Berczy Beats: Free live lunchtime music Wednesdays next to the famous “dog fountain”. Details here.
Black Dreams & Aspirations: Limited-time exhibit showcases the works of 12 talented artists. Details here. Union Station, 65 Front St W. Until Aug 31.
CONTACT Photography Festival: 200 exhibitions and happenings throughout the month of May in the Greater Toronto Area. Details here.
Dancing in the Square: Every Wednesday this summer, learn a new dance step with a professional instructor in the new Public Square. Details here. Harbourfront Centre. Until Aug 28.
Free Concert Series: Artists from around the world share their talent and passion in one of Toronto’s most breathtaking and intimate spaces. Details here. Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 145 Queen St W.
I Heart Market Street: Join your neighbours for live entertainment, pop up market vendors, and more! Details here. Front Street to The Esplanade. Until Oct.
JAYU Summer Slam: Watch 10 talented poets go head to head delivering powerful performances. Details here. 401 Richmond St W. Aug 8.
Joy in the Park: Enjoy live performances by CinnaMoon Collective, Rudy Ray Trio Band, and Maulid Owino. Details here. David Crombie Park. Aug 1.
Little Portugal Free Public Art Tour: Presented by Open Air Museum & Little Portugal Toronto BIA. Details here. Along Dundas West from Shaw to Lansdowne.
Music in St. James Park: Enjoy concerts in the park all summer long! Details here.120 King St E. Until Aug 21.
Pave Paradise: Bring a chair and a picnic to St. James Park in downtown Toronto and enjoy! Details here. 120 King St E. Aug 2-25.
Power Plant: Explore this contemporary gallery and all it offers. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
Softer City: The Bentway presents a series of 6 commissioned art installations, performances, and events that explore “softness” as a collective strategy for building a socially connected city. Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Until Oct 6.
Soulpepper Theatre: Amazing productions and affordable pricing. 50 Tank House Lane. Details here.
Summer Music in the Garden: Intimate live music experience by the waterfront, occurring most Thursdays and Sundays all summer. Details here. Until Aug 29.
Community
City Councillor's Movie Night: Get ready for a fun Kung Fu Panda movie night! Free Shaolin Kung Fu for kids and Shaolin Tai Chi for adults before the movie begins!
Dominoes: In anticipation of The Bentway’s upcoming presentation of its one-day public art project Dominoes, join this fun event to learn how to play or register for a tournament. Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Aug 17.
Downtown Movies in the Park: Every Wednesday evening at sunset, David Pecaut Square transforms into an outdoor cinema. Details here. 215 King St W. Until Aug 7.
Free Flicks: Harbourfront Centre is hosting 10 free outdoor film screenings all summer. Details here. Until Aug 27.
Gallery Visits & Vintage Crawl in Little Portugal: Featuring over 10 galleries with work from local, national & international artists. Along Dundas from Shaw to Lansdowne. Details here.
Laying Tracks: The 11th Annual Underground Freedom Train departs Union Station at 11 pm for Downsview Park Station. Jul 31.
Lookout at the Portlands: The Lookout is a tower that provides a view of all 3 bridges and a glimpse across the future Villiers Island. Open for drop-in visits on specific dates. Details here. 222 Cherry St.
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market: Great food, poetry, dance, art fair, and more at the annual event. Details here. Until Oct 7.
Roller Skating at the Bentway: Live DJs, food trucks, gear rentals for summer nights to remember! Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Until Sep 27.
tpl:map: Book your free pass with your adult library card for free admission to many of Toronto's cultural attractions. Details here.
Tree Stories: Shadowland’s 40th annual performance spectacle and parade on Ward’s Island will celebrate trees and the miracle of resurgence. Details here. Ward's Field. Aug 1.
Weekly Drawing Socials: No previous drawing experience? No problem! Artist facilitators will help you try something new, and meet your neighbours, while learning drawing techniques. Wednesday evenings. Details here. Bentway Studio, 55 Fort York Blvd. Aug 7-Sep 25.
