Looking for a summer adventure in Toronto this week? Look no further than our Best Bets! Choose from immersive live performances, fun outdoor festivals, or even a horror movie slumber party.
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SummerWorks
Don’t miss the bold, conversation-starting performance pieces taking place across Toronto this week. As part of SummerWorks, take in 11 days of theatre, dance, music, and live art that pushes boundaries. This year’s works will dive into memory, legacy, bodies, and our relationship to time. More info.
When: August 7-17
Where: Various locations
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Pillow Fright: Final Destination
Craving a scary movie slumber party? Check out the kickoff of a new sleepover-themed horror movie screening series! Designed for “the girls, gays, and theys who crave a good scare”, Pillow Fright will present nostalgic horror flicks in a safe, inclusive space. The series launches this week with a 25th anniversary screening of Final Destination—come early for a Ouija board sesh, 2000s karaoke, and prizes for the cutest PJs! More info.
When: August 8
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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Grange Festival 2025
Enjoy some fun in the sun at Grange Festival, a free, outdoor event for all ages! Explore tables set up by community organizations, take in performances from local music and dance artists, and enjoy games, activities and food (including snow cones and cotton candy). More info.
When: August 8
Where: Grange Park
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Habari Africa
Celebrate the diversity of African music, dance, film, and arts this weekend with a free, all-ages festival at Harbourfront Centre. Enjoy workshops led by African-Canadian artists, plus a lineup of live music, including the soulful sounds of Toronto-based Nigerian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Ṣẹwà. More info.
When: August 8-10
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Play on the Runway
A former Toronto airport runway will be transformed into an open-air playground this weekend. Head over to YZD and explore a stretch of uninterrupted tarmac—bring along your bike, scooter, skates, stroller, or skateboard! Plus, enjoy free workshops and pop-up performances all weekend long. More info.
When: August 9-10
Where: YZD Runway
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Wavelength Summer Thing
Get ready to celebrate Canadian creativity with a weekend of live music by the lake. Wavelength Summer Thing will bring together a lineup of artists to perform against the backdrop of Toronto’s waterfront. From indie folk to poetic hip-hop, take in the sounds of artists across genres, plus enjoy interactive activities, an indie market, and even a mobile sauna! More info.
When: August 9-10
Where: Trillium Park
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Rainbow on Mars
Dance and theatre collide in Rainbow on Mars—a gamechanging production inspired by artist Devon Healey’s journey into Blindness. Described as “ Pan’s Labyrinth-meets-The Matrix”, this is a love story that will leave you reflecting on the power of perception. More info.
When: August 9-20
Where: Ada Slaight Hall, Daniels Spectrum
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The Disability Arts Festival
This disability-centred festival will bring a full day of accessible and artistic fun to Wychwood Barns this weekend. Shop for creations made by disabled artists, take part in games and activities, enjoy live music from disabled musicians, and more! Access measures including ASL interpreters, sighted guides, and quiet spaces will be available. More info.
When: August 10
Where: Wychwood Barns
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