Summer is just around the corner, and June in Toronto means countless fun events and activities to check out while the weather keeps warming up! With the official start to the season falling on June 20, the month is sure to fly by, so we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do so you don’t miss out!
From Pride celebrations to outdoor festivals and concerts, here are the best things to do in Toronto this June.
1. Check out an open-air Candlelight Concert
After spending the winter months cooped up indoors, it’s time to get some fresh air and enjoy live music! Candlelight concerts are now taking place at several open-air venues, including The Barn and Evergreen Brick Works. Kick back and relax under the stars as a talented string quartet play tributes to your favourite artists, from The Beatles to ABBA.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
2. Explore LITE BRITE: Worlds of Wonder
Wander through Illuminarium’s latest immersive experience and explore, play games, and create your own art in a 360-degree cinematic journey. LITE BRITE: Worlds of Wonder opened at the Distillery District on May 8, letting you step into the magical world of the nostalgic toy. Tickets can be purchased online, and are priced at $38.50 per adult.
When: From May 8 for a limited time
Where: Illuminarium
28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
3. Take a boat tour of the Toronto Harbour
There’s nothing like seeing the Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario, and one of the best ways is on a boat cruise! Hop aboard a one-hour tour on the Toronto Harbour Cruise, and get your camera ready to snap some postcard-worthy pictures of the city’s towering skyscrapers. The boat cruises are daily through June and cost $35 per adult.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
4. Attend the Luminato Festival
From June 5 through 16, Toronto’s beloved Luminato Festival returns, celebrating the city’s energy through memorable art experiences. Founded in 2007, the festival occurs in various neighbourhoods through Toronto, from parks and sidewalks, to theatres, galleries and major transit locations. With over 3,600 performances featuring 15,000 artists from over 40 countries, you can expect everything from workshops to dance performances and live music.
When: June 5 – 16, 2024
Where: Various locations
5. Pick up some blooms at the Toronto Flower Market
Back for its eleventh year, the Toronto Flower Market is the city’s first outdoor flower market which pops up once a month all summer long at 1001 Queen St West at the southwest corner of Queen and Shaw. Stop by on June 15 and shop varieties of Ontario-grown flowers and plants, from handcrafted bouquets to individual stems. In addition to flowers and plant accessories, you can also find handmade gifts, soaps, books, and ceramics. The market is free to attend and goes on rain or shine.
When: June 15, 2024
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: CAMH
1001 Queen St West, Toronto
6. Get your thrills in at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s largest theme park is now open for the summer, with their water park Splash Works opening on May 25! Canada’s Wonderland boasts over 200 attractions, 69 water rides, and 16 roller coasters, so if you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline, this is the spot to be. Later this summer, they’ll also be opening a new ride at Splash Works – a giant water slide that will take your six-person raft careening down a river before dropping you over a 42-foot wall.
When: May 3 – October, 2024
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
7. Enjoy free rides at this three-day street carnival
Fairbanks Summerfest returns to Eglinton Avenue West from June 21 – 23, just in time to welcome the first official weekend of summer! Enjoy a weekend of free rides, games, and entertainment in their modern twist on a summer carnival extravaganza.
When: June 21 – June 23, 2024
Hours vary – see website
Where: Eglinton Ave, west of Dufferin
8. See Toronto’s newest Cirque du Soleil show
Toronto’s newest Cirque du Soleil show ECHO debuted on May 8, and you can see the mesmerizing show until July 21, 2024. Following the story of a young woman and her dog, the performance will showcase Cirque’s usual death-defying stunts, visual projections, and a massive 23-foot-cube which is sure to be incorporated into the performers’ routines. Tickets start at $77.
When: May 8 – July 21, 2024
Where: The Big Top
2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W
9. Indulge in the best of brunch foods at Brunch Fest
On June 15 and 16, Brunch Fest will take over the grounds at Hotel X for a weekend of sampling from the 150+ mouthwatering dishes by some of the city’s top brunch vendors. The 19+ event will also feature a Caeser Garden and Mimosa Bar, along with live music and performances. Tickets start at $17.95 and are on sale now.
