Festival Season: Top Toronto events of the summer

There are no shortage of events hitting Toronto this summer. With school out and the heat on, there’s every reason to get out and join in on the festivities. From theatre shows to craft beer fests to epic concerts to culinary experiences and more, here are the top festivals to hit the 6 this summer. [Image credit: iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages]

Festival Season: Top Toronto events of the summer
Parisima Baha By

Burls Creek Event Grounds

1
240 Line 8 South, ON L0L 2X0

WayHome Music & Arts: WayHome is one of the most popular music and arts festival to hit the North. It’s more than just an event, it’s an adventure located at Burl’s Creek, north of Barrie, on the northwestern shores of Lake Simcoe. Torontonians spend the weekend from July 22 to 24 camping outdoors, and it’s safe to say that its hype is the equivalent of Cali’s Coachella. You can catch musical performances by artists like Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, UK rock band Savages, Toronto rapper Tory Lanez and American violinist Lindsey Stirling, to name a few.

Kontained by the Pier

2
185 Cherry St, Toronto, ON M5A 4N6

Waterfront Night Market: From seafood to martial arts to Chinese dragons, Toronto’s Waterfront Night Market is one eventful mega show. This free-entry market is taking place on Cherry Street, close to its sponsored host, T&T Supermarkets, from July 22 to 24. While the market is an Asian street-food culinary experience, there’s so much more excitement than just the food – think: dance competitions, an interactive sports zone, film screenings, graffiti art showcases, and busker performances.

Yonge-Dundas Square

3
1707-2 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5B 1J3

UNITY Festival: Support local youth artists from July 22 to 25 by heading to Yonge-Dundas Square for the Unity Festival. Artists will be showcasing their talents through visual and graffiti art, an MC and spoken word showcase, beatbox and dance battles, and concerts. Plus, renowned artists like American funk musician DāM-FunK will be performing. The festival is hosted by Unity Charity, an organization that empowers youth through art and performance.

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Artscape Gibraltar Point

4
443 Lakeshore Ave, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2

Camp Wavelength: Pack your bags and head over to the Island. From August 19 to 21, Toronto Island’s Artscape Gibraltar Point turns into a camping ground and concert venue. Lots of indie musicians will be performing on stage, including Canadian rock band Bruce Peninsula, electro-pop artist Wolf Saga and American post-grunge band Operator, to name a few. There will be other acts as well like a dancing puppet show, synchronized swimming, live painting and interactive art installations. All the good stuff (read: food trucks) in the way of food and drink, too!

Woodbine Park

5
1695 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G7

Buskerfest: This Labour Day weekend (from September 2 to 5), head over to Woodbine Park for BuskerFest’s in-your-face entertainment. From silent comedy to magicians to circus acts to aerialists and more, this is one event you’ll probably be able to see from a mile away – think: people walking on stilts. There’s also a family-fun zone where kids can take part in activities like face painting and workshops, and watch busker acts. Admission is by donation, which goes towards Epilepsy Toronto, a social services organization that helps supports those living with epilepsy.

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Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front W General Information

6
255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6

Fan Expo: Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event is taking place at the Metro Convention Centre from September 1 to the 4. You can meet your favourite celebrities, like Gotham’s Ben McKenzie, Star Trek’s Brent Spiner, Game of Thrones’ Jack Gleeson, and The Walking Dead’s Jon Bernthal. Dress up as your favourite character or take a photo with one, attend workshops and seminars, learn how to build gadgets and props, take part in photo shoots, and more. You might even meet your soul mate during Fan Expo’s speed dating (it’s happened!).

Liberty Market Building

7
218-171 E Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6

Summer Craft Beer Fest: One night, one neighbourhood and a whole lot of brews! On July 14 from 5 to 10 pm, Liberty Village turns into a beer fest, literally. All the hottest TO breweries hit the Summer Craft Beer Fest, including Amsterdam Brewery, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Brickworks Ciderhouse, The Granite, Mill Street, and more. Enjoy delicious pub grub from Liberty Market food vendors and sample ice cold brews. Plus, there’s live music by local talents and free swag giveaways.

More from Parisima Baha Parisima Baha
With a constant need to express herself, Parisima has dabbled in all sorts of arts – from finding her inner Picasso to throwing herself in front of the camera to singing and dancing on stage. Her first language is writing, her religion is music and her passion is fashion. In an attempt to mesh all forms together, she’s cooking up a juicy style blog. Follow her for first dibs.
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