There’s nothing like summer on the lake! Lucky for Toronto, its waterfront is home to an array of events, activities and festivals. Whether you’re curious to explore the meandering shores of The Humber River, or eager to immerse yourself in an outdoor evening concert, the city is spoiled for choice.
Keep reading to find out what’s happening by and on the water this summer!
Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival
Fun Philippines is Filipino culture at its finest!
For its third year, the festival is coming in hot with a vibrant program of celebrations at the Harbourfront Centre, where visitors can take in views of the water while enjoying the best of Filipino food and culture.
Get lost in a kaleidoscope of musical showcases, enjoy delicious eats, folk dances, and energetic parades taking place from July. 26-28.
The festival is free to attend, learn more here.
Summer Live Music Festival
Summer Live Music Festival features a robust and captivating schedule of live jazz and world music as well as original a cappella performances by SING.
Returning for its fifth year in Trillium Park on Jul. 27 and 28, Summer Live Music Festival audiences can enjoy performances by a mix of award-winning and emerging bands as well as four a cappella groups, bringing innovative sets ranging from jazz music to folk and pop.
Perfect for an outing with friends or a date night out, bring some lawn chairs and snacks, and unwind by the water while taking in all the sounds.
Summer Live Music Festival is a free, family-friendly event, and no tickets are required.
To learn more about the lineup, click here.
Island Soul Festival
Soak up some island beats over the August long weekend at the 26th edition of Island Soul Festival.
The annual celebration brings together the spirited people and bounteous cultures of the Caribbean through film, art, music, food, comedy, and live entertainment, against a beautiful backdrop of Toronto’s sun-soaked waterfront.
Get ready for hilarious stand-up sets with Trixx and Friends, listen to live reggae music legend Johnny Osbourne, get lost in the rhythm and soul of live performances from Destra and DJ Power, Etana and Sean Jones, and more!
Island Soul Festival takes place from Aug. 1-5 at the Harbourfront Centre.
Ticket prices vary but start at $10, to find out more click here.
Harbourfront Centre Celebrates 50 Years of Arts, Culture and Unity
Harbourfront Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an eclectic selection of ticketed, free and pay-what-you-can programming to enjoy while taking in views of the water all summer long.
On Tuesdays until Aug. 27 catch free outdoor flicks at the Concert Stage, which will be showing a range of popular movies and old-school classics, including Clueless and Forrest Gump.
On Wednesdays, until Aug. 28, enjoy live Latin, Bollywood, hip hop and contemporary dance performances at Dancing on the Square at the new Public Square.
On Thursdays and Sundays, until Aug. 27, relax at Summer Music in the Garden. There will be a total of 18 free concerts at the Toronto Music Garden, with shows from the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Moneka Arabic Jazz and Nichol Robertson’s Country All-Stars.
There will also be art exhibitions from over 30 creators and numerous festivals, including Habari Africa, UnityFest, TAIWANfest, Toronto International Tap Dance Festival and Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival.
Events run from Jun. 21 until Sept. 2.
To learn more about the Harbourfront Centre’s jam-packed summer lineup, click here.
Battle by the Water Dance Series
Witness epic dancers battle it out atop a floating dock on multiple weekends throughout the summer.
Competitors will take the stage in pairs through a series of rounds and the winner will take home $500!
All styles of dance are welcome, and the entire series is free to attend.
Whether you’re a passerby or a fellow dancer eager to cheer on your peers, Battle by the Water Dance Series promises entertainment for all.
Catch a dance battle on Jul. 25, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., on Aug 23, between 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sep 13, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The battles will take place outside at 585 Queen‘s Key West.
A Guided Glow in the Dark Paddle on Toronto’s Humber River
Float through the glistening waters of the Humber River in an illuminated canoe!
The 11-seater canoe is equipped with lights that cast an ethereal glow onto the water.
Accompanied by an experienced guide from the Toronto Adventures: Humber River Paddling Centre, your group will be taken on a scenic 1.5-hour tour of the Humber River.
If paddling in the dark piques your curiosity then this might be the nighttime adventure for you!
Equipment and lifejackets are provided, and guests are encouraged to dress for the weather. Wear closed-toe athletic footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty, and bring multiple layers as the temperature drops at night.
Tours run until Sept. 26, and tickets start at $55. Grab them here.
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
