by Jenn Reid
It’s the height of summer and there’s plenty to do! Take a day off work, grab your sunscreen and head out to these must-see events, from Canada Day celebrations to food festivals and incredible concerts. Check out the best events happening this July in Toronto. [Photo credit: Summerlicious dessert courtesy of Ricarda’s]
Canada Day at Nathan Phillips Square
Happy Canada Day! Kick off the month by celebrating our 150th birthday at Nathan Phillips Square. The Canada Day festivities including musical performances from artist like the Barenaked Ladies and Buffy Ste-Marie, plus food, face painting, and of course, fireworks.
Toronto Fringe Festival
Toronto Fringe is a chance to check out some of the best new plays in the city. Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Toronto Fringe has experimental theatre and acts that are still a work-in-progress alongside old favourites and world famous acts. You can buy tickets to individual shows, or buy Fringe passes that let you drop in on whatever performances you like.
Summerlicious
Every year, Summerlicious is the culinary event to look out for! Some of the best restaurants across the city offer special prix-fixe menus where you can get a taste of the high-end eats for a more affordable price.
Digital Dreams
Digital Dreams is a can’t-miss electronic music fest at Echo Beach. This year, the two-day outdoor party features artists like Above & Beyond, Dillstradamus, DVBBS, Steve Angello and more.
Beaches Jazz
Head over to the east end this summer to take in the neighbourhood’s jazz fest! There’s free concerts and performances from artists like Yanni Borrell, The Arsenals and more, plus a street festival at Queen and Woodbine.
Salsa on St. Clair
Salsa on St. Clair is a three-day festival dedicated to Latin culture with dancers, food and more. The free street festival shuts down St. Clair from Christie Street to Winona Drive, with tons of food vendors and performances stages for music, dancing and even dance lessons.
Night It Up!
Food markets are always good, but a food market at night is somehow better. The Night It Up! market in Markham is inspired by night markets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and features Asian street food, live music and performances. Some of the foods you can try here aren’t normally available in the GTA, so foodies won’t want to miss this.
Honda Indy
Racing fans, get ready! The Honda Indy is at Exhibition Place and it’s one of the biggest and oldest IndyCar events. Racers like Michael Andretti, Felix Rosenqvist and Will Power have competed (and won!) over the years.
Take Off, Eh
If the names “Bob and Doug McKenzie” mean anything to you, you can’t miss this. The iconic SCTV duo of Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas are reuniting for a special charity event at Second City, with a packed lineup of Canadian comedy icons: Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Dan Aykroyd and The Kids in the Hall stars Dave Foley, Scott Thompson and Kevin McDonald, plus host Martin Short.
Toronto Festival of Beer
Forget patio beers, the Festival of Beer is the best way to drink outside this summer! The annual event brings local and international brews to Exhibition Place, plus major concerts from artist like Sloan, Alan Doyle and Methodman and Redman.
WayHome
If you’ve always wanted to make it down south to one of the massive music festivals like Coachella or Bonnaroo, save the money for a plane ticket and head out to Canada’s own WayHome! The three-day music and festival features Frank Ocean, Solange, Imagine Dragons and more. You can camp out on site (with a special camping pass!) or take a shuttle to the campgrounds from downtown.
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