to life in high-tech, action-packed “Marvel Universe Live”. “Marvel Universe Live” will take the live show experience to a whole new level with a mind-blowing original story that brings the most Marvel characters together in one new production. It features the world’s most iconic super heroes and villains performing martial arts, aerial stunts and motocross. Details
August 13 – August 16, 2015
4. Summer Works Performance Festival
Theatre, Dance, Music, and Live Art. 11 days of Canada’s most innovative and original performance, the latest and greatest in performance making and breaking.
August 6 – 16, 2015
5. Jim Jeffries
Standup Comedian.
August 13 – 15, 2015
6. StArt YPA Festival
Enjoy a day full of amazing live performances, face painting, henna tattoos, drum circle, visual arts and much more!
Saturday, August 15 2015 | 12:00 PM – 07:00 PM
7. Salsa Days at Casa Loma
Join us at Casa Loma for a Latin American dance celebration in honour of the Pan Am Games. Over five weekends in July and August we are welcoming ten of the GTA’s best Latin dance schools to showcase their talents and offer introductory lessons to our visitors. Details
Aug 16 – The Dance Connexion | 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
III. Sports & Related Events
Easter Seals Regatta on Sunday, August 16
2. Superbike Double Header
Canada’s top motorcycle riders compete in a doubleheader points race for the national Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship. This is the premier stop of the season for the Superbikes, along with other national classes including Pro Sport Bike, Amateur Superbike, Amateur Sport Bike and the Honda CBR250R Series. Off-track features include the BMW Motorrad Days, with on and off road bikes to test, live music and riding merchandise plus demo rides featuring the latest bike from the top manufacturers.
3. Toronto BlueJays
Hamilton Harbour Fishing Derby 2015 on Saturday, August 15, 2015
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
TBG Organic Farmers Market, Thursdays at Toronto Botanical gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave E , North York
1. York-Eglinton International Street Festival
The 8th Annual York-Eglinton International Street Festival is one of Toronto’s must-see events. Created to showcase Toronto’s diverse community, the International Street Festival features live musical performances from local talent, salsa dance demonstrations and instruction, a street-level carnival, countless food vendors, an exotic animal petting zoo, and amazing sales offered by community businesses. Details
Sunday, August 16, 2015 | 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
2. Durham Festival
A celebration of culture & creativity in Durham Region. From bike rides to gourmet food trucks, performance in the park to night-time dance parties, the Durham Festival offers a taste of all the goodness the region has to offer. The Festival invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate the diverse communities and creative talent that live within Durham’s eight municipalities. Explore local businesses and organizations as you take in the sights, sounds, smells, and flavours of the region.
Eco Art Fest – Until September 13 @ Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto.
3. Waterfront Night Market
The 6th Annual T&T Waterfront Night Market will treat attendees to an exciting outdoor culinary experience featuring an enticing selection of Asian theme ‘street food’ and merchandise for an all-out night market experience. The essence of the WNM is to provide an array of multicultural theme cuisine; to unite different cultures together in participating in cross-cultural social event; ultimately, showcasing Canada’s mosaics of unparalleled fusion foods and lifestyle, integrated into one destination.
Saturday, August 15, 2015 | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday, August 16, 2015 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
4. Habari Africa Festival
Habari Africa festival is a multi-disciplinary music and arts celebration. Learn about the rich and diverse cultures spanning the African continent at this weekend-long exploration of art, food, film, music and more.
5. South Asian Heritage Festival of Mississauga
Mosaic is the largest FREE South Asian Arts, Culture and Heritage Festival of North America. Mosaic 2015 will be featuring a film festival, main stage performances, youth stage performances, food and commercial vendors.
Saturday, August 15, 2015 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
6. canfitpro World Fitness Expo
Nutrition, supplements, gear, and equipment from over 200 companies such as GNC, Reebok, SKECHERS, Timex Canada, and Zumba Fitness. Fitness and nutrition lectures and activities with; The Paleo Diet™ author Dr. Loren Cordain; North America’s Gluten-Free Expert™ Kathy Smart; Best-selling author Tosca Reno …and many more!
7. Wheels on the Danforth
6th annual family friendly festival. Car show which features an amazing assortment of Classics, Exotics, Tuners, Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, and Motorcycles, a variety of vendors and artisans, Kids zone, and more!
• Danforth Avenue from Byng Avenue to Leyton Avenue
• Danforth Avenue from Leyton Avenue to Warden Avenue
• Danforth Road from Landry Avenue to Danforth Avenue
8. Sweetery Toronto Food Festival
Toronto’s Inaugural Sweets Food Festival. Bringing sweet things & sweet people together.
