24 things to do in Toronto in September
School may be back, but that’s hardly the end of fun things to do in the city.
Just because school’s coming back in session doesn’t mean fun times around the city come to an end. As evidence of that claim, we present to you the month of September, which is packed with art, music, comedy, and more.
To help you sort out your upcoming schedule, we dove deep into the city’sFestivals & Events calendar. Here’s our resulting list of 24 things to do for all sorts of ages and interests.
Bark in the Park TO
Location: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 1–Mon., Sept. 4
Organizer description: “Bark in the Park TO is a four day tail-wagging extravaganza! The ultimate celebration of all things canine will bring together dog lovers, furry friends and top-notch vendors for a weekend filled with wagging tails and endless fun. Get ready for a paw-some experience as we showcase an impressive lineup of vendors specializing in everything your four-legged friend could dream of.
“From gourmet dog treats and premium pet food to stylish accessories, innovative toys, and personalized doggie gear, you’ll find an array of products to pamper and spoil your beloved pets. Featuring exciting activities & demos to keep tails wagging non-stop.”
Click here for more info.
Too Much Fun - Comedy Show
Location: Comedy Bar Bloor, 945 Bloor St W
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 2
Organizer description: “Every month, Dan Rosen hosts the funniest fun comedians for a night of Too Much Fun! Headliner: Dion Arnold (Yuk Yuk’s, How I Killed My Nan) Featuring: Chris Sandiford (Shelved, What We Do In The Shadows) Edworld Kim (Just For Laughs Toronto) Marlena Kaesler (Dumpster Fire Comedy) Manny Mangat (Model Minority Comedy)”
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Canadian International Air Show
Location: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 2–Mon., Sept. 4
Organizer description: “The Canadian International Air Show returns to Toronto. Head to Toronto’s Waterfront for a jam-packed aerobatic air show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels, the CF-18 Demo Team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and much more!”
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Retrospection - A One Night Art Exhibition
Location: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W
Date(s): Tues., Sept. 5
Organizer description: “Join our curated collection featuring artists who have showcased their work with IC Contemporary over the past three years! Their exhibition efforts in the past have contributed to the growth and development of this new collective which will be partnering with The Drake this year for Nuit Blanche.
“Each artist presents a piece of themselves to you, through personal journeys of immigration, introspection, mental attainment, and cultural storytelling. Artists Featured: Khadijah Morley, Matthew Davies, Amrita Virdri, Diwya De Silva, Jared Olsever.”
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Eataly’s Uncorked: A Blind Wine Tasting
Location: Eataly Toronto, 55 Bloor St W
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 8
Organizer description: “Have you ever wondered how someone can tell the difference between two wines without seeing the labels? What does a wine with light versus medium acidity really taste like? In this wine tasting event, we’ll be hosting a long-table blind tasting guided by two of our wine experts. Seated in our La Scuola, you’ll learn from the pros as they talk - and taste - their way through each wine.
“Join us amici for an intimate and educative opportunity for wine enthusiasts looking to deep dive into the world of wines under the dedicated guide of our expert sommeliers. In this class guests will: Get to know what a blind tasting has to offer and understand the art behind a blind tasting. Enjoy small bites of taralli and olives.”
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Ghana Summer Jam 2023
Location: National Event Venue, 1000 Finch Ave W
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 8–Sat., Sept. 9
Organizer description: “The world’s biggest Ghana party is coming to Toronto, featuring music by top local and international Ghanaian artists, djs, mcs and special guests! This year’s edition will feature a special live performance by Africa’s #1 rapper SARKODIE as part of his Jamz World Tour.”
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The Walk to End Suicide
Location: High Park - North Entrance, Bloor St West at Colborne Lodge Dr
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 8
Organizer description: “Each day, approximately 12 people in Canada die by suicide. That’s over 4,500 people a year, making suicide a leading cause of death in Canada. Additionally up to 50,000 survivors are left behind grappling with the loss and as a group are at higher risk to attempt suicide. We can help prevent suicide with the right support services.
“At DCGT, we believe that with the right supports in place, we can eliminate mental health stigma and prevent suicides. Last year we recorded over 165,000 helping interactions across all programs and services. By participating in the Walk to End Suicide, you are helping us raise awareness of suicide, reduce stigma and support our life-saving services.”
Click here for more info.
Poetry for a Warming World
Location: Agincourt Library, 155 Bonis Ave
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 9
Organizer description: “Join the Scarborough Poetry Club for this special poetry reading event featuring poems on the theme of our warming world! Hear members of the Club share their original poems about environmental identity, dimensions of the interrelated ecological and climate crises, responding to the climate emergency, the healing properties of the natural world, and more. All are welcome to attend our drop-in program.”
No website available for more info.
VegTO Fest
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 9–Sun., Sept. 10
Organizer description: “Come join us at Toronto’s only free admission vegan festival kale-bent on making plant-based fun accessible and sensational for everyone. Experience over 200 exhibitors offering food, wares and other wonders. There’s lots to get hyped about!”
Click here for more info.
Taste of the Junction
Location: McMurray Avenue, 70 McMurray Ave
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 9
Organizer description: “The vibrant neighbourhood of the Junction is excited to announce an extraordinary culinary event that unites 14 local businesses, offering a delectable array of flavours and beverages for all to enjoy. This highly anticipated event is destined to be the highlight of the food lovers’ summer calendar.”
Click here for more info.
