Heads up Toronto! The city has another round of arts & culture events all around from theatre productions to music and artisan markets. Find something that sparks joy for you this week with our roundup of the city’s Best Bets!
Courtesy of Fringe Festival
Toronto Fringe Festival
A summer in Toronto is incomplete without the Toronto Fringe Festival and lucky for you it is returning for another year of programming! Watch the city come to life with comedies, dramas, musicals, dance, storytelling and more at over 77 shows across 16 venues. This is such a great way to round out the theatre watching experience, so many voices will get a chance to present their projects. There will be free events and entertainment as well for those interested! Come out and support local theatre as all ticket revenues will go straight to the performers to better support the local arts scene as well. More info.
When: July 3-14
Where: Venues across Toronto
Photo by Emily Atherton
TOPS – Legally Blonde & Empire Records
It is Toronto tradition to enjoy the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show at the city’s most scenic parks. Two of the most defining films of the late 90’s and the 2000’s, Legally Blonde and Empire Records will be screening at Corktown Common and Christie Pits Park this week. Both films have so many iconic moments that have gone viral online with the quintessential Y2K fits. Grab your favourite snacks, best friends, and shoot a few photos to enjoy a beautiful night out in Toronto. More info.
When: July 11 and 14
Where: Corktown Common & Christie Pits
Courtesy of Toronto Summer Music Festival
Toronto Summer Music Festival
Experience the wonders of live music right in the heart of the city with the Toronto Summer Music Festival. Unlike other festivals around the city, this festival runs concurrently with the Academy program and features a wealth of renowned Canadian and international artists. There will be an array of musicians from various disciplines. For those interested in attending, the opening night event follows The Fairy Queen. First performed in London in 1692, this semi-opera is the work of a young prodigy and includes some of the most iconic arias Purcell has ever composed. This is just one of the many shows that the program will offer, including 22 free events, but don’t forget to check out their site for all the event listings! More info.
When: July 11 – August 3
Where: Various venues across Toronto
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Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Gather around Toronto art lovers! The city has another fair for you to connect Canadian artists directly to the public. Hosted annually since 1961, the three-day fair has brought together thousands of art enthusiasts and over 400 visual artists This multifaceted event will offer a great weekend of art collecting, discovery, installations, guided tours, live painting, and so much more! Each day of the festival has free programs that visitors can tune in for. More info.
When: July 12-14
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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Dance Together Festival
At first glance, dance can be quite the intimidating art form. Self expression is not always the easiest thing to let loose with but luckily for you, Toronto hosts The Dance Together Festival annually. This event transforms public spaces and celebrates community through diverse and inclusive dance workshops. If you’ve been looking to try a new hobby or even reconnect with an old one, there will be free workshops and events that center on positive and accessible dance experiences. Genres include Hip Hop, West African Swing, Flamenco, Brazilian Forro, Cuban Salsa and more! More info.
When: July 12-14
Where: Amos Waites Park
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GTA24 Screening: Both, Instrument & Sound, Sharlene Bamboat
Enjoy a screening of Sharlene Bamboat’s film Both Instrument & Sound at Paradise Theatre. This piece follows the life of 80 year old Tony as he describes his process of political activism from the 1970s onwards. The 16mm film employs tension to explore themes of solidarity, collective struggle, and the potential transformative powers under neoliberalism. The film’s score was co-written with musicians to explore different interpretations. Bamboat’s work was exhibited through the GTA24 programming at the MOCA alongside 25 intergenerational artists, duos, and collectives. More info.
When: July 13
Where: Paradise Theatre
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Mixto Festival
Watching the sunset from Trillium Park is a must for a summer in Toronto, and what better to enjoy this gem than with the Mixto Festival! This is an intergenerational party where you can bring your friends or leave with new ones. For two days attendees can experience music and DJs from Brazil, Colombia, Toronto, and many stops in between. With all the cultural hubs around the city, it can be hard to learn and immerse yourself in the beauty of each one. However, the Mixto Festival will allow all to dip their toes in all through food, music, and art installations! It’s a combination of rich cultures and a feast for the whole community. More info.
When: July 13-14
Where: Trillium Park
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Shomigo’s Summer Market
Another weekend, another market in Toronto. This time make a stop to the Shomigo Markets where creativity, community, and commerce come together! For free exciting weekends running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, you can expect diverse vendor lineups, live performances, and community connections. There will be handmade crafts, artisanal goods, vintage finds, delicious food and beverages. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon out in the city for a solo date or searching for a family-friendly activity, this market covers all grounds. More info.
When: July 13-28
Where: Roy Thompson Hall
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The Selfish Market
Check out this unique pop-up that hopes to redefine the words self-care, self-indulgence and self expression! This will be the first of its kind and it might change your mind through a new market concept. For one day only, Torontonians will be encouraged to take a step back and relax. Indulge in self-care with this curated market of luxurious local vendors. There will be local artisans, food vendors, live performances from spoken word artists, and musicians! You can truly practice self care with a cost-free activity! More info.
When: July 14
Where: Society Clubhouse
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Toronto Artisan Market
What better way to warm up a living space than with a handmade, one-of-a-kind product. It brightens the space, you get to support a local artist, and everyone benefits from it! This outdoor market brings together the art community in Toronto and you can see all the products artists have to offer. There are programs designed to assist and promote Black, Indigenous, POC, and LGBTQ+ artists and makers to ensure equal opportunity and diversity. More info.
When: July 14
Where: Trinity Bellwoods
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