It's the first weekend in August and that means two things to Torontonians: Caribana weekend and a long weekend!
But there's more than just those two events going on in the city this weekend. From August 2 to 5, the city will also hold countless free and paid events including OVO Fest, VELD and the Rogers Cup.
READ: Toronto Road Closures To Steer Clear Of This Weekend (Aug. 2-5)
Read on to discover some of the free and fun events also happening in the 6ix this weekend:
1. 2019 Toronto International Youth Dance Festival
Where: Nathan Philips SquareWhen: Friday, Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Back for its sixth year, the Toronto International Youth Dance Festival will take place in front of City Hall this time around. The annual festival has hosted more than 600 international and local youth performers over the years. It's a spectacular show of skill and talent, all set in the heart of the city.
2. Island Soul
Where: Harbourfront CentreWhen: Friday, Aug. 2 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 3-4) from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday, Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Celebrate the rich legacy of Caribbean music at Toronto's waterfront with four days filled with musical and dance performances, carnival crafts and ethnic eats.
3. Party 4 Paws: Pet Fair & Adoption Day
Where: Trinity BellwoodsWhen: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This FREE, family-friendly event could change your life. Meet your new best friend, support a great cause and pick up anything and everything you could ever need for your furry friend. In addition to getting cuddle time with the pups, this event also offers opportunities to learn more about the neighbourhood, including some of its great food vendors.
4. Community Weekend at Rogers Cup
Where: Aviva Centre - York University 1 Shoreham Dr.When: Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4 (see the schedule for event times)
Don't have tickets to the matches? You can still support your favourite tennis stars at this FREE Rogers Cup event. On Saturday and Sunday, families are invited to York University's Aviva Centre to take part in mini-matches, meet and greets, challenges and performances.
5. The Distillery District Summer Music Series
Where: Distillery DistrictWhen: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Take a break from shopping and dining in The Distillery District and just enjoy the sounds of the GTA's best buskers. Every weekend until September 1, live acts will fill the square with delightful performances that are sure to put a smile on your face.
6. Yoga At Trillium Park
Where: Trillium Park at Ontario PlaceWhen: Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Enjoy FREE outdoor yoga sessions with NULOVE's Alexandria Santaguide. These classes are open to all ages and all skill levels. Simply bring a water bottle, a yoga mat and an open mind.
7. Arts In The Parks
Where: The BentwayWhen: Sunday, Aug. 4 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Discover new monuments for new cities at this special exhibition put on by members of The High Line Network. The exhibit will showcase the works of 25 artists from Toronto and three other cities in the U.S.
8. Taste Of India
Where: Nathan Philip SquareWhen: Sunday, Aug. 4 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy song and dance performances, food vendors and so much more at the largest Indian Food Festival in North America. This year's event includes over 50 food vendors representing various regions in India.
9. ROM Walks - Historic Danforth
Where: North West Corner of Danforth and Cambridge Ave.When: Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about one of the city's most beloved neighbourhoods on this FREE walk with The ROM. No need to register in advance. Simply find and join the tour at the northwest corner of Danforth and Cambridge avenues promptly at 2 p.m. The walk will go on, rain or shine.
10. Simcoe Day At Fort York National Historic Site
Where: Fort YorkWhen: Monday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Simcoe Day (The Civic Holiday) at Fort York. The historic site is offering free admission in honour of the first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, and founder of Fort York, John Graves Simcoe. Walk the historic grounds and learn all about the site and the people who lived and worked there.
Bonus
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Where: Woodbine ParkWhen: Friday, Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday and Monday (Aug. 4-5) from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is free for this epic food festival. All weekend long the festival will cater to a variety of different pallets and diets including vegan, halal and gluten-free. Don't forget to bring cash for food and drink samples!
CanJam
Where: Lakeside Park - 2268 Lakeshore Rd. W.When: Friday, Aug. 3 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Trying to avoid the crowds at Caribana? Head over to Mississauga for CANJAM, a family-friendly showcase of Canadian Jamaican artists and performers.
Mississauga Latin Festival
Where: Mississauga Celebration SquareWhen: Friday, Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 4 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're in the Mississauga area, swing by Celebration Square for a fun weekend supporting and promoting Latin culture. This year's festival will include delicious dishes, extravagant art, and plenty of performances to keep you and the kids entertained.
