The sun is shining, the work week is over, and Toronto has no shortage of fun things to do in the city this weekend.
From an exhibition filled with special gems to a dance party celebrating 15 years of One Direction, here are some events happening in Toronto this weekend.
Friday July 25
Gem Expo
Visit the country’s premier bead and jewelry show for a weekend of exploring special gems and connecting with other enthusiasts, vendors and artisans.
Get ready to see some of the most mesmerizing pieces, from ethically-sourced crystals to rare minerals and handcrafted jewelry, including emeralds, sapphires, and moonstones, from all across the world! Some of the vendors will also be bringing in some healing crystals that can make a positive change in your life, by aligning your chakras and improving your well-being. The event is also in support of a good cause, featuring a silent auction to support after BREAST CANCER. The Meta Expo will also take place at the same time, featuring Psychics, Tarot & Palm Readers, Astrology, Energy Healers and metaphysical products.
The Gem Expo and The Meta Expo will take place at the Hyatt Regency Toronto on July 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., July 26 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and July 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under, and there’s a $2 discount available for those buying tickets at the door! Grab your tickets now here.
Wet Hot Canadian Summer
Head to Cake Cabaret for a sexy show celebrating all things Canadian summertime.
The latest show from the company, Wet Hot Canadian Summer promises to be a night of burlesque, dance, and theatrics. Organizers call the show ultra sexy and very camp.
The event is 19+, starting with cocktail hour at 7 p.m., and the show beginning at 8 p.m.
Attendees are invited to bring their friends, order some cake, and wear their sexiest denim-on-denim Canadian tuxedo.
You can find tickets here.
Portland Square Opening
Calling all foodies, a new multi-level dining destination is opening downtown this weekend. Portland Square, located at King and Portland streets, will have its grand opening on Saturday, July 26. The space incorporates four different concepts into a location that covers all the bases.
Located on the fourth floor and rooftop, Primadonna is described as a refreshed, kitschy space that playfully nods to Italian mobster legends and the bold, glamorous world of mob wives and includes a menu full of hearty, comforting dishes rooted in Italian American tradition. Honey Chinese takes over the third floor, with moody energy that takes inspiration from the golden age of 1960s Asian cinema. The menu is inspired by the nostalgic charm of Canadian-Chinese restaurants many of us grew up with.
On the second floor, the Portland Room is a versatile and stylish event space, designed to host everything from private dinners to special celebrations. Meanwhile, Rodeo Drive, a lively country sports bar featuring Western accents, is set to open on the main floor this fall.
With beautiful, Insta-worthy interiors, nostalgic menus, and rooftop views for days, the new space promises to be a beautiful addition to the popular neighbourhood.
Find out more about Portland Square here.
Saturday July 26
One Love Cruise Edition
Enjoy an afternoon of dancehall and reggae with beautiful views of the city at One Love Cruise Edition.
The party features a big lineup of DJs, including Black Reaction, Whitegold, and T-Smoove. The party will span all three levels of the ship, with tables available on a first come first serve basis.
Tickets include a meal of rice, chicken, potato salad and garden salad.
The event is 19+, with ID necessary.
The cruise will be leaving from 11 Polson St. Boarding begins at 12 p.m. with the cruise departing at 1 p.m. and returning at 5 p.m.
Tickets are available here.
One Direction 15th Anniversary Dance Party
Go crazy, crazy, crazy ‘til you see the sun at a special dance party celebrating 15 years since the founding of British boy band One Direction.
DJs Superficial and Call Me Maybe are sure to keep true Directioners dancing to hits from the band, and its members’ solo careers all night.
The party is going down at Supermarket Bar and Variety from 10:30 p.m. until 3 a.m. Find tickets here.
AlohaFest
AlohaFest is taking over Mel Lastman Square on Saturday from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. for a day filled with the goal of educating the Greater Toronto community about the Aloha spirit.
Going ahead rain or shine, the free festival will unite several hula schools and other Polynesian-inspired organizations and businesses to showcase Polynesian culture, art and dance.
You can find the full event performance lineup here.
Ossington Fest
Ossington Fest is returning to the city this weekend for its seventh edition.
Spanning the stretch of Ossington Ave from Dundas St W to Queen St W, OssFest is back on Saturday, July 26th from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The festival is both family-friendly and dog-friendly, featuring health and wellness activations, local businesses including food vendors, artisans and more. Plus, more than 25 extended patios will feature music and entertainment programming throughout the duration of the event.
Find out more about what to expect at this year’s festival here.
Sunday July 27
The Weeknd After Hours til Dawn
Scarborough’s own The Weeknd is in the city this weekend for the Toronto stop of his After Hours Til Dawn tour.
Supported by fellow entertainers Kaytranada and Mike Dean, The Weeknd will take over the Rogers Centre, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
The Toronto artist is also partnering with Global Citizen, an advocacy platform looking to end extreme poverty worldwide, with $1 from every ticket sold going to the platform.
Tickets are available here.
A Beyoncé & The Bee Movie Drag Brunch
Beyhive (and bee hive?), here’s an event with a theme you’ve probably never heard of. On Sunday morning, a drag brunch featuring performances inspired by Beyoncé and The Bee Movie will be taking over the Signatures Restaurant located in The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel starting at 12 p.m.
Filled with music, laughter and fun, the brunch will feature performances from queens like Sucka, Destiny and Angëll Dubois, giving guests an experience that can be described as a fusion of fantasy and pop culture.
Tickets for this all-ages event are $15 per person, with a $35 prix-fixe menu that includes a brunch entree, pastry basket, and drip coffee/tea!
Find tickets here.
Indigenous Sounds Now
An event highlighting the talent from Indigenous artists and voices from the Anishinaabe, Mohawk and Cree Nations is coming to Trillium Park on Sunday.
Indigenous Sounds Now, part of the SummerSeries in Trillium Park, features a fusion of Indigenous culture with pop, blues, roots, and rock.
Hosted by journalist Donna Sound, the lineup features artists MR. SAUGA, Zeegwon Shilling, Lacey Hill, Murray Porter and Adrian Sutherland.
The event is free to attend, and all ages are welcome. Find out more here.
