Summer may feel like it’s easing in slowly, and no surprise for Toronto. Our city tends to feel like a “wake up and run” rather than an ease-in with a coffee in hand moment. There’s a lot to explore in this city this month. Here are just a few that caught our attention!
LUMINATO FESTIVAL: Toronto June 4 to 22
Luminato transforms the people, places, and possibilities of Toronto with extraordinary art experiences. Expect bold, playful, and of the moment art for all to enjoy. Distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian and totally Global, everyone is welcome to explore our streets, stages and stories. There are both FREE and ticketed events throughout the Festival days. Some of the free experiences include First Breath (Light Installation at Harbourfront Centre), Sleep Temple (The Ground Floor, 132 Fort York Blvd), Dusk Soundscapes (AGO), and so much more. See the full schedule and mark your calendars!
Anna Karenina: National Ballet of Canada, June 13 to 21
An alluring new Anna Karenina enters The National Ballet of Canada repertoire with this North American premiere and first creative partnership with Christian Spuck. One of Europe’s foremost choreographers, Spuck distills Leo Tolstoy’s richly themed novel about morality, social reform, family and passion into profound choreography that shares the best of his modern yet theatrical style. Complete with lush 19th-century costumes, cinematic projections and a curated score featuring music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Witold Lutosławski.
Also wrapping up is ADIEU (until June 5) at The National Ballet of Canada. Celebrating the illustrious career of Principal Dancer and Choreographic Associates, Guillaume Côté. This absolutely mesmerizing performance includes his new work, Grand Mirage, as well as a restaging of his stunning Bolero. The programme also includes two bold and awe-inspiring world premieres: Reverence by Ethan Colangelo and King’s Fall by Jennifer Archibald.
Burn Baby, Burn by Guillaume Côté for Côté Danse: Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto opens June 6 to 8
And just days after the celebrated Principal Dancer and Choreographer, Guillaume Côté, bids his final Adieu at The National Ballet of Canada, he will open his latest work, marking his latest and exciting new chapter. Following a successful run at Fall For Dance North last fall, Burn Baby, Burn returns for a limited one-weekend run. This show aims to confront the issue of climate change and humanity’s environmental impact.
Recuerdo: Latin American Photography: AGO, on now until October 19
Highlighting new acquisitions and unseen works from the AGO’s Photography Collection, this poetic exhibition takes visitors on a journey from Mexico to Argentina, from the 1920s to today. “Recuerdo,” which in Spanish can mean both “memory” and “I remember,” – reflects the exhibition’s unique display of collective and personal stories, while exploring what it means to consider art of and from Latin America. Juxtaposing photographs from press collections as well as works by artists who were once known and noted photographers, including Manuel Alvarez Bravo and Tina Modotti.
Tim Whiten: A Little Bit of Light: AGO, on now until August 17
American-born, Toronto-based artist Tim Whiten has, for almost five decades, fashioned a powerful visual language all his own. Drawing upon various spiritual traditions, mythologies, and rituals, this stunning collection of Whiten’s work is spellbinding and technically profound.
The more than 30 works on display range from works on paper and cotton to sculpture, other three-dimensional objects, and mixed media installations. The exhibition features many of the artist’s most essential works, made with organic matter such as leather, bone, and stone, and precarious materials such as glass and crystal.
The 52: Live Theatrical Experience at Museum of Toronto: 401 Richmond Street West, June 4 to 7
This unique experience during the Luminato Festival brings Toronto’s trailblazing women to life through powerful monologues and music, staged against the backdrop of the City of Toronto Archives, each performance showcases a unique mix of voices that helped shape the city. 24 Canadian playwrights give voice to pioneers, artists, leaders, and changemakers. Each performance features a different selection of the 52 women, and weaves together monologues and choral singing to celebrate women’s contributions to Toronto’s arts, politics, sports, technology, and business. No two performances will be like the others.
Toronto Japanese Film Festival: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto, June 12 to 26
Showcasing the finest Japanese films that have been recognized for excellence by Japanese audiences and critics, international film festival audiences, and the Japanese Film Academy. Now in its 14th year, the 2025 festival will feature 24 films in the Kobayashi Hall. Genres include historical (Samurai) jidaigeki, contemporary dramas, comedies, action, art-house and children’s films.
