After the Canada Day festivities there is still more fun in store for the coming days, especially for those ready to indulge in cultural experiences and live performances. From Toronto Fringe bringing local theatre to the limelight to Salsa in Toronto spotlighting Latin dance, music, and food, there’s lots to see and do. To help you come up with your weekend itinerary, here are some summer events worth checking out.

 

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Toronto Fringe Festival

Ontario’s largest performance festival returns with over 100+ productions hitting more than 20 stages across the city. With live performances that range from musicals to comedies, attendees are sure to enjoy community-based theatre at an affordable price, with some shows offering Pay-What-You-Can tickets. Killy Willy, Don’t Fall In, and Body as Nature are only a few of our festival picks, and they are sure to entertain you through and through. More info.

When: July 2-13

Where: Various locations

Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival

For those looking for a cultural weekend activity, this festival at the Harbourfront Centre will give you a taste of the best Filipino cuisine and musical traditions. Eat authentic dishes like adobo and halo-halo, enjoy tinikling and singkil dance performances, and listen to contemporary music by Filipino artists. There will also be visual exhibitions featuring works that celebrate the Filipino identity and feature Indigenous crafts and artifacts. More info.

When: July 4-6

Where: Harbourfront Centre

 

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Taste of Lawrence 2025

Coming back for its 21st edition, the Taste of Lawrence festival is a three-day celebration  featuring 150 street vendors and cultural performances that highlight Toronto’s diverse community. With international food options to indulge in and local talent taking over the main stage, this event offers fun for all ages. There will also be interactive kids workshops, a Rising Stars Talent Show, an Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show, and the chance to participate in an exclusive giveaway. More info.

When: July 4-6

Where: Lawrence Avenue East, between Warden Ave and Birchmount Rd

Photo courtesy of TIFF

Caring Cabin with Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland

Music legend and trans activist Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife/creative partner Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland will be at a free screening of their children’s show pilot, Caring Cabin. An afternoon gathering set to spark intergenerational connection, families are encouraged to join in and stick around for a Q&A session with the team behind the show. There will also be a 10-minute performance led by Beverly and Elizabeth, accompanied by Alex Samaras. More info.

When: July 5

Where: TIFF Lightbox

 

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Barns Art Market

BAM! In The Summer is an art-market-meets-gallery-exhibition, featuring local artists at various career stages. Over 30 professionals will be at the market, sharing works that range from ceramics to paintings to handmade jewelry. You can also meet artists who are just starting off and check out their latest creations at the BAM! Emerging Arts Centre, as well as take part in a retail style art showcase in the historic Wychwood Barns. More info.

When: July 5

Where: Wychwood Barns

Open Canvas Music & Arts Festival

For those looking for free entertainment, Open Canvas will bring the community together under the open skies for a weekend-long showcase of music, art, and dance. The festival has a lineup filled with local and international talent, including acts like Dominique Way w/ Harper Gordon and Léa. On top of the live performances, there will also be installations, curated vendors, and lots of dancing. More info.

When: July 5-6

Where: Trillium Park

Salsa in Toronto

Be prepared to bust a move at Salsa in Toronto, the only festival where you won’t just sit and watch. Canada’s hottest salsa party will take over St. Clair, with non-stop dancing, Latin music, and authentic cuisine. With flavours from over 15 countries and a wide array of Latin dance styles to watch and learn, this festival promises to bring rhythm, “sabor”, and vibrant energy to the city. More info.

When: July 5-6

Where: St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona Rd and Christie St