The August long weekend is here, Toronto, and there is no shortage of things to keep you entertained in the city.
From the Caribana Grand Parade to a weekend-long food truck festival, here are some events to check out.
Friday August 1
Emancipation Day at the Distillery District
Celebrate Emancipation Day with an event filled with music, dance, art, and community joy at the Distillery District on Friday.
Presented by Emancipation Arts, FREEUP! Emancipation Day 2025 is described as a vibrant, in-person celebration of freedom, slated to take over the area from 12-4 p.m. with live performances, face painting, live painting, and dance sessions.
Attendees can look forward to performances from artists like The Recipee Band, Charmie Deller, DJ MelBoogie and more.
Veld Music Festival
The 11th edition of Veld Music Festival is taking over Downsview Park this weekend for a three-day event with dozens of internationally acclaimed electronic music artists.
The three-day affair features a lineup of over 50 different superstars, including DeadMau5, Alesso and Tiësto. Doors to the festival open at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Veld is a cashless event, with credit and debit cards accepted on site, with organizers saying attendees should ensure tap is enabled on their cards.
Find out more information about the festival and purchase tickets here.
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Try out a new treat at the Toronto Food Truck Festival at Woodbine Park this weekend.
This free festival has something for everyone, with various delicacies from dozens of different vendors, including vegetarian, Halal and gluten free options, as well as live entertainment, eating competitions, and activities for kids.
Admission to the festival is free, with the event running from 5-10 p.m. on Aug. 1, 12-10 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3, and 12-8 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Find out more here.
Saturday August 2
Caribana Grand Parade
Free up yourself! After months of preparation and mas camps galore, Caribana weekend is upon us, and the iconic Grand Parade is scheduled for 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. this Saturday.
Masqueraders will begin their procession at Exhibition Place, making their way westbound along Lake Shore Blvd W before looping around at Jameson Ave and going eastbound on Lake Shore Blvd W back to Exhibition Place.
Most of the parade is free to watch along Lakeshore, but there is an admission fee for some events. You can find tickets to those events here.
Find out more about the parade here.
Taste of India Festival
The Taste of India Festival will be held in Nathan Phillips Square on Aug. 2 and 3 from 12-10 p.m. for a free celebration of Indian culture.
Attendees can look forward to performances from hundreds of artists, with everything from Bollywood dancing to fashion shows set to take over the stage for a cultural celebration you don’t want to miss.
Henna booths will be set up around the festival, while vendors will be selling handmade goods, and a kid’s fun zone will be set up to keep the little ones entertained.
Plus, enjoy the ultimate Indian street food experience, with more than 100 different eateries on site, serving up spicy chaats, dosas, kebabs, biryanis and more.
Sunday August 3
Festival de l’Éclat
This weekend, the Harbourfront is hosting a celebration of the rich musical traditions of Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique and other parts of the Francophone Caribbean.
The event brings together live music, local and international artists, creole cuisine, dance troupes and cultural exhibitions. Running from 12-11 p.m., those who attend can look forward to a day of rhythm, community love and soul.
There are live performances and activations scheduled throughout the day, including a fire show and craft activities for the kids.
The majority of the programming is happening at the Harbourfront Centre Stage in the Park and the Centre Stage. Kids’ activations will take place in the HarbourKids Zone Tent.
Admission to most parts of the festival is free, while there is a $5 cover fee for the Island Vibes Day & Night Party at The Galley, running from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Find out more about the festival here.
Fireworks at Wonderland
Head to Canada’s Wonderland on Sunday for a spectacular fireworks show to mark the August civic holiday.
Those who are feeling a little bougie should check out the VIP Firework Experience, which gives attendees two drinks and unlimited appetizers and sweet treats on a patio.
The show is set to start at 10 p.m. and lasts about 15 minutes.
Find out more here.
Monday August 4
Carnival Lime Caribana Day Party
Wind down after a weekend of whining, bubbling, and enjoying the good vibes that accompany carnival season in Toronto at a day party on Monday afternoon.
DJ Brainboy will be on deck, spinning soca, dancehall, calypso, reggae, hip-hop and afrobeats all afternoon. The music will be bumping, the sun is expected to be shining, and organizers promise an event that’s all about good people, island flavor, and non-stop movement.
The party will be at IDK Social from 4-9 p.m.
Find tickets here.
Fujii Kaze at Danforth Music Hall
Fujii Kaze will be taking over the stage at Danforth Music Hall for the Toronto stop of his ongoing tour on Monday night.
The popular Japanese singer, songwriter and piano player is bringing good vibes to the city, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
You can find tickets here.
For a list of events, check out our events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