Women’s Healthy Living Show: Enercare Centre, June 7 – 8
Women’s health takes the spotlight at the first-ever Women’s Healthy Living Show, created for women 30+. The event explores wellness in all forms—mental, emotional, physical, and more. Topics include burnout, relationships, menopause, money, and self-care. Headlined by Tracy Moore and Dina Pugliese, with expert voices from every field. Sinai Health Foundation.
Na-Me-Res Pow Wow: Fort York, June 21, 12 noon till 5 pm
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at this free-to-attend festival that honours Indigenous culture. Experience rich and diverse traditions, contributions and language of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from Tkaronto and Canada. Enjoy traditional dancing and drumming performances. Explore a lively and interactive marketplace with authentic Indigenous handmade artwork, meet artisans, and visit craft-making stations. Enjoy delicious cuisine from Indigenous food purveyors. The event is family-friendly and open to everyone.
Made in Italy: CAA Theatre, until June 15
An Italian teenager growing up in Jasper in the 1970s, caught between two worlds and determined to make his mark. This tour-de-force show is packed with disco, fantastic singing and a host of hilarious characters. Winner of the Sterling Award (Edmonton), Jessie Award (Vancouver) and Betty Mitchell Award (Calgary) for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy, as well as the Calgary Theatre Critic’s Award for Outstanding Performance in a One-Person Show, this is a delightful, heartfelt coming of age story about a kid with the heart of Rocky Balboa and the moves (and hair!) of John Travolta. Read our interview with Farren Timotea here.
CLUE on stage: Royal Alexandra Theatre, until June 8
First, it was the Parker Brothers board game, then the 1985 movie, and now, Clue takes place in 1954 in New England at a mysterious mansion on a dark and stormy night. Six guests are invited to join Mr Boddy (Mark Jude Sullivan) for a dinner party with a twist. Each of these invited guests shares a dark secret and a reason for wanting Mr Boddy to disappear. Read our review of this fun and nostalgic theatre piece here.
Disney’s The Lion King: Princess of Wales Theatre, till August 30 (NOTE: August 1, relaxed performance added)
One of the most beloved and successful stage adaptations in theatre history, Disney’s The Lion King captivates audiences with its innovative production, music, and storytelling. The production will conclude on August 30, and it’s worth seeing! The musical premiered in 1997, based on Disney’s 1994 animated film of the same name, and has become one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, with productions in numerous countries and languages. The Lion King delivers a spectacular experience in true Disney wonder. Whether this is your first time or tenth, there’s no denying that this one is truly breathtaking right from the start!
Leaving Home: The Coal Mine Theatre, June 10-22
Set in 1950s Toronto on the eve of a shotgun wedding, David French’s Leaving Home is a play about love, loss, and intergenerational conflict. More than 50 years after its legendary debut at Tarragon Theatre, David French’s moving and personal depiction of the fraught relationship between parents and their children continues to speak to what it means to be part of a family. Staged in the round for a limited audience, Matchstick Theatre’s award-winning production (2025 Theatre Nova Scotia Robert Merritt awards for Outstanding Production and Direction, seven additional nominations for performance and design) in Toronto’s celebrated Coal Mine Theatre is a rare opportunity to experience one of Canada’s most celebrated and iconic dramas.
Toronto Jewish Film Festival: June 5 to 15
The 33rd annual Toronto Jewish Film Festival includes thought-provoking films for a wide range of film lovers. Opening film Once Upon My Mother – a big-hearted, colourful and witty film based on a true story that is destined to be a crowd favourite. Leila Bekhti (Paris, je t’aime) dazzles as Esther, a larger-than-life Moroccan-Jewish mother who won’t take no for an answer when it comes to her child’s welfare. The full lineup, including a few free programs, can be found on their website.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue at Square One Mississauga, opens June 20
For the first time in Canada, the Minecraft community will have the opportunity to journey into the Overworked for a unique, in-person, interactive Minecraft experience. Created by Montreal-based multimedia creative studio Supply + Demand, this epic experience invites longtime Minecrafters, new players, and families of all ages to step into the world of Minecraft and become real-life heroes on a thrilling quest. The action-packed adventure and scavenger hunt will send journeyers through seven Minecraft realms, and help rescue the village under siege from a zombie attack.
TITANIC: The Official Exhibition: YZD, 30 Hanover Road (Downview), begins June 27
Discover the extraordinary story of the Titanic in a new light. Admire authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic at a depth of almost 10,000 feet, visit the reconstruction of the ship’s rooms, and uncover poignant accounts of the passengers present at the time of the shipwreck. Step into the breathtaking VR experience and the cutting-edge rooms, where history comes to life like never before, allowing you to witness the Titanic’s journey in a truly unforgettable way.
