Summer in Toronto is a magical time—the city comes to life with bustling patios, outdoor events, and all-around good vibes. If you’re planning to soak up the sun in the city this summer, we have you covered!
From movies under the stars to open-air concerts to lively street festivals, our guide will take you through Toronto’s summertime staples and not-to-miss events and festivals.
In addition to the city’s biggest events like Pride, Caribana, and the CNE, so many arts organizations go all out for summer in the city. We wanted to share the best and boldest happenings that you can look forward to in Toronto in summer 2025.
FILM
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Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
One of Toronto’s largest film festivals returns for its 15th year, bringing free movies to parks across the city all summer long. This year, you can watch coming-of-age movies like Clueless and Challengers, plus short films from Canadian talent and a spotlight on SWANA stories. Grab a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the magic that is outdoor cinema! More info.
When: June 12-August 24
Where: Fort York, Christie Pits Park & Corktown Common
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Lavazza IncluCity Festival
Grab a seat on the comfy couches at this outdoor film festival taking over Distillery District for 25 days this summer. Watch a lineup of international films under the twinkling lights, kicking off with the Canadian premiere of Juliet and Romeo. Check out the full lineup of films, events, panels, concerts, and food & drink activations that will bring this vibrant festival to life. More info.
When: June 27-July 20
Where: Distillery District
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Downtown Movies in the Park
Settle in under the stars for a summer of free movies in the heart of downtown Toronto! To prepare for the 50th anniversary of TIFF in September, CEO Cameron Bailey has selected a lineup of films that will screen outdoors this summer, including The Princess Bride, The Wild Robot, and School of Rock. And don’t miss the pre-show fun—there will be live performances, photo ops, trivia and more. More info.
When: Wednesdays, July 9 to August 13
Where: David Pecaut Square
MUSIC
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Casa Loma Summer Series
A dreamy lineup of summer concerts is returning to the Casa Loma grounds this season. With Monday symphony orchestra performances, Tuesday’s rock symphony, and Wednesday concerts with tributes to The Beatles, The Bee Gees and ABBA—there are 3 days a week of live music for everyone to enjoy. Take in stunning views of the castle, city, and estate gardens as you listen to music under the stars. More info.
When: Monday, Tuesday, and select Wednesday evenings until August 27
Where: Casa Loma
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Summer Music in the Park
Enjoy the smooth sounds of summer at this outdoor concert series! Summer Music in the Park is returning to Yorkville, bringing a full season of live performances to the neighbourhood. An exciting lineup of artists will perform each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday, filling the streets with the sounds of jazz, soul, R&B, indie pop and more. More info.
When: June 13-September 1
Where: Village of Yorkville Park
THEATRE
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Toronto Fringe Festival
The Toronto Fringe Festival is the ultimate showcase for indie theatre and performing arts. With more than 100 shows in 20 venues across the city, Fringe is a hub for creativity experimentation, and expression. Find a hidden gem in this huge lineup of plays, musicals, comedy, dance, clown, storytelling, puppetry and more. More info.
When: July 2-13
Where: Various venues
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Dream in High Park
Pack a picnic and settle in for a magical summer night at Dream in High Park—a summertime staple in Toronto. This outdoor theatre experience brings an iconic Shakespeare play to life each year in High Park. This year, director Marie Farsi will bring us one of the Bard’s most moving tragedies, and the ultimate story of star-crossed lovers—Romeo & Juliet. More info.
When: July 13- August 31
Where: High Park Amphitheatre
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Summerworks
Experience live performance like you’ve never seen before. Summerworks pushes the boundaries of theatre, music, dance, and other live works of art with a festival showcasing new creative works at venues across the city. See bold, unique pieces from artists taking risks to create innovative, complex, and exciting work. Stay tuned for the full programming announcement coming soon! More info.
When: August 7-17
Where: Various locations
VISUAL ARTS
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Joyce Wieland: Heart On
If you’re looking for an indoor art experience this summer, take a trip to the AGO and explore five decades of work from the famed Toronto artist and filmmaker Joyce Wieland. Wieland’s radical and experimental work delves into themes like women’s sexuality, civil rights, and Canadian sovereignty. More than 120 pieces of art will be on display as part of this ambitious retrospective, including restored films, paintings, textiles, collages, sculptures, and drawings. More info.
When: June 18-January 4
Where: AGO
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Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Tis the season for outdoor art! Canada’s largest and longest-running art fair returns this summer with a three-day celebration of art in the heart of the city. With 400+ independent artists showcasing their work, browse and shop for unique creations (from paintings and photography to ceramics and jewellery, and more), with a special focus on Canadian artists. Plus, enjoy talks, tours, dance, music, and art installations. More info.
