Photo via @letsgototheex Instagram

Summer 2023 is finally here in Toronto. Get ready for some of the most exciting events that are happening in the city in the upcoming weeks. Here are 23 of the best summer events in Toronto that you don't want to miss.

Table of Contents:

1). Movies Under the Stars

2). Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 

3). Canada Day Fireworks

4). Toronto Caribbean Carnival

5). Taste of the Danforth

6). CNE 

7). Honda Indy

8). Toronto Fringe Festival

9). Waterfront Night Market 

10). World's Largest Rubber Duck

11). Toronto Concerts 

12). TIFF

13). Veld Music Festival 2023 

14). National Bank Open

15). Todotoronto Networking Mixer at Lavelle

16). New Peter Pan Themed Pop-up Bar 

17). Lavazza IncluCity Festival

18). Canada’s First-Ever Traveling BBQ Party

19). BIG on Bloor 

20). Salsa in Toronto Festival

21). Taste of the Middle East Summer Festival 2023

22). Toronto International Buskerfest 

23). Beaches Jazz Festival

1). Movies Under the Stars

Get to watch movies under the stars for free! Downsview Park will be hosting the 7th annual Movies Under the Stars program from July 11 to August 31, 2023. Below is the list of films and dates. 

1. Tuesday, July 11 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie
2. Thursday, July 27 - Top Gun: Maverick
3. Wednesday, August 9 - Strange World
4. Friday, August 18 - Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
5. Thursday, August 31 - Nostalgia Night

Where: Downsview Park

When: July 11th-August 31st, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

2). Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 

If you're a huge art lover, then you don't want to miss this annual art fair taking place in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is back this summer at Nathan Phillips Square! The fair showcases emerging and established visual artists, installations, guided tours, kids programs, live painting, dance, and food and drink experiences. 

Where: Nathan Phillips Square

When: July 7th-9th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

3). Canada Day Fireworks

Celebrate Canada Day this summer by catching a dazzling fireworks show. Downsview Park, Canada's Wonderland, Ashbridges Bay, and many more will be putting on a spectacular display of fireworks to celebrate Canada Day!

4). Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The popular Toronto Caribbean Carnival is making its return to Toronto from July to August. This carnival features magnificent displays of costumes, music, and culture. The highly anticipated Grande Parade will be taking place on August 5th on Lakeshore Boulevard. There will be thousands of masqueraders, so you’re in for a treat! You can watch the parade for free or pay for a paid area, where there will be food, refreshments, and more.

Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out. 

When: July 11th-August 5th, 2023

Price: Free-$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

5). Taste of the Danforth

After a 3-year break, Taste of the Danforth is making its return this year. This 3-day event beginning on August 11th will feature amazing food, music, and so much more! You don't want to miss one of the largest street festivals in Canada. 

Where: Danforth 

When: August 11th-13th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

6). CNE 

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an annual event that takes place in Toronto and marks the end of summer. The CNE takes place over 18 days and features live entertainment, concerts, rides, games, a plethora of food vendors, and more! Take advantage of the last few weeks of the summer season at the CNE. 

Where: Exhibition Place (210 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3)

When: August 18th-September 4th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

7). Honda Indy

The Honda Indy is a motorsports festival that takes place every summer in Toronto. This event will feature thrilling races, beer gardens, food trucks, interactive displays, and engaging activities. Be prepared for a thrilling summer event here at the Honda Indy. Important to note is that children aged 12 and under can enjoy free general admission to the event when accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket. 

Where: Exhibition Place (95 Nunavut Rd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3)

When: July 14th-16th, 2023

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

8). Toronto Fringe Festival

The 35th Toronto Fringe Festival is set to take place from July 5 to July 16. This festival will feature over 100 companies from Canada and around the world, transforming multiple theatre venues throughout downtown Toronto. With performances, like comedy, drama, musicals, storytelling, children's theatre, dance, and more, there is something for everyone. 

Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: July 5th-16th, 2023

Price: $

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

9). Waterfront Night Market 

If you love food and are a self-declared foodie, you need to check out the Waterfront Night Market. Right at the waterfront, get to enjoy delicious food, culture, interactive entertainment, Illuminasian Lantern Experience, and more. 

Where: 115 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada

When: August 11th-13th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: 19+

Click here for more information.

10). World's Largest Rubber Duck

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.

11). Toronto Concerts 

There are a ton of concerts happening in Toronto this summer that you don't want to miss. Here are some concerts taking place this summer in Toronto. 

1). Beyoncé Renaissance Tour

2). TWICE: Ready To Be Tour

3). Sam Smith: Gloria The Tour

4). Madonna: The Celebration Tour

5). Guns N' Roses

12). TIFF

The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place from September 7th to 17th. Known for its premier selection of films from all over the world, TIFF has lived up to this reputation with a lineup of films spanning all genres. TIFF will feature a great selection of films that will leave you wanting more. 

