August in Toronto has arrived, and it’s certainly bringing the heat! Before the kiddos go back to school and the cooler weather returns, it’s time to make the most of the summer weather while we still can.
From spicing it up at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to trying the wildest creations at the annual CNE, here are some of the best things to do in Toronto this August.
1. Experience a Candlelight Concert under the stars
Before the fall weather rolls around, enjoy an enchanting Candlelight concert at an open-air venue near you! From Coldplay tributes to string quartet covers of The Beatles, these magical shows are sure to be a highlight of your summer.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
2. Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Bubble Planet
A dreamy new pastel planet has landed in Toronto, where you can explore 11 captivating bubble-themed rooms like an Infinity Room or a hot air balloon simulator! The Bubble Planet Experience in Toronto will awaken your inner child as you wander through underwater wonders and playful soapy suds. The fantastical landscapes will appeal to all five of your senses, and it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Tickets start at $26.90 for adults and $20.90 for children.
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
3. Cheer on Team Canada at the Olympic FanFest
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway, and Toronto is getting a four-day long family-friendly fan fest from August 2 – 5, brought to you by the Canadian Olympic Committee. Watch the games with fellow fans, meet Olympic athletes, and see live performances by Canadian artists!
When: Friday August 2 – 12pm to 8pm
Saturday August 3 – 10am to 8pm
Sunday August 4 – 10am to 8pm
Monday August 5 – 10am to 6pm
Where: 1090 Don Mills Rd., Toronto
4. Watch a concert at Budweiser Stage
Toronto’s iconic waterfront music venue, the Budweiser Stage, is a quintessential summer destination for locals and visitors alike. This August, some must-see artists coming to play at the venue include Avril Lavigne, Imagine Dragons, New Kids On The Block, and Sean Paul. See the Budweiser Stage’s website for their full line-up of shows this month!
When: Various dates
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
5. Get spicy at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) is one of the biggest parties of the summer, where hundreds of thousands of people will come together in celebration of the city’s Afro-Caribbean community. The three-day festival will feature vibrant parades with gorgeously elaborate carnival outfits, dancing, music, delicious West Indian cuisine, and the ultimate crowning of the Carnival King and Queen. The Grand Parade takes place on August 3, but there will be a ton of other festive events to attend. Find them all on their website!
When: August 1 – 5, 2024
Where: Various locations
6. Rave away at VELD Music Festival
The first weekend of August will bring one of the biggest EDM events in the country to Toronto’s Downsview Park in the form of Veld Music Festival. Returning for its 10th year, Veld spans over three days featuring 60+ EDM, dance, and hip-hop artists. Expecting an attendance of roughly 30,000 people, it’s definitely the place to be if you’re a fan of electronic tunes. This year’s headliners include Tiësto, Zedd, Illenium and Loud Luxury.
When: August 2 – 4, 2024
Where: Downsview Park, Toronto
7. Try crazy foods at the Canadian National Exhibition
It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost already time for the Canadian National Exhibition – which always signifies the end of summer in Toronto! The Ex (as locals call it) is Canada’s biggest annual fair, dating back nearly 150 years. It’s also where you can try some of the most elaborate, wacky foods you could think of, catch live music performances, see a variety of exhibitions, play games at the midway, and so much more. From last year’s ketchup-flavoured ice cream to an eyebrow-raising mac’n’cheese lemonade, there’s sure to be some wild new options this August to snack on.
When: August 16 – September 2, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place
8. Marvel at the Canadian International Air Show
Capping off the Canadian National Exhibition is the annual Canadian International Air Show, which also happens to be North America’s longest running air show. Held over Labour Day weekend, you’ll be awestruck as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds showcase their exciting nine-plane formations through the sky, as well as watch performances by the CF-18 Demonstration Team and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. You can meet the crew and performers, and this year, even visit the free STEM area to see full-size aircraft and aerospace exhibits.
When: August 31 – September 2, 2024
Where: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
9. Swim at one of Toronto’s beaches
That Toronto August humidity is no joke, and if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off, the city has some great beaches for a swim in the lake! From taking a dip at Cherry Beach with their blue flag rating to baring it all at Hanlan’s Point, here are some of the best beaches to check out this month.
When: Any time
Where:Various locations
10. Get a rush of adrenaline at a nearby theme park
Thrill-seekers, it’s the perfect time to visit one of the many exciting theme parks near Toronto, where you can ride giant rollercoasters or looping water slides at a water park. You can even experience Christmas in July at Santa’s Village in Muskoka! Check out our round-up of some of the best theme parks just a short drive away from Toronto.
When: Any time
Where: Various theme parks
11. Catch a Jays Game
Nothing screams summer in Toronto like cheering on the Blue Jays when the roof of the Rogers Centre is open, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so this August! Don’t forget to bring your mitt in the event of a home run ball coming your way! Check their website for the full schedule of upcoming games.
