Image courtesy of the Huffington Post

Being in a city as vibrant as Toronto means boundless opportunities for combatting boredom with celebrations and community events running throughout the summer months. We spotlight the top events this summer showcasing art, music, and food available to all those seeking affordable summer entertainment.

ART AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, which runs from July 6th to 8th, is a free public event and a unique way to make connections with artists. Located at Nathan Phillips Square, both new and established artists will set up tents to display and sell their works in a wide range of mediums including: painting, drawing, photography, and ceramics.

The Toronto Fringe Festival, running from July 4th to 15th, showcases over 150 theatre performances at numerous venues across downtown Toronto which have been developed and performed by both emerging and seasoned indie artists. Tickets sell for $12 each with free events happening at Scadding Court Community Centre. Best of all, the net box office revenues go directly to the Toronto Fringe Festival artists!

Pride Toronto, which runs from June 1st to 24th, comprises a host of events throughout the month celebrating and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Not only confined to Pride weekend, this celebration attracts more than 1 million people each year. Highlights include the annual street fair and parade which take place June 22nd to 24th in the Church/Wellesley village and at various locations across Toronto. Information on other events can be found on the official Pride Toronto website.

At the Canadian Nation Exhibition (CNE) the thrill of carnival rides, the taste of international cuisine, and the delight of shopping combine in this classic summer festival. The CNE runs from August 17th to September 3rd at Exhibition Place and includes such festival favourites as the ‘Sky Ride’, which carries visitors over the grounds to catch a glimpse of that unbeatable view. After the ride, don’t miss the ‘food truck frenzy’ on Princes’ Boulevard! If you’re looking for the best days to go, however, circle August 17th to 19th on your calendar, because that’s the Emerging Innovators’ Competition, which features young creators competing for a cash prize, alongside showcases of upcoming innovative tools and goods. Don’t worry if you miss it though—there’s always The Canadian International Air Show, featured on the CNE grounds every Labor Day weekend!

MUSIC

For classical music enthusiasts, the Toronto Summer Music Festival runs from July 12th to August 4th. Classical musicians and singers are set to take the stage for a series of concerts, lectures, and master classes. This year’s themes is ‘Reflections of Wartime’, which commemorates 2018 as the 100-year anniversary of World War I and explores the haunting depths of music inspired by war. Tickets are on sale on the official Toronto Summer Music Festival website!

The NXNE (North by Northeast Festival) brings free live music to Yonge and Dundas Square and ticketed events at various venues across the downtown core between June 8th and 17th. In past years, the festival has featured artists such as The National, The Weeknd, and Post Malone, so keep your eyes peeled for this year’s top acts! There will also be a NXNE festival village on Yonge Street featuring Q+As, comedy, and more! Ticket information is available on their official website.

FOOD

Over 70 restaurants and eateries come together at one venue with the crème de la crème at Tastemaker Toronto, from May 18th to 19th. Located in the charming Kiln Building at Evergreen Brick Works, this food market has rows upon rows of vendors rife with tempting goods for all those with a passionate palate. Tickets are available on their official website.

For Toronto foodies, the Summerlicious season means a chance to showcase Toronto’s gourmet restaurants at prices even students can afford! Memorable restaurants to have been showcased are: Canoe which was ranked one of the country’s best restaurants, Jamie’s Italian, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant in North America, and Susur Lee’s Fring’s, featuring gourmet
comfort food. During the festival, restaurants offer a three course prix fixe lunch or dinner, making it the perfect opportunity to try Toronto’s trendiest restaurants!

Don’t miss out on these iconic Toronto events—make this summer in the city your best yet!