‍Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: September 7th-17th, 2023

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

13). Veld Music Festival 2023 

Head over to Downsview Park for the Veld Music Festival. This Canadian electronic music festival will feature 60+ artists, fireworks, an amazing time, and more! With music, arts, eats, and surprises, the Veld Music Festival is where you want to be!  

Where: Downsview Park

When: August 4th-6th, 2023

Price: $$$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

14). National Bank Open

Head over to the National Bank Open and be a part of history. This tennis tournament is filled with rich tradition and is a classic summer event that takes place in Toronto. Don't forget to take advantage of this summer event. 

Where: Sobeys Stadium: Centre Court

When: August 7th-13th, 2023

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

15). Todotoronto Networking Mixer at Lavelle

Our July Networking Mixer will be held on July 13th at Lavelle! Get to mingle and connect with over 75 like-minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers located in the GTA at a rooftop experience unlike any other in Toronto’s exclusive King West neighbourhood. A ticket to this event not only guarantees a fun night, but the opportunity to connect and meet with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners & freelancers, a FREE welcome drink, and COMPLIMENTARY pool access from the venue!

Where: Lavelle (627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5)

When: July 13th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: Networking

Click here for more information.

16). New Peter Pan Themed Pop-up Bar 

A new pop-up bar is landing in Toronto and this one is Peter Pan-themed. Get to join Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and be a part of this immersive experience. Play pirates with Captain Hook, climb aboard the Jolly Roger, and get to enjoy Neverland-themed cocktails. There will be tons of photo ops to take cute pictures with and a variety of interactive activities as well. 

Where: Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, ON M5C 1S2

When: August 9th-20th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: 19+

Click here for more information.

17). Lavazza IncluCity Festival

The Lavazza IncluCity Festival will be making its return back to the Distillery District from June 27th to July 21st. Prepare to be swept away by a remarkable cinematic journey, featuring special guest appearances, glamorous red-carpet events, and exclusive cocktail experiences, all beneath the starlit sky. With a diverse selection of films from over 20 countries spanning genres like drama, romance, comedy, documentary, and more, there's something for every movie lover.

Where: Distillery District

When: June 27th-July 21st, 2023

Price: $$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

18). Canada’s First-Ever Traveling BBQ Party

Monkey Shoulder and DJ Skratch Bastid are teaming up together to bring an epic BBQ party to Toronto and you don’t want to miss it! Monkey Shoulder will be serving up some funky summer-inspired cocktails. Plus, there will be some amazing BBQ flavours, and awesome beats from DJ Skratch Bastid and other famed hip-hop artists. 

Where: The Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, M5V 3K9)

When: July 29th-30th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: 19+

Click here for more information.

19). BIG on Bloor 

BIG on Bloor is an Art & Culture festival that takes place in the summer. This festival will feature outdoor murals, window displays, public installations, other projects, entertainment, art workshops, and many more. Plus, guests will be able to take part in creating a community tapestry, which will be displayed publicly.

Where: Bloor Street West, between Dufferin to Lansdowne

When: July 15th-16th, 2023

Price: Free

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

20). Salsa in Toronto Festival

Toronto will be transformed into a fun fiesta this summer! The festival will feature over 350 performers, delicious food and treats, salsa dance parties, art exhibitions, free Latin dance lessons at various schools across the city, and the exciting La Fiesta Parade!

Where: St. Clair Ave West – between Winona Rd and Christie St

When: July 8th-9th, 2023

Price: Free admissions

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for more information.

21). Taste of the Middle East Summer Festival 2023

Taste of the Middle East is happening at Nathan Phillips Square in July and you don't want to miss it. This 3-day festival will celebrate Arabic music, art and culture. This festival also offers free admission. 

Where: Nathan Phillips Square

When: July 14th-16th 2023

Price: Free admissions

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for more information.

22). Toronto International Buskerfest 

Head over to Woodbine Park and join in on the fun at the Toronto International Buskerfest. Get to enjoy 4 days of non-stop fun for all ages. This event will feature food trucks, a beer garden, a family fun zone, night-time programming, circus artistry, daredevils, and many more. Admission is by donation in support of Epilepsy Toronto.

Where: Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G7)

When: September 1st-4th, 2023

Price: $

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for more information.

23). Beaches Jazz Festival

The 35th annual Beaches Jazz Festival will be taking place in July and you don't want to miss it. From July 6th-30th, events like Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, Salsa on the Beach, 90’s Night, Woodbine Park Main Stage, Streetfest, and Groovin’ in the Park will be taking place. There will be tons of music performances to be enjoyed, plus admissions are free! 

Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out. 

When: July 6th-30th, 2023

Price: Free

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for more information.

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