Summer might be almost over, but there are still plenty of outdoor activities to engage in before the weather starts to cool off. From the Summer in the Park showcase to the inaugural edition of Sankofa Day, this is the time to soak in the heat while watching cultural performances. This weekend will also be particularly exciting for pop culture fans and book lovers, given that FAN EXPO Canada is right around the corner and a literary romance festival will take place in a few days. Here are our Best Bets for what to see and do this week. 

 

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FAN EXPO Canada

From cosplay meetups to celebrity panels that give you an inside scoop on your favourite films and TV shows, FAN EXPO Canada is the ultimate gathering for pop culture fans. In addition to engaging in workshops and activities, attendees can also explore the floor show, which is perfect for those looking to add to their comic book or Funko collections. This year’s event is stacked with special guests including Hailee Steinfeld, Juliette Lewis, and the Back to the Future ensemble. More info.

When: August 21-24

Where: Metro Convention Centre

BookCrush: Romance List Fest 

Gush over romance novels with other passionate readers at this free, 4-day literary festival. Meet best-selling authors Anna Todd, Melissa Blair, and more, while also putting your romance knowledge to the test with fun trivia and music bingo. This is also a great opportunity for emerging writers to learn how to pen steamy, page-turning romance books that will make readers swoon. More info.

When: August 21-24

Where: North York Central and Toronto Reference Library

Summer in the Park

Audiences of all ages are welcome to join in on a community event that explores the theme of Resilience through various art forms. From theatre to dance to poetry, Summer in the Park offers free entertainment that highlights the local arts and culture scene in an accessible way. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the Picnic in the Park on opening night or the wrap-up party. More info.

When: August 22-24

Where: Little Avenue Memorial Park

2025 TAIWANFest Toronto

As one of the last cultural festivals of this summer, TAIWANFest Toronto is taking over the Harbourfront Centre and exploring the connections between Taiwan, Canada, and beyond. Featuring live music, art exhibitions, and thought-provoking films, there is lots to look forward to, including the Taiwanese food options available on site. This year, the festival will also examine Taiwan’s identity through the lens of its seafaring connection with Portugal. More info.

When: August 22-24

Where: Harbourfront Centre

Parkdale Music Crawl and Sidewalk Sale

Enjoy the sounds of the city while taking a stroll through Queen St. West at the Parkdale Music Crawl and Sidewalk Sale. With programming all day long, attendees can indulge in live music and energetic DJ sets taking place both outdoors and indoors. Also support local businesses during the Sidewalk Sale by purchasing unique goods and tasty eats. More info.

When: August 23

Where: Queen St. W, in between Roncesvalles and Dufferin 

 

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Sankofa Day 2025

Canada’s first major public Sankofa Day Celebration will offer a blend of culture, art, and community. Kicking off with Indigenous and African ancestral ceremonies, the event will then present a stellar lineup of local acts, commemorative giveaways, art exhibitions, and sports activations to keep the festivities going from day to night. You can also shop local at the artisan and food vendor market and stick around for the free closing party, featuring an electric set by Moonshine. More info.

When: August 23

Where: Sankofa Square

 

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The Hustle

Returning for its 10-year anniversary, The Hustle is a concert series that spotlights emerging talent from Toronto and across the country. Focusing on artists within the hip-hop and R&B/soul genres, this event comes as an opportunity to launch the careers of budding musicians. Witch Prophet and Sadboi are only a few notable names that had their start as part of The Hustle, so this concert series is the perfect place to see the next artists to break into the Canadian music scene. More info.

When: August 23

Where: Trillium Park

Yorkville Murals

Toronto’s well-known art and muralism festival is coming back, and its latest theme is No Empty Spaces. Watch Yorkville Avenue transform into a vibrant and interactive playground, filled with murals, art installations, dance battles, pop-up shops, and live music. Yorkville Murals was created with the intention of maintaining the neighbourhood’s legacy as a cornerstone for the Toronto art scene. More info.

When: August 23-24

Where: Yorkville Avenue, in between Bellair Street and Hazelton Avenue

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show – Closing Weekend

If you haven’t had the chance to attend an outdoor screening in the city this summer, this is the weekend to do so. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is coming to a close with two modern retellings of Shakespearean plays. Romeo + Juliet and 10 Things I Hate About You will screen at Christie Pits Park. Grab some popcorn and enjoy these two ‘90s classics, as well as two short films by Toronto filmmaker Alicia K. Harris. More info.

When: August 23-24

Where: Christie Pits

 

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HarmoniaFest

Created by Nicole Rayy and run by Maddie Corinne, HarmoniaFest is an event made to highlight female and non-binary artists. With musicians like Leah Daniels and Jessica Towler hitting the stage, this festival is the perfect opportunity to support women in music. Make sure to grab a beer (or other drink options provided by Marketing Brewing) and snacks from Smash N Grab Burger Co. & Dizzy Dough Co. More info.

When: August 24

Where: Market Brewing Company