When: July 11-13
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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Yorkville Murals
Wrap up your summer with a vibrant, neighbourhood-wide art festival. For one weekend in August, Yorkville Murals transforms a stretch of Yorkville Ave into a bustling creative hub, with large-scale murals, live painting, immersive installations, pop-ups, dance battles, and a lively block party. This high-energy event promises colour, culture, and non-stop creativity. More info.
When: August 23-24
Where: Yorkville Avenue, from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue
DANCE
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Anna Karenina
Watch Tolstoy’s classic story unfold on stage as The National Ballet of Canada takes on Anna Karenina. Choreographer Christian Spuck will bring his modern yet theatrical style to the North American premiere of this cinematic production of the alluring tale about morality, social reform, family and passion. More info.
When: June 13-21
Where: The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
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Porch View Dances
Toronto’s streets, front porches, and alleyways will transform into stages for this beloved annual community dance event from Kaeja d’Dance. Performers will guide audiences from house to house, inviting them to take in this year’s theme: “The Surprise of the Unknown”. With a mix of professional choreographers and community participants, this one-of-a-kind event promises a joy-filled immersive outdoor art experience. More info.
When: July 16-20
Where: Seaton Village
More Summer Fun!
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Sun/Shade at The Bentway
The summer 2025 programming at The Bentway is heating up with a free art exhibition titled Sun/Shade, an epic dance performance atop a massive sand dune, a moving forest, roller skate lessons and parties, $15 weekly art workshops, and much more. Take in works of art that explore light and shadow as creative tools, and stay for a ton of community events throughout the season. More info.
When: On now until October 5
Where: The Bentway
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The Second City: Duel Citizens
The Second City’s all-Canadian cast is bringing us another fast-paced comedy spectacle with Duel Citizens. From politics to pop culture and everything in between, The Second City turns chaos into comedy with their signature improv, hilarious songs, and razor-sharp satire. If you’re looking for a good laugh away from the hot weather, this timely comedy revue is running all summer long. More info.
When: Various dates
Where: 1 York Street
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Summer at Harbourfront Centre
If the waterfront is your go-to spot to enjoy summer in city, you won’t want to miss the lineup of live performances, festivals, food, and exhibitions on at Harbourfront Centre. Check out the playful Moving Forest art exhibition, enjoy festivals like SXSE, Caribbean Vibrations, and TAIWANfest, or taste the flavours of the UNDR GRND NGHT MRKT, with everything $10 and under. Free offerings include summer music in the garden, outdoor film screenings by the lake, and dancing in the square. More info.
When: June 25-August 10
Where: Union Station
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Union Summer
Union Station will once again be buzzing with live music, delicious food from local restaurants, and all-around good vibes this summer. A section of Front Street will be transformed into a vibrant community patio, where more than 100 musical acts will perform. Look out for the spotlight on women artists every Wednesday at 12pm, night markets every Saturday, and a social dance workshop on Thursday evenings! More info.
When: June 25-August 10
Where: Union Station
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SummerSeries in Trillium Park
Experience a new arts and culture event almost every week throughout the summer at Trillium Park. This curated series of free, live, outdoor entertainment includes festivals like the Open Canvas Music and Arts Festival, Wavelength Summer Thing, and Indigenous Sounds Now—and plenty of other live music and events for visitors of all ages to enjoy. If you’re looking to get moving, check out the free yoga classes at Trillium Park, offered every weekend until the end of September. More info.
When: July 5-August 23
Where: Trillium Park at Ontario Place
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BIG on Bloor
A BIG street festival will return to Bloor Street this summer. For one weekend in July, experience the best the Bloordale neighbourhood has to offer at BIG on Bloor, with outdoor murals, concerts, public installations, spotlights on small businesses, and art workshops led by local BIPOC artists. This year’s theme, BIZARRE, celebrates the peculiar elements of local culture and art. More info.
When: July 19-20
Where: Bloor Street West, between Dufferin and Lansdowne
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FAN EXPO Canada
Take part in the ultimate fandom weekend this August. FAN EXPO Canada is a 3-day celebration of all things comics, sci-fi, anime, horror, gaming, and cosplay. With a packed schedule of celebrity appearances, photo-ops, cosplay meetups, panels, demos, workshops, and shopping opportunities, your inner fan is sure to be delighted. More info.
When: August 21-24
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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