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 dancing and eating your way through street festivals, here are the best things to do in Toronto this July.
1. Catch a dazzling Canada Day fireworks show
Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1 this year, and to celebrate the country’s 158th birthday, there will be a number of places to catch a dazzling fireworks show. Canada’s Wonderland will host their annual fireworks display the evening before on June 30, but on the 1st, you’ll be able to see them at Ashbridges Bay Park, Harbourfront Centre, Mel Lastman Square, or various other parks listed here.
When: July 1, 2025
Where: Various locations
2. Step inside the world of Minecraft
Minecraft fans can now immerse themselves in the world of the iconic game with Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, now open at Square One Mississauga. This epic adventure lets guests chop blocky trees, gather resources, face off with mobs, and explore biomes using an interactive orb, all while trying to save the day. The hour-long experience brings Minecraft to life like never before, and is a family-friendly activity aimed at those ages 7 and up. Starting July 2, there will also be exclusive Adult Nights every Wednesday and Thursday from 7 – 10 p.m., featuring 18+ access with themed drinks, trivia, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and a complimentary mocktail. Secure your tickets here!
When: Opens June 20, 2025
Where: 199 Rathburn Rd W, Mississauga
3. 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 to July 20, 2025, 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 to July 20, 2025
Where: Distillery District, Toronto
4. Experience a magical Bridgerton-themed Candlelight Concert
This July, don’t miss an enchanting evening with Candlelight: The Best of Bridgerton on Strings, a spellbinding concert set to light up Toronto’s historic Hart House on July 20, 2025. This unique musical experience blends the classical elegance of the Regency era with modern pop hits from the beloved Netflix series Bridgerton, all performed by a live string quartet surrounded by thousands of candles. Attendees will be transported into the heart of the Bridgerton world for one night only. Get your tickets before they sell out here!
When: July 20, 2025
Where: Hart House – 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto
5. Dress in all pink for the Rosé Picnic
Canada’s largest premium picnic, The Rosé Picnic, returns to Toronto on July 12, 2025 at a stunning new venue: the Toronto Film Centre Estate. Guests can expect a day filled with rosé wine from around the world, gourmet food, tropical cocktails, and live DJ sets spinning everything from Afrobeats to Top 40. With a pink-and-white dress code, photo-worthy backdrops, free tastings, and a cashless setup, this all-day celebration promises picture-perfect summer vibes.
When: July 12, 2025
Where: Toronto Film Centre Estate – 2489 Bayview Ave, North York
6. Set sail on a floating tiki bar cruise
Palapa Tours, Toronto’s original Hawaiian-style floating tiki bar, is back for the summer season, offering daily cruises from May through September. This July, hop on a 90-minute tropical escape around the Toronto Islands aboard custom-built tiki boats, complete with a fully licensed bar, curated music, and stunning skyline views. Each ticket includes a souvenir Palapa glass, with tropical drinks and snacks available for purchase, or you’re welcome to bring your own food. New this year are themed events, sunset cruises, and karaoke nights.
When: Available May through September
Where: 319 Queens Quay W, Toronto
7. Get transported to a pastel world at Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is the perfect family-friendly outing this July while the kids are out of school, offering a dreamy, limited-time adventure ideal for all ages. Spanning 11 whimsical, pastel-themed rooms, guests can interact with bubbles in all forms from soapy to smoky through immersive exhibits, including a hot air balloon flight simulator, Virtual Reality bubble exploration, and a fluffy cloud room. The sensory-filled journey also features an Infinity Room ideal for capturing magical photo moments. Don’t miss out – get your tickets here!
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
8. Eat your way through Summerlicious
From July 4 – 20, Summerlicious will take over the city where over 220 participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe menus with lunch and dinner options. This year, the program is focusing on celebrating the locally owned restaurants that make Toronto so unique, ranging from comfort food to bold international flavours. Lunch prices range from $20 – $55 or dinner between $25 – $75. See the full list of participating restaurants and their menus here.
When: July 4 – July 20, 2025
Where: Various restaurants
9. 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 Luke Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul, Gracie Abrams, and Rüfüs Du Sol.