9. Black Dog Rescue Fundraiser
Join us at the Leslieville Arts Market for a jam-packed evening of drinks, door prizes, snacks, palm readings and a live auction (which is always heaps of fun!). This is a great way to spend a summer’s evening, with a fun group of people all while raising money for a wonderful local group! Details
The Beach Bash – Lake Simcoe @ Jacksons Point, Georgina on Aug 15 –
10. BluesBERRY Festival
BluesBERRY Festival celebrates the best of Blues music and fresh Berries! Come to Historic Downtown Bowmanville to enjoy a blueberry pancake breakfast, fresh berry shortcake, pies, tarts, sweets, and so much more. Stroll the 4 city blocks while listening to live Blues bands and check out the artisan and craft booths.
Clarington Heritage Week – August 10 to 16, 2015
11. Doors Open Aurora
Don’t miss your chance to explore the hidden treasures of this historical town located on the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
12. Festival of South Asia
Exotic South Asian cuisines, Arts & Cultural displays, Main Stage entertainment featuring Deep Jandu, Dhol Circle, Aakash Band, Toronto Tabla Ensemble, Agni, Kids Activities including street performances by Zero Gravity Circus & The Cornerstone Studio, and more!
for the Festival of South Asia.
13. Open Streets TO
Run, walk, bike, play! Come out to Open Streets TO and experience Toronto’s streets like never before. Open Streets are programs where the streets are opened to people and closed to cars. People traffic replaces car traffic, and the streets become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities,and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their health. Choose how you move! Bring your running shoes, rollerblades, skateboard, wheelchair or bike!
During the Open Streets Toronto event, vehicles will be able to cross Bloor Street at Spadina Avenue/Road, Avenue Road, Bay Street, Ted Rogers Way, Church Street, Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street. Vehicles will be able to cross Yonge Street at College Street/Carlton Street, Gerrard Street, Dundas Street, Shuter Street and Queen Street.
14. Fusion of Taste Festival
The 9th annual Woodbine Toyota Fusion of Taste Festival is a one-day celebration of multiculturalism. The festival is a showcase of cultural dancing, live performances, and over 60 vendors offering diverse cultural wares. The primary attraction of the event is the culinary offerings, including Thai, Chinese, West Indian, and South Asian food. Join in all the fun the festival has to offer including fun competitions, a live mural painting, amusement rides, face painting, and a free raffle draw.
15. Ackee Fest 2015
Ackee is associated with excitement, culture and memorable family events in the Caribbean and African communities. It is a food that lends itself to social acceptance, as it effortlessly cuts across socio-economic strata and can be enjoyed by all. The event is a great opportunity to delve into various ackee dishes from the Caribbean, African, vegetarian, vegan and Halal delicacies. Ackee Fest inspires people to try new healthy dishes that include ackee, celebrate arts, and celebrate culture, sample food of the African and Caribbean diaspora!
Finch Avenue West and Weston Road, Toronto
Child: $15
16. Ultimate Thrills Circus
Come one, come all! This August, International Showplace will be taken over by Ultimate Thrills Circus! Never a dull moment, this circus will amaze guests of all ages with edge-of-seat thrills. Watch in astonishment as these performers balance and ride the Motorcycle Highwire above your head, the Acrobats perform the Swinging Trapeze and Wheel of Destiny, while Renaldo the Clown will keep you entertained until the final minute. Details
17. India Day Festival
Come and experience great Indian cuisine, culture and unlimited entertainment all day.
18. Dundas Cactus Festival
Come out and celebrate 40 years of Cactus. The 2015 Cactus Festival of Dundas Ontario will feature some of the best bands you’ll see all summer long. Each stage offers something different. Also includes kids zone, midway and vendors.
19. Toronto Tours & Walks
Explore Toronto through speciality guided tours!
1. Tasty Tours: Tasty Tours offers a variety of Sweets Tours along Toronto’s eclectic multicultural neighbourhoods.
2. Toronto Photo Tours : Capture the beauty of Toronto – From historic architecture to colourful and eclectic markets.
3. Toronto Ghost Walks: Join for an evening walk on and around the University of Toronto’s St. George campus and hear the stories, myths and legends surrounding those who haunt the halls of some of Toronto’s oldest buildings.
4. Kensington and Chinatown Caper :Uncover history, graffiti and sample street food in this scavenger hunt through this multicultural market – all while answering tricky questions.
5. Church Street Caper : Explore the Church-Wellesley Village, learn a little history, and answer tricky questions on this romp through time and space! (Ages 16+)
6. Haunted Toronto Scavenger Hunt :Tales of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge abound on this scavenger hunt after dark through Toronto’s most haunted places… Keep your wits about you!
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