Toronto 
Weekend Events & Festivals in Toronto:
Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22, 2019
A weekly digest of What’s on in Toronto this weekend: Activities, Food Festivals, Exhibitions, Live Music, Live Theatre & Performances, Sports and Festivals in Toronto. Few GTA events are also listed.
You may like:
I. Live Music & Concerts
Dynamic Duo: Hannigan & Storgårds
A doubly dramatic opening! Barbara Hannigan conducts Beethoven’s overture to Goethe’s play, Haydn’s inventive orchestral showpiece, and, with John Storgårds as soloist, a Dutilleux nocturne. Then, Storgårds conducts the symphony that marked the turning point of Sibelius’s composing style, as well as Brett Dean’s re-examination of Shakespeare’s ill-fated heroine, sung by Hannigan.
September 19 & 21, 2019 | 8:00PM
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
$31 to $144
Francophonie-en-Fete Music Festival
Bring family and friends to our weekend of free outdoor concerts at the Toronto Distillery District from Friday September 20th to Sunday September 22nd. The following weekend plan to enjoy some of the best Francophone music, with concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights.
Free Concerts Weekend: More than 20 artists will be on-stage over this weekend of Family Fun and Enjoyment! We have selected some of the best in Francophone music for your enjoyment, with performers representing the French musical traditions from Ontario, Quebec, France, Haiti, Morocco, Soudan, and more.
September 19 to 28, 2019
September 20 – 22, 2019 @ Distillery District, Toronto
Various Venues, Toronto
Free & Ticketed Events
Tafelmusik meets Tchaikovsky
Join us for this journey to the future, where bold and inventive string symphonies written by a teenaged Felix Mendelssohn lead the way to Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous Serenade for Strings. Referencing the musical past with its classical sonata form while showcasing the depths and dynamics so loved by Russian Romantics, the Serenade includes elegant textures, famous melodies, and an exuberant folk-inspired finale. Don’t miss this chance to hear Tafelmusik in new territory, expanding our range without losing our signature spirit and style.
September 19 to 22, 2019
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, Toronto
$39 – $92+charges
Classic Albums Live: Abbey Road
Classic Albums Live and its roster of A-list musicians from across the country will be performing The Beatles’ Abbey Road exactly as you remember hearing it, note for note, cut for cut. The album’s iconic cover, which features the four band members walking across a zebra crossing outside Abbey Road Studios, has become one of the most famous and imitated images in the history of popular music.
Friday, September 20, 2019 | 8:00PM
Roy Thomson Hall, Simcoe Street, Toronto
$39.50–$59.50
Concert Tours/EDM/ Concerts This Week
- Tycho: Weather World Tour on Monday, September 16, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Meridian Hall
- Ride on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- Lizzo: Cuz I Love You Too Tour on Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Budweiser Stage
- Bastille – Doom Days Tour Part 1 on Friday, September 20, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ Budweiser Stage
- Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisited: ‘Selling England By The Pound’ on Friday, September 20, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- Dean Brody & Dallas Smith: Friends Don’t Let Friends Tour Alone on Saturday, September 21, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ Budweiser Stage
- Judah & the Lion: Pep Talks World Wide Tour on Saturday, September 21, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- J Balvin Arcoíris Tour on Saturday, September 21, 2019 | 8:00 PM @ Scotiabank Arena
- K.flay: the Solutions Tour with Houses and Your Smith on Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Cheech & Chong on Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ Roy Thomson Hall
For more live music at nightclubs and Food/Beer/Spirit Festivals & Events, see under V. Nightlife/Food Festivals & Events
You may like:
II. Arts & Theatre
Performing Arts Events
Live Theatre/Comedy events this week include:
- The Band’s Visit @ Ed Mirvish Theatre
- Yaga @ Tarragon Theatre
- Piaf/Dietrich @ CAA Theatre
- Broken Branches @ Daniels Spectrum
- No Foreigners @ The Theatre Centre
- The Book of Life @ Berkeley Street Theatre
- Life in a Box @ Grand Canyon Theatre
- Margaret Trudeau: A Certain Woman of an Age @ Jane Mallett Theatre
- The Heidi Chronicles @ Alumnae Theatre
- A Streetcar Named Desire @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts
- Knives in Hens @ The Coal Mine Theatre
and many more!
JFL42
JFL42 features some of the most hilarious, riveting and relevant comedians we could find, over a 10-day period in Toronto.