When: Various dates
Where: Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
12. Spend a day on the Toronto Islands
Summer wouldn’t be complete without at least one day trip to the Toronto Islands, which is home to a number of restaurants, walking and biking paths, a family-friendly theme park, and some of the best beaches in the city. Hop on a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, or grab a water taxi to take you across the harbour.
When: Any time
Where: Toronto Islands, Toronto
13. Explore Kensington Market during Pedestrian Sundays
Stroll through one of the most eclectic neighbourhoods in Toronto, Kensington Market, during their monthly Pedestrian Sundays events! Closing the streets off to car traffic, you can wander without care as you browse all of the food and drink vendors, musicians, performers, artists, and so much more. This month’s event is happening on Sunday, August 25.
When: August 25, 2024
Where: Kensington Market, Toronto
14. Visit the ROM for free
The Royal Ontario Museum is open on the third Tuesday night each month with free admission from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. This month, stop by on August 20 for free access to all of the museum’s galleries, including two special exhibitions. Currently on is the fantastic Wild Cats exhibit, where you’ll learn tons about the world of cats from majestic tigers to your own house pet.
When: August 20, 2024
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park, Toronto
15. Dance all day at Cherry Beach
Every Sunday, Cherry Beach is hosting an awesome dance party featuring live sets by some of the city’s hottest DJs. Put on by Promise, the events go from 4 – 11 p.m. weekly, with tickets priced around $45 each.
When: Every Sunday until Labour Day
Where: Cherry Beach, Toronto
16. Pick up fresh blooms at the Toronto Flower Market
Once a month throughout the summer, the Toronto Flower Market is popping up at the corner of Queen and Shaw for their seasonal market. With tons of vendors selling all kinds of flowers from local Ontario farms, you can also find gifts, crafts, plant accessories, and so much more. This month’s event occurs on August 17.
When: August 17, 2024
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: CAMH
1001 Queen St West, Toronto
17. Dine by the water
Toronto certainly has no shortage of incredible restaurants, but if you want to step your next meal up, grab a bite to eat at a waterfront destination! From the expansive patio at Amsterdam Brewhouse to the Mediterranean vibes at Toronto Beach Club, August is the perfect month to check some of these spots off your list.
When: Anytime
Where: Various locations
18. Visit a local lavender farm
Ontario’s lavender fields are currently in full bloom, and tend to remain until around mid-August. There are a number of farms to visit a short drive from Toronto, many of them hosting events like picnics, yoga in the fields, or even a luxurious high tea. Check out this list for four to visit this month.
When: Anytime
Where: Various farms
19. Eat as many tacos as you can at Taco Fest
Toronto’s massive food festival dedicated to all-things-tacos is back this August, featuring over 250 types of tacos to try, salsa dancing, mariachi music, and so much more. After eating your weight in tacos, make sure to save room for freshly-made guacamole, Mexican street corn, and a cocktail or beverage made with one of the event’s 32 types of tequila. You’ll also be able to vote on Toronto’s “Best Taco”. Taco Fest takes over Fort York from August 9 – 11, 2024.
When: August 9 – 11, 2024
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
20. Listen to Summer Music in the Park
All summer long, you can enjoy live music in the Village of Yorkville Park 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. Local artists will be playing music genres ranging from classic jazz to folk-pop, so sit back and enjoy a free mini concert!
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St. Toronto
21. Make a splash at the GTA’s biggest water park
The Greater Toronto Area’s biggest water park is found at Wet’n’Wild, home to over 14 water-themed attractions such as exhilarating water slides, a Lazy River, and wave pool. Book your tickets to beat the August heat, or check out their schedule of summer events this month including a Dive-In Movie night, bubble party, or poolside DJ weekend.
When: Anytime
Where: 7855 Finch Ave W, Brampton
22. Wander through a sunflower field
Sunflowers in the province have already begun to bloom, and there’s a number of farms you can visit a short drive away for an amazing flower-filled experience! Check out the Davis Family Farm located in Caledon, which has a lovely sunflower festival running from July 27 through August 18. Bragg Farms in Bowmanville also has a gorgeous field of sunflowers to explore, with a giant sunflower-shaped maze cut out of walking paths among the flowers.
When: Anytime
Where: Various farms
23. Find your Zen at a free yoga class
Practice your downward dog at one of Trillium Park’s free yoga classes this August! Offered on selected Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., certified instructors will lead your class, which offer a mix of hatha and vinyasa yoga. Classes are for students of all levels and abilities, and all you need is a yoga mat, water, sun protection, and you’re good to go! See their full schedule on their website.
When: Select Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
24. Enjoy a free concert night at The Well
Toronto’s popular mixed-use dining and shopping destination The Well will be hosting a free concert night this August 10, 2024. A live DJ set will kick off the evening, followed by a 90-minute show by Canadian indie-rock band The Zolas who will perform right under the iconic glass canopy. Attendees will also get LED wristbands to get in the spirit!
