Searching for free events, festivals or free places to visit and things to do this summer in Toronto? Here is a list of FREE family-friendly for every day this summer in Toronto and GTA.

Credit: To Do Canada

Have the best Toronto staycation, and have a blast credit-card free!

100+ FREE Things to Do this Summer in Toronto – 2023

• The events and attractions listed are free for everybody. Places to visit that are free for kids with paying adults are not mentioned.
• Rib Fests and food festivals with free admission, but where you need to pay for most of the activities are mostly NOT (except those with cultural events) mentioned.
• There are quite a lot of free movies (mostly PG/PG-13) and concerts happening across GTA parks almost every day. These are not listed! For a detailed list, see Free Concerts and Outdoor Movies this Summer in GTA.
• For another option for cheap summer staycations, see Day Trips From Toronto
• Some famous PWYC events are included.

How to use this article:

• Festivals that span 2 – 3 days are listed under any one of the festival dates or on the day that has free programming!
• Free attractions and things to do that are not date-bound/time-limited are mentioned under random dates (these can be done on any date of your choosing).
• For up-to-date free events, we also recommend you see our Things to Do weekend article or Free Events Calendar.

For more fun activities, see:

• 25 Family Getaways from Toronto
• Summer activities in Mississauga
• Summer in Brampton
• Summer in Durham
• Summer in Richmond Hill
• Summer in Halton
• Summer in Hamilton
• Summer in Markham

Friday, June 30, 2023

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

The Festival has something for every music lover. From emerging artists to established musicians, jazz legends to undiscovered gems, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival showcases the very best in jazz.

June 23 to July 2, 2023 @ Yorkville, Toronto

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Canada Day

Celebrate Canada 156 at any of the GTA cities or towns and take your pick from one of the spectacular fireworks that brighten the night sky.

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival is a free Summer festival that offers something for everyone – A street market featuring over 200 artisans and vendors, great food, live entertainment, outdoor performances, bouncy castles, carnival rides and more!

July 1 to 3, 2023 @ Stouffville Memorial Park, 2 Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville

FREE Royal Ontario Museum Admission

Visit Royal Ontario Museum for free. Admission is free to the ROM’s 80,000-square-foot first floor. The free access does not include special exhibitions and other galleries on the second, third and fourth floors. During summer, the museum promises an exciting lineup of live performances, and educational activities for children. Adding to the excitement, this year’s performances will also extend outside the museum onto the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace, offering a breathtaking view of Philosopher’s Walk.

July 2 until September 4, Daily @ Royal Ontario Museum, Queens Park, Toronto

Monday, July 3, 2023

Rhythms of Canada Festival

Enjoy an immersive four days of delicious food, activities for all ages, special programming, entrancing musical performances by local and international artists, and our world-class collection of art from across the Muslim world. From magic shows and face painting to papermaking and poetry workshops, this year’s festival is packed with activities for the whole family.

June 30 to July 3, 2023 @ The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr, North York

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Toronto History Museums Free Admission

All 10 Toronto History Museums are free to visit. Explore and learn about Toronto’s History.

Year Round @ Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.
Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St.
Market Gallery, 2nd Floor, St. Lawrence Market
Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Road
Gibson House, 5172 Yonge St.
Zion Schoolhouse, 1091 Finch Avenue East
Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Road
Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Road
Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr.
Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West

Wednesday, July 6, 2023

1. Union Summer

Right outside Union Station in downtown Toronto, there will be nonstop programming, which includes music from Toronto’s hottest DJs, Blue Jays game screenings, games nights and so much more!

June 26 – August 27, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM @ St. Clair Ave West from Winona Dr. to Christie St. Toronto

2. Go Fishing

Fish without a licence in Ontario Waters (not in National Parks).

July 1-9, 2023 @ Ontario Waters

Where to fish in GTA?

Thursday, July 6, 2023

1. POSTSCRIPT

Enjoy free programming during Toronto Fringe Festival. Enjoy The Patio will also have FREE stage programming, including the Opening Party, a Comedy Night, Fringe Artist Cabaret, Silent Disco, Awards Night, and more.

July 4 to 16, 2023 @ Tranzac Club Patio, 292 Brunswick Ave., Toronto

2. Beaches International Jazz Festival

Experience the best of jazz, blues, big band, vocalists, African, Caribbean, reggae, hip-hop, South American, Latin, rhythm and blues and more at Beaches International Jazz Festival.

