From lake views to sunset pier walks to relaxing park strolls, it’s hard to find a Toronto neighbourhood that screams summer more than the Waterfront.
Prepare your sunscreen, sandals and hats, because we have the ultimate list of what you can do to enjoy the warm weather outside in the neighbourhood this season, from live music to dancing to free movie nights.
Luminato Festival: Terceradix Luminarium
Location: Harbourfront Centre – South Lawn (235 Queens Quay W.)
Date: June 4 – June 22
Step into a world of dazzling lights and beautiful colours at this Luminato Festival’s walk-in art exhibition that features towering domes and winding pathways for guests to explore. This is a relaxing and energetic experience that allows attendees to walk through or sit down and watch as the sunlight changes the colours inside the sculpture. After 8 p.m. between June 19 and 22, the experience gets even more complete, as string musicians Daria Skibitskaya and Diane Kim lead a classical music performance that takes this exhibition to a whole new level.
For more information, click here.
Summer Music in the Garden
Location: Toronto Music Garden (479 Queens Quay W.)
Date: June 21 – August 28
Time: Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.
Enjoy intimate live music performances for free in one of the city’s favourite summer parks! The Toronto Music Garden will host 18 performances by beloved JUNO Award-winning local and international artists, including gospel musician Melissa Davis, flamenco star Mariana Collado and renowned violinist Mark Fewer.
Head to this link for a complete event schedule and more information.
Free Community Paint Nights
Location: Sugar Beach (11 Dockside Dr.) and Harbour Square Park (25 Queens Quay W.)
Date: June 25 and July 2 at Sugar Beach; July 9 and July 16 at Harbour Square Park
Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Relax and unwind from a long day at these free community paint nights classes. Attendees can create a beautiful 11×14” piece of art, guided by Paint Paradise, which will provide all needed materials free of charge. Registration opens two weeks prior to each session, so keep an eye out and don’t miss out on the chance to secure your spot!
For more information, click here.
South by Southeast International Festival (SXSE)
Location: 235 Queens Quay W.
Dates: June 27 – 29
This exciting three-day festival celebrates the best of Asian and Latin American cultures with a bold fusion of music, food, art, interactive activities and more. The event will feature live performances from both local and international artists, including Kpop performances, Latin music, Salsa lessons, and a Drag Show. The food scene will also include a yummy mix of these cuisines, with dozens of food stalls and trucks. Plus, attendees will also have the chance to learn through interactive workshops in martial arts, flower arranging, cooking, dance, and beyond.
For more information about this festival, head to this link.
Tall Ships Festival
Location: Sugar Beach (11 Dockside Dr.)
Dates: June 28 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.), June 29 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Celebrate summer by taking off to sea, as the Waterfront’s iconic tall ships will be open for a ride for one weekend! Attendees will have the chance to tour through the docks of Lettie G. Howard, Liberty Clipper, Pride of Baltimore II, and even go out for a ride in Canada’s tallest ship, the Empire Sandy. The festival will also have live entertainment on the George Brown Stage, yummy food vendors, and activations from the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, Live Green Toronto, and Moccasin Identifier.
Tickets start at $19.65, and are available here.
Dancing on the Square
Location: 235 Queens Quay W.
Dates: July 2 – August 27
Looking for an opportunity to show off your groovy dancing moves? Dancing on the Square is back at the Waterfront every Wednesday in July and August, featuring fun evenings of social dance and live music. From salsa to soca to samba, bring a friend and let rock your body to some amazing grooves.
Stay tuned here for more information.
Free Flicks
Location: Concert Stage (235 Queens Quay W.)
Dates: July 8 – August 26
There’s nothing like ending the perfect summer day with free popcorn and a movie night under the stars. And one of the city’s most beloved outdoor movie nights is back at the Waterfront for eight free film screenings every Tuesday all summer long! While there’s still no information about this year’s chosen films, word is one of them will include Guillermo del Toro’s Academy Award-winning The Shape of Water, which will be hitting the event in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival.
For more information, click here.
