13 free things to do in Toronto this weekend

Wheels on the Danforth

Organizer description: “Hosted by The Crossroads of The Danforth BIA, Wheels on The Danforth is one of Toronto's most renowned outdoor car shows; Featuring 500+ vehicle displays, live entertainment, street vendors and family-fun zones!”

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Little Jamaica Art Show

Organizer description: “Explore a diverse collection of artworks available for purchase from various local artists, ranging from paintings, photography and handmade jewelry. Engage with passionate artists, discover unique stories behind each creation and network with community members.

“Little Jamaica Art Fair is part of Get to Know Eglinton West, a City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Signature Project. The two-day showcase is held at two different venues. Day 1 takes place at Trea-Jah Isle, 1514 Eglinton Avenue West and Day 2 is featured at Rastafest located at the Green P Parking Lot at 1 Shortt St (Dufferin and Eglinton Ave West.). Special thanks to Nia Centre for the Arts.”

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Tweenfest

Organizer description: “Tweenfest, a children and youth festival, takes place at the Family Fun Festival at Rastafest, including activities and games, free food and food demonstrations, Nyah Binghi drumming and a live concert. Tweenfest is produced in collaboration with For Youth Initiative.

“Performances include participants from the Tween Creative Arts Program, a SPARK project of the Cultural Hotspot, is a youth dance and theatre project where participants learn hip-hop, jazz and contemporary dance as well as theatre skills, including acting, scriptwriting, stage managing, directing and costume design, with a final performance at Rastafest.”

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Outdoor Movie Nights

Organizer description: “Join a perfect family friendly event as we watch some movies under the stars. Do not forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Please note that movies and popcorn are free but donations welcome at the Snack Shack with proceeds to the Bloor West Village Food Bank.”

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Scarborough Fair Music Festival

Organizer description: “This Unique Celebration includes live music performing arts, kids’ bouncy castles and art booths, food vendors, a farmers’ mart from local farmers, etc.

“Our celebration is in acknowledgment of Canadians’ multicultural contributions to our community. This is a great opportunity for Canadians across the country to enjoy and savour the richness of a healthy and happy family lifestyle that contributes to the growth and prosperity of this great land.

“As we celebrate the arts and cultural heritage of all Canadian origins, one and all are graciously invited to join us.”

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TAAFI Family Cartoon Screening

Organizer description: “You’ll be sure to see us from the street with a giant inflatable movie screen! This year we are thrilled to announce that we are screening Nimona! Preceding the film will be a short film created by our Golden Ticket Winner!

“TAAFI stands for the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to sharing the incredible work done by artists and content creators in the Animation Industry. TAAFI has operated for over 10 years and this is the second year we’re doing a public screening in the park!”

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Name the Tree

Organizer description: “Join us for a walk to explore and learn about tree identification. We will be learning about both native and invasive species. We will discuss the various features of trees that can help us identify them. Each species has a unique combination of features including the characteristics of the bark, the leaf shape, size and colour, as well as flowers, fruits and more!

“By understanding the native ecology of the area participants will gain an appreciation of the complex dynamics and the severe impacts of changes made to the local biodiversity. This event will be open to everyone, however, we will also prioritize those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour.”

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Taste of Manila 2023

Organizer description: “Mabuhay! The longest running original Filipino street festival, Taste of Manila, is celebrating its 10th year in 2023. Flavorful Filipino cuisine is showcased during 2 days of tastings in this massive annual street festival, plus entertainment & activities for the nearly 400,000+ visitors to Toronto's ‘Little Manila.’

“As we try to disrupt the way festivals are held in Ontario, we promise to hold an exciting street party that has never been seen before.”

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Black Culinary Culture in Early Toronto Neighbourhood Tour

Organizer description: “Mackenzie House’s Black Culinary Culture in Early Toronto walking tour explores the influence of the Black community on food culture in Toronto from the 1830s-1860s. From grocers, to caterers, to purveyors of fine dining, each of the individuals included represents a different aspect of foodways.

“The tour begins at the Northeast corner of King & Church Streets and ends at Mackenzie House, with a food tasting of Trinidadian snacks by Pelau Catering!”

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11th Jagannath Festival

Organizer description: “This exciting event celebrates spirituality, culture, and community. Get ready for a day filled with vibrant music, mesmerizing dances, and delicious vegetarian food. Come and experience the joyous atmosphere as devotees and visitors from all walks of life gather to celebrate the divine pastimes of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra.

“Immerse yourself in the enchanting performances, including devotional singing, traditional dances, and enlightening talks by renowned spiritual leaders. Indulge in the vegetarian delicacies offered.”

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2023 Toronto Chinatown Festival

Organizer description: “The festival is an iconic annual festival of Chinatown BIA. The goal is to draw visitors to downtown Toronto and create a festive atmosphere for visitors to gain a pleasurable experience in Toronto Chinatown. This two-day street festival provides an opportunity to bring more visitors to shop, to eat, and to entertain in Toronto Chinatown.

“Visitors may expect an enchanted two-day program filled with cultural performances, traditional street eats, art & culture booths, Kung Fu performances, Dragon and Lion Dance and an opportunity to better understand Asian cultures.”

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Ferragosto & Sagra della Porchetta

Organizer description: “Celebrate the peak of summer as we commemorate Ferragosto, the annual Italian summer holiday! Join us for an afternoon of free activities for the entire family, including children’s entertainment, face painting, porchetta and other delicious Italian foods, gelato cart, and more!”

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300 Seconds Short Film Festival

Organizer description: “Join us on our 7th year celebration as we aim to celebrate the art of micro-short filmmaking by accepting only entries that have a maximum run time of 300 seconds (5 minutes) - including films from local Toronto filmmakers!”

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