July 6 – 30, 2023 @ Various Venues, The Beach, Toronto

Friday, July 7, 2023

1. Family Fest

This energetic celebration of young audiences (and the young at heart) will feature a variety of different performances, workshops and activities perfect for every member of the family. From circus performers to puppet theatre and musical acts, Family Fest has you covered!

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough

2. Small World Music Festival

Get ready for a three-day line-up of music on stage and throughout the park, hands-on workshops for all ages, delicious food and drinks, and a creative kids’ program.

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd., West Toronto

Saturday, July 8, 2023

1. Taste of Lawrence

Enjoy Scarborough’s largest street festival it boasts the most enticing flavours from every cultural community in the GTA.

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Lawrence Ave. E. from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd., Toronto

2. Mississauga MuslimFest

The event features local and international artists who will showcase their talent for all attendees to enjoy. Concerts featuring popular Muslim artists, comedy shows, a multicultural bazaar, and a kids’ carnival are just some of the fun activities that available to experience during MuslimFest Celebration Square.

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

3. Afrofest

Celebrates the abundant energy of African music in an effort to cultivate community spirit and enhance the understanding and appreciation of the diverse people of Africa.

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Woodbine Park – 1695 Queen Street East, Toronto

Sunday, July 9, 2023

1. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

Don’t miss a spectacular weekend filled with art installations, live painting, art tours, family programming, music, dance, great food and craft beer!

July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

2. TD Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival

A stretch of St. Clair Avenue West (from Winona Dr. to Christie St.) is transformed into a showcase of Latin life in Canada. Enjoy the non-stop dancing in the streets and take in all the Latino beats alongside some of the best local and international entertainers. Take a stroll through the Latin pavilion, get a taste of the authentic Latin American flavours, and enjoy a fiesta of fun in the children’s zone.

July 8 to 9, 2023 @ St. Clair Avenue West between Winona and Christie, Toronto

3. Nature Connection

Each nature-themed session will get you exploring the natural world that makes Downsview Park unique.

every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month @ St. Clair Avenue West between Winona and Christie, Toronto

Monday, July 10, 2023

1. Explore Ontario Parks for Free

Borrow a day-use vehicle permit from your local library and you can visit Ontario parks for free.

Ontario Provincial Parks

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

1. Kids Town Water Park

Welcome the end of the school year at Kids Town Water Park. Visit Scarborough’s outdoor aquatic facility and only water park operated by the city of Toronto. It offers a variety of water features, including a tipping bucket, spray rings, squirting aquatic animals, a slide, wading pool, splash pad and so much more.

Mid-June until the Sunday of Labour day weekend | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, closed on Canada Day
@ 3159 Birchmount Rd, Toronto

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Spray Parks & Outdoor Pools

Hit Toronto’s or your city’s spray parks or outdoor poolsto cool off!

through Mid September | Open daily
@ Various locations, Toronto

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat

Enjoy a self guided tour, while learning about butterflies, native plants, urban conservation and migrating monarchs at the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat located along the shores of Lake Ontario. Humber Bay Shores Park is listed as one of the top 13 spots to see birds in Toronto.

Year round @ Humber Bay Shores Park, 15 Marine Parade Dr, Toronto.

Orchard Rendezvous

Enjoy a self guided tour, while learning about butterflies, native plants, urban conservation and migrating monarchs at the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat located along the shores of Lake Ontario. Humber Bay Shores Park is listed as one of the top 13 spots to see birds in Toronto.

Year round @ Humber Bay Shores Park, 15 Marine Parade Dr, Toronto.

Friday, July 14, 2023

1. Honda Indy Toronto

Honda Indy

Honda Fan Friday will feature a jam-packed schedule of on-track action. Stunt shows, contests, autograph sessions and all kinds of off-track entertainment will be in full gear from gate open to close across the event site, providing something for everyone, race fan or not!

Friday, July 14, 2023 @ Exhibition Place grounds, Toronto

Saturday, July 15, 2023

1. Taste of the Middle East

Appreciate the vibrant art, music and dance that will surround you as you expand your palate and taste the 1001 flavours Middle Eastern culture has to offer.

July 14 to 16, 2023 @ Nathan Phillips Square , 100 Queen St W, Toronto

2. Bastille Day

Discover or rediscover French culture. You can meet the French artisans of Toronto, who will share with you the French culture through food and beverage, shops, activities, shows… And much more !

