toronto: what to do? what to do?
Filed Under Events | July 15, 2010
Toronto is buzzing with family friendly events this weekend: For great music hit the Beaches Jazz Festival, join Caribana’s colourful and culture-filled festivities, or indulge your need for speed at the Honda Indy. From festivals, to sports, to great food, to visits with the big purple dinosaur, T.O. has something for everyone this weekend! And don’t forget its Parks Day all across Canada so be sure to check what’s happening at your local park.
Beaches International Jazz Festival
Saturday, July 16th – July 25th, see website for location and event schedules, The Beaches, East Toronto
Bring the family (and a blanket or folding chair) for this 10-day jazz festival held lakeside in the Beach community of Toronto. Features 100 bands! Festival kick-off is July 16th –July 18th at Woodbine Park: www.beachesjazz.com
Honda Indy Toronto
Friday, July 16th – Sunday, July 18th, *Enjoy Free Friday on July 16th!, Starts 8 am on July 16th and ends 6 pm on July 18th, Exhibition Place, Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto is a three-day event held in the streets of downtown Toronto that features world class auto racing, as well as concerts, great food, and interactive activities: www.toronto.ca/exhibitionplace/
Caribana
Begins Saturday, July 15th at 7 am – Ends Sunday, August 15th at 3 am, visit website for location events around Toronto
Scotiabank Caribana Festival is a vibrant cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and celebrations, as well as visual and performing arts. Toronto’s Caribana is the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America: www.caribanafestival.com
680 News Day at Ontario Place
Sunday, July 18th, all day, Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
Members of 680News Insider Club (membership is free) can receive a Play All Day Pass® for Ontario Place for only $10.00 plus tax: www.ontarioplace.com
Bloor West Village Street Festival
Saturday, July 17th, 10 am – 11 pm, Bloor West Village (Runnymede Street to Jane Street)
Enjoy all day entertainment in the village, including face painting, stilt walking, juggling, caricatures, sidewalk sale, music, delicious food, and so much more: www.bloorwestvillagebia.com
Movies Under the Stars
Friday, July 16th, starts at 9 pm, Downsview Park, 1-35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto
After-dark family entertainment! Bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on, and food and beverages to enjoy during this week’s movie, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: www.downsviewpark.ca
KidsFest 2010!
Saturday, July 17th – Sunday, July 18th, 11 am – 5 pm, Centre Island, Toronto Parks Island, Toronto
Take the ferry to the island for a fun-filled day of entertainment for the whole family. Games, contests, clowns, and outdoor family activities will keep the entire gang busy: www.centreisland.ca
Barney and the Big Comfy Couch
Saturday, July 17th, Ontario Place
Stick around after Barney’s show for the chance to meet the purple dinosaur himself and get your photo with Loonette from Big Comfy Couch!! ontarioplace.com
Earth Rangers
July 1st – July 25th, Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
Ontario Place has partnered with Earth Rangers to give kids an exciting chance to discover nature in an unforgettable way. Kids will learn how to be environmentally conscious by interacting with ‘Animal Ambassadors’: www.ontarioplace.ca
Summerlicious
Friday, July 9th – Sunday, July 25th, at top restaurants around Toronto
Sample sumptuous cuisine through prix-fixe menus from a variety of Toronto restaurants. *Reservations recommended: toronto.ca
Rastafest – Arts & Kulcha Festival
Saturday, July 17th, 10 am – 9 pm, Jane & Finch Mall Parking Lot, Jamaican Canadian Cultural Centre, 995 Arrow Road
This multicultural festival has drumming, dance, children activities, an arts and craft market, and live performances featuring reggae artists and bands: www.toronto.ca
Thrill of the Grill
Saturday, July 17th, 12 pm – 3 pm, Old Albany parking lot/parkette, 200 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
Get ready for the first-ever grilling competition on the Danforth, benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toronto. Competitors include chefs from Allen’s, Embrujo Flamenco, and Auld Spot Pub restaurants, who will be showcasing their culinary talents and offering succulent treats: www.thedanforthbia.ca
Free Weekends!
Saturday, July 3rd – Sunday, August 29th, various Historic Sites throughout Toronto
Enjoy free activities at historic sites such as Fort York, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn, and Scarborough Museum this summer, featuring music, drama, crafts, and other fun for the entire family: toronto.ca
The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army
Saturday, June 26th – Friday, December 31, 2011, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Don’t miss your chance to see one of the greatest archaeological finds in history! This is the first time the Terracotta Army has appeared in Canada: rom.on.ca
Festival of South Asia
Saturday, July 17th, 2 pm – 11 pm, Sunday, July 18th, 12 pm – 11 pm, Gerrard India Bazaar, 1426 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
The Festival of South Asia’s main stage showcases dancing, fashion, food and music of South Asia, reflecting the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh and Srilankan cultures: www.festivalofsouthasia.com
Salsa on St. Clair
Saturday, July 17th, 12 pm – 11 pm, Sunday, July 18th, 12 pm – 9 pm, St.Clair Street West, Hillcrest Village, between Winona Drive and Christie Street, Toronto
Bring the family to Canada’s largest Latino-themed festival! Join in on the parade of fun as midtown Toronto’s Hillcrest Village, is transformed into a showcase of Latin life: www.tlntv.com/salsa
Taste of Thailand 2010
Starts Saturday, July 17th, 11 am, Ends Sunday, July 18th 7 pm, Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Taste authentic Thai Food, try your hand at Thai fruit carving, enjoy a Thai massage, and watch Muay Thai (kick-boxing) demonstrations: www.thaiontario.com
Colombian Independence Day Festival
Starts Saturday, July 17th 1 pm and ends Sunday, July 18th 10 pm, Earlscourt Park, 1369 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Guests at this annual festival will enjoy great music, cuisine, and performances including Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia dancing: www.toronto.ca
38th Annual Festival of India
Starts Saturday, July 17th 11 am and ends Sunday, July 18th 8 pm, Centre Island, Toronto Island Parks, Toronto
Come join the Yonge Street parade and celebrations on Centre Island! There’s also a yoga festival, a South Asian Bazaar, exhibits, a children’s area, and much, much more: www.feedyoursoul.to
Free Weekends!
Saturday, July 3rd – Sunday, August 29th, various Historic Sites throughout Toronto
Enjoy free activities at historic sites such as Fort York, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn, and Scarborough Museum this summer, featuring music, drama, crafts, and other fun for the entire family: toronto.ca
Farther Afield:
Sing & play date with Miss Mandi
Saturday, July 17th, 10:30 am – 11:15 am, 56 Lake Street, Mississauga
Bring the little ones to jam, move and groove in the ocean, along with the sea creatures! Only 8 spaces available: www.singonline.ca
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm
Saturday, Open daily 10 am – 5 pm, Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm,
9528 Hwy 25, Milton
Chudleigh’s offers “pick your own fruit”, a children’s entertainment area, a retail store, a fully licensed restaurant and exciting events: www.chudleighs.com
Mississauga Rotary Ribfest
Friday, July 16th & July 17th 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday July 18th 11 am – 7 pm, Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga
Enjoy family shows, great ribbers and other fun events at the annual Ribfest in Mississauga: www.mississaugarotaryribfest.com
Want to help us make this weekend guide even more bursting with fun? Just email us your family-friendly happenings, festivals, fairs and workshops in the Greater Toronto area.
And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!
One Response to “toronto: what to do? what to do?”
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
do you guys update this page when you find more typical childfriendly activities for this weekend?