We’re keeping our cool throughout the second half of the summer. It’s all about savouring the hot days and nights now. We still have a few weeks to enjoy! Here’s what you might want to check out in Toronto this August!
LIGHTS: Visionary Perspectives Exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum:
Marking the Museum’s 10th anniversary, this stunning new exhibition dives into the omnipresence and impact of light, placing visitors at the centre of an immersive exhibition filled with contemporary installations by renowned artists. By harnessing light in a myriad of different ways, the varied and dynamic installations challenge perceptions and provide space for reflection beyond what the eye can see. More details here.
Bright Signs: Spotlight on Video Art at the AGO
On until October 14. This new incredible exhibition brings together works by 11 leading contemporary artists. Spanning three decades, the exhibit located in the Contemporary Gallery includes cinematic video installations and neon sculptures, many of which have not been exhibited before at the AGO. Drawn from the AGO’s collection of contemporary art, the artworks on view address critical social issues, including perceptions of history, visibility and power. More details here.
Hamlet (Dream in High Park/Canadian Stage):
On until September 1. The very popular outdoor theatre under the stars returns with Hamlet this year! Dive into the electrifying world of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, helmed by Jessica Carmichael (Stratford, Shaw, Blyth) with a fantastic ensemble of players. Set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of political intrigue and familial betrayal, this iconic tale follows the tormented Prince of Denmark as he grapples with existential questions of life, death, and revenge. Bring your blankets, cushions, and snacks and experience this Toronto summer tradition. More details here.
Mean Girls Musical
Royal Alexandra Theatre until August 25. The iconic story about high school life (it’s a jungle out there!) written by Tina Fey returns to Toronto this summer and is as entertaining as ever! What’s the storyline? In a nutshell, Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve teen newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. A few subtle updates to the musical will be relatable to a fresh new generation of theatre lovers. Yes, the unforgettable lines are still in there! My interview with two of the cast members can be found here.
Island Soul at Harbourfront Centre:
August 1. Soak up some island flavour during the August long weekend at this 26th edition of Island Soul. Inspired by the many different flavours of the Caribbean islands, the festival celebrates the vibrant people and culture through music – including a free concert with Johnny Osbourne And Hardcore Band — aka”Dancehall Grandfather” also Etana a two-time Grammy nominee and one of Jamaica’s best! There will also be films, food, comedy, multidisciplinary arts, cultural activities and a marketplace. More details here.
The Sunset Concerts at Casa Loma:
Various Dates. On Tuesday evenings in the summer, Casa Loma plays host to established as well as up and coming Canadian artists such as Jully Black and many more in the spectacular Glass Pavilion. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city, the majestic castle and the beautiful estate gardens while celebrating Canadian culture and heritage under the stars. Dine al fresco onsite while you enjoy the surroundings and the sounds! More details and line up can be found here.
Couture for a Cause:
August 1, 5 pm – 10 :30 pm. The Bloor-Yorkville BIA and Hairdressers for Love & Peace Foundation will host this amazing fashion event in the Village of Yorkville Park. This highly anticipated event will feature top designers and hairstylist, live performances, and a noble mission to support mental health awareness through CAMH. Guests can also reserve tables with drinks and gourmet hor d’oeuvres from local restaurants. The event is organized by Yorkville hair salons: Salon Daniel, Leonetti & Co., Salt Beauty + Co., Earth Salon, and Axe & Hatchets. Tickets available here.
EATALY Wine Around: Rosato and Bollicine
August 2 at EATALY Sherway Gardens. Wine Around will be a night where guests will be able to take part in a walk-around food and wine tasting, focused on all things Rosato and Bollicine Wines. Guests will have the opportunity to taste through different Rosato and Bollicine wines, paired with a curated selection of salumi and cheese, and also learn from the producers and experts themselves. Tickets are valued at $75 per person, linked here.
St. Regis and House of Creed Afternoon Tea Experience:
Month of August. The most exquisite Afternoon Tea experience features a menu inspired by the scents, colours, and ingredients of Creed’s iconic fragrances in an immersive atmosphere that captures the essence of The House of Creed. Savour the thoughtfully crafted dreamy delights created by the in-house chefs of the hotels and discover elevated tastes and emotions through the fragrances of the world’s most luxurious brands. Highlights include the Carmina Mille-Feuille with cherry & rose notes, and the Aventus Pineapple Mousse featuring praline, jasmine, & pineapple. The service is offered daily ($95 per person) at the St. Regis Hotel in Toronto and is available to book through this link.