July 15, 2023 @ The Distillery District, Toronto

3. Vaughan Latin Festival

Music, art, Kids Zone, waterpark, and spectacular entertainment for the whole family! Enjoy the beauty of live performances, delicious food, meeting new friends and dancing to Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, and Reggaeton, enjoy Mariachi and learn more about the Latin culture!

July 15, 2023 @ Mackenzie Glen Park , 220 Cranston Park Ave, Vaughan

4. Bloor West StreetFest

Enjoy live entertainment, a classic car show, a children’s midway, artisan village, face-painting, sidewalk sale, and outdoor cafes.

Saturday, July 15, 2023 @ Bloor West Village, Toronto

Sunday, July 16, 2023

1. BIG on Bloor Festival of Arts & Culture

BIG on Bloor Festival is back for its 16th year with a rain or shine pedestrian takeover of Bloor Street West from Dufferin to Lansdowne in the culturally rich community of Bloordale including art installations, family activities and local vendors.

July 15 & 16, 2023 @ Bloordale, 1140 Bloor Street, Toronto

2. Philippine Festival Mississauga

An exciting line up of live musical performances from top local bands and artists, presentations by leading cultural organizations and non-stop entertainment.

July 15 to 16, 2023 @ Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

3. Play on the Runway

Play on the Runway is one of Toronto’s most unique open-air events. Play on 2 kilometers of open tarmac. Guests are encouraged to bring bikes, skateboards, roller skates and blades, scooters, wagons, strollers, trikes — whatever gets them moving — to cruise on the runway to the funky beats of a live DJ. This strip is normally reserved exclusively for airplane take-off and landing.

July 16, 2023 @ Downsview Airport, North York

Monday, July 17, 2023

Ontario’s Legislative Building Tour

Visit Queen’s Park and join for a guided tour of Ontario’s Legislative Building or on a walkabout of the grounds of Queen’s Park exploring the architecture, notable historical statues and monuments.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Credit: Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

Bring family and friends to the ROM on the 3rd Tuesday Night of each month and enjoy free admission from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. With complimentary access and extended hours, visitors are invited to explore art, culture, and nature in the Museum’s 40 permanent galleries excluding special exhibitions.

July 18, August 15, 2023 | 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. @ Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Photo by Janet Kimber.

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum houses collections of Islamic art and heritage, including artefacts. Enjoy the museum and the beautifully landscaped gardens free of charge on Wednesdays.

Admission to the Museum and all exhibitions is FREE each Wednesday | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
@ The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Twelfth Night

Brampton’s Own Shakespeare Show returns for its second season, touring TWELFTH NIGHT to three outdoor stages around Brampton this summer! Grab a chair, a blanket, pack a picnic, and pick the park nearest you to settle in and enjoy a comedy of mistaken identities and unrequited love triangles.

July 20 to August 5, 2023
@ Various Parks, Brampton

Friday, July 21, 2023

1. Healthy Parks Healthy People

No charge for day-use visitation during the celebration. Parks across the province will offer events and activities that encourage people to visit parks and be active. Explore a new park, sample our facilities and services or enjoy a fun event in a great natural setting! 15 parks within 200 km of Toronto.

July 21, 2023 @ Ontario Provincial Parks

2. Bollywood Monster Mashup

BollywoodMonster Mashup is returning to Celebration Square with international Bollywood stars, dance performances, concerts, sizzling food, shopping and more!

July 21 & 22, 2023
@ Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

Saturday, July 22, 2023

1. Junior Carnival and Family Day

Join the young producers, performers, and presenters as they put their imprint on the Festival. The Junior Carnival and Family Day event lets you and everyone in the surrounding community of Malvern enjoy the cultural highlights.

July 22, 2023 @ Malvern Park & Neilson Parks, Toronto

2. Toronto International Brazilfest

Experience a truly authentic Brazilian festival right in your own back yard. It is a platform to display and highlight the best food, talent, art and entertainment from the Brazilian community.

July 22 & 23, 2023 @ Earlscourt Park – 1200 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto

3. Vibrant Brampton Festival

Hundreds of local and international artists, Bollywood and Punjabi performers, food, shopping, magic shows, face painting and special projects for kids. The community art project, Free giveaways and lots more! Enjoy two days of free festivities!!​

July 21 & 22 , 2023 @ Garden Square, Brampton

4. Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival

Explore Guildwood Park as it comes alive artists, artisan vendors, children’s activities and live entertainment.

July 22 & 23, 2023 @ Guild Park and Gardens, Scarborough

5. Fusion of Taste

Bringing you a day filled with mouthwatering delights and exciting experiences.

Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 950 Albion Road, Toronto

Sunday, July 23, 2023

1. Fun Philippines Toronto Street Festival

Explore the Philippines as colourful and vibrant parades will make their way on Saturday and Sunday showcasing Philippine regional festivals that even the visitors can participate in.

July 22 & 23, 2023 @ Bathurst & Wilson, Toronto

2. Panamerican Food & Music Festival

The Festival presents food demos by international chefs, live music and dance performances, food competitions and a Pan American vendors’ market offering diverse foods and merchandise and any opportunities to discover the delicious and diverse cuisine of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as the region’s rich musical traditions.

July 22 & 23, 2023 @ Yonge – Dundas Square, 585 Dundas St E, Toronto

3. YOUTH DAY Toronto

YOUTH DAY Toronto is a creative arts festival celebrating young people, under 30, in music, dance, art, photography, fashion and film.

July 23, 2023 @ Yonge – Dundas Square

Monday, July 24, 2023

Explore Canada’s Trail Capital

Discover Canada’s trail capital, Uxbridge. Explore historic villages, mixed forests, meadows, ponds, streams, and wetlands. A number of major trail systems run through the Township, including the Oak Ridges Trail and the Trans-Canada Trail.

Round the Year.
@ Town of Uxbridge

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Doris McCarthy Trail

Enjoy the beauty of Scarborough Bluffs up close and without breaking the rules by hiking Doris McCarthy Trail in Scarborough!

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Rosetta McClain Gardens

Enjoy the magnificent Rose Garden at Rosetta McClean Gardens that overlooks Ontario Lake!

5 Glen Everest Rd, Toronto

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Toronto Music Garden

Explore the garden deigned by renowned cellist YoYo Ma! The Toronto Music Garden is vibrant with the spirit of music, dance and artistic delight. The garden represents sections from a movement from Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello: Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett and Gigue.

Visit Year-Round @ 479 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Free Tour:
Wednesdays at 11:00am and on concert Thursdays at 5:30pm

Friday, July 28, 2023

Mississauga Latin Festival

Bring your children, invite your family and friends to practice SPANISH, learn SALSA and enjoy the first and only LATINO Festival in Mississauga and the Peel region with more than 35,000 attendees at the Mississauga Celebration Square.

Jul 28 to 30, 203 @ Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

Indigenous Sounds Now

Enjoy the many genres of music being created by Indigenous musicians, including alternative rock, blues and country. Performances will include award-winning TV actor and musician Gary Farmer who brings his band of Troublemakers, JUNO award winner Murray Porter with his former band mates Josh Miller and The Pappy Johns Band, and Cliff Cardinal & the Skylarks, who will bring his edgy lyrics and energetic songs to the stage to wrap up the exciting performances.

Jul 28 to 30, 203 @ Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd., West Toronto

Saturday, July 29, 2023

1. Festival of South Asia

The Festival of South Asia embraces multidisciplinary arts and foods from all the countries in South Asia. Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Performances and Live Music emanates from the stage all weekend. If you can’t fly to South Asia this summer come attend this festival and experience a slice of the culture.

July 29 & 20, 2023 @ Gerrard Street East between Glenside Avenue and Coxwell intersections, Toronto

2. Scarborough Folk Fest

Scarborough Folk Fest is a celebration of the sheer musical magnificence that is folk music – in all its myriad forms and variations.

July 29 & 30, 2023 @ Gerrard Street East between Glenside Avenue and Coxwell intersections, Toronto

3. AlohaFest Toronto

Torontoʻs first and only united celebration of Polynesian culture that will include dance and musical performances, food and crafts at Mel Lastman Square.

July 29, 2023 @ Mel Lastman Square, Yonge Street, North York

Sunday, July 30, 2023

1. Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest

At the festival, visitors have the opportunity to experience being ‘Peruvian for the Day’, but the Festival is much more than the celebration of the Canadian Peruvian’s heritage — it is also a celebration of Canada’s multiculturalism.

July 29 & 20, 2023 @ Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto

2. Pedestrian Sundays

There will be tons of great food, poetry, dance, Kensington Market Art Fair — a curated outdoor art fair focusing on two and three-dimensional art works, and other fun things including a community yard sale.

July 30 & August 27, 2023 @ Kensington Market, Toronto

Monday, July 31, 2023

Explore Nature Parks & Areas

Visit Greater Toronto area parks and conservation areas. There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore and enjoy nature in the GTA area. Though, some areas charge admission fees there are many places you can visit for free.

