August might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to. The hype over this year’s CNE offerings continues this weekend, and there’ll be a few food festivals happening too.
READ: 5 New CNE Foods That Are So Bizarre They Just Might Work
But those who’d rather enjoy some free events in the City of Toronto need look no further than the list below. From a Bicycle Music Festival to a Stationary Show, here are 10 fun, FREE things to do in Toronto this weekend.
1. Korean Harvest Festival
Where: Mel Lastman Square — 5100 Yonge St.When: Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This community heritage event celebrates Hangawi (a.k.a. Korean Thanksgiving). The Harvest Festival will feature traditional Korean food, dancing and music, as well as local performances. Plus, you won’t want to miss the K-pop dance cover competition or the Hanbok masked singer competition!
2. Toronto Bicycle Music Festival
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park — 790 Queen St. W.When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This is the 10th and final year of the Toronto Bicycle Music Festival. The event kicks off with a musical performance in Bell Manor Park, followed by a group bike ride to Trinity Bellwoods Park. There, festival-goers will be treated to performances by Dream Soda, Abigail Lapell, and Communism. This is a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the kids!
3. Blood Before Dawn - Fear Is Free Fridays
Photo courtesy of the Kingsway Theatre
Where: Kingsway Theatre — 3030 Bloor St. W., EtobicokeWhen: Friday from 8:45 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Unwind this Friday night with a good horror flick and some booze. The Kingsway Theatre will be hosting a free screening of “Blood Rage” (1987) and “Just Before Dawn” (1981) back to back. The bonus is that the theatre is also a fully licensed bar, which means you can get your drink on while watching the big screen!
4. Kensington Market Art Fair
Where: Kensington Market — 77 Nassau St.When: Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Every Pedestrian Sunday, Kensington Market hosts a curated outdoor art fair featuring the work of professionals and students. While you’re out exploring the neighbourhood, be sure to stop by and check out some original two- and three-dimensional artwork!
5. TAIWANfest 2019
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay W.When: Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This festival celebrates Taiwanese arts and culture, but this year, the spotlight is on “Riding the Waves with Vietnam.” Foodies will love participating in a special cooking class with visiting chefs from Taiwan and Vietnam. There will also be live performances by Taiwanese rock bands and Ju Percussion Group, as well as documentary screenings and a fashion exhibit.
6. CF Summer Fit Series - Saturday Yoga
Where: CF Shops at Don Mills — 1090 Don Mills Rd.When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Rise and shine and head outdoors for one hour of yoga at Don Mills’ town square. All you need to do is bring a mat and water bottle. Attendees will receive coupons for brunch at Biermarket, as well as complimentary water and apples. Just make sure you sign up to reserve your spot.
7. Toronto Stationery Show
Where: The Great Hall — 1087 Queen St. W.When: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stationary nerds, rejoice! The first-ever Stationery Show will take place this Sunday with 40 local vendors. A sneak peek at their Instagram page proves there will be lots of goodies to be had. Plus, the first 50 people to attend will receive a swag bag!
8. 8 80 Streets Danforth
Where: Danforth Ave. from Woodbine Ave. to Woodmount Ave.When: Friday at 5 p.m. to late and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This weekend, a strip of Danforth Ave. will be transformed into a people-friendly space. The area will have expanded space for pedestrians, separated bike lanes, and benches for seating. Guests can look forward to live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, public art, and more.
9. Christie Pits Film Festival Closing Night
Where: Christie Pits — 750 Bloor St. W.When: Sunday at sundown (roughly 8:30 p.m.)
Another year of the Christie Pits Film Festival is coming to an end this Sunday. Celebrate the season by heading to their closing night event: a 20th-anniversary screening of “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
10. Community Sundays at the MOCA
Where: MOCA — 158 Sterling Rd.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto is free one Sunday each month thanks to TD Bank Group. If you’ve never been, now’s your chance to check out their many exhibits. You can also browse handmade goods from the Honest Shop or get interactive with Andreas Angelidakis’ DEMOS project, which allows guests to climb and rearrange its modules.
BONUS: Kids Rock Carnival
Where: The MCBC — 5220 Creekbank Rd., MississaugaWhen: Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
If you have nothing to do on Saturday morning, consider taking the kids to this community fair. There will be a BBQ, face painting, outdoor games, and even a bouncy castle! The event will be held rain or shine, so get ready for some fun.
