Summer has finally arrived in Toronto, and July is jam-packed with exciting events, activities, festivals, and things to do. Kicking off the month with Canada Day long weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best things happening this month so you don’t miss out!
From catching movies under the stars to glow-in-the-dark kayaking, here are the best things to do in Toronto this July.
1. Watch Canada Day fireworks
The first official long weekend of the summer falls over Canada Day, and there will be various places in and around Toronto to see a mesmerizing fireworks show to commemorate the occasion. Canada’s Wonderland will host shows on June 30 and July 1, or you can also head to Ashbridge’s Bay Park, Centennial Park, Downsview, or Milliken Park.
When: July 1, 2024
Where: Various locations
2. Attend an open-air Candlelight Concert
There’s nothing like outdoor live music, and now, you can enjoy one of the super popular Candlelight concerts at a magical open-air venue near you! Gaze at the stars as a string quartet plays tributes to some of your favourite popular artists, from The Beatles to ABBA.
This July, you can catch an extra-special performance by Toronto’s genre-bending string collective, Strings from Paris, who will fuse classical music melodies with hip-hop beats at the city’s Evergreen Brickworks on July 20 at 9:30 p.m. Get your tickets for Strings from Paris: R&B, Hip Hop, and Classical now!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
3. Dance your Sundays away at Cherry Beach
Weekly beach dance parties are returning to Toronto’s Cherry Beach every Sunday from June 23 until Labour Day. Brought to you by Promise, you can check out live sets by some of the hottest DJs in Toronto from 4 – 11 p.m. each week, where you can dance from the afternoon until the stars come out. On Canada Day, the event will take place on the holiday Monday. Tickets cost roughly $45 each, or you can grab a season’s pass for $212.
When: Every Sunday from June 23 until Labour Day
Where: Cherry Beach, Toronto
4. Cool off at the GTA’s biggest water park
Beat the heat this July at Wet’n’Wild, the biggest water park in the Greater Toronto Area. With over 14 water-themed attractions to experience, choose between a thrilling waterslide or a relaxing float down the Lazy River. The park will also host various summer events, such as a Barbie-themed pool party, Latin festival, and DJ weekends. Tickets start at $54.95 per person, or grab a season’s pass for a deal if you plan to visit multiple times.
When: Opened June 8
Where: 7855 Finch Ave W, Brampton
5. Catch an outdoor concert at the Budweiser Stage
One of the best summer activities you can do in Toronto is to see your favourite artist play at the city’s iconic waterfront Budweiser Stage, perched on Lake Ontario at Ontario Place. Open seasonally, the open-air venue is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its intimate feel. This July, some musicians playing there include Orville Peck, Mother Mother, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tate McCrae.
When: Various dates
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
6. See a film at the Lavazza Inclucity Festival
Movie buffs, you’ll want to check out this year’s Lavazza Inclucity Festival, which will be transforming Toronto’s historic Distillery District into an open-air cinema village this July. Running from June 27 until July 21, you can see a feature film under the stars, catch a special guest appearance or red carpet event, attend a unique cocktail experience, or come for live music, dancing, gastronomy, and more.
When: June 27 – July 21, 2024
Where: Distillery District, Toronto
7. Take a boat tour of the Toronto Harbour
Take in the city skyline from Lake Ontario on a Toronto Harbour Cruise! Get an up close and personal look at the Toronto Islands and waterfront while learning about the area with a live narration from your boat captain. Tickets cost roughly $35 per adult for the 50-minute trip, and there are daily tours throughout July.
When: Daily through July
Where: Toronto Harbour, Toronto
8. Get a good stretch at a free yoga class
Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned yogi, Trillium Park will be hosting free yoga classes taught by certified instructors on select Saturdays and Sundays this July, so time to practice your downward dog! The hour-long classes are a blend of hatha and vinyasa yoga styles, and run until September 29. Registration isn’t required, so all you have to do is come with your mat, water, and sun protection and you’re good to go! Check out the full schedule on their website.
When: Select Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
9. Eat your way through Summerlicious
From July 5 – 21, Summerlicious will take over the city where over 200 participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe menus with lunch and dinner options. It’s a great way to try a new restaurant that’s been on your list, or one that’s typically outside of your budget. Lunch prices range from $20 – $55 or dinner between $25 – $75. See the full list of participating restaurants and their menus here.
When: July 5 – July 21, 2024
Where: Various restaurants
10. Grab a bouquet at the Toronto Flower Market
The city’s first outdoor flower market, the Toronto Flower Market, is popping up once a month all summer, where you can shop from tons of local Ontario flower farms. For July, the market will take place on July 13, rain or shine at 1001 Queen St West at the southwest corner of Queen and Shaw.
When: July 13, 2024
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: CAMH
1001 Queen St West, Toronto
11. Sip a summery drink on a rooftop bar
July is the perfect time to visit one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Unwind with a summery cocktail, beer, wine, or mocktail while absorbing Toronto’s ever-changing skyline. Check out our round-up of 12 of the best in the city here.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
12. Get your thrills in at a nearby theme park
Get a rush of adrenaline at one of the many thrilling theme parks near Toronto. From Canada’s Wonderland’s looping roller coasters to Centre Island’s family-friendly rides, there’s something for everyone not too far of a drive away.