• 26 of the Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Halton Region
• 27 of the Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Peel Region
• 25 of the Best Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in York Region
• 27 of the Best Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in the Durham Region
• 50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and Around GTA
• 25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Toronto

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Toronto Botanical Garden and Edward Gardens

Toronto Botanical Garden offers an array of themed gardens spanning nearly four acres, designed to educate and inspire adjacent to Wilket Creek, Don Valley Ravine, and Edwards Gardens.

Year round.
@ Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Avenue East Toronto

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Humber Arboretum

Explore this unique site consisting of botanical gardens and natural areas surrounding the Humber River. Through six kilometres of walking trails, discover the Carolinian bioregion, which boasts over 1,700 species of plants and animals.

Year round
@ 205 Humber College Blvd., Toronto. – back of Humber College’s North Campus.

• 20 of the Best Gardens You Should Visit in Greater Toronto Area

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Visit Port Credit, Mississauga

Port Credit, Mississauga’s picturesque “Village on the Lake”, is a great place to experience Lake Ontario and the Credit River. Explore Port Credit Harbour by hiking the waterfront trail that winds through parks and pathways along the lake and river shoreline, take in postcard worthy pictures with the iconic red and white, Port Credit lighthouse as background and picnic at Memorial Park.

Any time round the year
@ Port Credit lighthouse- 105 Lakeshore Road W, Port Credit

Friday, August 4, 2023

Taste of India Food Festival

Come for musical melodies and mind-blowing dance performances and enjoy over a few hundred dishes from all parts of India with over 50+ vendors / restaurants.

August 4 & 5, 2023 @ Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

JTK Annual Summer Festival

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Get ready to enjoy live music, delicious food, and exciting games and activities for all ages. Bring your family and friends and make unforgettable memories together.

August 4 to 6, 2023 @ The Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral, 2 Meadow Place, Scarborough

Saturday, August 5, 2023

1. Grand Parade – Toronto Caribbean Carnival

It is the grand highlight of the annual Festival. After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes and steel pan bands wind their way from Exhibition Place along a 3.5-kilometer stretch on Lakeshore Boulevard. It truly is something you can’t miss.

August 5, 2023
@ Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place, Toronto

2. TD Mosaic Festival South Asian Festival of Mississauga

The award-winning festival of Mississauga brings you the best of art, culture and cuisine from South Asia. The two day free festival will feature music, dance, folklore, Bollywood, food and shopping in the heart of Mississauga, headlined by the popular artists and performers from India, Pakistan, Canada and the USA.

August 4 & 5, 2023 @ Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

3. Toronto International Youth Dance Festival

Enjoy the variety in dance, which often mirrors the diversity in the backgrounds of the dancers.

August 5 & 6, 2023 @ Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

Sunday, August 6, 2023

1. GhanaFest

Ghanafest includes traditional food, language lessons, games, arts, culinary, dance, cultural fashion show, cultural performers, engaging local artists across Canada, international artists, and expose businesses to the community at large.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 @ Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst St, North York

2. Toronto Black Vegan Festival

The food ranges from vegan versions of traditional African/Caribbean ethnic foods to new creations that give North American fruits and vegetables an African/Caribbean mouth-watering twist of flavour and texture.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto

3. Explore The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto

The MOCA Toronto is a place of conversation, exchange and exploration where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can be part of a global creative moment.

First Sunday of each month @ MOCA Toronto, 158 Sterling Rd.

Monday, August 7, 2023

Explore Rouge Park

Canada’s premier urban wilderness park is home to an amazing combination of natural, cultural and agricultural features including 1,700 species of plants and animals, over 10,000 years of human history, and some of the rarest and best remaining wetlands, forests and agricultural lands in the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you laze out in the sun at the Rouge Beach, or go for a hike or look for treasures with your GPS unit, there is no dearth of stuff to do in Canada’s National Urban Park.

Year-round
@ Many accessible points, Rouge Park.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Explore Scarborough Bluffs

See the Bluffs that was the very reason for the naming of this part of the city as ‘Scarborough’ by Elizabeth Simcoe. The best place to see the bluffs is from Bluffer’s Park (take right (west) at the end of Brimley Road). The bluffs can be viewed from any of Scarborough parks located along Lake Ontario.

Year-round
@ Various Scarborough Parks along Lake Ontario

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Toronto Conservatories

Savour the sweet smell and glorious colours of blooming flowers around the year at Centennial Park Conservatory. Allan Gardens is closed for renovations.

