With a couple of very warm days and a wet and cool Sunday to end it off, this weekend is packed with activities to enjoy with family or friends in Toronto.
There’s always something to do in the city, from the circus to performances to musical events.
So whether you’re looking for somewhere to dance your heart out or an activity that won’t break the bank, here are some events to check out:
Friday, Aug. 14
Jazz Night at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
This monthly event gives the aquarium an extra layer of fun.
With live jazz performances featuring timeless classics, as well as cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks available to buy, underwater lovers can experience a whole new vibe in the already immersive environment. Attending allows guests to check out all the available exhibits, including this year’s latest Graffiti Reef.
Jazz Night offers a memorable experience unlike anything else in Toronto. Admission costs $41 plus tax for adults, and $25 plus tax for youth. Tickets sell quickly, so be sure to secure your spot before getting to the venue.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees
The Jays are beginning a new three-game home series against the New York Yankees on Friday, following their series win against the Boston Red Sox.
Although the Toronto team lost their fourth and final game to the Red Sox, getting blanked by the opposing team, the Toronto team has a five-game winning streak prior. With Friday’s game, the Jays hope to bring that momentum back.
In what is sure to be an electric game, be sure to grab tickets ahead of first pitch around 7:07 p.m.
The Great Gatsby musical
This timeless classic hits the stage, with a musical production of The Great Gatsby running at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.
The award-winning show is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth, and tragedy that brings the jazz era of the 1920’s to life on stage. Watch as complex characters sing their woes in this epic tale.
Tickets begin at $59 for mezzanine seats. Be sure to buy as soon as possible, as availability is limited.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Bring-your-own-dog Yoga
Spend your Saturday at the Sheraton Centre Toronto for a special dog-friendly yoga experience in our beautiful hidden waterfall garden.
Participants of all skill levels can enjoy 45-minutes of yoga exercises and stretches, as well as time to connect with fellow pet parents afterwards. Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh juice are also available, and yoga mats are provided.
Stretch, socialize, and start your weekend feeling refreshed. Tickets are $35.
Hip Hop Festival
The 5th annual is coming to Morningside Park on Saturday, bringing live music that celebrates MCing, DJing, B-girling/B-boying, Graffiti & Knowledge to the east end.
This one-day festival is a free community event, set to bring together Torontonians from all over to enjoy the DJ and beatboxing performances, raffles, and artisan items for sale.
Lucid Hours Dusk Till Dawn
From sunset to sunrise, hardcore partiers are able to attend an annual gathering for the entire music community.
Whether you like Dubstep, House, Trance, Techno, or Drum & Bass, all are welcome to come together and enjoy the sounds of both underground and mainstream artists and DJs.
Final tier tickets start at around $176.
Sunday, Aug. 16
Breathtaking Gardens at Casa Loma
This summer series brings together history, nature, and sound in a peaceful morning setting.
Each guided session features layered instrumentation and intentional frequencies designed to calm your mind and support the body’s natural flow.
This soothing event blends breathwork, meditation, and live music, offering a unique opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect—without ever leaving the city.
Tickets start around $64. This event doesn’t include admission to tour inside Casa Loma.
Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
Get out of Sunday’s forecasted rain and under Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top, where you’ll be transformed into a make-believe version of Mexico.
Guests will be treated to beautiful visuals and breathtaking acrobatic performances. The performance will guide you through different locations, people, and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico.
Tickets start at $91 on Sunday.
Faces Places at Christie Pits
Take a seat on the hill of Christie Pits Park and follow the journeys of French director and photographer Agnès Varda, and French photographer and street artist JR.
If the rain dies down, check out an annual summer tradition where you’ll experience the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show’s open-air cinema. The not-for-profit will be showing the 2017 documentary Faces Places, which follows the French duo as they travel through rural France in a makeshift photo booth and truck.
The movie dates by TOPS are free. The area fills up fast, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
