Summer is in full swing in the city, and so is the overwhelming desire to make the most of such a vibrant season. Whether you’re looking to treat your four-legged friends to a big day out, keen to dig into delicious Caribbean eats at JerkFest, or after a once in a lifetime thrill at the annual Air Show, there’s plenty to get excited about this August.
Keep reading to find out which events are happening throughout the month!
ART
Union Presents: Black Dreams & Aspirations
Black Dreams and Aspirations is a free art exhibit located in the West Wing and Oak Room of Union Station, why not check it out to brighten up your journey?
The thought-provoking exhibit invites guests to explore what it means to dream as a Black person.
Admire the works of contemporary Black artists featuring a collection by special guest creator Yasin Osman.
Running until Aug. 31, Black Dreams & Aspirations highlights the unique designs of 12 artists who utilize bold colour to illustrate their dreams, which are often reflected through depictions of community, history and imagination.
While you’re at Union station, stop by TD Union Summer running until Aug. 25 to enjoy the patio food vendors, refreshment stops, a beach themed Malibu rum bar and more!
For more information, click here.
STAGE
All Messed Up & Nowhere to Go
The Second City Toronto presents an uproarious, bonkers exploration of some of life’s greatest and most bizarre experiences at “All Messed Up & Nowhere to Go.”
Giggle with glee as performers navigate the chaos of destination weddings, attempt to make sense of the mysterious appearance of Tupperware lids that don’t fit on anything, the intricacies and hilarities of Ontario’s education system and more!
Attend an unforgettable evening of knee-slapping laughter, spontaneous song, and lighthearted entertainment.
“All Messed Up & Nowhere to Go” is running until Sept. 22 at the Second City, located at 1 York Street.
Tickets start at $29, click here to purchase.
Discounted tickets from hipTIX are also available for purchase here.
Read More
Shrek: The Musical
The world’s most lovable ogre is back with his quick-witted donkey sidekick in tow!
“Shrek: The Musical” is set to take the Princess of Wales Theatre by storm starting Aug. 6 for a limited run.
The hilarious stage version, presented by Mirvish Productions, is based on the Oscar-winning animated film, and was adapted by Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire. Their version delivers an intimate and joyful Shrek that celebrates life and its inexhaustible variety.
“Shrek: The Musical” runs from Aug. 6 to 18 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased here.
FESTIVALS
Team Canada FanFest
Team Canada FanFest is a free, family-friendly series of events where Canadians can cheer on, meet and interact with members of the Paris 2024 Olympic team, watch Olympic events and attend live performances.
FanFest is happening from Aug. 2 to 5 at CF Shops Don Mills. At the festival, Olympics fans will have the opportunity to watch the games with family and friends, attend Olympic athlete appearances, enjoy live performances helmed by Canadian musicians, and immerse themselves in Team Canada activations.
Team Canada FanFest will be hosted live by two-time Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan, alongside Olympian Cynthia Appiah.
FanFest is free to attend for more information, click here.
SummerWorks Performance Festival
This eye-catching arts festival features over 40 projects by more than 100 creators and collaborators over 11 days.
From Aug. 1 to 11 SummerWorks will present installations across four categories of programming, presented within local, national, and international contexts.
All works at this year’s festival are designed to be consumed in public spaces and will explore the idea of survival through a range of mediums, including dynamic live performances, and with varied complexity.
SummerWorks takes place at numerous locations across the city, with free and ticketed events starting at $15.
For more programming details, locations and to purchase tickets, click here.
TD JerkFest
Celebrate Caribbean culture at TD JerkFest!
The annual event breathes new life into Centennial Park with mouthwatering eats, cooking demonstrations, live music performances, including headliners queen Marcia Griffiths, soca star Farmer Nappy, and dancehall sensation Ding Dong.
There will also be a kids’ zone, arts & crafts stations, and more child-friendly activities for a great day out with the entire family!
JerkFest will take place from Aug. 9 to 11 at Centennial Park.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Toronto International Tap Dance Festival
Showcasing legacy, tradition, and innovation in tap dance, the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival presents a jam-packed program from Aug. 15 to 18.
This year marks the third edition of the biennial festival, which will explore the theme of duality.
The 2024 lineup will feature performances from tap sensations Brenda Bufalino, Michela Marino Lerman, Travis Knights, Danny Nielsen, Ryan Foley, Johnathan Morin, Tanya Knights, Victoria Miller, Veronica Simpson, and more!
The festival is happening at the Harbourfront Centre, and ticket prices vary depending on the performance.
To find out more, click here.
Read More
African Fashion Week
Experience a beautiful celebration of arts, culture, style, and diversity at African Fashion Week!
The event will kick off with an opulent celebration of emerging talent and first-rate innovation at the Student Design & Creative Festival on Aug. 22, bringing together fashion, beauty, hair, and creative individuals from across Canada.
High Fashion Designer Showcases will take place across the weekend at Yonge Dundas Square, which will include local design vendors, and a free runway show featuring more than 20 high-fashion designers from around the world.
Don’t miss a fabulous couture experience at Wychwood Barns Park, a Lookbook Day Party featuring Afrobeats, Amapiano Dancehall, hip hop, and more!
African Fashion Week will take place at various locations from Aug. 22 to 25.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event.
Learn more and purchase tickets here!
Pups in the Park
Give your furry friends something to bark about this summer!
There are tons of dog friendly hotels, restaurants, cafes and neighborhoods in Toronto, making it the perfect place to bring your pups!
St. Andrew’s Playground Park will transform into canine heaven on Aug. 24 and 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Shop local dog businesses, let your four-legged friends play in the splash pad, enjoy yoga with your (downward) dog, ask a caricature artist to immortalize your pet in a self-portrait, march in a pup parade, socialize with fellow puppy parents and more.
Pups in the Park is free to attend, click here to find out more!
75th Canadian International Air Show
The annual Canadian International Air Show is celebrating a soaring milestone this year, with the 75th rendition of its jaw-dropping event.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will take to the skies from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, alongside the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ iconic nine-plane formations, and the CF-18 Demonstration Team.
For the first time ever, fans are invited to view full-size aircraft, aerospace exhibits, and meet select crew and performers.
Ticket holders can also continue their outing with same-day admission to the Canadian National Exhibition.
The event takes place at Marilyn Bell Park, and gates open at 10:00 a.m.
General admission tickets start at $80, click here to buy.
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
