Dream in High Park Summer Music Festival
Canadian Stage has added a music festival to its Dream in High Park programming, and it kicks off this weekend with a concert by singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith on Thursday (June 30) and Canadian global orchestra KUNÉ on Saturday (July 2).
June 30-July 15. Pay what you wish $5-$50. High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor West. canadianstage.com
Kamloopa
Kim Senklip Harvey’s Governor General’s Award-winning play about three Indigenous women travelling to the largest powwow on the West Coast opens this weekend at Soulpepper’s Young Centre, with a fine cast that includes Yolanda Bonnell, Samantha Brown and Kaitlyn Yott.
Runs to July 24. $25-$35. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House. soulpepper.ca
Rhythms of Canada Festival
This diverse celebration features live performances, a souk-style Festival Market, food trucks and more. On Friday there will be a Canada Day ceremony at 11:30 am and live music by Zaki Ibrahim and K’naan in the evening. On Saturday, the Under The Tent presentation features short multidisciplinary works from across Canada that explore multiculturalism. There will also be arts workshops, dance classes, drop-in family activities and more.
Runs to July 3. Free and ticketed events. Aga Khan Museum and Park and the Ismaili Centre, 77 Wynford. agakhanmuseum.org
Summer Music Concerts
Harbourfront welcomes back live music to its two lakeside venues, the well-known concert stage and a brand new Stage in the Park by the waterfront. Exciting acts this opening weekend include Serena Ryder (July 1) and The Cliks’ Lucas Silveira (July 2), the first transgender man signed to a major record label.
July 1-24. Free. 235 Queens Quay West. harbourfrontcentre.com
Summer Music in the Garden with Pantayo
With the summer solstice and Pride behind us, it’s officially summer – which means it’s time for free outdoor concerts in beautiful places. And there aren’t many more captivating than the Toronto Music Garden. Chill out by the lake on Sunday afternoon with Pantayo, an all-women ensemble that combines percussive metallophones and drums from kulintang traditions of the Southern Philippines with electronic and synth-based grooves.
July 3 at 4 pm. Free. Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West. harbourfrontcentre.com
Bob Marley One Love Experience
Perfect for Toronto Caribbean Carnival, this unique multi-room exhibit of art, music and experiential rooms includes previously unseen Marley photographs and memorabilia for a multi-sensory celebration of the legendary figure.
July 1-August 14. From $24.99. Lighthouse Immersive Space, 1 Yonge. bobmarleyexp.com
Pizza in the Park
The David Suzuki Foundation hosts a night of pizza, Indian food, beer, fresh juice and barbecue in support of the Butterflyway Project. Vegetarian and vegan food will be available, and two more pizza nights will happen this summer: July 28 and September 15.
June 30 at 6 pm. Free. Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor West. fb.me/e/1EZ9ISPMV
East York Canada Day Celebration
This volunteer-run community favourite is back after two years. The day starts at 10 am with a parade going from Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn) to Stan Wadlow Park, where the all-day party features food trucks, a beer garden, main stage entertainment, midway rides, an artisan market and more. The celebration ends with fireworks at 10 pm.
July 1, 10 am-10 pm. Free. Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale. eycdc.ca
*** CANADA DAY FIREWORKS – In addition to the East York Canada Day celebration, there will be free fireworks on Friday at Ashbridges Bay Park (Lake Shore & Woodbine), Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge), Milliken Park (McCowan and Steeles) and Downsview Park (Keele & Sheppard). There will also be a fireworks display at Canada’s Wonderland. All events start at 10 pm. ***
Beaches Jazz Festival
The annual event that was once just four days in mid-July now features free concerts every weekend of the month in various east-end parks and locales. The opening weekend is called Salsa on the Beach and features dance lessons and performances at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen East), Saturday from 2-9 pm and Sunday from 1-6 pm.
July 2-24. Free. Various venues in Leslieville, Riverside and the Beach. beachesjazz.com
Electric Island: Canada Day Weekend
The outdoor dance party series continues with three stages of musical acts, including Hot Since 82, Joris Voorn, Luttrell, TDJ, Ciel, Automaticamore, Claptone, Cozmic Cat, Omar S, Tush, Souleca, Sydney Blu and many more.
July 1 and 2, doors 3 pm. Single day from $75, two-day pass from $120. Ontario Place West Island, 955 Lake Shore West. electricisland.to
Want even more events? Check out our Hot Summer Guide list of 50 things to do this summer!