Festivals/Shows
Canadian National Exhibition: The Ex is back with exciting events and shows for the whole family! Details here. Exhibition Place. Aug 16-Sep 2.
Fitness
Breathwork & Meditation Classes: Very excited to enter 2024 with a nourishing weekly offering at The Grateful Den. Details here.
Play Mobile: Three brightly-decorated vans are touring the city to provide fun outdoor opportunities for Toronto residents to try a variety of sports. Details here. Lamport Stadium Park, 1155 King St W. Until Aug 24.
Strength and Core Workshops: Jamii presents these sessions for all ages on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Register here. 264 The Esplanade.
Toronto Island Holistic Yoga & Nutrition Retreat: This retreat is a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, providing easy access to an all-day event in the calm and serene community of Toronto Island. Details here. Multiple dates.
Yoga in the Park: A blissful blend of invigorating movement and deep relaxation Sunday and Wednesday evenings 6 pm in Bickford Park. Details here. 400 Grace St.
Yoga in Trillium Park: Free yoga classes on select Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am. Details here. 955 Lakeshore Blvd W. Until Sep 29.
Food/Markets
Distillery District Breakfast Tour: Indulge in a rich morning experience featuring stops at favourite local spots – start with a hot drink followed by a breakfast sandwich and snack. Details here. Until Nov 10.
Market 707: Housed in retrofitted shipping containers, Market 707 offers a unique street food and retail experience. This vibrant community space brings together local entrepreneurs serving delicious international street food and unique goods and services to create an urban food and shopping experience unlike any other. 707 Dundas St. W. Click here for more information.
Metro Hall Farmers' Market: Thursdays 8 am to 2:30 pm. Details here. 55 John St. Until Oct 11.
St. Lawrence Farmers' Market: Open until Nov 14, Saturdays 5 am to 3 pm. Details here. 93 Front St.
Tasty Tours: Explore Kensington Market, Downtown Toronto and other areas of the city via Tasty Tours food tours.
Toronto Artisan Market: Shop unique finds from a diverse group of local makers in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Details here. Sundays until Sep 8.
Toronto Flower Market: Support local by shopping seasonal blooms from more than 30 Ontario flower growers and vendors. Details here. CAMH, 1001 Queen St W. Until Oct 12.
Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market: The 18th year the market starts with a soft opening May 7. Tuesdays 3-7 pm rain or shine. Details here. 1053 Dundas St W. Until Oct 29.
Underpass Farmers' Market: Corktown's market on Thursdays 4-7:30 pm. Details here. 29 Lower River St. Until Oct 17.
Waterworks Food Hall: The wait is over! From artisanal creations to familiar favourites, savour a world of freshly prepared authentic cuisines and drinks under one roof. Details here. 50 Brant St.
Indigenous
Awakenings: A virtual series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour. Details here.
Centre for Indigenous Theatre Volunteering: Gain knowledge in both Indigenous culture and performing arts while working with industry professionals. For information, email [email protected].
Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden Program: Join this free program every Wednesday and Friday, 1-3 pm. Call 416-392-1509 ext. 327 or email [email protected]. Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 627 Queens Quay W.
Kids/Family
Dino Runs at The Bentway: If your kids like dinosaurs, they’ll love this event. Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd. Jul 20, Aug 24.
Light & Shadow: Shadowland Theatre has launched a video game on Steam and itch.io. Created in collaboration with Flawed Designs, Light & Shadow is free, platformer game in a shadow puppetry style, designed for young people who may be vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
Little Canada: Explore the vast, highly detailed and animated miniature world at Little Canada. 20 Dundas Square.
Open Virtual Ballet 101: Ballet Jörgen's free open program is perfect for school, daycare and after-school groups, families, or community groups looking for an engaging arts program. For more information, email [email protected].
Parent Resources Program: Weekly indoor drop-in playgroup for children and parents. Details here. Thursdays & Fridays. 173A Front St E.
Power Kids: The Power Plant presents free creative workshops in the gallery every other Sunday for children and their parents and guardians. Details here. 231 Queens Quay W.
