August is the epitome of lazy days of summer and we’re here for it! We’re at the half-way stretch of our favourite time of year and making the most of the warmer weather. Take a few days off of work? Spending time with friends and family in Toronto? We have no shortage of things to do and places to visit this month! Here are our favourites…
Dawoud Bey: Material Histories. Living Landscapes: Art Gallery of Ontario,
Described as “a meditation on the tenuous relationships between North American landscapes and Black diasporic experiences,” this exhibition at the AGO is a profoundly moving experience. This installation, presented in partnership with the Toronto Biennial of Art 2026, features a selection of images from the artist’s three landscape-based projects: In This Here Place (2019), Stony the Road (2023), and Night Coming Tenderly, Black (2017). The centrepiece of this installation is 350,000 (2023): a video that reimagines the journey made by 350,000 enslaved Africans along the Richmond Slave Trail between 1830 and 1860.
Mamma Mia: Princess of Wales Theatre, August 4 to 30
Always a favourite! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.
The Great Gatsby: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, August 4 to 23
Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage. Set against a backdrop of glitz and glamour, the story follows the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as he pursues his long-lost love. Featuring a contemporary score, The Great Gatsby brings one of literature’s most iconic stories to life in a fresh and energetic production.
Want to make a night of it? Head to CLOCKWORK. When you order up CLOCKWORK’s Champagne Flight and show proof of your valid Gatsby show ticket you will receive a complimentary Oyster Rockefeller. The offering includes six Canadian oysters baked under creamed spinach, Pernod, and aged parmesan beneath a golden herb crust, a French-inspired dish with the same appetite for glamour as the Gatsby himself.
Before Bourdain, There Was Tony: Opens August 14 in theatres
Directed by Matt Johnson (BlackBerry), TONY, is the electric origin story of one of the modern era’s most beloved icons, Anthony Bourdain.
Provincetown in 1975. A kid from New Jersey crashes into the heat of a kitchen alongside a renegade crew of cooks, pirates, and degenerates. He’s restless, reckless, and hungry for something he couldn’t yet name. TONY is a raw portrait of a young man becoming someone the world would never forget.
Island Soul Festival at Harbourfront Centre: July 31 to August 3
Island Soul highlights the diversity and cultural richness of Caribbean communities. Showcasing everything from live soca, reggae and dancehall performances to storytelling, film screenings and interactive workshops. This year, the festival is partnering with Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario, one of Ontario’s largest organizations dedicated to celebrating French-Caribbean (Creole) culture. Plus, expect artisan markets and delicious Caribbean cuisine, reflecting the many distinct islands of the nation. Details here.
Toronto Carnival: Grand Parade August 1
Festivities celebrating our vibrant Caribbean cultures wine up at the Grand Parade on August 1st! It’s a day-into-evening party on the streets that attracts millions to our city from around the world. Expect stunning costumes, music, entertainment, food, and much more! Family friendly. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated! And yes, we still call it “Caribana”! See full event list here.
National Bank Tennis Open presented by Rogers: Sobeys Stadium, August 1 to 13
Tennis returns to our city with no shortage of excitement from matches to activations and entertainment. This year, our city plays host to top women players from around the world. Who will be here? Four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed for the WTA event in Toronto. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, who has won two Grand Slam titles, including this year’s Australian Open, is seeded No. 2, while double NBO champion Jessica Pegula of the United States rounds out the Top 3. Canada’s Leylah Annie Fernandez will be seeded No. 30.
There’s lots to do for all ages including a Fan Zone with fun activities and sports challenges, live DJs, and yoga. And foodies will love all the options with a wide variety of vendors including The Burger’s Priest, PEI Lobster, FRESH, The Crooked Taco by Landing, and more.
Be sure to also visit the Moët & Chandon Terrace for an elevated experience! Stop by before or after your match. The space features premium hospitality, curated culinary offerings paired with Moët & Chandon cuvées and a dedicated photo wall!
