What to know
- Toronto has dozens of events happening during the Civic Holiday long weekend, with options beyond Caribana and VELD.
- The roundup features workshops, live performances, nightlife, wellness experiences and family-friendly activities across the city.
- Ticket prices range from $10 to $120 depending on the event, with many requiring advance registration.
- Most events run between July 31 and Aug. 3, offering something to do every day of the long weekend.
Caribana and VELD may be grabbing all the attention, but they’re just two of many events happening across the city this long-weekend.
For weekend-long events, check out Caribana, North America’s Largest Caribbean Carnival, for dancing, soca and more fun. VELD is also there for all your raving-needs, bringing the party day-and-night.
But that’s not all the city has in stock. Now Toronto has compiled a list of nine things to brighten up your long-weekend this July 30-Aug. 3. Here’s what you need to know.
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FRIDAY
Couple Workshop: Sip & Carve Matching Bands
- Location: 263 Eglinton Ave W., Second Floor
Bring home matching rings from your next date night. If you and your partner are all for matching, carve matching rings while sipping on wine. In this couple workshop, you’ll get the chance to design and carve your own matching bands from scratch. But don’t worry, if you’re not very good at crafts, there’s a professional goldsmith and gemologist there to guide you step-by-step to the wax carving process. Included in this workshop are the materials and tools, guidance, refreshments and sweets. The experience runs from 6-9 p.m. costs $120 plus fees for two on Eventbrite, but if you’d like to go a step further, you can have your creations professionally cast in sterling silver or gold for an additional cost.
Bloom: Yin Yoga, Breathwork, Soundbath & Reiki
- Location: 390 Dupont St, Suite 201
With a weekend-packed with festivals, it’s nice to sometimes just take a break. So, the Grateful Den is offering an evening of restorative movement, breathwork, sound bath and reiki. Reset your body and nervous system and bloom into your own “being.” You’ll get to release the weight you’ve been carrying and reconnect with parts of yourself you may have lost in the pace of everyday life. The workshop will begin with an opening circle setting intentions and grounding together, breathwork and vocal activation, restorative movement, sound bath and reiki, and will end with closing the circle. Snacks and drinks are allowed, except perishable items. Shoes off. The experience runs from 7-8:30 p.m. and costs $35 plus fees on Eventbrite.
90s Drag vs. Cabaret
- Location: 627 Danforth Ave
Watch the Queens rock the dance floor in a 90s Drag vs. Cabaret performance. The event features a battle between the drag queens and cabaret dancers of Cake Cabaret, who face off in talent showdowns – in a 90s style. Check out who takes home the crown. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m., and expected to end near 10 p.m. The event is 19+ and costs $32 on Eventbrite.
SATURDAY
Coffee Cupping
- Location: 130 North Queen St
If you’re in need of a coffee fix, check out De Mello Coffee Roasters’ coffee cupping: an engaging sensory experience designed to evaluate intricate flavours and aromas of various coffee beans. Evaluate elements like acidity, body, sweetness, flavour and aftertaste. Sip, slurp and explore the world of specialty coffee on Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and costs $10 plus fees on Eventbrite.
Urban Farm Bee Hive Tour
- Location: 160 Downsview Park Blvd
If you love honey, and wonder how the delicious taste comes to life, take a tour of an urban farm bee hive. For $30, or $17 for kids 12 and under, watch a beekeeping demo and have a hands-on experience with the hive. Feel free to post on your Instagram feed from the picturesque bee yard, and taste some fresh honey. The event runs from 1-2:30 p.m., get your ticket on Eventbrite.
VELD’s Official Afterparty
- Location: 66 Gerrard St E.
If VELD hasn’t tired you out, go party it up at VERTIGO, hosting VELD’s official afterparty. From EDM to other hits, the party’s far from over. The late-night club will be open from 11:59 p.m.-7 a.m., with secret guests. So rave it up for $40 all-in on Eventbrite.
SUNDAY
Painting by The Lake
- Location: 2001 Lake Shore Boulevard W.
If an afternoon painting by the lake sounds peaceful to you, come check out the event. From 1-3 p.m., celebrate summer by a guided step-by-step painting of a vibrant citrus slice on a round canvas. This relaxing outdoor acrylic painting session will be taking place by the lake at Sunnyside Park. All skill levels are welcome, and all materials are provided. The event costs $40 plus fees on Eventbrite.
Cold Process Soap Workshop
- Location: 46 Annette St
If people ever love your scent and ask what it is, you can tell them it’s your own custom-made soap you’ve made at the Big Beer Soap Company. The workshop covers the chemistry behind soap making, explaining the benefits of different oils, butters and how to use a soap calculator, so you might be able to make them from home post-workshop. Customize your vegan batch with scent, dried botanicals and natural additives, and take home 5 bars and recipes. The experience runs from 1-3:30 p.m. and costs $80 plus fees and tax on Eventbrite.
Sunset Disco
- Location: 314 Queen St W.
Take advantage of the long weekend and party it up on Sunday, no hangover for work on Monday (as it’s a civic holiday). Enjoy a day party of feel-good music, cocktails and dancing. Running from 4-10 p.m., dance under the open sky with timeless disco vibes and catch the sunset before the night continues with Boogie Night indoors. The event costs $20 plus fees and tax on Eventbrite.
MONDAY
Creative Stretch Bracelet Workshop
- Location: 790 Queen St W.
Design and chill in Trinity bellwoods with a custom jewelry workshop. The hands-on experience offers a curated selection of natural and semi-precious materials, including wooden beads, lava stones, semi-precious gemstones, and distinctive spacer beads. At the same time, learn how to combine textures, colours and meanings to create a piece that reflects your personal style. Leave with your bracelet, a gemstone meaning card and new skills. The event runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12-1 p.m. for $39.95 on Eventbrite. Additional bracelets cost $25 each.
Dancing Performances of Iconic Movies
- Location: 35 Fairview Mall Dr
Visit The Toronto Public Library’s Fairview branch for the Lemonade Punch Showcase, filled with dancers performing movies and classics. Dances from the movies Twilight, Mean Girls and Step Up will be featured, mixed with KPOP classics from BTS, Girls Generation and Seventeen. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m., with an anticipated 9 p.m. ending. Come dressed in your coziest PJs, and the event costs $20 each, or $50 for three people on Eventbrite.
Olivia Dean BIG Tribute Show
- Location: 783 College St
Olivia Dean will be in Toronto on Aug. 4 and 5, but if her concert’s outside of your price range, or you’re a die hard fan who can’t get enough of her music, check out her tribute show. Expect a full live band, flowers, and all the soft, love-filled energy of Dean’s songs. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting an hour later, at The Revival Toronto. Tickets cost $29 plus fees and tax on Eventbrite, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to War Child UK.
While Caribana and VELD are expected to attract the biggest crowds this Civic Holiday weekend, Toronto’s smaller workshops, community events and live performances offer plenty of alternatives for those looking to discover something new or escape the festival rush.
