25 things to do in Toronto in July
Fairs, street festivals, and other outdoor events galore make for an incredibly busy month.
With fairs, parades, street festivals, and other outdoor events galore, July is likely Toronto’s busiest month.
To help you sort out your upcoming schedule, we dove deep into the city’s Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s our resulting list of 25 things to do for all sorts of ages and interests.
Canada Day at Downsview Park
Location: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave
Date(s): Sat., July 1
Organizer description: “We can't wait for you to join us on Canada Day, July 1st for our annual festival! See you at the Festival Terrace! We'll have live entertainment, games for kids, inflatables, vendors and so much more! All for FREE. So, bring your friends, family and neighbours out for an amazing afternoon and evening. Did we mention that there'll be fireworks and food trucks too?”
Click here for more info. (Also, click here for more stuff to do on Canada Day long weekend.)
Breaking Through: Summer at Gibson House Museum
Location: Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St.
Date(s): Sun., July 2–Sat., Sept. 30
Organizer description: “Awaken a new perspective & celebrate the spirit of summer at Gibson House Museum! This 1800s farmhouse nestled among the high rises of North York offers visitors an opportunity to connect with histories past and present in many ways.
“Participate in healing through weaving in the Sustainable Studio, offering visitors of all ages a chance to engage with a variety of hands-on activities. Dive into a multi-sensory experience of Toronto’s foodways through demonstrations and food activations. Try your hand at a range of diverse games to learn more about their local and global histories.
“This program advances the Awakenings philosophy and embodies the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, anti-racism, sustainability and advocacy.”
Click here for more info.
Eid Extravaganza
Location: Cornell Park, 18 Beran Dr.
Date(s): Sunday, July 2
Organizer description: “Eid Event for family and kids in local park. Face painting, henna, bouncy castles and snacks.”
Kyra de Magica - A Satirical Magician's Comedy Show
Location: St. Vladimir Theatre, 620 Spadina Ave.
Date(s): Wed., July 5-Sat., July 15
Organizer description: “A 16 year old satirical phoney magician has just immigrated to Toronto from Hong Kong. With her father still in Hong Kong, we learn that her mother has become increasingly disciplinary towards her child. Through an interactive experience, help Kyra de Magica get the attention of her celebrity crush, whom she believes will save her from her overbearing mother, by telling the future through mind control, telepathy, and song! Come witness The Toronto Fringe Festival’s first made-in-Hong Kong, adapted to Canada production.”
Click here for more info.
City Hall Live at Union Summer
Location: Union Station, 65 Front St. W.
Date(s): Wed., July 5
Organizer description: “Union Summer presented by TD, an annual patio festival, returns for its 6th year to Union Station and is thrilled to partner again with the City of Toronto Music Office’s series City Hall Live to highlight emerging & well-known artists featuring an all female line-up on Wednesdays from 12:00 pm.–1:00 p.m. You can see the full line-up of 58 days of performances at Union Summer by clicking the link below.”
Click here for more info.
THE 1960s, A Selection of Vintage Prints from The Keystone Press Agency Canada
Location: Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1356 Dundas St. W.
Date(s): Thurs., July 6–Sat., Aug. 19
Organizer description: “Photographic archives such as Keystone provide a rich resource for scholars and those fascinated by history from a variety of disciplines, including photojournalism, art, and fashion. The Keystone Agency played a vital role by distributing images to Canadian newspapers, magazines, and other publications throughout the world. Their archive is vast, comprising over 500,000 original photographs and transparencies.
“This exhibition concentrates on some of the key personalities and events that defined the 1960s.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Beatlemania!
Location: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.
Date(s): Fri., July 7
Organizer description: “Join us for a truly unforgettable show! The Beatles - from early Ed Sullivan to Let It Be - you’ll get all the hits. Experience a live Beatles show through all eras of their career, live on stage with their high energy, impeccable musicianship, showmanship, and humour.
“The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles, has been delighting audiences for nearly two decades with their live high energy performance! Come together and sing and dance along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or just rattle your jewelry!”
Click here for more info.
Wine Fest Toronto
Location: RendezViews, 229 Richmond St. W.
Date(s): Fri., July 7–Sun., July 9
Organizer description: “Wine Fest Toronto, the city’s only all-you-can-taste outdoor wine festival returns to RendezViews. For the first time ever, Wine Fest is extended to three days with four, three-hour sessions to choose from, as guests will open their liquid passports and taste wines from regions all over the world.”
Click here for more info.