Toronto Carnival Grand Parade (aka Caribana):
August 3. Celebrate our rich and diverse Caribbean communities at the annual Grand Parade. Known as the largest and longest running parade of its kind in North America that draws thousands of local and global visitors each year. it’s a full day party. Elaborate costumes, incredible steel pan music, and lively Soca music that will surely get you to jump and wave all day long. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and a big smile. It’s always hot! Full event details along with other events this week can be found here.
TD Union Summer:
Union Station Front Street Plaza. Until August 25.
Patio lovers are invited to enjoy the best of Toronto all together under one umbrella while soaking up the sun. This 7th edition offers outdoor fun featuring dynamic music, live performances, curated food vendors, beat-the-heat refreshment stations, and other entertainment to celebrate summer in the city! More details and current food vendors listed here.
You will also want to check out FREE UP! 2024 at the TD Union Summer Stage on August 1 from 5pm to 9 pm. This spectacular event commemorates the 190th anniversary of Emancipation Day, bringing together a diverse array of artists, performers, and voices to honour the journey of freedom and the vibrant cultural contributions of Black communities.
Wok Talk LIVE with Stephen Yan:
August 10, The Royal Theatre, 608 College Street. Presented by Retrokid. Celebration of Canada’s most beloved chefs and childhood icons, Stephen Yan from Wok With Yan! With over 500 episodes produced, Yan captured our hearts and bellies with this delicious Chinese cuisine, signature puns and his charismatic personality. Join in this intimate and interactive experience – his first appearance in over 30 years. Talk moderated by Canadian television host, Pay Chen. Tickets available here.
DAYDREAM at Hotel X Toronto:
August 14. High Park Terrace at Hotel X. Join in this beautiful night full of joy and join in a transformative Slow Flow Yoga Class led by Kay Ghajar, accompanied by soothing music by Mohsin Raman. Then Jade Hilton anther band will perform, creating an uplifting journey. The event will also have whimsical cotton candy and savoury popcorn, adding to the magical evening. Attendees will also be treated to a mocktail created exclusively for this event. (additional drinks available for purchase). Bring your own yoga mat and positive vibes. Ticket information can be found here.
Yorkville Murals Festival:
August 24 to 25, Yorkville. This open air art and muralist festival returns with the second rendition of No Empty Spaces. This year, the festival will take over the Yorkville neighbourhood, parking lots, a TTC staton, and even in the air leaving no area off limits. For the first time, a collaboration between Chef Antonio Park and the Festival will offer elevated street food with an artful flair! Watch out for new captivating murals, inflatables, art installations, live painting, art talks, music, dance battles, pop-up shops and an evening block-party. This year’s festival includes public art from Dahae Song, Sean Brown, Ness Lee, Ben Johnston, Trever Wheatley and Cosmo Dean, and many more.
Wavelength Summer Thing (SummerSeries):
August 10, Trillium Park at Ontario Place. Join in a day of independent music, arts and community. Gather at Trillium Park for a diverse, inclusive and uplifting lineup of musical artists encompassing indie, hip-hop, electronic, folk, and global music in this celebration of togetherness. Interactive art installations, games, food and beverage, and fire pit hangs will transform the park into a creative wonderland for one special afternoon and evening. Wavelength Summer Thing is free and open to all ages. More Details here.
Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday:
Next one is August 25. We love exploring this eclectic neighbourhood right in the heart of the city especially when the streets are only accessible by foot! Bring your shopping bags and get your fill of fresh produce, baked goods, and savour some incredible cuisine from various parts of the world. Our favourites? Jumbo Empanadas, Jamaican Patties, and the fresh baked goods from Blackbird Baking. There will also be street entertainment, community yard sale, and art fair.
Canadian National Exhibition:
August 16 to September 2. Exhibition Place. The annual summer fair returns for the 145th edition of the “CNE”. Fun filled 18 days includes live entertainment from emerging and talented musicians, attractions, interactive exhibits at “The Farm”, SuperDogs, HorseCapades, Silent Disco, Aerial and Acrobatics, games, carnival rides, Air Show, and of course, lots of fun foods! More details here.
Get Out of the City!:
Friday Harbour x CAFA Fashion Collective Series: (Innisfil)
August 16 to 18 and August 23 to 25. Friday Harbour, Innisfil. Worth a drive and not too far from the city! This most fashionable event developed in partnership with the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) celebrates Canada’s top fashion and design talent at this stunning destination located on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Each Saturday during the Series, the CIBC Pier turns into a fabulous outdoor fashion runway. Various events happening (free and ticketed) . More information can be found here.
