Summer has ARRIVED. This is the season when the city comes to life, and we’re here for it. Outdoor movies, theatre in the park, open-air concerts…the sun and the fresh air always add a little magic to our favourite arts events.
Find your next summer adventure below! How about a sunset concert by the castle? Shakespeare in the park? A movie under the stars? How about free outdoor yoga or roller skating, or a massive fan convention?
No matter what your ideal summer experience is, SheDoesTheCity has you covered this season! Here is your ultimate guide to summer 2024 in Toronto, with the must-do arts and culture events, street festivals and more.
Read below for the 20 film, music, theatre, visual art, and dance events of the season.
FILM
Photo by Olivia Anderson Clarke
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Watch movies under the stars for FREE all summer long. This season you can look forward to 21 days of film screenings across 4 Toronto parks. Bring some friends, set up a blanket and settle in for a show you won’t forget. See the full lineup of films here, including favourites like Legally Blonde, Sister Act, and Mary Poppins, and Canadian gems like Backspot and I Like Movies. Outdoor movies are the epitome of summertime fun—don’t miss out this season. More info.
When: June 19- August 25
Where: Fort York, Christie Pits, Corktown Common, and Bell Manor Parks
Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival
The Lavazza IncluCity Festival is all about celebrating movies and multiculturalism. The Distillery District will be transformed into an outdoor cinema village yet again this summer—complete with music, dance, food, tours, and comfortable couches! Settle in under the stars to watch a curated lineup of films from around the world, including Seven Veils, The Braid, Next Goal Wins, and Cuckoo. More info.
When: June 27-July 21
Where: Distillery District
Women in Action Film Series at TIFF
We love seeing women in action! TIFF’s latest marquee series highlights the trailblazing women actors and stunt performers who have paved the way in the action genre yet remain under-celebrated. The series will highlight a range of iconic action stars and influential films including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Kill Bill, The Woman King, Mad Max: Fury Road, Charlie’s Angels, and more! Tune in for themed special events and talks this June and July as well. More info.
When: June 7-July 31
Where: TIFF Lightbox
MUSIC
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The Sunset Concerts
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Casa Loma, this new summer music series features a unique lineup of performances every Tuesday night! Bask in stunning views of the city, castle, and estate gardens while taking in these energetic performances from Canadian artists. Plus, a portion of proceeds from each ticket sold will be donated to support Kids Help Phone. More info.
When: Tuesday Evenings June 11 – August 27
Where: Casa Loma
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Summer Music in the Garden
Head down to the water’s edge on Thursday and Sunday evenings this summer for intimate live music experiences! Take in free performances from Canadian and international artists and bask in the ambience of the iconic Toronto Music Garden. From jazz to classical to country and more, this diverse range of artists will provide a beautiful soundtrack to your summer evenings. More info.
When: June 21 – August 29, Thursdays and Sundays
Where: Toronto Music Garden
THEATRE
Toronto Fringe Festival
See a delightful array of 77+ theatre, dance, comedy, storytelling, and solo shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival this July. The festival is a hub for creativity, community and experimentation, and a showcase for all kinds of performances, ranging from musicals to dramatic and comedic plays, to puppets, magic, clown, music, dance and more! Browse through this eclectic mix of offerings and find a hidden gem. More info.
When: July 3-14
Where: Venues across the city
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Dream in High Park: Hamlet
Another summertime tradition that’s not to be missed! For more than 40 years, Dream in High Park has brought live performances of Shakespeare classics to Toronto’s largest park. This year, witness the drama and betrayal of Hamlet unfold at the High Park Amphitheatre. A fantastic ensemble will perform this iconic and timeless tale of life, death, and revenge. More info.
When: July 21-September 1
Where: High Park Amphitheatre
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Summerworks
Summerworks is known for pushing the bounds of performance. Experience a truly out-of-the-box show at this beloved summer festival, and expand your ideas of what art can be. With dance, theatre, music, and live art events across the city, artists and audiences alike can be enriched by the festival’s diverse selection of programming. Stay tuned for their festival lineup announcement on June 26. More info.
When: August 1-11
Where: Various locations
VISUAL ART
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Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Plan for a weekend of art and outdoor entertainment in the heart of the city this July. Canada’s largest outdoor art fair will showcase the work of 350+ independent artists (72% of them women!). Browse a diverse selection of stunning visual art available for purchase, and enjoy guided art tours as well as dance and music programming. More info.
