11 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
The final weekend of August brings a ton of stuff to do on the cheap in the city.
The summer’s not over yet, and there’s still a ton of free activities to take advantage of.
To help you figure out your weekend schedule, we dove deep into the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s a list of 11 free things to do between Friday and Sunday, for all sorts of ages and interests.
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.
TAIWANfest Toronto: Hope Talks
Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 25–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “TAIWANfest invites speakers with a vast variety of expertise to share new perspectives on history and society. Listen in on a wide range of topics including female ghosts, migration patterns and crafts development, Taiwanese diaspora under colonial rule, and more.”
Click here for more info.
Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival
Location: Confederation Park, 250 Dolly Varden Blvd
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 25–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “The Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival is an exciting 3-day cultural explosion of cuisine, music, etc.”
Click here for more info.
Celebrate Emancipation Month at Scarborough Museum
Location: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “Celebrate Emancipation Month at Scarborough Museum in collaboration with local Black-owned businesses! Beginning at 1pm, enjoy catering by Christopher Loney, founder of Honey Guru, a company that offers catering and a line of delicious, honey infused sauces.
“Join Amma Johnson, owner of Crafts 2 Kidz, for a family-friendly workshop featuring her curated arts and crafts packages for kids, then get active with Reggaecise instructor Kevin Carrington, who will provide a dancing and movement workshop to Reggae music.”
Click here for more info.
Tamil Fest 2023
Location: Markham Rd, between McNicoll Ave and Passmore Ave
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.
Emancipation Month Freedom Market
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “In celebration and support of Black culture and entrepreneurialism, the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit has partnered with Black Owned Toronto to culminate Emancipation Month with the Freedom Market. The market will feature Black owned businesses, artisans, food, entertainment, and more.”
Click here for more info.
A Love Letter to Little Jamaica
Location: Reset Community Centre, 634 Vaughan Rd
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “Come celebrate the community of Little Jamaica at the "Love Letter to Little Jamaica" festival, a Cultural Hotspot Signature Project. Enjoy free food, a community-driven panel, live music and a dance party developed by local youth as part of the Reset Residency training and well-being program.
“Event highlights include free Caribbean cuisines from local restaurants, engaging panel discussions with community members who can speak to Little Jamaica’s past, present and future and a live music dance party! We look forward to sharing this memorable journey through food, conversation, art and dance with you!”
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.
Gospel Eruption | Christian Festival
Location: Barry Zuckerman Amphitheater (Earl Bales Park), 4169 Bathurst St
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 26
Organizer description: “The Gospel Eruption Event is an Ethnic and Cultural Christian event geared towards connecting the diverse community within the GTA with a greater awareness of the Christian Faith as well as connecting Christians and non-Christians together.”
Click here for more info.
Sunday Scene with Jennifer Withrow
Location: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Quay W
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “We welcome audiences for a Sunday Scene with the Head of Exhibitions and Publications as Jennifer Withrow talks about Jen Aitken’s artistic practice. Withrow will explore connections between Aitken’s exhibition The Same Thing Looks Different at The Power Plant, and the artist’s recent residency in the Thomson Shack.
“Together we’ll explore how architecture, history, light, and angles inform Aitken’s work.”
Click here for more info.
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