Intrigue at the Museum: A ROM Mystery Scavenger Hunt
Location: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Date(s): Sun., Sept. 10–Sat., Sept. 23
Organizer description: “Intrigue at the Museum (formerly called Murder at the ROM) is back by popular demand! There has been a mysterious murder, and the museum’s collections hold the key. As you gather clues, you’ll begin to piece together a tale of greed, lust, pride, and revenge. Working in teams, sleuths travel through the museum’s galleries solving whodunnit, where, and with what. Will your team solve the mystery before the clock runs out? Note: At least one player per team must bring a phone with our scavenger hunt app downloaded for submitting answers and creative team photos and videos during the adventure.”
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Cobbling Together: An Assemblage Workshop
Location: MOCA Toronto, 158 Sterling Rd
Date(s): Sun., Sept. 10
Organizer description: “In celebration of MOCA’s new fall exhibitions, join us on opening weekend for a registered sculpture workshop. In this workshop, participants will learn a number of techniques for building, combining and tying together a range of different objects to make assemblage sculptures (assemblage is like a 3D version of collage). The programme will run as two back-to-back sessions over the afternoon and welcomes participants of all ages. Basic instruction, techniques and questions will be shared with the group at the start of each session.”
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Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Location: Bloor St W, between Jane to Runnymede
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 15–Sun., Sept. 17
Organizer description: “Join our three day festival anchored with entertainment stages and art installations. Dancers, musicians, singers and bands perform on stop on both the Community Stage, the Temerty Family Foundation stage (at Jane and Bloor St) and the busker stage at Durie Rd!
“There is plenty of Ukrainian food and other ethnic cuisine treats on the street. A refreshment garden offers samples of Ukrainian brands and entertainment throughout the day and evening. Children can enjoy interactive booths and a midway. The cultural pavilions offer a window to appreciate Ukrainian culture and its contributions to Canada!”
Click here for more info.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
Location: Roncesvalles Village
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 16–Sun., Sept. 17
Organizer description: “North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture returns this September! Enjoy authentic Polish Cuisine, Polish song and dance groups, 90+ vendors, 6 Beverage Gardens + Extended Patios, 2 Family Zones and multiple outdoor stages with over 40 performances as well as local restaurants, bistros, cafes and shops along the main street of one of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods, Roncesvalles Village.”
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Toronto Waterfront Festival 2023
Location: 7 Queens Quay E
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 16–Sun., Sept. 17
Organizer description: “The Quack is Back! The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, returns to the Toronto Waterfront Festival. Snap a selfie with Mama Duck, who will be nesting on-land at Queens Quay East.
“Other festival programs include the Canadian Armed Forces who will be bringing two massive, armoured vehicles that weigh over 45,000 pounds each, the Royal Canadian Navy will feature the HMCS Oriole on the water plus on-land activations, pop-up entertainment from Redpath Sugar, local food trucks, the Billy Bishop Airport Picnic Lounge and much more.”
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Pape Village Block Party
Location: Pape Ave between Mortimer and Gamble Aves
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 16
Organizer description: “The inaugural Pape Village Block Party is taking over Pape Village with live music from GTA’s best bands, Mustang hot rods, vendors, delicious food prepared by local restaurants and a children’s fun zone. Get ready for an entire day of free fun as Pape Ave closes off to traffic for the ultimate street party!”
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Celtic Island Music Festival 2023
Location: Toronto Island BBQ and Beer, 120 Centre Island Dock
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 16
Organizer description: “Join the halfway till St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Company with live music, dance performances, and delicious food.”
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Music at the Barns
Location: Wychwood Barns, 253-601 Christie St
Date(s): Sun., Sept. 17
Organizer description: “Come and join our fun-filled family event, as we bring together the community for an afternoon of dancing, singing and re-connecting with family, friends and neighbours. Entertainment includes the Samba Squad, Mariachi Los Gallos, and Quincy Bullen Band!”
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Just For Laughs Toronto
Location: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
Date(s): Thurs., Sept. 21–Sat., Sept. 30
Organizer description: “Just For Laughs Toronto is a comedy festival featuring headlining acts & the funniest comedians from around the world over a period of 10 days.”
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2023 Fall Home Show Toronto
Location: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 29–Sun., October 1
Organizer description: “With over 250 home and lifestyle vendors, this year’s Fall Home Show theme is focused on embracing the fall season and the magic of October. Featuring festive tablescape demonstrations, hands-on pumpkin painting workshops, and stage presentations from Canada’s best home renovation and interior design experts, the Fall Home Show offers visitors the inspiration and resources they need to transform their space into a cozy and colourful retreat.”
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SickKids All-Star Gala
Location: Toronto Events Centre, 15 Saskatchewan Rd
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 29–Sat., Sept. 30
Organizer description: “Our event returns for 2023 and is attended by numerous sports stars, sports media personalities and other celebrities! This event promises to be one of the most high-profile Toronto galas of 2023!”
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Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation: Andrew McAnsh, Zoey Roy, and more
Location: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W
Date(s): Fri., Sept. 29
Organizer description: “Indigenous artists gather to honour those affected by residential schools and offer hope for the future. Curated by Denise Bolduc and Mervon Mehta, the night is hosted by spoken word artist Zoey Roy and includes testimony, traditional drum and dance, a world premiere by Juno Award nominated composer Andrew Balfour, and special guests Julian Taylor, Andrew McAnsh, and more.”
Click here for more info.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto 26th Annual Community Pow Wow
Location: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St
Date(s): Sat., Sept. 30
Organizer description: “We invite you to join us for our 26th Annual Community Pow Wow! We are excited for another year, with traditional drumming, singing, and dancing. We will also have a vendors market, and children activities set up for everyone to enjoy.”
Click here for more info.
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