Year round | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
@ Centennial Park Conservatory
151 Elmcrest Road, Toronto

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Visit a Conservation Area

Enjoy scenic lookouts, stroll boardwalks along Great Lakes shores, spy upon songbirds on deciduous woods at conservation areas near Toronto. Greenwood Conservation Area in Ajax and Altona Forest in Pickering are great places for an evening hike.

Free Conservation Areas
@ ~ an hour from Toronto

Friday, August 11, 2023

1. Taste of Vietnam Toronto

Enjoy delicious food, beautiful decorations, cultural parades, music, games, and MORE!
An enjoyable family-friendly fun summer festival! An extraordinary festival unveiling the beauty of Vietnamese culture, latest fashion, and crafted cuisine.

August 10, 11 & 12, 2023
@ Nathan Phllips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

2. Porch View Dances

PVD is a community dance festival that engages everyday people as creators, storytellers, and performers. PVD will take audiences on a walking tour of Seaton Village in the Annex of Toronto, to witness new dance works created by professional choreographers.

August 11 to 13, 2023 @ Seaton Village, Toronto

3. City Hall Live

A music showcase and event series, produced by the City of Toronto, that features local bands, grassroots music organizations, venues, and presenters.

August 9 to 13, 2023 @ Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd., West Toronto

Saturday, August 12, 2023

1. Annual Grange Festival

The Grange Festival is a free public, outdoor fair with engaging performances and a range of fun-filled activities for adults and children.

August 11, 2023 @ Grange Park, 26 Grange Road, Toronto

2. Mississauga ItalFest

Mississauga ITALFEST is a free festival that shares Italian heritage and culture with the citizens of Mississauga and beyond. Featured are exciting pasta and watermelon eating contests, kids and family attractions, Heritage center and displays, a VIP Lounge and Bar Italia, celebrity chef demos, delicious culinary experiences and a variety of market vendors.

August 11 & 12, 2023 @ Mississauga Celebration Square, City Centre Drive, Mississauga

3. Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival

There will be artisans featuring their locally made treats and trinkets, in addition to local businesses that are currently serving this community. Ontario Farmers Market vendors serve fresh produce, breads, meat, flowers, and so much more.

August 12, 2023 @ Humber Bay Park West Parking Lot, 225 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Etobicoke

4. Bayside Summer Saturdays

With fun and games for all ages, live music and entertainment, delicious food and beverages, pop-ups from Bayside Village businesses, and local vendors to shop from, you won’t want to miss these exciting events!

August 12 & 19 2023 @ Bayside Village, 261 Queens Quay E, Toronto

Sunday, August 13, 2023

1. Acton Leathertown Festival

The Acton Leathertown Festival in Canada’s Original Leathertown and the largest and oldest festival in Halton Hills! Discover why it truly is worth the drive to Acton, one of the GTA’s last “small towns” and celebrate the Festival’s history as a leather town.

August 13, 2023 @19 Willow Street North, Acton

2. Bentway Block Party

Join for Bentway Block Party! The party features performances, music, street food and drink, family-friendly workshops, fashion shows and more.

August 13 @ The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto

Monday, August 14, 2023

Rosetta McClain Gardens

Enjoy the magnificent Rose Garden at Rosetta McClean Gardens that overlooks Ontario Lake!

5 Glen Everest Rd, Toronto

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

The Final Bard’s Bus Tour: Living With Shakespeare

Driftwood Theatre Group will return to the road for the final season of The Bard’s Bus Tour. Living With Shakespeare, created by Jeremy Smith and Steven Gallagher, brings Jeremy officially back to the stage for the first time in over a decade as he reckons with his life-long relationship to the Bard of Avon.

August 15 & 16 – Oshawa at Ed Broadbent Park presented by the City of Oshawa

August 17 & 18 – Pickering at Esplanade Park in association with the City of Pickering

August 19 & 20 – Ingersoll at Ingersoll Cheese Museum in association with the Ingersoll Cheese Museum

August 22 & 24 – Toronto at Kew Gardens Park

August 25, 26 & 27 – Burlington at Royal Botanical Gardens presented by the Royal Botanical Gardens

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

ROM Walks – Free Guided Tours

Join for ROMWalks that encompass the diverse aspects of Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhoods including history, architecture, arts of all varieties, education and more.

Select Wednesdays & Sundays until October end. @ Various locations, Toronto

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Tommy Thompson Park

Located on the man-made headland, known as the Leslie Street Spit, which extends five km into Lake Ontario and is over 500 hectares in size. Bike, hike or rollerblade and enjoy some of the largest existing natural habitat on the Toronto waterfront, which includes wildflower meadows, coastal marshes, cobble beaches and sand dunes and more! It is also one of the best nature-watching areas in the GTA.