Where: The Grounds at Hotel X Toronto
115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
When: June 15 and 16
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
10. Take the ferry to Centreville
Toronto Island’s Centreville Amusement Park is the perfect destination to kick off the summer with the family, boasting over 30 rides and attractions. From Twirling Tea Cups to the Antique Carousel, the amusement park has something for everyone to enjoy. When you get hungry, fuel up at one of the 14 food outlets, or take a stroll along the waterfront and absorb the Toronto skyline across the lake.
When: May 4 – September 29, 2024
Where: Centre Island, Toronto
11. Support local artists at the Toronto Artisan Market
Community-based non profit organization Toronto Artisan will be hosting a number of their markets in Trinity Bellwoods Park throughout the summer, running from May 12, 2024 through September 8, 2024. Support Toronto’s local artisans and shop curated handmade goods.
When: May 12, 2024 through September 8, 2024
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen Street West, Toronto
12. Watch free outdoor movie screenings
Catch one of the most anticipated movies of the summer at a free movie screening under the stars, at Toronto Downsview Park’s Movies Under The Stars event or the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) will tour to various parks from June 19 – August 25, and you can find their full line-up of events here. Movies Under The Stars at Downsview runs from June 24 – August 21.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
13. Treat yourself to an exclusive dining experience with Chef Rodrigo Pacheco
One of the world’s leading sustainable chefs is bringing an incredible 6-course tasting dining experience to Toronto’s French restaurant Chantecler for one night only, and there’s still tickets available! Chef Rodrigo Pacheco, who is known through his culinary art and his innovative project “The largest Biodiverse Edible Forest in the world”, will prepare an array of exquisite dishes for his guests, including fresh prawn ceviche, cantaloupe chilled soup, caramelized Chantecler chicken, and even eggplant cheesecake. You can view the full menu here. Reservations are required, and the experience is priced at $145 per person.
When: June 4, 2024
Where: Chantecler Restaurant
798 Bloor St. West, Toronto
14. Go rollerskating on a rooftop
SUSO Skate, a touring pop-up roller rink company, has reopened their retro-inspired rooftop skating rink at the CF Shops at Don Mills. Surrounded by North York’s skyline, lace up and glide around the bright yellow skating surface, complimented with colourful 70s-inspired decor. To keep the good vibes going, there will also be throwback hit tunes blasting, and you can check out their calendar of events here.
When: May 4 for a limited time
Where: CF Shops at Don Mills
22 Marie Labatte Rd, Toronto
15. Order pizza and wine to a park
All summer long, IL FORNELLO is offering their Pizza at the Park experience, letting you order Italian dishes and alcoholic beverages directly to Riverdale Park. With offerings like Penna Alla Vodka and Arancini to beer, wine, and cider, you’re all set for your perfect park picnic. Pizza at the Park is only offered on Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
When: Thursday evenings all summer
Where: Riverdale Park
16. Have a cinematic experience at the Lavazza Inclucity Festival
This summer from June 27 to July 21, Toronto’s historic Distillery District will be fully transformed into an open-air cinema village. The Lavazza Inclucity Festival will take over the neighbourhood’s cobblestone streets with a celebration of multiculturalism and the best of international cinema, featuring special guest appearances, stellar red carpets, and unique cocktail experiences. Catch a feature film from over 20 countries or admire various art forms, such as dancing, live music, gastronomy, and tours.
When: June 27 – July 21, 2024
Where: Distillery District, Toronto
17. Grab a drink at one of the best bars in North America
Last month, three Toronto bars managed to snag a spot on the annual ranking of North America’s 50 Best Bars, which celebrates the best of the region’s drink industry. If you haven’t been yet, time to stop by for a cocktail at Civil Liberties, Bar Pompette, or Bar Mordecai for a curated beverage of your liking!
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
18. Stroll through Kensington Market for Pedestrian Sundays
The biggest monthly street festival in the city is back for the summer, so don’t miss Kensington Market’s Pedestrian Sundays event on the last Sunday every month this season. Closing the street off to traffic, the neighbourhood’s sidewalks will be lined with food vendors, shopping, live music, and more, perfect to stroll through on a Sunday afternoon. June’s will fall on the 30th.
When: June 30, 2024
Where: Kensington Market, Toronto
19. Attend Toronto’s biggest Pow Wow
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day this June 15 and attend the city’s biggest traditional Pow Wow at Fort York National Historic Site. Hosted by Toronto-based non-profit Indigenous organization Na-Me-Res, the family-friendly event will include traditional dancing, drumming, performances, as well as crafts and food vendors to explore. Admission is totally free!
