Events in Toronto – June 26 – 28, 2015

1. Apocalypsis

Luminato Festival presents Apocalypsis, an epic musical voyage written by acclaimed Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer and reimagined by Lemi Ponifasio of New Zealand’s MAU with musical direction by Toronto conductor David Fallis (The Toronto Consort, Opera Atelier). 1,000 musicians and artists from across Ontario bolster some of the best local and international talent around: from multi-disciplinary artist Nina Arsenault, Tony Award-winner Brent Carver, dancer Denise Fujiwara, Polaris Prize-winner Tanya Tagaq, rising New Zealand opera star Kawiti Waetford, and the voice of renowned performance artist Laurie Anderson.

2. Holst the Planets

You can’t help but be moved by Holst’s incredible astrological work depicting the seven planets of the solar system. Stay after this late-night performance for an audience-wide party featuring the salsa beats of Guaracha y Son.

3. Free Concerts

@Village of Yorkville Park – Bellair St. and Cumberland St., Toronto (weather permitting): Presented by Bloor-Yorkville BIA.

@ Yonge Dundas Square – Indie Fridays Presented by Virgin Mobile, in association with Massey Hall.

@ Rose Garden Square, Brampton – Garden Square Live

@ Roy Thomson Hall Patio – Live on the Patio

See here for free music & movies in GTA during Summer.

4. TD Toronto Jazz Festival

One of North America’s premier jazz festivals Attractions include more than 350 performances with over 1,500 musicians performing at approximately 40 locations around Toronto.

5. Pickering Village JAM

3 days and nights of music and entertainment + Street Vendors. Details

6. Purple Rain

Prince designed Purple Rain as the project that would make him a superstar, and, surprisingly, that is exactly what happened. Purple Rain finds Prince consolidating his funk and R&B roots while moving boldly into pop, rock, and heavy metal with nine superbly crafted songs. Brought to life by the stars of Classic Alums Live, “Purple Rain” will have you dancing in your seat!

7. Digital Dreams

Bud Light Digital Dreams is the largest electronic music festival in Canada. Set on the shoreline of Toronto with one of North America’s most iconic skylines in the background, Digital Dreams Music Festival and the Flats at Ontario Place offer party goers a sophisticated festival experience, unlike any other in the Canadian music landscape.

8. Ancient Poetry, New Melodies

This is the first concert in Toronto that joins choir, recitant, and traditional Chinese orchestra, pairing poetry from the Tang Dynasty with music from the 20th century. Join us on this exciting adventure as we explore another aspect of Chinese culture – the ancient literary arts and its influence on music.

9. A Symphonic Zoo

Luminato Festival. Bring the entire family for an afternoon of fun as Luminato Festival wraps in grand style, filling the Festival Hub’s Garden of Light with music inspired by animals. The TSO’s RBC Resident Conductor Earl Lee joins Music Director Peter Oundjian in A Symphonic Zoo, featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Stravinsky’s Firebird, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf*, the Bulldog from Elgar’s Enigma Variations and the Mule from Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.

1. Performing Arts Events

Performing Arts & Theatre in June

Events this weekend include

Once, The Musical @ Ed Mirvish Theatre

Kinky Boots @ Royal Alexandra Theatre

How to Kill a Comedian @ The Second City Theatre

Queer Pride @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

2. Luminato Festival

One of the preeminent arts festivals in North America! Luminato Festival is Toronto’s international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world. For 10 days each June, Luminato Festival transforms Toronto’s theatres, parks and public spaces with hundreds of events celebrating theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, magic, film, and more. Details

3. Earl Bales Park Music & Arts Festival

The festival features performances by a variety of musicians across a number of genres, displays by Toronto artists, activities for children and food booths from local restaurants. Performers include: Saint “O”, Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo, James Valdez & the Guilty Bystanders, Stanislas Vitort. Details

4. Japanese Film Festival

The Toronto Japanese Film festival is dedicated to showcasing the finest Japanese films that have been recognized for excellence by Japanese audiences and critics, international film festival audiences and the Japanese Film Academy.

