Gear up for another fun summer in Toronto with all sorts of events around the city. You can wine and dine at the Casa Loma with Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, enjoy a classy summer with The National Ballet of Canada, or dress extravagantly at an After Hours party with MOCA Toronto. The possibilities are endless this season with arts and culture events all around but we have collected the city’s Best Bets for your future endeavours.
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The Sunset Concerts: Jully Black
Calling all live music lovers! You can watch over 12 nights of must-see live musical performances from some of Canada’s brightest stars, beginning with Jully Black on June 11. She is most well-known as Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul. From June 11 through August 27, Torontonians can tune into live music every Tuesday throughout the summer at Casa Loma. This scenic experience under the stars will definitely be a favourite for those seeking an adventure this summer. More info.
When: June 11
Where: Casa Loma
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Mad Hot Ballet: Garden of Jewels
Enjoy the summer with The National Ballet of Canada for their luxe summer garden party inspired by beauty in nature. For one night only there will be a gala performance, dinner, and glittering party for a stylish summer soiree. MAD HOT BALLET: Garden of Jewels serves dance, music, fashion, and food to ignite your senses. This special evening will connect and celebrate attendees to fundraise money for the arts. Your donations will support dance on stage, behind the scenes work, and the greater dance community. More info.
When: June 11
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
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The Queer Songbook Orchestra
Weave through a web of beautiful and talented queer and trans collaborators throughout the country at this Queer Songbook Orchestra Show. At this event, the 2SLGBTQ+ community will take center stage in a tender evening of story and song in honor of their 10 year anniversary! The Queer Songbook Orchestra is a 14-piece professional chamber pop ensemble dedicated to expressing themselves using story and songs. There are opportunities for mentorship and other support for queer, trans, questioning and allied youth. More inf0.
When: June 12
Where: Buddies Theatre
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ROM After Dark: Pride
Focus on the fun for RAD: Pride this month for an electrifying celebration with an incredible line-up of live performances, DJ sets, and a vibrant dance floor. Attendees will have access to all the exhibitions including the summer blockbusters Earth: An Immersive Journey and a special sneak preview of Wild Cats on June 14. Attendees can find performances around the museum that will highlight local talent such as Lex Leosis with their unique delivery and acrobatic flows and Inkloosiv Voices, Toronto’s first 2SLGBTQIA+ Gospel and R&B choir. More info.
When: June 14
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
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Roller Skate Party
Regardless of your roller skating experience, this party brings together individuals of all skill levels. Whether you’re skating for the first time or have superfly moves to show off, you can come cruise the iconic figure-eight trail with live DJs and your favourite food trucks. Even if you do not own skates, you can find gear rentals on-site to try a new activity. This will surely be a summer night to remember! More info.
When: June 14
Where: The Bentway
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The Toronto Tattoo Show
Visit Canada’s longest-running and one of the largest international tattoo conventions that feature over 500 of the best national and international tattoo artists. There will be vendors, contests, exhibits, and tattooing all weekend long with thousands of fans to witness. For one weekend only, attendees can see their favourite artists work and learn more about the industry in-depth. This is a Toronto gem for the tattoo community and includes a number of events for those interested in the dynamic art form! More info.
When: June 14-16
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Center
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NXNE
Everyone loves a good street party in Toronto and NXNE’s Queen West Day Party brings together music lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone ready to bask in the sun. This will be an afternoon of epic beats, good times and endless discoveries. The block party will highlight local and live artists including their headliner Alex Porat who will deliver a performance you won’t want to miss. This is the perfect way to enjoy a day filled with music, food, and friends! More info.
When: June 15
Where: Queen Street West
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School of Rock Screening
The Cabbagetown BIA is hosting a free, family-friendly outdoor movie screening and launch event to celebrate their free summer walking tours around the area. Grab your favourite film junkie and catch a free screening of School of Rock. There will be a launch event with a historic photo exhibit about the neighbourhood with live music, dance lessons, food vendors, artists and more! This area is renowned for its streets adorned with preserved Victorian homes in North America and the community exudes an inviting ambiance that beckons exploration. More info.
When: June 15
Where: Winchester Park
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MOCA After Hours
Tap into your inner artist at MOCA Toronto’s After Hours party this weekend and revel in DJ Rose Hips’ smooth, genre-bending sounds for an evening you won’t forget! You won’t want to miss out on two back-to-back performances featuring the “Black Widow of Burlesque,” Ravyn Wngz and Dainty Smith, founder of Les Femmes Fatales Get ready in your most vibrant attire and soak in the compelling works of Great Toronto Art 2024, art that defines the expanding city we live in. The event does not end here as visitors can take the back exit to view more dynamic pieces all around. More info.
When: June 15
Where: MOCA Toronto
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Na-Me-Res Pow Wow
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month at Fort York for a free unforgettable community-focused, family-friendly event with traditional and contemporary experiences for all. From noon onwards, visitors can view a traditional Pow Wow hosted by Na-Me-Res where drummers and dancers share their stories. Through movement and song, Indigenous performers will spend the day filled with live music and dance performances to showcase some of Canada’s most renowned and emerging Indigenous talent. More info.
When: June 15 & 16
Where: Fort York
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Toronto Smartphone Film Festival
Check out this one-of-a-kind film festival that focuses on the fastest growing, innovative, mobile films in North America. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their films via smartphones or tablets. With innovative technology in the palms of their hands, this form has opened up a new craft with limitless potential. Tune in for this year’s round of programming from up-and-coming filmmakers to see the world from a new perspective. More info.
When: June 14-15
Where: Innis Town Hall