When: Various dates
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
10. Indulge in some BBQ at Toronto Ribfest
Carnivores, get ready – the Rotary Club of Etobicoke will be hosting their annual Toronto Ribfest over Canada Day 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, 2025
Where: Centennial Park – 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke
11. Watch innovative theatre 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 over 100 shows taking place at 20 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 2 – 13, 2025
Where: Various venues
12. Hear live music at The Beaches Jazz Festival
One of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals takes over the Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto for its 37th year this July. Running from July 4 – 27, 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 24 – 26.
When: July 4 – July 27, 2025
Where: Various venues
13. Dance your Sundays away at Cherry Beach
Weekly beach dance parties are back at Toronto’s Cherry Beach every Sunday from June 15 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. Tickets cost roughly $45 each, or you can grab a season’s pass for $245.
When: Every Sunday from June 23 until Labour Day
Where: Cherry Beach, Toronto
14. 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 dive-in movie night, bubble parties, and DJ weekends. Tickets start at $44.95 per person, or grab a season’s pass for a deal if you plan to visit multiple times.
When: June 7 – September 7, 2025
Where: 7855 Finch Ave W, Brampton
15. Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival
Stop by Harboufront Centre from July 4 – 6 for the Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival, a lively, family-friendly weekend event celebrating the rich culture of the Philippines through food, music, and art. The festival features authentic Filipino dishes like adobo, lumpia, and halo-halo, alongside traditional dances such as tinikling and singkil, and live performances from popular Filipino artists.
When: July 4 – 6, 2025
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
16. Salsa on St. Clair
On July 5 and 6, St. Clair Avenue will be taken over by the award-winning Salsa in Toronto Festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of salsa enthusiasts from around the world. The street will transform into a celebration of Latin American culture, filled with non-stop street dancing, live music, and vibrant performances from top local and international entertainers. Visitors can enjoy authentic Latin cuisine, explore the Latin pavilion, and take part in family-friendly festivities.
When: July 5 – 6, 2025
Where: St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
17. Find the best ribs at the Downtown Toronto Rib Fest
Indulge in a tasty lineup of favourites this July at the Downtown Toronto Rib & Craft Beer Fest, like pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, cornbread, blooming onions, funnel cakes, poutine, ice cream, and deep-fried delights, plus slushies and fresh-squeezed lemonade to cool you down. Vegetarian options are available too, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
When: July 11 – 13, 2025
Where: Sankofa Square – 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
18. Celebrate multiculturalism at Mixto Festival
Mixto Festival is back on July 12 and 13 for two days of music, art, and food. The block party blends the underground with the inclusive, offering an eclectic mix of live music and DJs from Brazil, Colombia, Toronto, and beyond. Embrace diverse cultures through dance, food and craft vendors, children’s programming, a licensed bar, and immersive art installations. True to its name, the festival is a flavorful mashup of global sounds and local spirit, reflecting Toronto’s dynamic cultural landscape.
When: July 12 – 13, 2025
Where: Trillium Park – Ontario Place, Toronto
19. Celebrate at the Panamerican Food & Music Festival
The Pan American Food & Music Festival (PAFMF) is Canada’s only annual event dedicated to celebrating the culinary, musical, and artistic traditions of the entire Western Hemisphere, and it returns from July 18 – 20. This multicultural festival features live music and dance performances, cooking demos from international chefs, exciting food competitions, and a diverse vendors’ market showcasing the flavours of North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. With highlights like the Pan American Parade, Churros Eating Competition, and the Canadian Indigenous Show, plus themed showcases such as Passion for the Caribbean and Women in Food, there’s something for everyone!
When: July 18 – 20, 2025
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
20. Watch the thrilling Toronto Honda Indy
The annual Toronto Honda Indy takes place from July 18 – 20, where downtown Toronto will temporarily transform into a 2.84 km race course on a 11-turn temporary street circuit winding through Exhibition Place and along Lake Shore Boulevard. Fans can enjoy fast-paced action from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, featuring stars like Scott Dixon, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and defending champion Christian Lundgaard, alongside races from Sports Car Championship Canada, Emzone Radical Cup, and the USF Pro developmental series. 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 18 – 20, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
21. Take a free yoga class
Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned yogi, Trillium Park is once again hosting free yoga classes taught by certified instructors on select Saturdays and Sundays this July, so time to practice your downward dog! 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 from June 7 – September 28, 2025
Where: Trillium Park – 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
22. Pick up a fresh 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 12, rain or shine at 1001 Queen St West at the southwest corner of Queen and Shaw.