1. Toronto Blue Jays

vs. Texas Rangers

2. Toronto FC

3. Runs & Walks

20th Annual Pride and Remembrance Run

Saturday, June 27, 2015 | 10:00 AM at the corner of Church and Wellesley Streets, Toronto. –

We Run 4 Harriet

5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run – Sunday June 28, 2015 | 9:15 AM at Esther Shriner Stadium,5720 Bathurst Street, Toronto –

Run & Hike for Huntington Disease (HD)

10k/5k runs, 5k hike on 7th annual: Sunday June 28 2015 at Wilket Creek Park, 1120 Leslie St., Toronto

1. Toronto RibFest

Rotary Etobicoke invites you to kick off your summer at our 16th annual Toronto Ribfest. With two stages going non-stop; with free KidzZone activities; with Toronto’s largest mobile midway, and with all kinds of fun daily attractions – this “Top 100 Festival and Event in Ontario” (for four years in a row) will not leave you wanting!

2. Pride Toronto

Pride Week celebrates our diverse sexual and gender identities, histories, cultures, creativities, families, friends and lives. It includes a three-day street festival with over eight stages of live entertainment, an extensive street fair (including community booths, vendors, food stalls), a special Family Pride program, a politically charged Dyke March, a Trans March and the famous Pride Parade.

3. CIBC Taste of Asia

Enjoy a vast variety of entertainment, information, activities and Asian cuisine! Enjoy East Asian and Canadian culture performances and concerts, and food from over 150 vendors!

4. Markham Rotary Ribfest and Music Festival

Sample those tasty ribs and a variety of foods to the tunes of some of your favorite bands.

5. Oakville Family Ribfest

The Co-operators Oakville Family Ribfest has something for everyone to do! Ribs, cold beer and live music are complemented by hours of fun for kids in the PlayZone and lots of great shopping in the Marketplace.

6. British Car Day

Explore over 50 cars from the Toronto Triumph Club! Featuring British Cars like:
Triumph, Jaguar, DeLorean, Austin and many, many more! BBQ & Food, Brewery Tour and more!

7. Strawberry Festival

Three days of entertainment! Music and entertainment fill the air throughout the Festival. Come out and enjoy the local crafts, food and entertainment. Tons of fun for the whole family the whole weekend!

8. Nordic Fair & Finn Festival

Come join the thousands of visitors and participating vendors to share this Nordic Fair that celebrates and promotes the cultures, traditions … and current life in the Nordic countries. Nordic Fair is held in conjunction with FinnFestival 2015 Festival programming includes Toronto Swedish Folk dancers & Singers, Swedish and the Danish folkdancers and more!

9. Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show

Join the celebration the Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show celebrates its 5th anniversary! Bring your family and friends to this all-day event where you will experience the Philippine culture and sample popular Philippine delicacies; watch the live coronation of the next Little Miss Philippines Canada, Miss Teen Philippines Canada and Mrs. Philippines Canada. Shop among the booths and check out the great displays.

10. Caribbean & South Asian Showcase

Celebrate two days of exciting, inviting intercultural exchange of food, fashion, music, dance that reflect the rich artistic and cultural talents from both these cultures.

11. Durham Caribbean Festival

The festival profiles food, cultural displays vendors and entertainment from the Caribbean culture and is geared towards all.The program includes a one main stage featuring diverse live cultural performances as well as DJ music and a headliner, children zone including carnival rides and games and over 30 diverse food and craft vendors.

11. Fiesta Week

Durham region’s multicultural festival. Enjoy ethnic cuisine and performances.

12. Eco Art Fest

This year’s festival offers 6 outdoor public art installations, workshops for families and all ages, guided art walks, and a gathering space modeled after a traditional Beer Garden. This space offers visitors a place to relax, eat organic locally sourced foods, have a drink, and listen to music in a natural setting just outside the downtown.