27 things to do in Toronto in August
The last full month of summer in the city is a feast for the senses.
Us, last month: “July is likely Toronto’s busiest month.”
August: “Hold my beer [fest].”
Now, would that joke work better if the Toronto Festival of Beer were actually in August (and not July)? Yes, of course it would. Are we keeping it anyway? You know we are.
That’s because the intended point stands: August is absolutely packed — chock full of events featuring music, food, and much more.
To help you sort out your upcoming schedule, we dove deep into the city’s Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s our resulting list of 27 things to do for all sorts of ages and interests.
Emancipation Day with the Ontario Black History Society
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd
Date(s): Tues., Aug. 1
Organizer description: “Come down to Fort York National Historic Site on August 1st for Emancipation Day hosted by the Ontario Black History Society. Celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of Emancipation Day for Toronto diverse Black communities with an afternoon of performances, food, music, art, presentations and more!”
Click here for more info.
NYO Canada Presents the 2023 Aurora Tour
Location: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W
Date(s): Wed., Aug. 2
Organizer description: “Get ready for an unforgettable musical event as NYO Canada, the nation’s premier youth orchestra, takes the stage at Toronto’s Koerner Hall. Join us as 83 of today’s brightest young classical musicians take to the stage under the baton of world-renowned conductor Maestro Sascha Goetzel.
“NYO Canada will perform the world premiere of Glacial Titan by SOCAN emerging composer Kalen Smith. Audiences will also enjoy beloved classical masterpieces, including Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition and enjoy Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 77 with Tiffany Yeung, the 2023 Michael Measures first prize winner as the featured soloist.”
Click here for more info.
H2O4ALL Cross Canada Anniversary Tour - Toronto
Location: George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 245 Church St
Date(s): Thurs., Aug. 3
Organizer description: “Hey Toronto! H2O4ALL’s 15th Anniversary Tour is coming to your city. We will have members of the team talk and take time to mingle with you all.”
Click here for more info.
Danforth Comedy Festival
Location: The Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 4–Sat., Aug. 12
Organizer description: “The first ever Danforth Comedy Festival will be roaring into the east end of Toronto with 17 shows over the weekends of August 4th and August 11th, stacked with close to 50 comics seen on Just for Laughs, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Dry Bar Comedy, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Tik Tok, as well as some of the best up and coming talent in Canada.
“The fest will take place at three venues along the Danforth: Comedy Bar Danforth, SoCap Comedy Theatre, and The Don on The Danforth.”
Click here for more info.
6th Annual Taste of India Festival
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 4–Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Taste of India Festival occurs every year at Nathan Phillips Square. This year is the 6th edition of the event celebrating Indian art, culinary and Heritage.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival: The Grand Parade
Location: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place, 115 Princes’ Blvd
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Jump up and wave with thousands of masqueraders on Lakeshore Boulevard as Toronto’s top DJ’s spin the hottest Soca music! There is a paid area with plenty of food, refreshments and more. You can also watch for free along Lakeshore Blvd.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Patty Fest
Location: Green P Parking Lot - Reggae Lane, 1531 Eglinton Ave W
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Toronto Patty Fest is a FREE one day all ages food festival celebrating the iconic Jamaican Patty during the month of Emancipation. Toronto Patty makers will converge in Little Jamaica and celebrate Toronto’s most recognizable Caribbean snack food.
“Witness patty makers push their boundaries of creativity to deliver over the top patty creations, yet staying true to the most delicious and satisfying Caribbean snack food in the world.
“The festival features a DJ that will keep patrons swaying to the sweet sounds of R&B, reggae and soca music, while enjoying a hot patty in one hand and a cold beverage in the other. Face painting and a magician will be on hand to keep children entertained.”
Click here for more info.
Pan In D’Park
Location: Malvern Park/Malvern Recreation Centre Complex, 30 Sewells Rd
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6
Organizer description: “Pan In D’Park comprises of Toronto’s top steel bands and avid steel pan performers showcasing their unique sounds as they preserve the cultural musical artform. The event will include Old Mas Characters, DJs, Calypso/Soca Artists, other entertainment and a Marketplace.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Concert Orchestra presents: Symphony in the City – Royal at Royale!