Carrera Paint My Ride Tour Toronto: Sankofa Square, August 1, 2pm to 6pm
The Carrera Paint My Ride Tour is making its Toronto stop as part of the brand’s 70th anniversary celebration. Experience an exciting live art competition where two talented local artists go head-to-head, transforming a vintage car into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece right before your eyes. The Carrera Paint My Ride Tour is visiting seven cities, each representing a decade of Carrera’s legacy, bringing the brand’s history to life through culture and creativity.
Chef Summer BBQ Takeover at The Drake Hotel’s Sky Yard in Toronto: July 30 and August 7, 5 pm to 11 pm
The Sky Yard welcomes two of the city’s most exciting chefs for back-to-back rooftop BBQ takeovers featuring delicious, personally inspired flavours, and guest menus. And in classic Drake fashion, tropical, rum-forward cocktails from Bumbu Rum Co. and vibrant tequila serves from Altos Tequila will be flowing all night long.
Thursday July 30: Chef Jeremy Saluma of Slow Jams takes over the grill for an evening of Filipino BBQ, with Sweet Touch Foundation on the decks.
Friday August 7: Chef Christina Khan of Miss Likklemore’s brings the flavours of the Caribbean, with DJ Special K keeping the energy going all night.
Tomato Season Party with Grape Witches: Dundas West location, August 2, 2pm to 7pm
Toronto’s fave natural wine shop is throwing an ode to one of summer’s greatest pleasures: tomato season! This FREE, drop-in celebration dedicated entirely to peak local tomatoes and the wines that love them. Working with local farm Broadfork Produce, the afternoon will feature tomatoes of every shape, colour and size, alongside a menu of limited-edition collaborations created just for the occasion, including:
- A by-the-glass wine list curated specifically to pair with fresh summer tomatoes
- A four-foot tomato baguette sandwich from Robinson Bread
- An exclusive tomato, basil & olive oil sorbet from Honey’s Ice Cream
- Seasonal tomato dishes from Grape Witches’ resident chef, Rachel Booth
On The Way Festival: The Bentway, August 15, 1 pm to 11 pm (19+ event)
Created by the teams behind Community Wines and Standard Time, On The Way brings together an exciting mix of music, food, and culture for one of Toronto’s most anticipated new summer festivals.
This year’s line up includes; The Dare, Ross From Friends, Patrick Holland, BADBADNOTGOOD DJ sets, Doss, Young Teesh.
Festival-goers can also enjoy some of the city’s favourite food and drink, including Matty’s Patties, Rizzo’s, Ruru Baked, Rooms Coffee, Community Wines, and Barbet.
Taste of the Danforth: August 7, 8, and 9
One of the city’s most popular street festivals returns this month! Taste of the Danforth’s Greek heritage will always be at the heart of the Festival. At the same time, the Danforth has evolved, just as our City, Province and Country have. Today, the Festival reflects a diverse and inclusive Canada—with a “dollop of tzatziki” on top. There are over one hundred participating restaurants and stores.
The Taste of the Danforth offers an incredible culinary journey featuring over 25 international cuisines. Participating restaurants will once again offer their popular “Taste” menus, allowing visitors to sample multiple restaurants, at affordable prices. Many featured menu items begin at just $6.
Families and friends can also enjoy free world-class entertainment, cultural performances, interactive activities and attractions throughout the Festival.
Taco Fest: Fort York, August 7 to 9
Food lovers get ready for this year’s Taco Fest! Visit and load up on our favourite party food from the city’s favourites – not just tacos! Think South American street food including roasted corn, churros, fresh fruit and more. There will be over 40 vendors. But that’s not all! There will be food demonstrations, Tequila tastings, and live entertainment.
Summer Music in the Garden: Toronto Music Garden, Harbourfront on Thursdays (7pm) and Sundays (4pm)
Presenting a multicultural slate of songs, sounds and stories, the Music Garden is hosting 20 free performances by Canadian musicians and celebrated local artists throughout the summer months. This season’s highlights include the classical storytelling of JUNO nominee Julie Lumsden, the Afrocentric choral music of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the electric Cuban rhythms of Montano Cubano and the Western, classical and Persian fusion of Ladom Ensemble. On our radar is Journey to the Middle East with Al Qahwa (August 23). Admission is free. Full schedule here.
