Summer in the city is well and truly underway, and people are as curious as ever to explore Toronto’s every offering. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, intrigued by a theatre show you’ve never seen, or keen to immerse yourself in a culture unfamiliar to you, all of it is possible right here in the city.
Gather your friends, family and fellow adventurers and get stuck into anything from Bridge lessons, to an immersive masquerade tour of Toronto Botanical Gardens, or an outdoor fair featuring the works of hundreds of budding artists.
Keep reading to find out more about exciting events happening across the city in July.
Festivals
BLOOM: A Cirque Garden Masquerade
Don’t miss this spectacular immersive circus performance at Toronto Botanical Gardens!
This captivating show features graceful aerial performances by Toronto’s best aerial artists and is suitable for all ages.
Running from July 5 to 7 this unique production allows guests to admire the natural beauty of the gardens and the unmatched skill and grace of circus actors.
General admission tickets are $45, members and volunteers tickets are $40, and child and student tickets,16 years of age and under, cost $25.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Afrofest
Celebrate the vibrancy and variety of African music and culture at Toronto’s 2024 Afrofest.
Afrofest takes place from July 5 to 12 and is free to attend.
The three-day celebration showcases a vast range of international artists and creatives and promotes the endless cultures, sounds and tastes of Africa.
This year marks the festival’s 36th annual celebration at Woodbine Park.
It will feature over 45 performances across multiple stages, more than 90 vendors, a children’s creative village, a block party, fashion show and more!
Afrofest takes place on Friday July 5, from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m, Saturday July 6, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday July 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For information, click here.
Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival and REEL Scavenger Hunt
Watch movies under the stars at this year’s Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival in Toronto’s Distillery District!
From June 27 to July 21 the historic neighbourhood’s iconic streets will transform into a dreamy open air cinema equipped with cozy couches and a giant outdoor screen.
But there’s more. Enjoy special guest appearances, take an A-list stroll along the red carpet, and dig into delicious food and drink experiences.
Tickets range from $18 – $35, grab them here.
A 1920s themed scavenger hunt featuring film trivia, riddles, and other challenges will also take place from July 6 to 20 in the Distillery District.
Bring a team of film buffs and explore The Distillery District as you discover historic relics, unravel clues and answer trivia, all while you complete a series of photo and video challenges.
At least one player per team must bring a fully charged phone with the scavenger hunt app downloaded to take part in the REEL Scavenger Hunt.
Tickets cost $40 plus tax per person and must be booked in advance.
For more information and to buy tickets here.
AlohaFest
AlohaFest is Toronto’s one-of-a-kind celebration of Polynesian Culture!
The free, annual event takes place on July 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Mel Lastman Square and invites everyone to share in the joy of Polynesian tradition.
Admire the beauty of Polynesian dance, savour in Pacific-style cuisine, support local vendors and learn about the Aloha spirit!
For more about AlohaFest, click here.
BIG on Bloor Festival of Arts and Culture
BIG on Bloor Festival returns on July 20 and 21 for its 17th year with a pedestrian-friendly, community-first takeover of Bloordale.
The two day arts and culture festival will feature murals, window displays, art installations, concerts from local artists and an opportunity to create a community tapestry.
There will be calm down zones for visitors looking to step away from overwhelming crowds, as well as environmental installations with a focus on community building and preservation.
BIG on Bloor is free and open to all on Saturday, July 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., and Sunday, July 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Stage
A Streetcar Named Desire
This award-winning take on a classic play by the legendary Tennessee Williams has returned to Soulpepper Theatre.
A Streetcar Named Desire follows a troubled yet flirtatious Blanche as her world shatters and she calls upon her sister for comfort, but Blanche’s struggles and alluring charm soon force her and those in her presence to confront an unwelcome reality.
Tennessee Williams’s perennial work is a masterful exploration of what it means to never quite belong in a world where we simply wish to fit in.
Performances run until July 17 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane.
Regular tickets start at $65 and can be purchased here.
Hamlet by Canadian Stage High Park
Get lost in the inimitable world of this Shakespearean masterpiece in the heart of High Park, courtesy of Canadian Stage.
Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, finds himself entangled in an unruly political landscape and plagued by the inner workings of his psyche. This canonized play follows the tormented young royal as he tussles with existential dread, the prospect of death, and the draw of revenge.
Most seating is on the grass, audience members are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows, lawn chairs are available to rent.
Ticket holders are welcome to pack picnics, order takeout from their favourite restaurant or to purchase food on site.
Hamlet runs from July 21 – Sep 1 at High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor Street West
Regular adult tickets start at $32, Tickets for children aged 16 and under are $19, to purchase them, click here.
Culture
Learn Bridge in a Day?
Ever wanted to learn how to play bridge, but were unsure of where to begin? Well there’s an interactive course coming to Toronto that will teach you the basics of the game in one day.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to bridge, returning after some time away, or are just curious. Learn Bridge In a Day? is tailored to people looking to have some fun, play some cards, and meet new people.
This course takes place in Toronto on July 20, between 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – North Building.
The fee is $33.75 when you pre-register online or $40 at the door. Register here.
Art
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is set to make an epic return to Nathan Phillips Square from July 12 to 14.
This year, the fair will feature over 350 independent artists, including curated collections, art tours, a kids zone where children can create self portraits, live painting workshops, dance, music and plenty of food and drink!
The fair will take place on Friday, July 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event is free to attend, for more information, click here.
Music
The Soundgarden
The Soundgarden is making its highly anticipated return to Toronto after its sold out 2023 event!
On July 6 this epic day-to-night party will take over Evergreen Brick Works and will feature the likes of Nick Warren, Patrice Bäumel, Fur Coat and Mai Lawson.
The Soundgarden is a 19+ event, valid government issued photo I.D. is required for entry.
General admission tickets cost $73, for information, click here.
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