Location: Palais Royale Ballroom, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd W
Date(s): Tues., Aug. 8
Organizer description: “Welcome to the court of Palais Royale! Come celebrate some of the most well known pieces of all time, including Strauss’ Emperor Waltz, Handel’s Royal Fireworks, Lully’s Marche Royale and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Legend. Much great music has been written for or inspired by royal families around the world over time.
“As lovers of music, we are all present-day patrons who support the arts - come dressed the part! Make it a complete night out with themed cocktails and catered VIP lounge - all without leaving the heart of the city! Enjoy our exclusive catered waterfront lounge and complimentary parking!”
Click here for more info.
Kokedama: Japanese Moss Ball Design
Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Date(s): Wed., Aug. 9
Organizer description: “‘Moss ball bonsai,’ Kokedama is the Japanese art of planting without pots. A ball of soil or clay covered with moss is used to support the plant’s roots.
“Considered to be cheerful, peaceful, and calm, this charming design style began in the seventeen century. Perfect in small spaces, Kokedama are often presented on decorative plates, wood branches, or stone but they can also be suspended in the air with the help of a cord.
“In this workshop, you’ll learn the history of this art, get an introduction to moss (an often ignored member of the plant kingdom), and learn to make your own beautiful kokedama. All materials required will be provided.”
Click here for more info.
TD JerkFest 2O23
Location: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd
Date(s): Thurs., Aug. 10–Sun., Aug. 13
Organizer description: “The 22nd annual TD International Jerk Food and Music Festival returns with delicious food, interactive food demonstrations and iconic musical headliners. Taking the TD JerkFest stage for Friday’s R&B night is New Edition’s frontman, Johnny Gill, and bringing the Caribbean vibes on Saturday and Sunday are Roots Reggae legend, Luciano, Jamaican Dancehall singer, (Baby) Cham, and Trinidadian Soca Queen of Bacchanal, Destra.”
Click here for more info.
Razzmatazz for Kids
Location: Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 12–Sun., Aug. 13
Organizer description: “Razzmatazz for Kids will get you hugging someone you love, clucking like a chicken, riding a bumpy bus, singing, hopping, laughing, and clapping your hands to their interactive children’s songs. They have been spreading joy to young audiences for over 25 years at festivals, special events, and schools in Canada, the U.S., France, and the U.K.”
Click here for more info.
Bayside Summer Saturdays
Location: Bayside Village, 261 Queens Quay E
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 12–Sat., Aug. 19
Organizer description: “With fun and games for all ages, live music and entertainment, delicious food and beverages, pop-ups from Bayside Village businesses, and local vendors to shop from, you won’t want to miss these exciting events!
“Event Dates and Themes: Perfect Cottage Day features board games & summer essentials, arts & crafts, cottage-inspired food. Perfect Picnic & BBQ Day features food trucks, vendors catering to outdoor eating, picnic tables & umbrellas, and fun lawn games. We hope to see you there!”
Click here for more info.
In the Trenches Market By Shomigo
Location: Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Blvd
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 13
Organizer description: “To further grow and support our community we are hosting our largest market. The In the Trenches Market will take place in the heart of Downtown Toronto at the Steam Whistle Brewery and have an expected 5000 attendees from the public with over 65 different local vendors participating. There will be (live) music, food options, opportunities to build meaningful connections, giveaways and prizes, and more importantly, a place for our community to share their incredible products and story.”
Click here for more info.
I ❤️ Toronto
Location: The Second City, 1 York St
Date(s): Thurs., Aug. 17–Mon., Nov. 13
Organizer description: “I ❤️ Toronto is a hilarious comedy revue all about... you guessed it, Toronto. This show is stacked with fresh new sketches and songs, a few classics from our comedy vaults, as well as a healthy dose of the hilarious improv The Second City is famous for. From Hanlan’s Point to Mel Lastman Square and all subway stops in between The Second City Touring Company will be runnin’ through the 6ix with their jokes!”
Click here for more info.
Wheels on the Danforth
Location: The Danforth, Danforth Ave and Danforth Rd
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 18–Sat., Aug. 19
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!”
Click here for more info.
Taste of Manila 2023
Location: Bathurst St at Wilson Ave
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 19–Sun., Aug. 20
Organizer description: “Mabuhay! The longest running original Filipino street festival, Taste of Manila, is celebrating its 10th year in 2023. The area is also popularly known as Little Manila. 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.”
