The city of Toronto is bursting with energy, with new events and festivals kicking off every week. Here are our favourites of this week that highlight the diverse culture of Toronto and the love for artistry, nature, and more. Featured events include Beaches Arts & Crafts Market, a 1920s picnic at Spadina Museum, ROM After Dark: Locally Crafted, NXNE Festival, and more.
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NXNE Festival
NXNE is taking over Toronto, taking place in various iconic music venues, with over 300 musicians that range from global headliners to rising stars. This festival is all about uplifting artists in the industry and giving audiences access to emerging artists. With concerts, panels, and immersive experiences, you can personalize your own festival experience to make it suit you. With artists like Jessie Reyez, Nemahsis, MGK, Dan + Shay and many more, NXNE Festival continues to be the launchpad for the next wave of music. More info.
When: June 10-14
Where: Various locations
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Freedom Party
Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on discrimination, are hosting their annual fundraiser and kick-off to Pride Month, and they’re promising an electrifying celebration! The night will feature an iconic Canada’s Drag Race reunion with Priyanka, Scarlett Bobo, and Lemon – the same drag queens who were a part of the unforgettable Canada’s Drag Race episode featuring Rainbow Road. Celebrating 20 years of Rainbow Road, Freedom Party is a night full of queer joy, community and solidarity. More info.
When: June 11
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
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Around the World Pop-Ups
Returning to Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown, this exciting five-week celebration invites visitors to experience the rich diversity and culture of this city. From interactive workshops and global food tours to live music, cultural performances, outdoor markets, and traditional ceremonies, these pop-ups offer something for everyone. With a blend of free and ticketed events designed for all ages, the festival is an amazing opportunity to explore the vibrant neighbourhood that is Cabbagetown while discovering the cultures and communities that help define Toronto. More info.
When: June 11-July 19
Where: Various locations
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you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love – Olivia Rodrigo Listening Party
First Born Theatre, an indie Toronto theatre company, has released their summer programming full of artistic opportunities, development, and community events. On June 12, they are hosting a listening party for the release of Olivia Rodrigo’s 3rd album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love. There will be a love letter writing station, tea and mocktails, and a cozy environment to listen to Olivia’s strikingly beautiful and relatable lyrics. And bonus, a pretty in pink dress code! More info.
When: June 12
Where: 460 Richmond St W
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ROM After Dark: Locally Crafted
ROM After Dark returns on June 12. Come and enjoy Ontario’s most iconic craft beers and wines, paired with tasty bites from some of Toronto’s top restaurants and stroll through the museum that has transformed into a vibrant nightlife experience. With live performances from DJs and musicians, facepainting, interactive exhibitions and a unique exploration of the ROM’s newest exhibition, BEES: A Story of Survival, this event is specially designed to create an elevated night out in Toronto’s iconic museum. More info.
When: June 12
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
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Taste of Little Italy
Taste of Little Italy, one of Toronto’s most popular summer street festivals celebrating the city’s Italian community, returns to College Street. This lively festival will be filled with incredible food from local restaurants and street vendors that have so much to offer, carnival rides, marketplace vendors, live performances and much more. Just in time for the World Cup, the Taste of Little Italy is the perfect place to experience the high energy of the matches, cheer on your country, and celebrate surrounded by culture. More info.
When: June 12-14
Where: College Street, from Shaw Street to Bathurst Street
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Beaches Arts & Crafts
This popular annual outdoor artisan marketplace returns for a 2-day market featuring handcrafted pieces from 140+ Canadian artists and makers, taking place in the lively Kew Gardens, one of the Beaches’ most vibrant parks. With a wide array of products like clothing items, body care, jewellery, home decor, woodwork and more, this free summertime community event allows you to meet the makers directly and shop for expertly and consciously created items. More info.
When: June 13-14
Where: Kew Gardens
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MADDADDAM
Visionary, award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor, in collaboration with The Royal Ballet, brings MADDADDAM, the acclaimed post-apocalyptic trilogy by renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood, to the stage. Exploring themes of environmental collapse, technology, extinction, and what it means to be human, the production draws audiences into Atwood’s rich world and signature thought-provoking social commentary. Set to an original score by the highly celebrated composer Max Richter, the show is enhanced by striking visual elements – including innovative costuming and film design. More info.
When: June 13-21
Where: The National Ballet of Canada
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Gather in the Garden: A 1920s Picnic at Spadina
The Spadina Museum’s 1920s Garden Party is back for another vintage-themed, summer event! Experience the historic Spadina Museum in a truly immersive experience, wear your best 1920s attire and take part in a day of live music, dancing, picnics, lawn games, mansion tours, and hands-on workshops – all in the theme of the roaring ‘20s! Inspired by a 1928 soiree in support of Toronto’s art scene, this event continues to celebrate the city’s artists, while also celebrating our past in this Great Gatsby-style picnic! More info.
When: June 14
Where: Spadina Museum
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