The second week of September is off to a strong start in Toronto, with plenty of lively arts and culture happenings around the city! For film lovers, TIFF is taking over the city with red carpets, premieres, and celebrity guests. If you’re looking for fun outside of the downtown, celebrate Asian culture at ARC World, immerse yourself in the world of North of North, or head out for some of the final street festivals of the summer. Read on to see our Toronto Best Bets:
View this post on Instagram
ScreenShare
Celebrate the talents of Caribbean filmmakers at ScreenShare, a joint festival from the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival and the Caribbean Film Festival. Watch documentaries, narrative films, experimental works and animated stories that explore colonialism, migration, environmental injustice and displacement, while also celebrating the cultural traditions and creative practices of Caribbean people. More info.
When: September 8-13
Where: Various locations
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
Live Loud
Experience a powerful evening of live music in support of mental health and addiction recovery initiatives across Canada, presented by Make Music Matter and Matthew Perry House. This live benefit concert will feature performances from a world-class lineup, including Aysanabee, Bif Naked, Fefe Dobson, Hip Hop Legacy: Maestro Fresh Wes & Michie Mee, The Strumbellas, and many more. This event is a celebration of the power of music and storytelling in healing and reducing stigma. More info.
When: September 10
Where: Massey Hall
View this post on Instagram
Toronto International Film Festival
TIFF is here! The annual film festival will be taking over the city this week with buzzy film premieres, glamorous red carpets, and celebrity guests. Even if you can’t score film tickets, you can still get involved —check out the free entertainment and activations on Festival Street, see your favourite stars up close in the Fan Zones, or watch free outdoor movies all week long in David Pecaut Square! More info.
When: September 10-20
Where: Various locations
View this post on Instagram
Spring Awakening
Opening Soulpepper’s 2026/27 season is Spring Awakening, Frank Wedekind’s play that inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Written in 1891 and first staged in 1906, Spring Awakening is a fierce, haunting, coming-of-age story about a group of young people on the brink of adulthood. Pushing back against repression, demanding truth, and still full of desire, these characters ache for connection as irreversible consequences close in. More info.
When: September 10-October 11
Where: Soulpepper Theatre
View this post on Instagram
The V Collective
Help break the silence around women’s health at this unfiltered event full of inspiring conversations. Hear from a panel of women sharing honest stories and expert insights on perimenopause, menopause, mental health, aging, and hormonal wellness, and leave empowered to make the choices best for your body. Plus, enjoy a cocktail reception, curated food stations, photo ops, vendor booths, raffles, and more. More info.
When: September 11
Where: Palais Royale
View this post on Instagram
Taste of the Kingsway
The largest street festival in South Etobicoke is happening this weekend! Taste of the Kingsway will take over a stretch of Bloor Street West for three days of food, music, and family fun. Attendees can look forward to delicious eats, classic rides, shopping, performances from The Canine Circus Show, and more! More info.
When: September 11-13
Where: Bloor Street West from Montgomery Road to Prince Edward Drive
View this post on Instagram
ARC World
ARC World is a full-day celebration of Asian culture, offering immersive programming across sports, food, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership. While the highlight of the festival is a star-studded celebrity basketball game, guests can also shop from local Asian vendors, watch action-packed performances, hear from prominent Asian leaders, and treat themselves to delicious Asian cuisine. More info.
When: September 12
Where: Hilton Suites Markham & Toronto Pan Am Centre Scarborough
View this post on Instagram
Cabbagetown Festival
Toronto’s longest-running street festival returns with two days of free, family-friendly fun in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Visitors can take in entertainment from 200+ local performers (from bands to stilt walkers to drag artists), browse and support 250+ local vendors, and enjoy pop-up patios, food trucks, artisan shops, outdoor games, interactive installations, and a Kids Zone. More info.
When: September 12-13
Where: Parliament Street (from Gerrard St. to Wellesley St.) and Carlton Street (from Parliament St. to Sherbourne St.)
View this post on Instagram
CBC Presents: North of North The Experience
Step inside the world of Canada’s favourite Arctic comedy at this free immersive fan activation for North of North, in celebration of the release of Season 2! Transport yourself to Nunavut with breathtaking Arctic views and see some of the series’ most iconic looks. Visitors can also learn about linocut printing (a century-old Inuit art form) and play Inuktitut baseball. Plus, slushies will be available, while supplies last! More info.
When: September 12-13
Where: Illuminarium Toronto
View this post on Instagram
The Wizard of Oz: Film with Live Orchestra
Experience the magical world of The Wizard of Oz accompanied by a live orchestra! The iconic 1939 film will be played on the big screen with the full score performed live by the TO Live Orchestra. Enjoy a full concert experience as you’re transported back into the whimsical world of this beloved childhood classic. More info.
When: September 12-13
Where: Meridian Hall
Follow Us On Instagram