Click here for more info.
Annual Summer Walking Tour Series: Death, Violence & Scandal in York
Location: St. James Cathedral, 104 King St E
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 19
Organizer description: “In this walking tour, explore the scandalous side of Little Muddy York as we walk through the surviving built environment of the original 10 blocks of Toronto and learn about the intriguing stories that would have been the gossip of the day. This is the final tour in our Annual Summer Walking Tour Series.
“All tours start on the steps of St. James Cathedral (facing King Street East) and end at Toronto’s First Post Office. Tours run rain or shine, and may cover rough ground, so please dress accordingly. All ages are welcome. Dogs are also welcome as we walk, though portions of some tours may include areas where they are restricted.”
Click here for more info.
2023 Toronto Chinatown Festival
Location: West side of Spadina Ave, between St. Andrew St and Sullivan St
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 19–Sun., Aug. 20
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.”
Click here for more info.
Dash for Kids 2023
Location: Prosserman JCC, 4588 Bathurst St
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 20
Organizer description: “Join us at the Dash for Kids family racing event! Register now to walk or run a 400 meter, 1 mile, or 5 km chip timed race. All ages, abilities, walkers, and strollers are welcome. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, and a voucher for a tasty post-race treat. We will be hosting a number of exciting fitness activities following the race.
“All proceeds from donations will benefit the JCC’s Inclusion Services department to support hundreds of children, youth and adults with special needs in our community. The Dash for Kids is designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone.
“Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or prefer a leisurely stroll, we invite participants of all ages and abilities to take part.”
Click here for more info.
The Enchanted Forest
Location: Flagstaff Park, 42 Mercury Rd
Date(s): Wed., Aug. 23–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “Hercinia Arts Collective in collaboration with Seeking Giants Collective and SoCirC presents The Enchanted Forest, a free circus show combining aerial acrobatics and stilt dance, along with a community circus workshop for all ages. Family-friendly event. Bring your own seating (if desired).”
Click here for more info.
FAN EXPO Canada
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
Date(s): Thurs., Aug. 24–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.”
Click here for more info.
Summer Live Music Festival
Location: Trillium Park at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 25–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “Summer Live Music Festival is back for its 4th year! The Summer Live Music Festival (SLMF) is back, bigger and bolder than ever, ready to rock your world at the breathtaking Trillium Park. Get ready to groove to the vibrant beats of Live Jazz and the mesmerizing harmonies of SING! In the Summer a cappella, and the enchanting sounds of Indigenous Music Live covering jazz, pop, and world music. But it's not just about the music. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Trillium Park, nestled along the stunning waterfront. And the best part? This extraordinary experience is absolutely free! Take a seat on the lush lawn, or bring your own cozy seating or blanket for the ultimate comfort experience!”
Click here for more info.
Acton Children’s Business Fair
Location: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “A one day fair to support the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business! Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. Maximum of 10 small tables for each businesses to setup their shop.”
Click here for more info.
Tamil Fest 2023
Location: Markham Road, Markham Rd.
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “Tamil Fest showcases and celebrates the rich Tamil cultural heritage, arts, music, and cuisine to Canada’s diverse communities. Last year the annual Tamil Fest attracted well over 250,000 individuals, which was its highest number of attendees since its inception in 2015. During this two-day festival, you can expect to see amazing live entertainment by local and international artists, delicious food, and the celebration of rich Tamil culture.”
Click here for more info.
Trinbago Toronto 2023
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St E
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “Trinbago Toronto is a celebration of the culture, history, and impact of the Trinidad & Tobago diaspora in Canada. Expect live entertainment reflective of Trinidad and Tobago’s diversity, DJs, food vendors and food demonstrations, Carnival mas band pop-ups, prizes and giveaways! We are delighted to showcase our rich and diverse culture in Toronto!”
Click here for more info.
Party 4 Paws Summer Pet Fair
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dog Bowl, 790 Queen St W
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “Party 4 Paws Summer Pet Fair is a family-friendly and fully accessible event where you can start your animal adoption journey, support local businesses by shopping for your pets, and meet celebrity pets. Admission is free, and all donations go towards helping animals in need. There will also be other activities and attractions including doggie pools and tunnels, a photo booth, treats for pets, and displays of pet supplies, services, and goodies from an array of new and established businesses.”
Click here for more info.
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