Summer is in full swing in Toronto! This week, pick from a myriad of street festivals and outdoor celebrations across the city—whether you’re looking to get in the game day spirit or catch a dazzling fireworks display. Plus, beloved Toronto events including Summerlicious and Toronto Fringe Festival kick off this week! Here are our top picks for events in Toronto this first week of July.
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Toronto Fringe Festival
Toronto Fringe is the place to be for indie theatre! Ontario’s largest performance festival returns with 123 shows in 27 venues across the city, including dramatic theatre, clown, dance, storytelling, sketch comedy, musicals, improv, puppets, and stand-up. This year’s eclectic lineup, selected by lottery, features eight shows inspired by Shakespeare, several shows from the Caribbean diaspora, three magic shows, and much more, plus free community events at the Festival Hub. More info.
When: June 30-July 12
Where: Various locations
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Canada Day Fireworks
There are plenty of spots to watch fireworks for free across Toronto this Canada Day. Bring a chair or blanket and cozy up for an evening of dazzling displays, whether you’re watching over the lake at Ashbridges Bay or Harbourfront Centre, or at a local park like Amesbury Park, Stan Wadlow Park, or Milliken Park. More info.
When: July 1
Where: Various locations
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Rhythms of Canada Festival
Celebrate Canada Day at this free, day-long, all-ages festival! Bring the whole family to the Aga Khan Museum for live performances, arts and crafts workshops, and a vibrant selection of local food vendors. Soccer fans can watch live screenings of matches all day long inside the air-conditioned Game Zone Tent. Plus, enjoy free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery and check out their current exhibition, Game On! More info.
When: July 1
Where: Aga Khan Museum
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Porch View Dances
Porch View Dances takes dance out of the theatre and into everyday spaces. This one-of-a-kind annual event transforms front porches, alleyways, sidewalks, and neighbourhood streets into vibrant performance spaces. Now in its 15th year, this community-driven festival brings together professional choreographers and community members for a series of immersive dance experiences. More info.
When: July 1-5
Where: Seaton Village
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The Final Kick Block Party
Celebrate the final match played in Toronto at this vibrant outdoor celebration on Queen Street West! Soak up the soccer spirit with interactive games and activities throughout the evening, plus a vibrant artisan and food market with vendors representing communities from around the world. Visitors can also shop for vintage finds, take in the live mural activation, and listen to live music curated by Drom Artist Collective. More info.
When: July 2
Where: 15 Denison Avenue
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Fun Philippines Toronto
Immerse yourself in this 3-day, high-energy showcase of Filipino food, music, dance, and community spirit. Fun Philippines will take over Harbourfront Centre this weekend, with live performances of traditional dances, contemporary music from renowned Filipino artists, authentic dishes like adobo, lumpia and halo-halo, and much more. More info.
When: July 3-5
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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Taste of Lawrence
Get ready for Scarborough’s largest street festival, happening this weekend! Come for three days of all-ages fun, including midway rides and games, 170 vendors, and plenty of activities for kids. Festivalgoers can enjoy non-stop live entertainment, including The Rising Stars Talent Showcase and the crowd-favourite The Ultimutts Animal Actors Show. Plus, soccer lovers can celebrate the spirit of the game with free soccer activities, watch parties, and giveaways. More info.
When: July 3-5
Where: Lawrence Avenue East, between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road
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Taste of the Middle East
Toronto’s largest Arabic Festival is taking over Nathan Philips Square this weekend for a massive celebration of music, art, and culture. Admission is free—bring the whole family for a day of live entertainment, delicious food, shopping from local vendors and more. More info.
When: July 3-5
Where: Nathan Philips Square
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Summerlicious
Taste the best that Toronto has to offer at affordable prices this summer! Summerlicious returns this week, offering 3-course, prix fixe menus at 240+ restaurants across the city. From local favourites to globally inspired dishes, there’s something delicious for every taste and budget. Lunch starts at $20 and dinner starts at $25—reservations are open now! More info.
When: July 3-19
Where: Various locations
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Cake Cabaret Presents: Wet Hot Canadian Summer
Ultra sexy, and very camp, this cabaret show is an ode to summers in Canada. Cake Cabaret’s latest offering promises an evening of burlesque, dance, theatrics, cake, and non-stop fun. Wear your sexiest red and white outfit…or a Canadian tuxedo! More info.
When: July 4-August 22
Where: 627 Danforth Ave
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