When: Any time
Where: Various theme parks
12. Get saucy at Toronto Ribfest – Canada Day Weekend
Carnivores, get ready – the Rotary Club of Etobicoke will be hosting their annual Toronto Ribfest over Canada Day long weekend from June 28 – July 1, and they’ll have so much more than just juicy racks of ribs, delicious bites and drinks to offer. Visit the Midway for rides and games, see live music and performers, join in with line dancing fun, and even catch a magic show! The event is free to attend, though they are asking visitors for a $5 donation in support of their community.
When: June 28 – July 1, 2024
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke
13. Ferry to the Toronto Islands
Home to family-friendly Centreville Amusement Park, several restaurants, and beaches (including the top-rated nude beach at Hanlan’s Point) a day trip to the Toronto Islands feels like a getaway without leaving the city. Hop on the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, or catch a water taxi to get there.
When: Any time
Where: Toronto Islands, Toronto
14. Toronto Indy
The annual Toronto Honda Indy takes place from July 19 – 21, where downtown Toronto will temporarily transform into a 2.84 km race course with 11 turns. Running through and around Exhibition Place, attendees can experience the thrill of indy car racing. In addition to the race, there will also be food and beverage vendors, interactive displays, and activations to partake in. Tickets start at $50 and up.
When: July 19 – 21, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
15. Watch free movies under the stars
See a movie for free under the starry summer sky this July at one of the various screenings in Toronto. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show takes place at various parks from June 19 – August 25, and you can find their full line-up of events here. Alternatively, you can check outMovies Under The Stars at Downsview, which runs from June 24 – August 21.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
16. Stroll through Kensington Market for a Pedestrian Sunday
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market is the biggest monthly street festival in Toronto, happening on the last Sunday of each month this summer. The neighbourhood closes its streets off to car traffic, so visitors can roam freely while exploring the event’s various food and drink vendors, artists, shops, and more, all the while live music and entertainment is going on. The event for July takes place on July 28.
When: July 28, 2024
Where: Kensington Market, Toronto
17. Take a dip on a rooftop pool
What’s a more glamorous way to cool off this summer than with a dip in one of the city’s rooftop pools? From Hotel X’s year-round heated pool overlooking Lake Ontario to Lavelle’s epic summer pool parties, we’ve rounded up some of the best rooftop pools in the city here.
When: Any time
Where: Various pools
18. Watch innovative theatre performances at the Toronto Fringe Festival
Theatrical talent from across Canada will convene in Toronto from July 3 – 14 at the annual Toronto Fringe Festival. There will be 77 shows at 16 venues across the city, including drama, comedy, musicals, storytelling, dance, and more. The festival has both ticketed and free events, for all ages and adults-only. See the full schedule on their website.
When: July 3 – 14, 2024
Where: Various venues
19. Go glow-in-the-dark kayaking
Paddle around the Toronto waterfront in an LED-illuminated glow-in-the-dark kayak with Toronto Kayaks. Departing from Sunnyside Park, you can explore the shoreline by the Humber Bay Arch Bridge or paddle east along the break wall to get stunning views of the city skyline after dark. Beginners or experienced paddlers are welcome! The experience starts at $67 a person and up.
When: Opened June 10, 2024
Where: Sunnyside Park, Toronto
20. Hear live music at The Beaches Jazz Festival
One of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals takes over the Beaches community in Toronto this July. Running from July 5 – 28, The Beaches Jazz Festival is held across a number of different venues and parks in the area, featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artists as well as local musicians. The festival will also take over Queen Street East during StreetFest, which occurs the last weekend of the festival from July 26 – 28.
When: July 5 – July 28, 2024
Where: Various venues
21. Sip a cold brew at Toronto’s Festival of Beer
Toronto’s Festival of Beer is back from July 26 – 28, bringing hundreds of brews, bites, live music, and more to Exhibition Place’s Bandshell Park. If you’re a non-beer drinker, there will also be cider and coolers to enjoy. The event also is known for bringing in some great headliners, and this year, you can catch Cypress Hill, Josh Ross, and Taking Back Sunday playing on the main stage. Tickets to the 19+ event start at $55 and up.
When: July 26 – July 28, 2024
Where: Bandshell Park, 200 Princes’ Blvd. , Toronto
22. Summer music in the park
Enjoy a live music series happening throughout the summer, taking place in the Village of Yorkville Park. You can catch live performances until September every Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays between 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. There’s going to be an exciting line-up of artists playing genres from classic jazz to folk-pop.
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St. Toronto
23. Hike to a waterfall
Enjoy the hot July heat and embark on a hike to a nearby waterfall! Hamilton in particular is full of them, from the majestic Webster’s Falls found within Spencer Gorge to the stunning ribbon waterfall Tews Falls.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
24. OssFest
On July 27, Ossington Ave will close to vehicle traffic and transform into a one-day pedestrian street festival! Celebrate the best of the neighbourhood, which was once named one of the coolest in the world. OssFest 2024 will feature food offerings, live music, activations, and so much more to explore.
When: July 27, 2024
11 a.m. – midnight
Where: Between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West, Toronto