PEC Full Moon Yoga Fest at Sand & Pearl (PEC)
August 16 to 18. Sand & Pearl. The annual event draws both novice and seasoned yogi lovers to the Prince Edward County area for an epic wellness and grounding weekend. Events include ticketed events including CHI & Shake on the Beach, Yoga Mash Up, Day Life Party, Heartbeat Restorative Flow, and so much more. Bring your friends and stay the weekend. More details here.
Summer Family Fun in Toronto:
Gazillion Bubble Show:
CAA Theatre (651 Yonge Street). August 1 to September 1. This mind-blowing show combines the beauty of bubble artistry, the wonders of soapy science, and interactive musical fun. With mesmerizing bubble magic, immersive lights and lasers, and high-energy music, it’s a spellbinding experience for all ages. Created by the Yang family, who have performed in the show throughout its global tours and in New York since 2007, where it is still the longest running family show off-Broadway. More details here.
SHREK The Musical:
Princess of Wales Theatre. August 6 to 18. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash-hit DreamWorks animated film. Kimberly Akimbo Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book) have re-visited their first collaboration to deliver a more intimate and engaging experience. With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford (Choreographer, Dear Evan Hansen), this reimagined production brings the show back to its roots – giving it a new kind of love emphasizing the importance of loving ourselves and one another. More details here.
I Heart Market Street Busker Family Days:
Market Street- St. Lawrence Market. Various dates. The world-famous St. Lawrence Market area is filled with excitement all summer long. Designated Family Days happen on select Thursdays from 12-3. On August 1, Toronto favourite Juggler Ben will be on site with this dazzling show. Full line up of what’s happening can be found here.
CF Kids Listening Lounge:
Sundays in August. Every Sunday in August, from 11 am to 2 pm, kids and families can dive into the engaging world of Yoto through a multi-sensory activation featuring five fun and educational stations: Activities, Music, Learn, Stories and Relax. Yoto is an interactive audio platform for kids inspired by Montessori principles. Yoto offers a catalog of stories, songs, activities and more to inspire creative play and learning without a screen. The carefully connected audio players – the Yoto Player and the Yoto Mini – put kids safely in control. No cameras. No microphones. No ads. The Kids Listening Lounge will be featured at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, CF Carrefour Laval in Montreal, CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, and CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver.
National Bank Tennis Open – 407 ETR Family Weekend
August 4 and 5 at the AVIVA Centre, York University. A great way to introduce kids and to foster the love of Tennis! These two days are jammed packed with access to onsite activities and entertainment. Access to practice courts and secondary match courts. LEGO Group has also partnered with Tennis Canada offering attendees hands-on creative activities.
This long weekend, LEGO Group’s pop-up store and build centre will provide an interactive build experience that promises to delight fans of all ages. Additionally, visitors can build alongside Noel Straatsma, Master Model Builder from LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto, in the VIP Lounge presented by Audi.
Visitors to the 407 ETR Family Weekend will have the chance to participate in a large-scale group LEGO build. This event is part of the 407 ETR Family Weekend, a FREE long weekend activity that encourages families to come together and enjoy quality time through playful and creative experiences. More information about the the 407 ETR Family Weekend can be found here.
World Lion Day at the Toronto Zoo:
August 10, 10 am to 3 pm. The Toronto Zoo and schleich (toy manufacturer) will celebrate being one of the brand’s newest flagship retail locations as part of the zoo’s 50th anniversary this summer with a live storytelling event for attendees. The event will also mark the launch of schleich’s line of recyclable and Cradle to Cradle Certified figurines at the very first physical retail location in the world. During the event, 20% of proceeds received through the sale of schleich products will also be donated to the zoo’s ‘Guardians of Wild’ foundation efforts!
Little Canada
Located just steps from CF Eaton Centre, this is a great wee but mighty spot for families to take a break from all the busy city streets. For those looking to experience the sights of Canada without having to hop on a plane and break the bank, Little Canada is a Toronto attraction that offers the captivating views and stories of Canada’s famous landmarks, all in miniature form. Popular for families, the 45,000 square foot space (size of two hockey rinks!) is a wonderland that features 6 destinations, which include Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa, Petit Quebec, and Little East Coast. Details here.