Summer Camps at Harbourfront: A summer of new experiences awaits for 4 to 15-year-olds, from sailing and circus to science, performing arts, sports and visual arts. Details here.
Toronto Gone Wild: Explore the city as a multi-layered habitat — starring the animals, plants, and insects that call Toronto home. Details here. 401 Richmond St W. Until Aug 4.
University Settlement Kids' Programs: A variety of programs including Afterschool and PA day camps. Details here.
Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre: Summer Daze Camp registration is now open. Details here. 627 Queens Quay W.
Wayo Children's Festival: Jamii presents its 5th annual event focusing on "Animals' Stories" featuring dance, music, storytelling, installations, theatre, and crafts. Details here. 250 The Esplanade. Aug 7-11.
Museums/Galleries
Art Gallery of Ontario Free Wednesday Nights: Free admission to the collection galleries every Wednesday from 6-9 pm. Details here. 317 Dundas St W.
Free Admission to 10 Museums: Toronto will permanently provide free general admission to 10 history museums across the city, including Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Market Gallery, Spadina Museum and more. Details here.
Gardiner Museum Clay Programs: Visitors of all ages are invited to experiment with clay at various workshops. Details here. 111 Queen's Park.
iArts Museum Illusions Arts Science: An immersive exhibit with 18 installations of optical illusions and 3D art inviting visitors to this interactive experience. Details here.580 King St W, 2nd Floor.
On the Rails: Toronto Railway Museum presents a new digital exhibit that explores the unique and everyday challenges of Toronto’s past and current railway workers. Details here.
Royal Ontario Museum Free Tuesday Nights: Enjoy free admission for everyone on the third Tuesday Night (4:30-8:30 pm) of each month. Details here.
ROMWalks: Free and require no registration. Simply turn up at a walk’s starting point and look for the ROMWalks umbrella. Details here. Until Oct 20.
Seniors
JAMII Adult Workshops: Jamii is holding new weekly programs including Movement, Watercolour Painting, Sewing, and Stretching workshops. Register here. 264 The Esplanade.
Seniors Programs at Waterfront Centre: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre is holding daily in-person programs, including computer basics, baking and afternoon tea! To register, call 416-392-1509 ext. 327 or email [email protected].
Seniors Programs at St. Lawrence Centre: St. Lawrence Community Centre is running an array of seniors' group activities. Contact Ilse, Seniors Group Leader 416-392-1347. 230 The Esplanade.
Seniors Programs at University Settlement: A range of free counselling, programs and services specifically designed for older adults 55+. Details here. Email [email protected].
Walking/Bike Tours
Chinatown Mural Lane: Explore these beautiful murals depicting scenes from the four greatest Chinese novels. Details here. Oxford St.
Heritage Toronto Walking Tours: A variety of tours that run continuously from May to October. Details here.
Mini Art Crawl on Toronto Island: Explore local artists’ works displayed in elevated miniature display cases as you stroll along the island’s cozy streets. View the map here.
St. Lawrence Market Tours: This unique 90-minute tour includes a guided walk with Bruce Bell through Toronto's famed market. Call 647-393-8687. Details here.
Tasty Tours: Explore Kensington Market, Downtown Toronto and other areas of the city via Tasty Tours food tours.
Toronto Downtown West BIA ArtWalk: Showcasing over 70 art installations in the district, ArtWalk provides an interactive map of themed routes that can be enjoyed online or as a self-guided walking tour.
Walk Liberty: Enjoy this interactive portal inviting you to explore the rich history, public spaces, and dynamic and eclectic businesses of Liberty Village.
Workshops
Events by The Bentway: A variety of free workshops for everyone! Details here. 250 Fort York Blvd.
Free School Workshops: Soulpepper Theatre presents a new series of workshops and talks hosted by experts and non-experts alike and embracing experience-based and self-taught knowledge. Details here.
University Settlement Free Workshops: Tai Chi & Yoga, Citizenship Test Classes, Mental Health and more! Details here.