September 19 to 29, 2019
Venues across Toronto
$40-$200
The Toronto Palestine Film Festival
The Festival brings Palestinian cinema, music, cuisine and art to GTA audiences.
We have so many exciting events planned for you, including TPFF Presents: Ruba Shamshoum – Live in Toronto! and Sahtain! Palestinian Brunch and ‘Soufra’ Documentary Screening.
September 18 to 22, 2019
TIFF BELL Lightbox- 350 King Street W., Toronto
$10 & up
Alegria – Cirque du Soleil
Alegría is the nostalgic story of a monarchy that has lost its king. The Old Birds, who resist change and cling to old values, hover around Mr Fleur, a tricky and power-hungry man who proclaims himself king. Fleur and the Old Birds, with their outdated ideas, struggle to maintain power in a world they no longer understand.
September 12 – December 1, 2019
Ontario Place, Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
$68.75 & up
Movies
- Movie Night With Risa: The Bookshop (2017) on Tuesday September 17, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM @ Brentwood Library
- PIPE DREAMS, A Film By Stacey Tenenbaum on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park, Toronto
- 17 AND LIFE DOESN’T WAIT, a documentary by Maureen Judge on Thursday September 19 | 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM @ 2 Sussex Ave, Toronto
III. Sports & Related Events
Toronto Argonauts
vs. Calgary Stampeders
Friday, September 20, 2019 | 7:00 PM
BMO Field, 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs
v. Buffalo Sabres
Friday, September 20, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Arena – 50 Bay Street, Toronto
Kidney Walk
Kidney Walks are the cornerstone of The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s fundraising efforts. It’s a time when we stand together, united in our effort to support our loved ones with kidney disease. Join us to raise funds for innovative research, crucial programs, and services that support people living with kidney disease.
Saturday September 21st, 2019 | 10:00 AM
High Park, Bloor Street West, Toronto
Kick the Stigma
Kick the Stigma is a day-long soccer tournament and festival held at Monarch Park Stadium in the heart of East Toronto. We’ll also keep the fun going with the Heart of the East community festival, featuring live music, games, a beer garden, and an eclectic mix of street food reflecting the diversity of our neighbourhoods.
Saturday, September 21, 2019 | 11 AM – 7 PM
Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Ave, Toronto
Toni-yo-yo Run
The Toni-yo-yo Run for Fun is hosting its second annual 1K kids run and 2k and 3k run/walk in support of a local non-profit therapy program for children with special needs. The goal is to raise $10,000 in tuition fees to send a family-in-needs’ child to Silver Creek Pre-School.
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 10:00AM until 12:30PM
Princess Anne Park, 70 Princess Anne Crescent, Etobicoke
Global Energy Race by Dempster’s
The race is a 3k walk – or run – or a 10k timed race for men and women. For every kilometre run, Dempster’s will donate two slices of bread to the North York Harvest Food Bank.
Sunday September 22, 2019| 8 AM
Ashbridges Bay Park: 1561 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
Divas Half Marathon and 5K
The Divas Half Marathon & 5K Series is the most fun and glam women’s half marathon series in Canada; this series is all about girl power! The event has some wonderfully unique perks that make runners truly feel like a diva. Participants receive a tech t-shirt, pink tutu, feather boa and tiara to allow them to dress the part!
Sunday, September 22 2019 | 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM
Toronto Islands, Toronto
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
The Word on The Street Toronto
There’s plenty to see and do at Canada’s largest FREE book and magazine festival! This year’s event includes an additional day of programming (WOTS Plus+), as well as the annual magazine and book festival the next day. TD KidStreet is an entire section of the festival that’s Just For Kids! From fun activities like face painting and science experiments to programming featuring kids’ bestselling authors and illustrators, it’s the central hub for families at The Word On The Street Toronto!
September 21 & 22, 2019
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Free
Gibson House Fall Festival
Celebrate the return of autumn with heritage demonstrations, hands-on activities, garden tours and more! Enjoy interactive activities in the historic kitchen including grinding spices, pounding sugar, making griddle cakes or ice cream. See open hearth cooking, spinning, weaving and quilting demonstrations as well as rope making and grain milling.
Saturday, September 21, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge Street, Toronto
Free
The Beach Guild of Fine Art Show
Over 40 participating artists. Original paintings in the gallery & a boutique area with note cards, small paintings and much more. Something for everyone.
