Everyone knows that summer weekends in Toronto are packed with fun things to do, and this weekend is no different.
No matter what your idea of a perfect summer weekend looks like, this city has an event for it. This weekend’s rundown includes everything from Canada’s largest outdoor art fair and a celebration of Black entrepreneurship to Latin dancing in the streets, South Asian cultural festivities and a picnic for Queer women. Here are some of the best events happening across the city from July 10 to 12.
Friday, July 10
Melanin Market in the Square
Where: Sankofa Square
When: 3-9 p.m.
Head to the core of downtown this weekend to support Black-owned businesses and BIPOC talent from Toronto. Back for their monthly affair, Melanin Market will take over Sankofa Square for an afternoon and evening of Black entrepreneurship and creativity. Plus, attendees of this specific edition can look forward to a free Pilates lesson from 5-6 p.m.
Founded in 2021, Melanin Market aims to uplift Black and racialized entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for small businesses and artists while fostering community connection through cultural events.
The Melanin Market in the Square series is part of Sankofa Square’s Hot Square Summer programming and will return on Aug. 14.
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
When: Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Back for its 65th anniversary, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is taking over Nathan Phillips Square this weekend. Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor art fair, TOAF is free to attend, and organizers say that it will go ahead rain or shine.
This year’s fair showcases more than 400 artists from across the country, featuring original paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture and mixed-media works. Additionally, the schedule of events includes live artist talks, guided tours, performances, family programming and interactive installations.
You can find out more about what to expect on the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair website.
Toronto Fringe Festival
Where: Multiple venues across Toronto
When: June 30 – July 12
Check out the last weekend of the Toronto Fringe Festival at various locations across Toronto.
Back for its 38th year in the city, the local Fringe Festival highlights everyone from first-time performers and TikTokers to celebrated collectives and award-winning theatre stars, showcasing their latest work as part of Ontario’s largest performance festival.
This year’s lineup includes a range of topics, genres, and themes, including eight shows inspired by Shakespeare, five shows from the Caribbean, three magic shows, two shows about Medical Assistance in Dying, and a comedy show performed entirely in Mandarin.
Plus, attending shows is super affordable. Tickets range from $6 to $19 and are available on the festival website.
Saturday, July 11
Salsa on St. Clair
Where: St. Clair Ave. W. & Winona Dr., Toronto
When: Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m
Don your dancing shoes and get ready to move to the rhythm of the beat at Salsa on St. Clair. The annual event is returning to the city for its 22nd edition, bringing good vibes and flavours to midtown with food vendors, artisanal stalls, live music and lots of dancing.
This two-day event is free to attend, featuring performances from Abanico Dance Company, Adis Rodriguez, Marta Elena, Soul2Sole and other talented artists. You can find the full lineup of performances, vendors and activations on the Salsa on St. Clair website.
TD Festival of South Asia
Where: 1426 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-11 p.m.
A celebration of South Asian culture is taking over Toronto for a two-day festival. The TD Festival of South Asia brings together the rich traditions, music, dance, and food from across the region.
So whether you’re looking to take in a musical or dance performance, grab a delicious bite to eat, or learn more about the culture, there’s something for everyone at this free-to-attend, family-friendly event.
The Bajan Serve
Where: Plock Tennis Club, Principal Road, Scarborough
When: 2-6 p.m.
An event coming to Scarborough this weekend will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the Barbados sport of road tennis, exploring the sport and the benefits of Caribbean wellness practices.
“With the highest amount of centenarians on the planet, we’re passing along some of Barbados’ and the region’s health and wellness practices to incorporate in our busy lives,” organizers say on the event website.
In addition to the event itself, attendees will have access to the entire club, including the ball machine court and the rally court. And it’s an event for a good cause, with all proceeds going towards the Black Health Alliance.
Attendees can look forward to a panel about road tennis, a live match, giveaways, delicious Caribbean food, tooth gem installation by Club Patra and more.
Sunday, July 12
Sip & Paint with Bottomless Mimosas
Where: Bar Maaya, 244 Adelaide St. W.
When: 11 a.m.
Looking for a way to unwind on Sunday morning? Bar Maaya hosts a weekly bottomless mimosa paint and sip event featuring great music, good vibes, and a delicious brunch.
Starting at 11 a.m., both amateur artists and painting pros can enjoy a guided painting session with handcrafted drinks. Limited seating is available, with tickets set at $27.96 and available on Eventbrite. Food and drinks are sold separately.
Queer Sapphic Singles Picnic
Where: High Park, Toronto
When: 2-6 p.m.
Calling all the single Lesbian, Bisexual, and other Queer women in Toronto! The Sapphic Singles Picnic is coming to High Park on Sunday, giving you the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with 2SLGBTQIA+ women and maybe even meet someone special.
Organizers say picnic-goers should bring along a picnic blanket to sit on, as well as drinks, snacks, games, and sunscreen!
The cost to attend is $5, which helps cover the cost of the park permit.