When: July 12-14
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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Yorkville Murals
Round off the season with magnificent murals! A stretch of Yorkville Avenue will be transformed into an art extravaganza for one weekend this August. Take a stroll through the streets for captivating murals, inflatables, art installations, live painting, art talks, music, dance battles, pop-up shops and an evening block party. More info.
When: August 24-25
Where: Yorkville Avenue, from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue
DANCE
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Porch View Dances
Back for its 13th year, this outdoor community event from Kaeja d’Dance allows everyday people to experience the magic of dance. This year, performers will explore the healing power of play, inviting audiences to let loose and give into joy, playfulness, and silliness. Front porches, lawns, and streets in Seaton Village will function as stages for this diverse lineup of performers—many of whom are local residents dancing for the first time! More info.
When: July 17-21
Where: Seaton Village
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Dusk Dances
Withrow Park will be transformed into a vibrant stage for one week this August. Dusk Dances showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary, traditional, and experimental dances by acclaimed choreographers. This summer will mark 30 years of the festival’s stunning performances in outdoor settings. Witness the beauty of outdoor dance in Toronto! More info.
When: August 4-11
Where: Withrow Park
A Little Bit of Everything
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Summer at Harbourfront Centre
Celebrate 50 years of art, culture, and unity at Harbourfront with a summer of FREE programming. Outdoor movies by the lake, dancing lessons in the square, an Island Soul celebration, festivals highlighting Taiwanese and Filipino cultures, a performance from Fefe Dobson, and tons of live music and art are just some of the activities you can look forward to at Harbourfront this summer. More info.
When: Various dates
Where: Harboufront Centre
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Summer 2024 at The Bentway
There is plenty happening at The Bentway over the next few months. Their new free public art exhibition, Softer City is a series of six art installations, performances, and events that explore “softness” as a strategy for social connections. Check out the art, and stick around for roller skate parties on the figure-eight shaped Bentway Skate Trail, a live session of Yoga With Adriene, and weekly drawing socials on Wednesday evenings. More info.
When: Various dates
Where: The Bentway
Spring Morris Photo
Union Summer
Union Station is THE destination in for summer fun the heart of the city. Stop by the station for 60-days of free outdoor experiences, including live performances, curated food vendors and seasonal beverages and desserts. We’re looking forward to their Spotlight on Women Wednesday, featuring Toronto female artists, as well as more weekly programming: Social Tuesday Nights, Thursday Indigenous Spotlight, and Saturday Symphonies. More info.
When: June 24 to August 25
Where: Union Station
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SummerSeries
Ontario Place will be buzzing this summer with a ton of free and family-friendly programming. Enjoy six weekends of live music, arts, culture and dance activities, curated by local organizations. You can anticipate spotlights on local, Black, and Indigenous artists, indie, hip-hop, electronic, folk, and jazz performances, interactive art installations, and yoga in the park. More info.
When: July 13 to September 1
Where: Trillium Park
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BIG on Bloor
Don’t miss one of the biggest street festivals of the season. BIG on Bloor covers a stretch of Bloor Street for one weekend in July, transforming into a pedestrian takeover with concerts, art workshops, local vendors, outdoor murals, window displays, public installations, and much more. Celebrate local businesses and the art & culture that makes Bloordale great. More info.
When: July 20-21
Where: Bloor Street West between Dufferin and Lansdowne
More Summer Fun
Courtesy of The Second City
The Second City: All Messed Up And Nowhere to Go
The latest revue from the The Second City Toronto kicked off in June and is running all summer long! The show is described as a “hilarious, unhinged expedition into life’s greatest catastrophes”, from destination weddings to those mysterious Tupperware lids that don’t fit, to passive-aggressive job interviews and what really happens on boys’ night. Join this hilarious six-person ensemble for an immersive night of laughter and song. More info.
When: Various dates
Where: The Second City Toronto, 1 York Street
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Generation Women: Wet Hot Summer
Listen to wit and wisdom across six generations of women at Generation Women’s Wet Hot Summer event. This all-star lineup will share their tales of passion, from heartwarming romances to hilarious misadventures, delving into themes of love, female desire, and connection. Laugh, cry, and feel seen at this beautiful evening of multi-generational storytelling. More info.
When: July 18
Where: The Lounge at Live Nation Canada
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FAN EXPO Canada
Get ready for the ultimate fandom weekend. Celebrate all of your favourite comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and games at this massive four-day fan convention. Get decked out in your best cosplay, meet up with other fans, shop and check out plenty of fan-focused events and attractions. The full schedule is yet to come, but it has been announced that Marisa Tomei is one of this year’s superstar celebrity guests! More info.
When: August 22-25
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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