It’s finally Friday Toronto, and after a long week, it’s time to let your hair down. Whether you’re looking to dance until you can’t stand, or make the most of the summer weather we’re expecting this weekend, we have a roundup of all the ways you can enjoy our beautiful city Friday through Sunday!
Friday, August 18:
Wavelength Summer Thing
Wavelength Summer Thing is taking over Trillium Park this weekend with a musical lineup you won’t want to miss. It kicks off Aug. 18 with performances from artists like Lex Leosis and Sebastian Gaskin. Saturday’s lineup includes Gustaf and Kat Duma. While Status/Non-Status and Love Language are some of the performers hitting the stage on Sunday. Attendees can look forward to enjoying three days of live music, art, food, drink, community, and good vibes. Entry is free!
Canadian National Exhibition
The end of summer is creeping closer and the CNE has returned to Toronto! From Friday, Aug. 18 through Sept. 4 this Toronto staple is taking over Exhibition Place with a ton of rides, games, vendors, and other attractions. Tickets for kids 13 and under are $20, while everyone 14 and older will pay $25 to get in. The Ex is open daily from 10 a.m. until midnight.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown
On Friday, August 18 Toronto wrestling fans can take in the WWE Friday Night Smackdown at Scotiabank Arena. The event starts at 7:45 p.m. and it has a superstar lineup. Tickets are now on sale!
Rastafest
Rastafest returns to Toronto this weekend, celebrating Rastafari and Reggae culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafari lifestyle, culture, and history. The free festival is going down Aug. 18 to 19 in Little Jamaica, featuring kid’s activities, live performances, food, a marketplace, and more.
Saturday, August 19:
Toronto Queer Market
The Toronto Queer Market is returning to Barbara Hall Park this Saturday. Featuring dozens of 2SLGBTQ+ artists and vendors, the monthly market includes live drag performances from local talent. Saturday’s edition will feature T Milkshook, Gila Münster and Rooster, and music by xentrx. Admission is free, so if you’re looking for dancing, food, and local vendors, make sure to check it out!
Bangerz Only: 2010s Dance Party at Sneaky Dee’s
On Saturday, Sneaky Dee’s is hosting a 2010’s themed dance party! The Bangerz Only party is presented by UP Dance Party Co. and kicks off at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are less than $13 and you’ll have the chance to Shake It Off and Shine Bright Like a Diamond all night long!
The Afro Carib Fest
Toronto’s Afro Carib Fest is making a comeback this weekend! The two-day event runs Aug. 19-20 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough. Afro Carib Fest focuses on celebrating diversity, highlighting the rich arts, culture and heritage of the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora. It’s free to attend, and you can take in live musical performances, drum and dance workshops, African and Caribbean folklore, dance competitions, vendor exhibitions, a flag parade, and a youth zone
Taste of Manila
Back for its tenth year in the city, the Filipino street festival Taste of Manila takes over Wilson and Bathhurst from Aug. 19-20. The area, affectionately known as Little Manilla, will be home to a street party that kicks off Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with festivities running through 11 p.m. before they do it all over again from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It’s free to attend, and includes authentic Filipino food, live music and performances, kids’ activities, and fashion shows.
2023 Toronto Chinatown Festival
The Toronto Chinatown BIA is throwing a weekend festival to celebrate all the neighbourhood has to offer! The 23rd annual Toronto Chinatown Festival happens Aug. 19 and 20, and this year’s theme is “Flaming Phoenix: Rebirth & Uprising.” The two-day event is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors and features free walking tours, many different food vendors, and dozens of live performances!
Sunday, August 20:
Ontario Artisan Market
Be sure to stop by the Ontario Artisan Market which is returning to Evergreen Brickworks this Sunday, Aug. 20. The market includes a variety of different vendors, selling unique, handmade, local and sustainable products including jewellery, body care, artwork, clothing, wood and leather goods, candles and more. The market is outside under the cover of the pavilions. Admission is free, and it runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
For a list of events, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
Video Courtesy: Sehaj Goyal