When: July 12, 2025
Where: CAMH – 1001 Queen St West, Toronto
23. Embrace hip-hop culture at Unity Fest
Unity Fest is coming to Harbourfront Centre on July 19 featuring a celebration of hip-hop, culture, and community. Experience high-energy dance battles and exhibitions, live performances from local artists and DJs, and a bustling marketplace with local food vendors. The festival also features hands-on workshops, interactive activities, various activations, and more.
When: July 19, 2025
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
24. Stroll car-free at the BIG on Bloor Festival
Bloordale Village’s celebration of art and culture, the BIG on Bloor Festival returns for its 19th year on July 19 and 20, 2025. From Dufferin to Lansdowne, Bloor Street West will be closed to car traffic for the weekend, and instead filled with live art, performances, and opportunities for local and underrepresented artists, while also spotlighting the area’s small businesses.
When: July 19 – 20, 2025
Where: Bloordale Village, Toronto
25. Raise a glass at Toronto’s Festival of Beer
Canada’s ultimate 19+ celebration of brews, bites, and beats takes over Bandshell Park this summer on July 25 and 26 at Toronto’s Festival of Beer. With hundreds of beers to sample as well as cider and ready-to-drink options, this festival has something for every palate. Enjoy delicious eats from top Toronto food vendors offering everything from oysters and burgers to poutine, all while soaking in live music.
When: July 25 – 26, 2025
Where: Bandshell Park, 200 Princes’ Blvd. , Toronto
26. Stop by OssFest 2025
On July 26, Ossington Ave will close to vehicle traffic and transform into a one-day pedestrian street festival! Experience the best of the neighbourhood, which was once named one of the coolest in the world. OssFest 2025 will feature food offerings, live music, activations, and so much more to explore.
When: July 26, 2025
Where: Between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West, Toronto
27. Embrace the island spirit at Alohafest
Feel the warmth of the islands this summer at the 8th annual Alohafest Toronto, taking place at Mel Lastman Square on July 26, 2025. This free, family-friendly event showcases the rich and diverse cultures of Polynesia with live music, traditional dance performances, kids’ crafts, unique vendors, and delicious island-inspired cuisine at the AlohaFest Marketplace.
When: July 26, 2025
Where: Mel Lastman Square – 5100 Yonge Street, North York
28. Paddle after dark in a glow-in-the-dark kayak
Paddle around the Toronto waterfront this July in an LED-lit glow-in-the-dark kayak with Illuminated Escapes. 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 $83 a person and up.
When: Opened June 1, 2025
Where: Sunnyside Park, Toronto
29. Listen to Summer Music in the Park in Yorkville
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
30. Hike to a waterfall
Enjoy the 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
31. Roller skate at The Bentway
by The Bentway
This July, lace up and roll into summer with Suso Skate’s retro roller skating pop-up at The Bentway, tucked beneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway. Whether you bring your own wheels or rent skates and safety gear on-site, you can glide for free and soak up the nostalgic vibes all season long!
When: Opens June 11, 2025
Where: The Bentway – 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
32. Sunbathe at a local beach
Summer is fleeting in Canada, so why not make the most of it and soak up the sun at a nearby beach? From Cherry Beach’s clean swimming water to the serene atmosphere at Kew Balmy, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Toronto beaches to visit this summer here.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
33. 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 start at $22 per adult for the 50-minute trip, and there are daily tours throughout July.
When: Daily through July
Where: Toronto Harbour, Toronto
34. Sip a summery cocktail 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
35. 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
36. Hop on a 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
37. Watch free movies under the stars
Toronto’s beloved summer tradition is back for its 15th year as the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) presents “When We Were Young,” a special anniversary edition. From June 12 to August 24, 2025, audiences can enjoy 20 free and accessible outdoor film screenings at Fort York, Christie Pits, and Corktown Common. While admission is free, donations are encouraged, and those who contribute $15 or more will even get the chance to vote for the closing night film. Check out the full lineup and get ready for movie magic under the stars!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
38. 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