62nd Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Date(s): Fri., July 7-Sun., July 9
Organizer description: “Meet and collect art from 400+ artists from across Canada. Don't miss a spectacular weekend filled with art installations, live painting, art tours, family programming, music, dance, great food and craft beer! Not in Toronto? Buy art online, catch our Instagram live artist chats or studio tours and browse curated collections at our website below. TOAF is Canada's leading contemporary outdoor and online art fair. Rain or shine.”
Click here for more info.
Taste of Lawrence 2023
Location: Lawrence Ave. E., from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd.
Date(s): Fri., July 7–Sun., July 9
Organizer description: “Soak up the sights, sounds and flavours from around the world at Scarborough’s largest street festival. Taste of Lawrence boasts the most enticing flavours from every cultural community in the GTA, over a 100 street vendors, live entertainment on two stages, midway rides, kid workshops and so much more.”
Click here for more info.
Annual Summer Walking Tour Series: Terror in the Town of York: The War of 1812
Location: St. James Cathedral, 104 King St. E.
Date(s): Fri., July 7
Organizer description: “In this walking tour, join us as we explore the beginnings of the area that would become the Town of York, the events leading up to the War of 1812, the Battle of York, and its aftermath while we walk the original 10 blocks of the early city.
“This tour is the second of four 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.
First Story Toronto - Indigenous Led Walks in High Park
Location: Colborne Lodge Museum, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr.
Date(s): Sat., July 8–Sat., July 29
Organizer description: “Join Indigenous guides on a tour of High Park. The walk begins at Colborne Lodge, the 1837 Settler home of John and Jemima Howard, and continues northward through the park. Stories and routes may vary from week to week. Guides will share knowledge about Indigenous culture, history and environmental stewardship along the way. No pre-registration. Arrive early to ensure space. Accessibility notes: Tour route includes paved walkways, grassy fields and dirt paths. Efforts will be made to accommodate the accessibility needs of those present. Please phone 416-392-6916 in advance to discuss your accessibility needs. Weather: Tours may be cancelled in the case of poor weather or air quality. Please phone 416-392-6916 for updates.”
Click here for more info.
Bumble Bee Watch
Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E.
Date(s): Sun., July 9
Organizer description: “Discover the diversity of native bees! Learn how to tell a bee from a wasp, and how to identify common bumble bees in the Greater Toronto Area. Then we’ll venture into the Toronto Botanical Garden to collect and identify local bees and learn how to use Bumble Bee Watch! This family program is suitable for children 6+. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The program will take place partially indoors and partially outside, please bring appropriate protection.”
Click here for more info.
Alice in Wonderland - Adapted by David Savoy
Location: Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Pkwy.
Date(s): Wed., July 12–Sat., July 22
Organizer description: “After a sold-out run in 2021, as well as seven Dora nominations and two wins (Outstanding Performance by an Individual & the Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award), Alice in Wonderland will make a spectacular return to Guild Park before touring to theatres across the province.”
Click here for more info.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Location: High Park Amphitheatre, High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W.
Date(s): Fri., July 21–Sun., Sept. 3
Organizer description: “Canadian Stage is proud to celebrate 40 years of Dream in High Park with the return of this hilarious Shakespearean love story.”
Click here for more info.
Festival of India
Location: Yonge St./Dundas St. (Parade)
Date(s): Fri., July 14–Sun., July 16
Organizer description: “The Festival of India has taken place in Toronto for over 50 years, yet its rich history actually stems from thousands of years of tradition and heritage.
“The festival begins with a vibrant parade down Yonge Street in which three giant floats are hand-pulled by thousands of attendees and spectators amidst melodious singing, chanting, drumming, and dancing. Everyone is invited to come, walk, chant, sing or dance in the parade. Celebrations then continue throughout the weekend.”
Click here for more info.
Opera Mash Up - Lavazza IncluCity Festival
Location: Distillery District, Trinity Cinema, 55 Mill St.
Date(s): Fri., July 14
Organizer description: “What happens when opera meets a flash mob? Welcome to a new, cinematic, immersive, live opera experience. Come for the cocktails, stay for the music, as we present Carmen Smash Up! Love, lust and betrayal come together on screen and sung live in this larger-than-life drama, sung by Canada’s opera stars. A steamy summer night needs some steamy music and you’ll leave humming all the famous tunes.”
Click here for more info.
A Paper Making Workshop
Location: Toronto’s First Post Office, 260 Adelaide St. E.
Date(s): Sun., July 16
Organizer description: “Join Heidi Breier for a fun and easy introduction to recycled papermaking! In this workshop, Heidi will guide you from pulling a sheet of paper, through adding embellishments and exploring a variety of techniques. Participants will go home with a selection of beautiful, unique, handmade paper, and a new appreciation for an ancient craft and its connection to environmental sustainability.”