September 20 to 22, 2019
The Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave, Toronto
Free
Harvest Festival & Fall Fair
Come celebrate the harvest season with some good old-fashioned fun at our Fall Fair!
With harvest themed activities, games, contests and more, this Fall Fair is sure to be bushels of fun! Take part in family friendly harvest themed activities around the village. With butter churning, candle dipping, apple snitzing, grain threshing, traditional games and a harvest scavenger hunt.
September 21 & 22, 2019
Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto
$11.00 – $15.00
You may like:
The Queen West Art Crawl
Queen West Art Crawl is an annual cultural and artistic festival in Toronto, allowing visitors to experience art, innovative installations and live music, all free of charge.
September 21 & 22, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St W, Toronto
Free
Toronto Biennial of Art
Toronto Biennial of Art is a new international contemporary visual arts event as culturally connected and diverse as the city itself. For 72 days, Toronto and surrounding areas will be transformed by free exhibitions, talks, and performances that reflect our local context while engaging with the most pressing issues of our time. The inaugural Biennial will present over 100 works by Canadian, Indigenous, and International artists installed at more than 10 sites on or near Toronto’s waterfront.
Saturday September 21 to Sunday December 1, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
Free
First-to-Find Toronto Scavenger Hunt
First-To-Find, a Toronto born business, is organizing an immersive city-wide scavenger hunt in Toronto with a $25,000 cash reward. Designed to be a fun and exciting way to bring together families and friends from all walks of life to explore the city’s historic sites and challenge their mental abilities, not physical ones.
Saturday September 21 to Sunday October 20, 2019
City of Toronto, City Wide
$39.99
Alien Cosmic Expo
Conference on Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life & Occurrences.
Discover the truth about our Alien visitors, who they are, why they are here and why governments are keeping the truth from us!
September 21 & 22, 2019
Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel, 901 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke
FREE Exhibit Hall, Talks – Ticketed.
St. Lawrence Market Community Harvest Festival
With a variety of unique food dishes from St. Lawrence Market merchants as well as live performances and activities, there’s so much to do—for visitors of all ages! Free activities such as face painting, fall cupcake decorating and live performances from Craig Cardiff, Big Smoke Brass, Gracie and DJ Richniques!
Saturday, September 21 | 10 AM – 5 PM
St. Lawrence Market, Front Street East, Toronto
Free
Toronto Pignic
Toronto Pignic – a fundraising event at Greenwood Park. A fun filled day for guinea pigs, their pet parents, enthusiasts and anyone in between!
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave, Toronto
Free
You may like:
Fairs This Weekend
Fall Fairs in and around Greater Toronto Area
- Lindsay Exhibition on September 18 to 22, 2019 @ Lindsay Exhibition, 354 Angeline St S, Lindsay
- Wainfleet Fall Fair on September 18 to 22, 2019 @ Wainfleet Arena, Park St., Village of Wainfleet
- Ancaster Fair on September 18 to 22, 2019 @ 630 Trinity Rd. Jerseyville
- Acton Fair on September 20 to 22, 2019 @ Prospect Park, Acton
- Madoc Fall Fair on September 20 to 22, 2019 @ Madoc Fairgrounds, 47 Cooper Road, Madoc
- Bolton Fair on September 20 to 22, 2019 @ Albion Bolton Fairgrounds, 150 Queen Street South, Bolton
- Grand Valley Fair on September 20 to 22, 2019 @ 90 Main St. N., Grand Valley
- Great Northern Exhibition on September 20 to 22, 2019 @ 2220 Fairgrounds Rd N, Stayner
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea
A curated selection of Toronto’s finest vendors, artisans and food vendors. Shop Local from Toronto’s best offering handmade, local, art, vintage and food. and little ones welcome.
Sunday, September 22nd 2019 | 10 AM – 5 PM
The Great Hall, Queen Street West, Toronto
Free
After Breast Cancer Pink Diamond Gala
A considerable 500+ gala attendees will come together to enjoy a leading event that facilitates the support and direct aid of breast cancer survivors through mastectomy camisoles, bras and breast prostheses, along with fittings and educational workshops. Since inception, after BREAST CANCER has empowered survivors to keep surviving and thriving.
