7 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
Multiple street and cultural festivals highlight a busy weekend in the city.
If you’re a fan of street and cultural festivals, you’ve got choices to make for this coming weekend.
So, to help you figure out your schedule on the cheap, we dove deep into the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s a list of seven free things to do between Friday and Sunday, for all sorts of ages and interests.
Festival of India
location: Yonge St. parade, Yonge St. and Edward St.
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.
Taste of the Middle East Summer Festival 2023
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Date(s): Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16
Organizer description: “The 6th annual festival will transform Nathan Phillips Square into a walk through the streets & souks of the Middle East, serving up the delightful tastes of Arabic music, art, heritage, and culture. The festival showcases an electric mix of new and emerging local artists, old favourites, and some of today’s most prominent performers in Toronto’s Canadian Arabic community.”
Click here for more info.
Salsa on the Beach
Location: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E.
Date(s): Fri., July 14-Sun., July 16
Organizer description: “Celebrating the diversity of nations, Woodbine Park transforms into a dance floor featuring the energetic Latin melodies of Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia. Learn to dance!”
Click here for more info.
BIG on Bloor 2023
Location: Bloordale Village, Bloor St. W. between Dufferin St. and Lansdowne Ave.
Date(s): Sat., July 15–Sun., July 16
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.
Arts in the Parks: Arts, Equity and Climate Change
Location: RV Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr.
Date(s): Sat., July 15–Sat., Aug. 12
Organizer description: “A project that brings the communities of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park together to learn about, compare and depict their experiences of climate change in their countries of origin and in their adopted country of Canada through art.
“Five local South Asian artists who practice different mediums of art — abstract, comics, glass painting, landscape and calligraphy — will focus on the issue of climate change and equity through an art lens.”
Click here for more info.
Bloor West StreetFest
Location: Bloor West Village, Bloor St. W. between Runnymede Rd. and Jane St.
Date(s): Sat., July 15
Organizer description: “Bloor West StreetFest in the Heart of Bloor West Village. Free Family Fun! The Canine Circus, children activities, artisan vendors, live music, food, street performers, sidewalk sale and more! For more info visit our website below. Come visit there’s something for everyone!”
Click here for more info.
P2P Summer Fair
Location: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St W.
Date(s): Sat., July 15
Organizer description: “The Summer Fair has long been a key community awareness and engagement event for P2P. The event is focused on raising awareness and garnering community support for P2P’s two main mandates; Supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Ethiopia and our Sound The Horn (STH) youth mentoring and mental wellness program.”
Click here for more info.
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