Union Summer: Union Station Front Street Plaza, Toronto, June 25 to August 10
Returning to the city is 47 days of free entertainment, incredible food, and unbeatable summer vibes at Union Station’s Front Street plaza! Live music daily on the TD Stage, with over 100 performances including headliners Kardinal Offishall (June 26) and Skratch Bastid (August 9). Weekly themed events including blues nights, brunch & brass, global music, social dance lessons, and more.
SUPPER CLUB: Indigenous Food Lab with Taylor Parker: CSI, 192 Spadina Ave., June 28
Chef Taylor’s sophisticated tasting menus celebrate local and foraged ingredients, and a deep connection to First Nations foodways, to our land and our shared heritage. Chef Parker is the man behind The Dep’s acclaimed and subversive Canada Day Supper Clubs. It is designed as a space to consider the possibilities of an elevated, communal dining experience rooted in First Nations traditions. It is a laboratory to explore and experiment with a Canadian concept of terroir – the flavour of a place — to rediscover and redefine what Indigenous food means today.
TABLE TALK: The Terroir of Northern Ontario by Genevieve Sartor: CSI, 192 Spadina Ave., The Depanneur, June 6
Genevieve Sartor, owner and operator of New Grain Bakery and Kitchen in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, will explore the concept of terroir in Ontario, with a particular focus on Northern Ontario. It will delve into the notion of a Canadian food scene in relation to immigrant, francophone and Indigenous cultures to open up a discussion about what Canadian food really means. On the food side, Len Senater, the depanneur, will be showcasing Ontario-specific ingredients, from locally-grown heritage corn to wild-foraged ramps and mushrooms, locally produced cheeses and breads, and more.
Be sure to check out more events, classes (hello, Maple Butter Tarts and Scones!) and workshops with The Depanneur here.
Join Canada, Eh! Live on Stage: Lighthouse ArtSpace, One Yonge Street. Opens June 26
In a clever twist on the current political climate, Starvox Entertainment, a Canadian-based global live entertainment company, has emerged as the creative force behind the satirical online campaign “Join Canada, Eh“! This playful campaign invites Americans to embrace their Canadian neighbours, showcasing the charm of Canadian culture and whimsically suggesting a move north. With its catchy slogan and engaging content, it has captured hearts across borders, with over a million Americans humourously “voting” to join Canada as its 11th Province! Due to its phenomenal success, Starvox Entertainment proudly announces the Join Canada, Eh! Live on Stage, celebrating Canadian resilience and humour, promising laughter, tears, and even cravings for ketchup chips! (Yes, we curious Canadians can go too!)
OUT OF TORONTO
Avalon Lavender Fields: Opens June 14 (Thursdays to Sundays)
Always a popular quick getaway out of the city, this lavender farm welcomes the public to enjoy the family-owned and operated destination. Unwind and wander the fields, visit the Celtic Stone Circle. Book into their popular High Tea with Piano Piano (now on Sundays) and this year, they’ve also added an Al Fresco Italian Picnic on Saturday afternoons.
The Wind Coming Over The Sea: Blyth Festival
World Premiere of a new stage work from internationally acclaimed, best-selling author Emma Donoghue, A folk musical incorporating traditional Irish and British ballads performed live on stage by the acting company, THE WIND COMING OVER THE SEA tells the true story of Henry and Jane Johnson, who emigrated from the town of Antrim in Northern Ireland to Southwestern Ontario during the Great Famine of the 1840’s. A deeply moving tale of love and perseverance that interweaves music with verbatim text from archival letters exchanged by the Johnsons, Donoghue’s play takes an unflinching look at a fundamental and ongoing piece of the story of Canada – the promise and peril of emigration.
The Frogs: Talk is Free Theatre. Location held outdoors at a private residence in Barrie, June 19 to July 5
Based on the play written in 405 BC by Aristophanes, freely adapted by Burt Shevelove, even more freely adapted by Nathan Lane and with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this hilarious, yet poignant, musical follows Dionysos, Greek god of wine and drama, and his slave, Xanthias, on a journey to Hades to collect George Bernard Shaw, so that he may enlighten the masses of Earth. However, William Shakespeare shows up and engages in a battle with Shaw. And a fight for the honour of reincarnation ensues.