With back to school right around the corner, make the most of the Labour Day weekend and send the summer out with a bang! If you haven’t visited the EX this year, be sure to make a stop to catch the 61st Canadian International Air Show, which includes a finale from the amazing Canadian Forces Snowbirds. The kids will love seeing their favourite characters come to life as Yo Gabba Gabba comes to town, and with only a short drive, the whole family can fill up on ribs and fun at Canada’s Largest Ribfest.
Little Footprints Eco-Friendly Back To School Pop-Up Shop Sale
Friday, September 3rd, 1 pm- 8 pm, Saturday, September 4th, 10 am – 6 pm & Sunday, September 5th, 12 pm – 3 pm, Danforth Avenue, Toronto
Come and shop eco-friendly toys and games for kids of all ages. Enjoy lemonade while testing “natural as mud” kid-friendly nail polish at the Piggy Paint nail bar: www.littlefootprintstoys.com
Canadian National Exhibition – Final weekend!
Daily until Monday, September 6th, 10 am – 10 pm, Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
This is the last weekend to enjoy all the EX has to offer! Rides, concerts, games, shows, animals, demonstrations, and every kind of food you can imagine: www.theex.com
Canadian International Air Show
Saturday, September 4th – Monday, September 6th, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Boulevard, At the waterfront, south of Bandshell Park, Toronto
The 61st annual Canadian International Air Show takes over the CNE skies for another awe-inspiring show. Watch thrilling aerobatic performances, unbelievable maneuvers by military jets, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds deliver an amazing finale: www.theex.com
Mariposa’s Air Show Lunch Cruise
Saturday, September 4th – Monday, September 6th, 12 pm – 4:30 pm, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Bring the family for a front row seat experience of the Canadian International Air Show aboard Mariposa Cruises’ Lunch Cruise: www.mariposacruises.com
Movie Night – High Park Family Fun Place
Friday, September 3rd, 7 pm – 9 pm, 2968 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Come enjoy the movie, Raise your Voice, with the family. Movie is free with playground admission: www.hpfamilyfunplace.ca
Harry Potter Exhibit – Last Chance!
Friday, September 3rd – Monday, September 6th, visit site for extended hours, Special Exhibition Hall, Level 6, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
It is your last chance to enter a world of magic and wonder with an up-close look at the artistry and craftsmanship behind the Harry Potter™ films. Dive into the world of Harry Potter by trying on the Sorting Hat™, pulling a Mandrake from its pot, sitting in Hagrid’s chair, and playing a game of Quidditch™: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE!
Saturday, September 4th, 2 pm & 5 pm, Molson Ampitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Kia presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is an interactive experience the kids will love. Hip-hop legend Biz Markie joins the characters on stage to teach kids how to beat box with Biz’s Beat of the Day: www.yogabbagabbalive.com
Dinosaur Eggs & Babies
Open daily until Sunday, September 12th, visit site for hours, Royal Ontario Museum, Reed Gallery of Mammals, Level 2, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see real dinosaur eggs and babies! The 190 million-year old fossils tell the amazing story of how an early dinosaur grew up, from a tiny egg to a 20-foot-long adult: www.rom.on.ca
Search and Rescue Weekend at PawsWay
Saturday, September 4th, 12 pm – 5 pm, Sunday, September 5th, 11 am – 3 pm, Monday, September 6th, 11 am – 4 pm, PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre, 245 Queens Quay, Toronto
It isn’t often you get a chance to meet a real hero! Come to see Dave Walker, the training director of Canine Team #1, from Search and Rescue Dogs Ontario, and watch how these amazing dogs have saved so many lives: www.pawsway.ca
The Ashkenaz Parade
Monday, September 6th, 4 pm – 5 pm, Harbourfront Centre, Redpath Stage and Ann Tindall Lawn, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Shadowland Theatre brings together a mixture of Jewish culture, music, dance, theatre and puppetry in a parade to celebrate the final day of Ashkenaz Festival. See the best of amateurs and professionals, as they showcase traditional Jewish performing arts all in one spot, and mark the 15th anniversary of the festival: www.ashkenazfestival.com
Storytelling with Aubrey Davis
Monday, September 6th, 2:30 pm, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Author and storyteller Aubrey Davis tells tales of Ashkenazi and Sephardic folklore as part of the Ashkenaz Festival. Toronto-based Davis has enjoyed sharing folklore for 25 years with a range of children’s books and workshops: www.ashkenazfestival.com
EiD-Mela
Saturday, September 4th & Sunday, September 5th, 2 pm – 10 pm, 1426 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Eid marks the end of the holy festival Ramadan, which is celebrated by more than 400,000 Muslims in the GTA. Join this year’s celebration and enjoy music, traditional Qawwali, Ghazals, and Bollywood dances: www.gerrardindiafestivals.com
Farther Afield:
Kidtopia 2 for 1 Weekend
Saturday, September 4th, 9 am – 9 pm – Sunday, September 5th, 12 pm – 5 pm, Kidtopia Indoor Playground, 2041 Winston Park Drive, Oakville
Families enjoy a 2 for 1 admission special this weekend at Kidtopia! Kids will love the climbing structure, slides, bouncy castle, arcade games and more. Parents will love that the kids want to play all day: www.playkidtopia.com
Rosh Hashanah Holiday Adventure
Sunday, September 5th, 11 am – 1 pm, 941 Rutherford Road, Suite 301, Thornhill
Explore the symbolism and beauty of the Jewish New Year, engaging Torah, Mahzorim, honey and apples through play and imagination. Includes an art project and kosher pizza lunch. Registration is required: www.thumbprintadventures.com
Canada’s Largest Ribfest
Friday, September 3rd – Sunday, September 5th, 11 am – 11 pm, Monday, September 6th, 11 am – 8 pm, Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
Bring the family for some fun in the sun, and enjoy giveaways, great music, crafts-by-the-Lake, and ribs! The proceeds from this event go directly to the community – a good cause, good food, good times and the perfect way to bid farewell to summer: www.canadaslargestribfest.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!