Photo via @nuitblancheto

Have fun in the city without having to break your wallet. Here are 13 of the best free events taking place in Toronto this September that you need to know about. 

Table of Contents:

1). Nuit Blanche 

2). The Toronto Waterfront Festival

3). Just For Laughs: Free Street Festival

4). Roncesvalles Polish Festival

5). The Cabbagetown Festival

6). Pape Village Block Party

7). Free Outdoor Movies

8). 2023 Asialicious Carnival

9). VegTO Fest

10). OCAD Artist Alley

11). Fall Tree Colours 

12). The Queen West Art Crawl Festival

13). Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market

1). Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche will transform the neighbourhoods and streets with amazing art installations. This contemporary art event will feature exhibitions in Etobicoke, downtown Toronto and Scarborough, with more than 80 art projects from close to 250 local, national, and international artists. This year's theme will be called "Breaking Ground" and entry to the event will be free. 

‍Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: September 23rd-24th (7 pm-7 am), 2023

Price: Free admission 

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

2). The Toronto Waterfront Festival

The Toronto Waterfront Festival is making its way to Toronto this September and you don't want to miss a huge surprise. After 6 years, the world's largest rubber duck is making a return to Toronto's waterfront. Aside from the main attraction, the event will also feature live entertainment, activities for kids, giveaways, food options, and more.

Where: 7 Queens Quay E

When: September 16th-17th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

3). Just For Laughs: Free Street Festival

The 11th edition of Just For Laughs Toronto, the world's largest comedy festival is back. From September 22nd to 24th, head over to the Beneva Stage located at Front St. E and Berczy Park for 3 days of entertainment, food and drinks. 

Where: Front St. E and Berczy Park

When: September 22nd-24th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

4). Roncesvalles Polish Festival

The Roncesvalles Polish Festival will be taking place in Toronto from September 16th-17th. The festival will feature amazing delicious goodies, performances, family-friendly activities, shops, vendors, and many more. 

Where: Roncesvalles Ave

When: September 16th-17th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

5). The Cabbagetown Festival

The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals. The festival will feature family-friendly activities, entertainment, live music, a kids' zone, food, and over 150 different vendors. 

Where: Cabbagetown

When: September 9th-10th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

6). Pape Village Block Party

The Pape Village Block Party is taking place on September 16th! The FREE one-day festival will close down Pape Avenue between Mortimer and Gamble Aves and feature family-friendly entertainment. With live music, arts and crafts vendors, a children’s “fun zone” with bouncy castles, children’s character roamers and balloonists, a vintage/hot rod car show, and more, you're in for a great time. 

Where: Pape Avenue between Mortimer and Gamble Aves

When: September 16th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

7). Free Outdoor Movies

There are still a few free outdoor movies taking place in Toronto this month. Movies at Sorauren Park Town Square, Films on Shortt, and free movie nights at Evergreen Brick Works are some of the remaining free outdoor movie experiences left in the city. 

8). 2023 Asialicious Carnival

2023 Asialicious Carnival will return from September 15th to 17th at Woodside Square. Guests will be able to enjoy all things Japan. Enjoy a cosplay parade, anime performance showcase, fireworks, street food, multicultural performances, workshops, and more!

Where: Woodside Square (1571 Sandhurst Circle)

When: September 15th-17th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

9). VegTO Fest

VegTO Fest is Toronto's only free vegan festival and will be happening this month. This event helps to support those on a plant-based journey and will feature over 200 exhibitors offering food, wares and other wonders. Plus, admission to the event is free. 

Where: Nathan Phillips Square

When: September 9th-10th, 2023

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

10). OCAD Artist Alley

Head over to the OCAD Artist Alley taking place for only 2 days. Support local artists and explore a large range of posters, prints, stickers, and more. Admission to this event is free of course. 

Where: Great Hall (100 McCaul St)

When: September 9th-10th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

11). Fall Tree Colours 

Autumn means that trees are starting to change colours. Leaves typically change colours from mid-September to early October depending on the weather. High Park, Glen Stewart Ravine, Scarborough Bluffs, and Rouge National Urban Park are a few amazing spots to catch the fall colours. 

12). The Queen West Art Crawl Festival

The Queen West Art Crawl Festival is a two-day arts festival that stretches along Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles in Trinity Bellwoods Park. With an expected attendance of over 65k, you're in for an awesome time. The festival includes a 2SLGBT+ friendly kids' zone and a main stage with music and drag that is 50%+ BIPOC. 

Where: Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

When: September 23rd-24th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

13). Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market

Walk around and explore what Kensington Market has to offer at Pedestrian Sundays. With an atmosphere filled with music, art, and tasty food, you’re in for an awesome time! 

Where: Kensington Market

When: September 24th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

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