August is here and now is the time to cross some events off your summer bucket list! This week is full of even more food festivals, outdoor music festivals, and fun activities to take part in with your friends and family. Our Best Bet picks include Jerk Fest, Toronto Country Fest, Taste of the Danforth, and more.
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Dusk Dances
Dusk Dances returns for its 32nd season, inviting audiences on a theatrical journey through stunning site-specific dance performances, alongside interactive workshops designed for all ages and experience levels. Each evening begins with a free community dance workshop led by exceptional choreographers. As the sun sets, renowned choreographer Hollywood Jade guides audiences on a moving journey, discovering five captivating performances that unfold within the natural landscape of the park. Blending stunning choreography with Toronto’s outdoor spaces, Dusk Dances celebrates creativity, connection, and the transformative power of dance. More info.
When: August 2-9
Where: Withrow Park
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SummerWorks Performance Festival
Summerworks celebrates the boldest voices in theatre, dance, music, and live art. Renowned for championing daring, experimental, and boundary-pushing work, the festival showcases 27 live performances over 11 days, including world premieres, works-in-development, site-specific productions, workshops and panel discussions. This dynamic festival offers an immersive celebration of innovation and artistic risk-taking, with every performance promising a memorable and thought-provoking experience. More info.
When: August 6-16
Where: Various locations
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Toronto Country Fest
Toronto Country Fest takes over the Distillery District for more than two weeks of live music, family fun, and lively entertainment for all ages. During the day, experience the charm and nostalgia of a classic country fair with live country music, western-inspired food and drinks, and hands-on activities. Try your hand at line dancing and cattle roping, test your skills with carnival games, browse the country market and artisan carts, or enjoy family fun like face painting, mechanical bull rides, and a Ferris wheel. In the evening, the festival transforms into Nashville Nights – an electrifying event with DJs, dazzling lights, and high-energy partying. More info.
When: August 6-23
Where: Distillery District
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Grange Festival
The Grange Festival, one of Toronto’s most cherished outdoor community festivals, returns to celebrate its 85th anniversary. This annual event brings the community together for a day of free food, family-friendly entertainment, and activities for children in the heart of downtown Toronto. Whether you’re enjoying live performances, connecting with neighbours, or taking part in the activities with the family, the Grange Festival offers a welcoming space to honour community, culture, and togetherness. More info.
When: August 7
Where: Grange Park
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Roller Skate Party
The Bentway’s iconic skate trail comes alive with music, movement, and community this week! Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or you’re a seasoned skater, everyone is invited to glide, groove, and learn new roller dance moves beneath the Gardiner Expressway. Skate to live sets from local DJs Mrii and DJ QC, catch high-energy skate demonstrations and performances by Toronto legend Scandl.us, watch live painting by La Pupila, and browse unique vendors at the Toronto Queer Market. More info.
When: August 7
Where: Bentway Skate Trail
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Taste of the Danforth
Canada’s largest street festival returns after a two-year hiatus as Taste of the Danforth transforms Toronto’s Greektown into a vibrant celebration of food, music, and culture for three unforgettable days. Explore more than 100 local restaurants and vendors serving everything from classic Greek favourites like souvlaki and gyros to a diverse array of international cuisine. Throughout the festival, enjoy free entertainment across four live stages featuring music, cultural dance performances, and exciting street activations. More info.
When: August 7-9
Where: Danforth Avenue, from Broadview Avenue to Jones Avenue
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JerkFest
JerkFest weekend is coming in hot with three days of incredible food, live music, and unforgettable Caribbean culture. This beloved annual festival celebrates the rich flavours, vibrant traditions, and infectious energy of the Caribbean with authentic jerk cuisine, international musical performances, and fun for the whole family. Discover authentic cooking demonstrations, heritage exhibits, interactive experiences, and live performances that highlight the history, creativity, and traditions behind Caribbean culture. More info.
When: August 7-9
Where: Centennial Park
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Taco Fest
Celebrate the vibrant flavours, traditions, and rhythms of Mexico at this lively three-day outdoor food and cultural festival. Featuring more than 100 unique taco creations, tequila and mezcal tastings, live mariachi performances, and salsa dancing, the festival offers an unforgettable celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. Whether you’re joining an interactive salsa lesson, open to all skill levels, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, this energetic event is the perfect way to experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of Mexico. More info.
When: August 7-9
Where: Fort York
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It’s Ok* World
It’s Ok* World returns for its fourth edition with a free outdoor festival celebrating community, care, creative expression, and Black joy. Set against the scenic backdrop of Toronto’s Trillium Park, this summer gathering brings together artists from around the world for an unforgettable evening of music, connection, and celebration. Experience an exciting lineup of performances from DJ Shylosofly, DVYN, KWNCY, Claremont the Second, and more as the festival transforms the waterfront into a vibrant space for creativity and collective joy. More info.
When: August 8
Where: Trillium Park
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The Disability Arts Festival
The Disability Arts Festival begins on Saturday at Tarragon Theatre with a series of film screenings presented by Voices With Impact, showcasing powerful stories from disabled creators across Canada. The day’s lineup also features the fan-favourite CRIPtonite!, an electrifying disabled drag and burlesque showcase, alongside a diverse range of bold, boundary-pushing performances – all presented in a welcoming, accessible, and relaxed environment. On Sunday, the celebration continues at Wychwood Barns, where you can browse an artisan market featuring more than 40 disabled vendors, take part in interactive community activities, enjoy live performances, and savour delicious food and drinks. More info.
When: August 8-9
Where: Various locations
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Toronto Diversity Festival
Taking place in the heart of downtown, the Toronto Diversity Festival is a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and connection. Celebrating the incredible diversity that makes Toronto the city that it is, the festival highlights the traditions, stories, and artistic expressions of communities from around the world. Enjoy an exciting lineup of live music, cultural dance performances, interactive workshops, art showcases, and a delicious selection of global cuisine. More info.
When: August 8-9
Where: Sankofa Square
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