Summer Hours: Weekends and holidays, April to November | | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
@ foot of Leslie Street where it meets Unwin Avenue, south of Lake Shore Boulevard East.

Friday, August 18, 2023

Visit St Lawrence Market

Who doesn’t love to explore isles and isles of delicious food, from yummy cookies to exotic vegetables? Enjoy the sights and the smells as you explore the market situated inside 200 year old building. The Market Gallery, inside the site of Toronto’s 19th-century City Hall, exhibits Toronto’s art, culture and history.

Year-round
@ 92 Front St. E., Toronto

Sharing the Stage

The National Ballet of Canada performs free outdoor performances on the Concert Stage and free dance classes, and interactive conversations.

August 17 to 19, 2023
@ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Saturday, August 19, 2023

1. Wheels On The Danforth

See an amazing assortment of Classics, Exotics, Tuners, Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, and Motorcycles, a variety of vendors and artisans, kids zone, and more!

August 19, 2023 @ 3400 Danforth Avenue, Toronto

2. Taste of Manila

Taste of Manila is one of the largest street festivals in the county. There are lots of things you’ll want to make sure you check out while you’re here. The festival will include lots of different vendors selling a variety of products.

August 18 & 19, 2023 @ Wilson Ave. and Bathurst St., Toronto

3. TD Markham Jazz Festival

Enjoy this exciting and vibrant three-day event featuring well-known professional jazz musicians performing on three stages on beautiful Main Street Unionville.

August 18 – 20, 2023 @ Main Street Unionville – Markham

Sunday, August 20, 2023

1. Toronto Chinatown Festival

Enjoy Dragon Dance & Lion Dance, Traditional Dancing & Opera Performances, Kung Fu Performances, Art & Culture Booths, Multi-Cultural Street Food, bubble tea, bubble waffle ice cream and more!

August 19 & 20, 2023
@Toronto China Town, West side of Spadina Avenue

2. Japan Festival Canada

Japan Festival CANADA is for all ages, families and friends to truly enjoy and experience Japanese Food, Culture and Technologies

August 19 & 20 @ Mississauga Celebration Square

3. Annual Scarborough Afro-Carib Fest

Experience mouthwatering ethnic cuisines, grab a drink from the beer tent, and spend the day enjoying live musical performances, a cultural fashion show, dance competitions, drum and dance workshops, a kid’s zone and much more.

August 19 & 20, 2023 @ Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd, Scarborough

Monday, August 21, 2023

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and Bronte Harbour

Visit Erchless Estate which was once home to Oakville’s founding family, overlooking Oakville’s community museum. Enjoy the beautiful buildings, the grounds and gardens of Erchless that overlook Lake Ontario. Bronte Harbour located 6 km from the museum, has a great boardwalk that leads to the Bronte Harbour Lighthouse and great parks that overlook Lake Ontario.

Museum – Year-Round | Tuesdays to Sundays, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM @ Erchless Estate, 8 Navy St, Oakville

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Fun Day at Centre Island

Toronto’s family fun summer destination has plenty of exciting free activities. The island features a myriad of delightful activities from feeding birds to a pettting Zoo at Far Enough Farm, splash pads, beaches, a children’s garden inspired by Franklin the Turtle, and the William Meany Maze.

Summer
@ Centre Island Toronto

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

High Park

High Park has something for every member of the family and for kids, there is a Children’s Garden, the High Park Zoo with lots of animals including bison, llamas, and peacocks, and a castle of a playground – Jamie Bell Playground. The park is home to many species of wildlife, including birds, fish and animals.

Year Round
@ High Park, Toronto

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Evergreen Brick Works

Explore Don River valley! Evergreen Brick Works, a former quarry and industrial site holds art exhibits by local artists, and has plenty of activities for the whole family. Explore Don Valley Brick Works Park that houses Weston Family Quarry Garden, stroll the pond boardwalks,and get learn about the ecosystems provide homes to numerous species of animals and plants.

Year Round @ 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

Friday, August 25, 2023

TAIWANfest Toronto

Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of arts and culture at TAIWANfest as we return to Harbourfront Centre, Toronto with the theme: Reminiscing the Dutch? Self-Portraits of Formosa.