Click here for more info.
Herbal Ravine Walk
Location: Curran Hall Community Centre, 277 Orton Park Rd.
Date(s): Sat., July 22
Organizer description: “The Ravine Herbal Walk will focus on the biodiversity of Highland Creek. During the guided walk participants will learn to identify plants growing in the ravine and learn about culinary, medicinal, and folklore traditions associated with each plant. Participants will stroll through the ravine, discovering the history and importance of ravines in our communities. Bring your own cup for tea sampling!”
Click here for more info.
18 Annual Toronto International Brazilfest
Location: Earlscourt Park, 1595 St Clair Ave. W.
Date(s): Fri. July 21-Sun., July 23
Organizer description: “Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Brazil? Join us at BrazilFest 2023, the largest Brazilian festival in the region! This year marks the festival’s 20th anniversary, promising an even more exciting and colorful celebration than ever before.
“You will experience the best of Brazilian music, dance, and food. You can expect to see spectacular performances by renowned artists, including samba dancers, capoeira fighters, and live musicians. We will also have a marketplace featuring Brazilian handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. And of course, we will have plenty of delicious food and drinks for you to enjoy.
“So mark your calendars and come out to enjoy the best of Brazilian culture! Mark your calendars for a weekend of non-stop festivities!”
Click here for more info.
Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day
Location: Malvern Community Centre & Neilson Park, 1575 Neilson Rd.
Date(s): Sat., July 22
Organizer description: “The Junior Carnival Parade comprises of approximately 2,000 masqueraders ranging in age from toddlers to teens. Similar to The Grand Parade, each junior band portrays a theme and participates in a competition for Junior Band of the Year. A panel of judges adjudicate all bands using criteria that includes Visual impact; Authenticity; Creativity; Mas on the Move; Clarity of Theme; Presentation; and Craftsmanship.
“An after-parade family picnic type event continues at Neilson Park with stage performances portraying junior entertainers. This family day event includes children amusement activities, music, a marketplace with food vendors, arts & craft vendors and more.”
Click here for more info.
Fun Philippines Toronto Street Festival
Location: Bathurst St./Wilson Ave.
Date(s): Sat., July 22-Sund., July 23
Organizer description: “A summer weekend of fun-filled Filipino street festival showcasing delectable Filipino foods and international cuisine, non-stop live music & street dancing for all ages, distinctive Filipino products & services, basketball sports zone, family carnival rides, fun and games at the kids playland, and loads of prizes and giveaways. Fun Philippines is your gateway to Filipino culture at its best. Come and experience first-hand the world-renowned Filipino hospitality and make it your summer to remember!”
Click here for more info.
BIG on Bloor 2023
Location: Bloordale Village, Bloor St. W., from Dufferin St. to Lansdowne Ave.
Date(s): Sat., July 15–Mon., July 17
Organizer description: “BIG on Bloor Festival celebrates its sweet 16th this year with the launch of several art installations scattered throughout the Bloordale neighborhood. Celebrating community magic, creativity, and diversity through arts and culture, while showing love to the local storefronts that make the strip so special.
“Bloor Street West will be “car free” for the duration of the festival. Many activities will be happening in the neighbourhood. Come celebrate local community, business, arts and culture. Visit our website for a full festival schedule including performances and activities.”
Click here for more info.
Youth Day 2023
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
Date(s): Sun., July 23
Organizer description: “A free full day of music, dance, art, photography, fashion & film at Yonge-Dundas Square, with a closed Yonge Street full of delicious foods, artisans & vendors, plus a ‘career futures’ exhibit. With volunteer & sponsorship opportunities, join us & applaud aspiring artists at the ‘largest festival of its kind’ with the whole family ~ BE PART OT IT!”
Click here for more info.
Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest 2023
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W.
Date(s): Sat., July 29-Sun., July 30
Organizer description: “Come and join us! Feel embraced by our Peruvian culture celebrating Peru’s 202 Independence Day. Visitors have the opportunity to experience being ‘Peruvian for the Day.’ The festival is much more than the celebration of the Canadian Peruvian heritage — it is also a celebration of Canada’s multiculturalism.
“We have a diversity of Latin American dishes at the heart of Toronto. The Choliwood Celebrity Stage will feature everything from Peruvian, Latin American and Multicultural folk, pop, salsa, merengue and much more!”
Click here for more info.
Code and markup by Chris Dinn. ©Torontoverse, 2023