Dream in High Park: As You Like It
After an absence of two years, Canadian Stage’s annual outdoor Shakespeare offering returns, with director Anand Rajaram’s colourful production of the Bard’s romantic comedy. Besides a starry cast that includes several Second City alumni, the show includes original music by Canuck musicians Serena Ryder, Kiran Ahluwalla and Maryem Toller.
Through September 4. Pwyc-$30. High Park Amphitheatre, 1837 Bloor West. canadianstage.com
SummerWorks
The annual performance festival will showcase over 30 contemporary performance and large-scale installation works, participatory experiences and celebratory community gatherings in 13 neighbourhoods across Toronto.
August 4-14. Pwyc-$35, some events free. Various venues. summerworks.ca
Dis/Mantle
This art exhibit reimagines Spadina Museum using an Afrofuturism narrative. It’s inspired by the story of Louisa Pipkin and other Black abolitionists. Pipkin was a freedom seeker who escaped enslavement in the United States and came to Canada in the 1870s. She worked for the Austin family (the homeowners of Spadina House). The exhibition is only available via a free guided tour, so book ahead.
Aug 5-Dec 31. Free. Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd. toronto.ca/DisMantle
Night It Up!
This outdoor food and entertainment festival is styled in the vein of night markets from Taiwan, Hong Kong and across Asia. For those who like to nosh late, Friday and Saturday nights run till midnight.
Aug 5-7. Free admission. Downtown Markham, 179 Enterprise Blvd. nightitup.com
Trojan Girls & The Outhouse Of Atreus
Leading site-specific theatre company Outside the March, along with Neworld Theatre and Factory, present an immersive production of Gillian Clark’s Greek myth-inspired epic The Ruins. Directed by Mitchell Cushman, the show is divided into two parts, which take place simultaneously inside and outside the Factory Theatre. This is clearly the theatre event of late summer.
Runs to August 28 at the Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. Free-$75. factorytheatre.ca
Habari Africa
This multidisciplinary art and music festival displays Africa’s rich and diverse cultures and features live music and dance performances as well as workshops, film screenings and more. Njacko Backo, a musician, composer, choreographer, author and educator who was born in Cameroon and makes Toronto his home, will lead a workshop to make maracas out of empty tin cans and other everyday materials. Afterwards, you can learn to play and sing some traditional African songs.
August 5-7. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. harbourfrontcentre.com
Electric Island
The August edition of this summer concert series features three stages of performers, including: John Digweed, Kasablanca, Maya Jane Coles, Yohei S, Alberto Jossue, Greg Gow, Spencer Dunning and many others. The shows start in the afternoon, so wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Aug 6, doors 3 pm. $75-$100. Ontario Place West Island, 955 Lake Shore West. electricisland.to
AlohaFest
This cultural celebration in North York seeks to educate folks about the Aloha spirit and Polynesian culture. There will be a marketplace, dance and musical performances, food and crafts.
August 6 from 11 am-7 pm. Free admission. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge. alohafesttoronto.com
Santana + Earth, Wind & Fire: Miraculous Supernatural Tour
Last month, Carlos Santana collapsed while performing at a concert near Detroit and subsequently postponed some of his shows. Later his management said it was just heat exhaustion and dehydration, so fans could breathe a sigh of relief. He’ll be joined by 70s multi-genre act Earth, Wind & Fire. The show seems to be sold out; at last look, resale tickets were available on Ticketmaster starting at $95.
August 7 at 7 pm. Prices vary. Budweiser Stage, 909 Lake Shore West. ticketmaster.ca
Taste of Vietnam
Live music, a fashion show, art exhibitions, kids’ activities, a parade and lots of great food. The organizers also seek to raise awareness about human trafficking and child exploitation.
August 5-6. Free admission. Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen West. tasteofvietnam.org
Dusk Dances
The city’s most beloved and well-attended outdoor dance series returns to Withrow Park after two pandemic years. Fly Lady Di hosts a program curated by Sofi Gudiño that includes some of the country’s best choreographers and dancers, including Tanveer Alam & Atri Nundy, Nickeshia Garrick, Lina Cruz and Shameka Blake.
August 7 to 14 at Withrow Park, south of Danforth between Logan and Carlaw. Pwyc-$15. duskdances.ca
Want even more events? Check out our Hot Summer Guide list of 50 things to do this summer.
