August is upon us, and summer in Toronto always goes out with a bang—whether you cap off the season with a visit to the CNE, one last outdoor concert at RBC Ampitheatre, or a tour of all your favourite patio spots. While the warmer weather might be on its way out, there is still plenty of time to make the most of summer in the city!
In the coming weeks, embrace the spirit of summer with outdoor music festivals, iconic Toronto festivals, and so many other art, culture, film, and theatre happenings. Read on for 15 events that are sure to make the end of your summer one to remember.
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Toronto Country Fest
Giddy up Toronto! This August, the Distillery District will transform into a western-inspired hub celebrating the best of country culture. During the day, enjoy the nostalgia of a county fair with live country music, games, and western-inspired menus. In the evenings, enjoy a boot-stomping party experience complete with country DJs and neon lighting. Don’t miss out on free line dancing lessons, mechanical bull rides, cattle roping, a ferris wheel, and a country market! More info.
When: August 6-23
Where: The Distillery District
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Revolutionary Women in Blues
Witness the stories of three groundbreaking women artists come to life at this world premiere concert led by creator and star Divine Brown and an all-star team of performers. Revolutionary Women in Blues gives viewers a window into the lives of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith. These three women quietly shaped American culture through their music, yet their stories are often unseen and unheard. More info.
When: August 13-23
Where: Soulpepper Theatre
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Art Week Toronto
100 artists will come together for the inaugural Art Week Toronto, filling up all three floors of Artscape Youngplace with visual art, photography, sculpture, digital art, fashion, installation, live performance, and more. With a lineup of both emerging and established creators based in Toronto, guests can explore artist showcases and purchase original work directly from the artists involved. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Artscape Youngplace
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Toronto Waterfront Night Market
Before summer ends, experience the magic of an Asian night market along Toronto’s waterfront. Described as “a night market meets music festival”, this 3-evening event offers a little something for everyone. Dance along to live music sets from the best in Canadian and international Asian talent, savour authentic Asian street food, enjoy lion and dragon dances, browse the artisan market, take in stunning light displays, and even release your own floating lantern. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Hotel X
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UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music, and Culture
Indigenous culture takes centre stage at UpFRONT, a free, 3-day outdoor festival happening this August. Catch performances across two outdoor stages from Drezus, Crystal Shawanda, Tom Wilson Tehohàhake Trio, Mimi O’Bonsawin, and more. Attendees can also browse the Indigenous artisan marketplace, watch live mural painting from Indigenous artists, and gather for intimate talks with Indigenous authors. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Scott Street & Berczy Park
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Rosé Disco
Start planning your best pink fit, because on August 15, Fort York will transform into a pink-and-white paradise. At the Rosé Disco, guests can sip through a curated lineup of Ontario wines (with non-alcoholic options also available), enjoy Toronto chef pop-ups, and dance along to world-class DJ sets under the summer sun. More info.
When: August 15
Where: Fort York
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Wavelength Summer Thing
Vibe to live music by the waterfront at Wavelength Summer Thing! This free event will spotlight an all-Canadian lineup of local talent, performing in genres ranging from indie-folk to alternative hip-hop to ASMR pop. In addition to two stages with live music, check out the on-site art installations, dance performances, an indie vendor market, and food and drink vendors. This year’s lineup includes Shad, Absolute Treat, CJ Wiley, Bells Larsen, Janette King, and more. More info.
When: August 16
Where: Trillium Park
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SankofaFest
SankofaFest will transform the heart of the downtown into a space for African diasporic creativity, remembrance, and celebration. Across three days, the festival will bring together fashion, music, film, art, sport, and community programming—with highlights including the African Fashion Week Toronto runway show, live Afrobeat and dancehall sets, youth basketball activations, and an outdoor film screening. Don’t miss this vibrant (and free!) cultural celebration. More info.
When: August 21-23
Where: Sankofa Square
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Catherine O’Hara: Queen of Comedy
Earlier this year, Canada lost a comedy icon. In this summer spotlight, TIFF will pay tribute to Catherine O’Hara’s most memorable film roles, tracing her comedic evolution from SCTV to Schitt’s Creek. Watch her unforgettable performance as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, her iconic role in Home Alone, and her talent for balancing heart with humour in the Christopher Guest comedies Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind. More info.
When: August 21-26
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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TRCA Butterfly Festival
Celebrate Toronto’s butterflies as they embark on their journey south for the winter months! Tommy Thompson Park is a critical roosting spot for migrating butterflies, and is home to more than 50 butterfly and moth species. At this free all-ages festival, learn about the incredible 4,000km butterfly migration that takes place every year, go on a butterfly walk with a knowledgeable guide, and take part in kid-friendly games and activities. More info.
When: August 22
Where: Tommy Thompson Park
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Yorkville Murals
A vibrant, open-air art festival is returning to the streets of Yorkville this August! Now in its 7th year, Yorkville Murals will welcome thousands of visitors to a free celebration of visual art, fashion, photography, music, poetry and design, guided by this year’s theme, JOY. Highlights include large-scale murals, inflatable art, immersive installations, live painting, art talks, high-energy dance battles, pop-up shops, music, a lively evening block party, live poetry from Lillian Allen, and a live fashion studio from RCHIVE. More info.
When: August 22-23
Where: Yorkville Avenue
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Where Walls Meet Sky
This month, St. Anne’s Anglican Church will reopen with its first public exhibition since a devastating fire in 2024. Where Walls Meet Sky will feature 12 Canadian artists working across sculpture, installation, and photography, exploring themes of renewal, rebirth, memory and transformation. Visitors can walk through the fire-scarred interior of the historic building, with its roof currently open to the sky, and reflect on the transformation of this cherished community space. More info.
When: August 22-September 13
Where: St. Anne’s Anglican Church
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FAN EXPO Canada
FAN EXPO Canada returns for its landmark 30th edition this August with a massive celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, anime, and cosplay. A wave of celebrity guests has already been announced, including John Cena, Erin Moriarty, and several The Lord of the Rings cast members. From signings and panels to fan meetups and Artist Alley, there is no shortage of fandom fun at this three-day extravaganza. More info.
When: August 27-30
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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Toronto International BuskerFest
This Labour Day weekend, don’t miss the stellar lineup of high-energy performances at BuskerFest. Watch jaw-dropping, spectacular feats from circus artists, daredevils, acrobats, and more, alongside live music, food vendors, and an artisan market. Dog lovers can also drop by Bark in the Park T.O., a canine extravaganza running alongside BuskerFest. It’s four days of all-ages fun, plus, it’s all for a good cause—admission is by donation in support of Epilepsy Toronto. More info.
When: September 4-7
Where: Woodbine Park
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Melissa Auf der Maur: My ‘90s Rock Photographs
Acclaimed Canadian musician Melissa Auf der Maur spent the 90s playing bass for iconic alt-rock bands Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins. As she toured the world, she captured her life onstage, backstage, and in the crowd—resulting in a personal archive of more than 10,000 photographs. Featuring 200 of these photos, this new exhibit at the AGO functions as a self-portrait of a young artist living in the 90s music scene and celebrates the indie spirit of the last analogue decade. More info.
When: Opens September 8
Where: AGO
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