What to know
- Now Toronto rounded up 15 events happening across Toronto from Friday, Sept. 4 to Labour Day Monday, Sept. 7.
- Several events are free or admission by donation, including the Toronto Dragon Festival, T.U. Jazz Fest, the Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival and BuskerFest.
- The Canadian International Air Show runs from Saturday through Monday, with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and other military, historic and aerobatic aircraft.
- Labour Day Monday includes the city’s annual parade, the final day of the CNE, a free patio party at STACKT Market and a Dolly Parton singalong.
Toronto is heading into the Labour Day long weekend with street performers, cultural festivals, live music, sports, and plenty of ways to enjoy the final stretch of summer. Soak up the fun and be outside before the chill eventually sets in.
From free outdoor events to concerts, here are 15 things to do in Toronto from Friday, Sept. 4 to Labour Day Monday, Sept. 7.
Friday, Sept. 4
Toronto International BuskerFest
Location: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E.
Woodbine Park will be filled with acrobats, magicians, musicians, comedians and other street performers when Toronto International BuskerFest begins Friday at 4 p.m. The festival also includes food trucks, a vendor market, a family zone and Bark in the Park TO. Friday’s programming continues until 11 p.m., and admission is by donation in support of Epilepsy Toronto.
Toronto Dragon Festival
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W
The free Toronto Dragon Festival is transforming Nathan Phillips Square into a celebration of Chinese culture from Friday to Sunday. Visitors can expect lion and dragon dances, live performances, street food, illuminated lanterns and displays featuring technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The all-ages festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday before wrapping up at 9 p.m. Sunday.
T.U. Jazz Fest
Location: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
T.U. Jazz Fest is bringing three days of free live music to the heart of North York. The family and pet-friendly festival will showcase more than 150 musicians from across Canada, including emerging performers and award-winning artists, across two outdoor stages. Visitors can also find a kids’ zone, masterclass programming and other community activities throughout the weekend. Friday’s programming runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
Canadian AeroPress Championship Toronto Regional Qualifier
Location: Augusta Coffee Bar, 229 Augusta Ave.
Toronto’s coffee community is getting competitive at the Canadian AeroPress Championship Toronto Regional Qualifier. Thirty-two brewers will compete in heats, semifinals and a final for the chance to advance to the national championship. The competition begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to end between 10 and 11 p.m., with a DJ, coffee, cocktails, desserts and other snacks available throughout the night. General admission includes one drink ticket.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Canadian International Air Show
Location: Toronto waterfront, south of Exhibition Place
The Canadian International Air Show returns to Toronto’s waterfront for its 77th edition, running from noon to 3:40 p.m. each day from Saturday through Monday. This year’s lineup includes the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18, a U.S. Air Force F-16 demonstration, the Jack Aces Formation Aerobatic Team and several historic aircrafts. The show can be viewed from public waterfront areas, while reserved viewing tickets are also available.
Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival
Location: Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd.
The free Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival will showcase the cultural, artistic and culinary traditions of communities from around the world. The two-day celebration includes international food, live music and dance, arts and crafts, local vendors, promotional booths and activities for children. Programming runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with free admission and parking.
Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire FC
Location: BMO Field, 170 Princes’ Blvd.
Soccer fans can spend Saturday evening at BMO Field as Toronto FC faces Chicago Fire FC in an MLS regular-season match. The game gives Toronto another opportunity to face Chicago after a close meeting between the two clubs earlier in the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available through the team’s website.
Pitbull with Lil Jon
Location: RBC Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Mr. Worldwide is returning to Toronto with a familiar guest when Pitbull’s “I’m Back” tour stops at the RBC Amphitheatre. Lil Jon will join him for an outdoor concert expected to feature party anthems and hits spanning both artists’ careers. Doors open at 6 p.m. before the show begins at 8 p.m., and the concert will go ahead rain or shine.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Taste of Culture: Travel the Diaspora
Location: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St.
STACKT Market is hosting Taste of Culture: Travel the Diaspora, a free festival celebrating African, Caribbean, Black American and Latin communities. Visitors can explore cultural hubs, shop from local businesses, try food from different cuisines and enjoy live entertainment. The event also includes an interactive passport experience encouraging guests to visit and support participating vendors. It runs from noon to 8 p.m.
AFC Toronto vs. Calgary Wild FC
Location: BMO Field, 170 Princes’ Blvd.
Soccer fans have another match to choose from this weekend as AFC Toronto hosts Calgary Wild FC in Northern Super League action. The Sunday afternoon game offers fans a chance to watch some of Canada’s top women’s soccer players compete at BMO Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the match expected to run until approximately 4 p.m.
Toronto Country Fest
Location: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St.
The Toronto Country Fest is riding into the sunset with one final day at the Distillery District. Sunday’s schedule includes DANI from 1 to 4 p.m. and Callie McCullough from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by a Nashville Nights DJ party from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Visitors can also find carnival games, photo opportunities, western-inspired food and drinks, cattle roping and a mechanical bull. Admission and most activities are free.
Monday, Sept. 7
Toronto Labour Day Parade
Location: Begins near Queen Street West and University Avenue
More than 20,000 labour members are expected to take to the streets for the annual Toronto Labour Day Parade. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the march will travel west along Queen Street before turning south on Dufferin Street and entering the CNE grounds at approximately 11 a.m. The event celebrates the history, achievements and ongoing work of Toronto’s labour movement. It is free to watch, while union members interested in marching should register through their union.
Final day of the CNE
Location: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.
Labour Day is the final opportunity to visit the CNE before the gates close for another year. Visitors can fit in one last trip to the midway, food stands, farm displays, shopping areas, exhibits and live entertainment. The Canadian International Air Show will also fly over the waterfront from noon to 3:40 p.m. Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, while the grounds remain open until 9 p.m.
Ciao! Summer Festa
Location: West Lawn at STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St.
STACKT Market is sending off the long weekend with a free Ciao! Summer Festa patio party. Beginning at 2 p.m., the event will feature live DJ sets, cocktails and a complimentary photo booth. Visitors can also take photos beneath the market’s Ciao! Arch while enjoying one last afternoon of summer patio weather.
Choir! Choir! Choir! celebrates Dolly Parton
Location: The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.
Choir! Choir! Choir! is celebrating Dolly Parton with a participatory concert that turns the audience into the performers. Attendees will be guided through group singalongs featuring songs from Parton’s career, alongside stories and musical surprises honouring her legacy. The 19-plus event opens its doors at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m.