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Rd., Toronto
$50 & up
The Movie Expo
From script to screen you will find something for you from all aspects and departments of the industry. The Movie Expo brings the film making opportunities to you. Come join us in this 3-day extravaganza. With an incredible line up of over 40 Hollywood Keynote Speakers, and 250+ booths of movie magic secrets, this is the expo to attend.
September 20 to 22, 2019
Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
$10 – $395
Harvest Festival
Celebrate the harvest season with a 1940s twist at Todmorden Mills. Visit our two historic homes, sample wartime harvest recipes for preserves, snacks and the lunchbox, try the jellied salad taste test, swing to live music with Bertie & The Gents, snap a photo with vintage cars or at our selfie stations, play outdoor games, and make a vintage-inspired craft to take home.
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto
Free
Other Events
Making a Complaint About the Police
The Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) is the arm’s-length agency of the Ministry of the Attorney General which receives, manages and oversees all public complaints about police in Ontario. This presentation will discuss the background of the OIPRD, provide an overview of the complaints process, explain how to file a complaint and how they are investigated and resolved, and more.
Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 06:30 PM – 07:30 PM @ Brentwood Library, 36 Brentwood Road North, Toronto
The Beverley Street Séance
Experience undeniable fear in an authentic Victorian séance at one of downtown Toronto’s most haunted locations: George Brown House, which has been featured on TV shows surrounding the paranormal. This soul-shaking psychological experience is not intended for the weak or faint of heart.
Friday September 13, 2019 to Saturday November 30, 2019 @ George Brown House, 186 Beverley Street, Toronto
TOK Toronto
TOK Toronto, a free three-day symposium for writers and readers. TOK, is the digital magazine for the charitable organization Diaspora Dialogues which publishes fiercely honest, freshly original writing from our cities, and from around the world.
September 20 to 22, 2019 @ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto | Free
Escape this 90s Sitcom!
Test your knowledge on Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Friends, Fresh Prince and other hit sitcoms of the 90s to escape these rooms. Trivia Escape Rooms are private live escape rooms where players must utilize their knowledge of pop culture to answer trivia questions in order to crack codes, solve puzzles and find their way out of the rooms.
Sunday September 1, 2019 to Sunday October 20, 2019 @ Trivia Escape Rooms, 1444 Dupont Street, Toronto
Oakville Diwali Gala
On September 20th more than 400 guests will enjoy a glamorous evening as Oakville Diwali presents Lights, Camera, Auction! This year’s event will directly benefit the expansion of the surgical program, putting essential equipment in the hands of OTMH caregivers.
Friday September 20, 2019 | 6:30 PM @ Lakeshore Convention Centre, 806 Southdown Road Mississauga
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Come out to lend a hand in cleaning up the waste that washes up on the shores of Lake Ontario and the Rouge River to make your national urban park a cleaner place!! Details
Saturday, September 21 2019 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM @ Rouge Beach, 195 Rouge Hills Drive, Toronto
Where Dark Things Dwell
Where Dark Things Dwell is an adventure that brings traditional escape room gameplay to a sprawling, immersive setting. As night approaches, masked cultists begin their sinister work to awaken an ancient evil, and it’s up to you to stop them. You’ll have 90 minutes to explore the village, solve puzzles, interact with over a dozen performers, and unravel the mystery of the curse.
Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, June 7, 2019 – October 30, 2019 | 6:00PM – 9:00PM @ Black Creek Pioneer Village
The Funhouse
The Funhouse is an immersive, experiential art maze that fuses visual art, music and interactive tech, taking guests on a choose-you-own-adventure-style sensory experience through 14 featured rooms.