When: June 15, 2024
Noon until 5 p.m.
Where: Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
20. Celebrate Pride Month at various Pride events
June is Pride Month in Toronto, where the city comes together to celebrate diversity and love in all its forms. Home to one of the largest Pride festivals in the world, there will be various events and marches occurring throughout June, with the main event being the Toronto Pride Parade happening on Sunday, June 30, 2024. From drag brunches to the Pride flag raising, there are countless fun events and activations throughout the city. Check the website for the full schedule of upcoming events!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
21. Enjoy free events at Waterfront Wednesdays
Running for five weeks starting on May 29, Waterfront Wednesdays are back, offering free, weekly events along Toronto’s waterfront. Each Wednesday, you can explore the city’s waterfront neighbourhood and get unique offers and special promotions from its local small businesses, including free boat rides on Lake Ontario, a free escape game and boat cruise with Escape The Ship, discounts on day passes to the Radisson Blu Hotel’s Lakeview Pool Lounge, and so much more. Visit their website for all the details!
When: Wednesdays from May 29 – June 26
Where: Various locations on Toronto’s waterfront
22. Stop by the Yorkville Exotic Car Show
Back for its 14th year, the Yorkville Exotic Car Show returns on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024. Showcasing classic and exotic cars, the annual event will take over Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street from noon until 5 p.m. in support of Melanoma Canada. Featuring Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, American super cars, and more, it’s a must-visit for any car fanatic.
When: June 16, 2024
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street
23. Celebrate Toronto Harbourfront’s 50th birthday with a huge block party
Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre turns 50 on June 1, and they’re celebrating with an epic block party! With live music, dance lessons, food trucks, and even cake, this free event will be a night to remember. The party starts at 5:15 p.m., with Canadian country band Elliott Brood performing on stage at 7:45 p.m.
When: June 1, 2024
5:15 p.m.
Where: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
24. Fish for free on Father’s Day
On Father’s Day weekend, you and dad can go fishing in Ontario license-free for some quality bonding time. OFFE lets Canadian residents fish for free on just four periods throughout the year, including Family Day weekend, Mother’s Day weekend, Father’s Day weekend, and 9 days in July during National Fishing Week. You’ll still have to follow the Conservation fishing license limits.
When: June 15 – 16, 2024
Where: Ontario
25. Discover emerging artists at North by North East
The annual music festival North by Northeast (NXNE) runs from June 12 – 16, highlighting some of the best international and emerging artists. Often featuring rising talent before they break, it’s your chance to see tons of live performances at a super low price. A Full Festival Pass is only $29, getting you unlimited access to all of the festival’s venues and shows for all four nights. Individual show tickets are also available if you just want to see a specific show. See the full lineup on their website!
When: June 12 – 16, 2024
Where:Various locations
26. Party on a boat cruise for Canada Day
Jubilee Queen Cruises will be hosting a celebration for Canada Day like no other on their Toronto Boat Party – Canada Day Edition. On Sunday, June 30, you can join other partygoers for an afternoon cruise past the city skyline, complete with live DJ tunes and a fully stocked bar. The 19+ event goes on rain or shine, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
When: June 30, 2024
Boarding at 1 p.m., cruise from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: 539 Queens Quay, Toronto
27. Listen to world class musicians at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival returns from June 21 – 30, and if you like music, it’s an incredible opportunity to see world-class musicians perform live. Bringing some of the world’s biggest jazz celebrities, you can see them play at three set stages, including TD Village, The Avenue, and OLG Grove, as well as ticketed shows at The Concert Hall, History, The Axis Club, and more. Check out the full line-up of events on their website here.
When: June 21 – 30, 2024
Where: Various locations
28. Party at Sol Musica
Dance the day away at international party series Sol Musica, which takes over Toronto’s STACKT Market on Sunday, June 30 featuring top-tier DJs from around the world. Happening from 3 – 11 p.m., there will be two stages with electrifying performances to visit, as well as food and drink vendors to fuel up at between sets. Afro and Latin-house music rising star DJ Hugel will be headlining the event. Tickets are available for purchase now online!
When: June 30, 2024
3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: STACKT Market
28 Bathurst St, Toronto