When: August 10, 2024
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: The Well
486 Front St W, Toronto
25. Admire the skyline from a rooftop bar
Before the cold returns to the city, August is ideal for visiting one of Toronto’s many rooftop bars for a refreshing beverage or bite to eat. Take in the city’s skyscrapers beside the Bisha Hotel’s infinity pool at KŌST, or get a taste of New Zealand at Hemingway’s in Yorkville. Check out our round-up of 12 of the best rooftop bars in the city here.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
26. Have a poutine feast at Smoke-a-Palooza
Yonge and Dundas Square is where you’ll want to be on August 10, 2024 if you love poutine! Smoke’s Poutinerie is throwing an epic poutine-filled bash, with live rock n’ roll stage show entertainment, a beverage garden, games, activations, prizing, and free poutine. Smoke-a-Palooza runs from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. so don’t miss out!
When: August 10, 2024
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto
27. Take a dip on a rooftop pool
Take a dip among Toronto’s skyscrapers at one of the city’s rooftop pools this August! 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 locations
28. Watch world-class tennis at the National Bank Open
Some of the best women’s tennis players in the world are coming to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers this August, with 15 sessions over a period of 9 days. The Qualifiers commence on August 4, which also coincides with 407 ETR Family Weekend, which offers free admission with no tickets required. Tickets otherwise start as low as $20.
When: August 4 – 12, 2024
Where: Sobeys Stadium
1 Shoreham Drive, North York
29. Have a ball at Valerie’s Drag Brunch
Elevate your next weekend outing with a drag brunch at Hotel X’s iconic Valerie restaurant! Happening Saturday, August 10, the brunch will feature 4 performers with a live DJ on the restaurant’s panoramic rooftop patio. Tickets will get you an all-you-can-enjoy brunch, with unique offerings like matcha cream French toast, chashu benedict, sushi, and bottomless cocktails! Grab your tickets on Eventbrite here.
When: August 10, 2024
12 – 3 p.m.
Where: Valerie at Hotel X
111 Princes’ Boulevard Toronto
30. See free movies outdoors at the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is screening movies all August long at parks throughout Toronto, including at Bell Manor Park from August 15 – 17. Pack a blanket and picnic and watch a flick under the stars, like Monsters Inc., Mary Poppins, or Kinky Boots. Visit their website for the full lineup of screenings!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
31. Taste of India Festival
The 7th annual Taste of India Festival takes over Nathan Phillips Square this Saturday and Sunday, where you can experience a cultural extravaganza of culinary delights, performances, and Indian traditions. The festival kicks off each day at noon and ends at 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.
When: August 3 – 4 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
32. Daydream at Hotel X
Returning for its second year, Daydream is back at Hotel X on Wednesday, August 14 with a magical evening of serene yoga and live music on their stunning High Park Terrace. The class takes place from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and will feature a transformative Slow Flow Yoga Class led by instructor Kay Ghajar set to music by Mohsin Zaman. All you need to bring is your yoga mat! There will also be whimsical cotton candy, popcorn, and a refreshing mocktail crafted especially for the event. After class, stick around for a performance by Jade Hilton and her band! Grab your tickets on Eventbrite here.
When: August 14 2024
6 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: High Park Terrace at Hotel X Toronto
111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
33. Fuel up at the Canadian Food Truck Festival
Toronto’s Woodbine Park will be taken over by tons of food trucks from August 2 – 5, with options ranging from savoury to sweet. There’s also going to be free children’s games to keep the little ones entertained, local music performances, and even live food competitions to watch. Admission is free, so just arrive hungry and ready to eat!
When: August 2 – 5, 2024
Where: Woodbine Park
1695 Queen St East, Toronto
34. Stargaze during the epic Perseid meteor shower
The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak the evening of August 12 and just before dawn on August 13, where you can spot as many as 150 – 200 meteors per hour shooting across the night sky with your naked eye! For best results, you’ll want to head outside of the city for minimal light pollution. Consider even taking a road trip to Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, Bruce Peninsula and Point Pelee national parks, or Fathom Five National Marine Park for the ultimate stargazing experience.
When: August 12 – 13 (for peak), 2024
Where: All across Canada
35. Grab a scoop at the Demetres pop up
August is the perfect time to cool down with a sweet scoop of ice cream, and there’s going to be just the spot for it! Scooped by Demetres is opening a limited time pop up at Queen’s Cross Food Hall within the Eaton Centre, kicking off on August 6. Bringing their full line up of 20 ice cream flavours, you can try fan favourites like their Double Baked Apple Pie, Cajeta Swirled Goat Cheese and Whispers of Saffron. You’ll also be able to take home a pint if you wish!
When: Begins August 6, 2024
Where: Queen’s Cross Food Hall
Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St, Toronto