August 25 to 27 @ Harbourfront Center, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Tamil Fest

The largest Tamil Street Festival outside of the Indian subcontinent, the festival showcases and celebrates the rich Tamil cultural heritage, arts, music, and cuisine to Canada’s diverse communities.

August 26 to 27 @Markham Road from Passmore Ave to McNicoll Ave, Toronto

Trinbago Festival

Expect live entertainment reflective of our diversity, DJs, food vendors and food demonstrations, carnival mas band pop-ups, prizes and giveaways!

August 26 to 27 @ Yonge-Dundas Square , 1 Dundas St E, Toronto

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Yorkville Murals

Celebrating its fifth year of the festival, Yorkville Murals will transform the street into a cultural extravaganza, where visitors will be entertained with every step. On Yorkville Avenue from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue, Yorkville Murals will deliver participatory entertainment and play

August 26 & 27@ 99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

Monday, August 28, 2023

Free programs at your local library

GTA libraries offer plenty of free, fun programs, from magic shows to movies. Check your local library for more details.

Summer @ Your local library

Sculpture Garden at McMichael’s Canadian Collection

Explore the Sculpture Garden at McMichael’s Canadian Collection. With the planted wilderness garden and network of outdoor paths and trails, the Ivan Eyre Sculpture Garden presents a series of installations and outdoor sculptures.

10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Riverdale Farm

Located at the Erstwhile site of Toronto Zoo, Riverdale Farm is a great visit place to visit with young children. See farm animals and poultry at the Pig and Poultry Barn, learn about chores that happen in a farm, and learn about the day-to-day working on a farm.

Enjoy a serene walk inside Toronto Necropolis situated next door!!

Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
@ 201 Winchester St, Toronto

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden and Robert McLaughlin Gallery

With stunning gardens, architectural features, serene water features and winding pathways, Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens links the natural area of the Oshawa Creek and the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path. Plan a day trip to Oshawa, visit the gardens and drop by Robert McLaughlin Gallery, largest gallery in Durham Region with over 4000 artworks in its collection.

Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden – best in spring and summer.
@ Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden – Extends from Adelaide Avenue to Gibb Street along the Oshawa Creek.
Gallery – Year-round @ The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 72 Queen Street, Civic Centre, Oshawa

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Explore Riverwood

Located on the banks of Credit River, Riverwood is a 150-acre park that house both historical buildings and environmentally significant areas. Enjoy a day out hiking the trails that traverse habitats of more than 475 species of animals and plants. Relax in beautiful Chappell House Gardens or, MacEwan Terrace Garden, go for a bird trek or take in an art exhibition by Visual Arts Mississauga in the historic MacEwan House.

Year-round
@ Riverwood extends north from Burnhamthorpe Road West to Highway 403.

The entrance is located at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road West and The Credit Woodlands / Riverwood Park Lane

Friday, September 1, 2023

T.U. JAZZ FEST

The annual T.U. Jazz Fest! Celebrating the next generation of jazz in Canada and beyond. Concerts, masterclasses, jam sessions, food vendors and more.

September 1 to 4, 2023 @ Mel Lastman Square, Yonge Street, North York

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Canadian International Air Show

Don’t miss out on astonishing aerial performances that honour Airforce veterans, including a rare double header of two iconic jet teams, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who haven’t been in Toronto for 14 years.

September 2 to 4, 2023 @ Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto

RED FM ‘Summer Bhangra Jam’

This stellar legacy event will be a one-day festival featuring a free concert with international Punjabi superstars, Bhangra performances, food trucks, dancing, shopping, KidsZone, fashion shows and much more!

September 2, 2023 @ Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Toronto International BuskerFest

Head to the world’s longest, most vibrant street, for four days and 4 nights of non-stop, action-packed, fun-filled entertainment. Comedy, spontaneity and a dash of the unbelievable – welcome to the Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy.

September 1 to 4, 2023 @ Woodbine Park, in The Beach (Donations are required)

Monday, September 4, 2023

Explore Waterfront Trail

Celebrate GTA’s waterfront by hiking, or biking the waterfront trail that traverses GTA. There are natural areas including wetlands, forests and beaches.

You may like Port Union Waterfront Trail.

A Last Hurrah at the Beach!

Have you been to GTA beaches yet? Build sandcastles or enjoy a swim in the freshwaters of Lake Ontario. There are 8 beaches in Toronto that are blue flag certified beaches – meaning it has undergone strict evaluation and is up-to-standard on water quality, environmental management, environmental education, safety and services.

Summer @ GTA Beaches

Year Round
@ Waterfront Trail – Lake Ontario – GTA.