This week, Toronto comes alive with even more events celebrating the city’s vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scene. With August already at its midpoint, there’s still no shortage of electrifying outdoor music festivals, cultural and artisan festivals, lively markets, and unforgettable parties to enjoy with friends and family.
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Revolutionary Women in Blues
The blues as we know it wouldn’t exist without these three extraordinary women. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith left a mark on American music and culture. Now, JUNO Award-winning artist Divine Brown will bring their remarkable stories to the stage in Revolutionary Women in Blues, a world premiere concert featuring powerful new arrangements of the music that helped shape rock ’n’ roll. Experience incredible music and discover the stories of women whose immense contributions to the blues have too often been overlooked and forgotten. More info.
When: August 13-23
Where: Soulpepper Theatre
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Silent Dance Party on Market Street
This Friday, Market Street transforms into an open-air dance floor where you’re in control of the music. Grab a pair of wireless headphones and switch between DJ channels, each offering its own vibe – from today’s biggest hits to old-school favourites. And it’s all for a great cause, with every ticket sold supporting Toronto’s First Post Office & Museum in Old Town Toronto. Come for the beats, stay for the fun, and help support a piece of Toronto’s history while you’re at it. More info.
When: August 14
Where: Market Street
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Art Week Toronto
Featuring more than 100 artists, Art Week Toronto brings together exhibitions, installations, performances, digital works, photography, sculpture, and more, filling every corner of the Artscape Youngplace building, including unexpected spaces you wouldn’t normally think of as galleries. With the opportunity to take some of the work home with you, the event offers a unique way to discover new artists while directly supporting their work. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Artscape Youngplace
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Waterfront Night Market
This annual Pan-Asian cultural celebration invites you to experience a vibrant festival filled with incredible food, music, art, and tradition. Explore a diverse lineup of trendy and traditional Asian street food and culinary concepts, browse an artisan market, take in dazzling light exhibitions, and enjoy multi-stage performances featuring more than 50 local and international DJs and artists. The three-day celebration is packed from start to finish, with live music and entertainment around every corner, including Lion and Dragon Dances and the festival’s signature floating lantern celebration. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Hotel X
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UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music and Culture
This free, three-day outdoor festival celebrates Indigenous identity, creativity, and community through an inspiring mix of live music, public art, storytelling, and cultural programming. Catch performances by acclaimed Indigenous artists including Drezus, Crystal Shawanda, Lacey Hill, Semiah, and many more. Explore the artisan marketplace, featuring unique handmade goods and artwork from creators across Turtle Island, watch artists bring their work to life through live street painting and mural creation, and take part in intimate discussions with Indigenous authors. There’s something for the whole family, with kid-friendly activities, puppet shows, and storytime sessions throughout the weekend. More info.
When: August 14-16
Where: Berczy Park and Scott Street
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On The Way Festival
On The Way Festival makes its way back to The Bentway for a 10-hour outdoor music, food, art, and wine celebration. Come enjoy sets from electronic and dance acts like The Dare, Ross From Friends, Doss, a DJ set from BADBADNOTGOOD members Al & Chester, and more. Enjoy the exciting music while savouring eats from local spots including Rizzo’s House of Parm, Matty’s Patty’s, Ruru Baked, and Rooms Coffee, alongside curated wines and drinks. Even more, immerse yourself in a large-scale interactive fabric art installation and live pop-up visual performances, like customizable airbrush merch design by artist Zephyr. More info.
When: August 15
Where: The Bentway
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Afraspektion
Afraspektion has become a beloved celebration of Emancipation Month in Ontario. The festivities begin with an opening ceremony, followed by a jam-packed day of live music, entertainment, giveaways, and a curated marketplace, with free programming for all ages. There’s something happening around every corner, from African drumming with Baba Williams and Superhero Pictionary with cosplayers to a drag-meets-science performance by Rawbyn, live musical performances, a cooking demonstration with acclaimed Chef Lee, and ballroom dancing with the House of Monroe. More info.
When: August 15
Where: Riverside Common Park
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Open Canvas City Tour
Come and celebrate Toronto’s vibrant creative community on the waterfront. The Open Canvas City Tour welcomes attendees to a free outdoor concert showcasing this city’s music and art scene. Featuring two stages, the festival features a diverse lineup of local, national, and international artists spanning multiple genres and creative disciplines. Beyond the music, explore beautiful visual art installations, live mural paintings, artisan markets, tasty bites and refreshing drinks in spaces designed to encourage and foster connection. More info.
When: August 15
Where: Trillium Park
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Rosé Disco
Taking over Fort York, this outdoor summer day-to-night party invites you to dress in your best pink-and-white fits and spend the day sipping, dancing, and soaking up the summer sun. Sample wines from more than 30 wineries, indulge in chef-driven food pop-ups, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and dance the day away to live DJ sets. With high-energy music, endless photo ops, sunshine, and a glass of wine (or a non-alcoholic drink) in hand, every moment is made for a summer memory. Grab your friends, dress in pink, and get ready for an unforgettable day-to-night celebration. More info.
When: August 15
Where: Fort York
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Taste of Manila
Returning for its 10th year, Taste of Manila is the largest Filipino street festival in Canada, drawing massive crowds together to celebrate Filipino culture, community, and heritage. This year’s theme, “A Taste of Flavours and Culture,” invites you to savour traditional Filipino street food from local vendors, enjoy live music and cultural dance performances, and catch special appearances from celebrity guests including Rochelle Pangilinan, Shuvee Etrata, Miguel Tanfelix, and more. Explore dozens of merchant and sponsor booths showcasing Filipino products, businesses, and traditions, all while experiencing the vibrant energy of the community. More info.
When: August 15-16
Where: Bathurst St. & Wilson Ave.
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Wavelength Summer Thing
Wavelength Summer Thing returns bigger than ever! With a main stage and a lake stage, have the opportunity to listen to incredibly talented local musicians surrounded by the city’s beautiful waterfront. With music ranging from indie-folk to alternative hip-hop to Afro-Brazilian percussion, there is something for everyone to enjoy and even more artists to discover. This free outdoor concert also features tasty bites, refreshing drinks, artisan markets and interactive art installations open to all ages. Celebrate the summer with artists including Shad, Bells Larsen, Absolute Treat, Rose Hips, and so many more incredible artists. More info.
When: August 16
Where: Trillium Park
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