T.O. Things You Don’t Know: Museum of Toronto, 401 Richmond Street West, ongoing (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Uncovers hidden stories Toronto has long overlooked—through 50+ historic sites, forgotten events, and fascinating local narratives and unique objects in this exhibition. It surfaces the ignored, the hyperlocal, and the quietly radical, reinforcing that history is not fixed, but layered and still unfolding.
Museum of Toronto is bringing these stories to life through a physical exhibition alongside city-wide locations, inviting audiences to peel back the layers of Toronto. It’s both a tribute to the city’s past and a reminder that the places we pass every day hold unexpected and often untold stories. Free admission. Full details here.
KOREAfest: Mel Lastman Square, August 21 to 23
Come celebrate all things Korea – culture, music, k-drama, food and much more! Live performances and photo opps with groups including ASC2NT, NouerA, GranadA, and Catch the Young. Discover your next k-beauty favourite at the Beauty Pavillion. Stay for the Hanbok fashion show. Show your latest K-pop dance moves in the competition (young and old)! And so much more! Details here.
Toronto Thai Festival: Sankofa Square, August 29 & 30
Eat, shop, dance, and immerse yourselves in the beauty of Thai culture. Over 40 food vendors serving authentic Thai food and drinks. Discover local Thai businesses (art, crafts, massage). Enjoy live performances and cooking demonstrations. You’ll feel transported to Thailand!
TAIWANfest: Harbourfront Centre, August 28 to 30
This annual cultural celebration deepens connections between Taiwan, Canada and the wider world. This year, a bold dialogue with Scotland arrives at Harbourfront Centre, weaving together shared histories of colonization, migration and language revival – stories that continue to shape both societies today. TAIWANfest Orchestra will offer a sweeping, cross-cultural live performance, while the Nanwang Sisters carry the spirit of Indigenous Taiwanese traditions through powerful, rooted vocals. Full details here.
Jackpot City’s Free Cab Rides Return: Starting August 1
Kicking off on Saturday, August 1, Jackpot City Casino’s wildly popular free cab campaign returns to the streets of Toronto for a third straight summer, offering complimentary rides anywhere in the city and a shot at stepping out of the back seat up to $30,000 richer.
Riders can hop into one of the seven eye-catching purple-wrapped Co-op Cabs marked “Free Taxi” and be taken anywhere in the city, completely free of charge.
Each week of the campaign, one lucky rider will be surprised with a cash prize. Starting with $3,000 in week one, the prizes escalate each week, culminating in a $30,000 grand finale in the final week before the campaign wraps on August 31.
Out of the city…
Wilmot Orchards returns for another fresh pick! This family-owned, women-run farm offers the perfect summer day trip out of the city! Located just an hour outside of the city in Newcastle, visit and PYO the best of Ontario highbush blueberry varieties. It also offers an onsite café, blueberry lemonade stand, blueberry ice cream and their famous cheesecake. A variety of locally made goods are also at Wilmot – great little gift ideas during blueberry season!
Pingle’s Farm is a worthy visit in Durham Region! The farm’s pick-your-own flower season is officially underway, giving visitors the chance to wander through blooming fields and mix and match over 65 varieties of flowers to create their own bouquets right from the source. Lavender is in bloom now (with its peak winding down in another week or so — keep an eye on their Instagram for updates), the first cut flowers are ready for picking and the farm’s sunflowers are expected to bloom in about 10 days! Our favourite! There are also special workshops and classes as well as yoga in the lavender field!
Willowtree Farm is another idyllic day escape from the city. This family-owned and operated by multigenerational of McKay farmers includes a market, butcher, cafe & bakery, and pick your own seasonal strawberries. It also has animal experience and playground perfect for little ones! Open daily located in Durham Region.
Sunflower Festival at Davis Family Farm runs until August 9 (peak season). Located in Caledon, this beautiful sunflower farm is one of the largest fields.Take a walk on paths in and around the sunflowers. Photo opps at various stops along the way. Entry tickets available online in advance. Yes, this one is dog friendly.
*Lead in photo taken at Davis Family Farm