The adventure begins in a 1920s inter-dimensional hotel. As you descend down the rabbit hole, discover an alternate universe of art, interactive tech and music. Details
June 1 to September 22, 2019 @ 101 Lisgar St. Toronto
Exhibitions
- Piranha: Comic Art and Political Cartoons Michael Zaharuk and The Union Art Service & Time Machines David Griffin & Robin Kingsburgh: Wednesday, September 18 to Sunday, September 29 @ 30 Abell St, Toronto
- ᐊᕙᑖᓂᑦ ᑕᒪᐃᓐᓂᑦ ᓄᓇᑐᐃᓐᓇᓂᑦ / Among All These Tundras — Among All These Tundras features contemporary art by Indigenous artists from around the circumpolar world. September 18 to December 8, 2019 @ Onsite Gallery, 199 Richmond St. W. Toronto
- Motion & Motive: A mobile: a little local festival; an object which exists only in, and which is defined by motion; a flower which dies as soon as the motion stops; a spectacle of pure movement just as there are spectacles of pure light.Thursday September 5, 2019 to Saturday October 12, 2019 @ Susan Hobbs Gallery
- 9 & 99: The Howe – Gretzky Exhibition: Witness the greatest compilation of milestone artifacts and rare personal memorabilia, all hand-picked by Hockey Hall of Fame curators from the Howe and Gretzky family collections. Revel in the legacy and indelible bond of ‘Mr. Hockey’ and ‘The Great One’. @ Hockey Hall of Fame
V. NightLife/Food Festivals and Events This Weekend
- Foodie Road Trips in Ontario
- Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises in Toronto
- Beer & Wine Festivals in Toronto
- Food Festivals in Toronto
- Foul Play on Saturdays | 06:30 PM @ Chelsea Hotel – Rossetti Ballroom, 33 Gerrard Street West Toronto
Cultivate: A Festival of Local Food and Drink
Cultivate’s Big Weekend will feature live music from Elliott Brood, Kate Boothman, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, and many more, alongside craft breweries, creative food vendors like Headwaters Farm and Guapos Cantina, and the beloved Cultivate children’s play area.
September 20 to 22, 2019
Memorial Park, 36 Queen St., Port Hope
$34 & up; Kids Under 12 Years FREE
Toronto Beer Week
Toronto Beer Week (TBW) is a collective series of events dedicated to the celebration and advancement of the craft beer movement. TBW showcases authentically brewed and flavourful beer, the talented brewers who create them, and the licensees who proudly support them. If you want great beer and excellent places to drink it, TBW is for you.
September: 13 to 22, 2019
Participating Breweries and Pubs, Toronto
Varies – Free and ticketed events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at the Park will include authentic German-themed food and beverage specials, traditional festival bands, and daily activities! Dust off your stein and come join the party for two fun-filled weekends!
September 14-15, 21 – 22, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
Park Admission
Drag Me To Brunch
Join us on the patio for realest brunch you’ve ever experienced! With $5 drink specials, a special à la carte brunch menu, a DJ, and the entertainment of two of Toronto’s favourite queens, Tynomi Banks and Helena Poison, nobody will have to drag you to this brunch!
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, Yonge & Front, 33 Yonge St.,
Toronto
$18
Burger Fest
Do you hear that sizzle? We’re firing up the grill to bring you five new juicy takes on our classic burgers. Burger Fest will be in full swing from Sept 3–27, so stop by for brunch, lunch or dinner and take your pick! From the Turducken Burger, the Teriyaki Salmon Burger, and the Mushroom Swiss Beef Burger, to Tony’s Meatball Burger and the veg-friendly Falafel Burger, you might not be able to choose just one!
September 3 to 27, 2019
Various Restaurants
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, Yonge & Front, Toronto
Bayview Village Shopping Centre, 2901 Bayview Ave, Toronto
Beaumont Kitchen, The West Mall, Etobicoke
Free
Concerts/Events at Clubs
- Criminal on Monday, September 16, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- Bring It! New Talent Comedy Competition on Tuesday September 17, 2019 | 9:15 PM @ The Social Capital Theatre
- Nahko and Medicine For the People on Tuesday September 17, 2019 | 8 PM @ The Opera House
- Two Door Cinema Club on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 7:00 PM @ The Danforth Music Hall
- The Mushroom Cure on Thursday September 19, 2019 | 8pm – 10pm @ The Grand Gerrard Theatre
- Black Sheep Comedy’s Stand Up on Friday September 20, 2019 | 7:30 PM @ Brunswick Bierworks
You may also like
Things to do with family in Toronto
Free Activities & Cheaper Ways to Explore Toronto
Please verify all details from concerned Event Websites/officials before travelling.
Road Closures
Road Closures in Toronto – Here;
In Brampton – Here ; Mississauga – Here
York Region – Here Durham Region – Here
Road Conditions across GTA – Here ; TTC Route diversions – Here
Bookmark this page and check back next week for more activities.
Where are there firework shows tonight 😎 In Scarborough but will travel
Serena – its called google. try it
I’m so happy Grease the Musical is coming back!!! I’ve seen it twice and loved it, can’t wait to go again! The girl who plays Sandy is EVERYTHING
Missed the halal food festival…