There’s always something happening in Toronto, and this weekend is no exception. Not only does the 2019 Honda Indy officially kick off on Friday, but the city has a ton of markets, festivals, and fairs in store for Saturday and Sunday, too.
READ: TTC Subway Closures: Lines 1 And 2 To Be Affected (July 13-14)
Parents will especially appreciate these outdoor events, which will keep kids busy with crafts, face painting, and so much more!
Read on for all the fun (FREE!) things to do in Toronto this weekend.
1. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2019
Where: Nathan Phillips Square — 100 Queen St. W.When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Art lovers unite! Now in its 58th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is back with over 360 artists and makers specializing in various mediums. This includes photography, painting, mixed media, ceramics and more. The event will feature art installations and creative talks, as well as a beer garden and food trucks.
2. Bloor West Street Fest
Where: Bloor West Village — 2346 Bloor St. W.When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Take a stroll through Bloor West Village for some family fun this weekend. Their annual street fest includes a ton of activities for kids, including carnival rides, buskers and magicians, a rock climbing wall and face painting. There will also be live entertainment, an artisan market and, of course, plenty of food vendors!
3. Retrofit Pilates in the Park
Where: Rennie Park — 1 Rennie TerraceWhen: Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the outdoors and get your sweat on at this free workout class hosted by Retrofit Pilates. All you need to do is bring a mat, water, and sunscreen, and maybe a friend too! This all-levels class welcomes everyone.
4. Sunday Social
Where: The Bentway (Strachan Gate) — 250 Fort York Blvd.When: Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Grabs some friends and head to The Bentway for some cold brews and good tunes. This event is hosted every Sunday throughout the summer, but this weekend it will feature performances by Dijah SB and TRP.P.
5. Ontario Vintage Market
Where: Evergreen Brick Works — 550 Bayview Ave.When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This seasonal Sunday Artisan Market is perfect for those who are always on the hunt for vintage goods. Shoppers can expect one-of-a-kind vintage and antique products ranging from decor to furniture to housewares.
6. Family Sunday: Self-Care Rituals
Where: Gardiner Museum — 111 Queen's ParkWhen: Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about self-care. At this hands-on workshop, artist Igho Diana of Hair We Are will teach kids how to make their own all-natural body butter and hair care products.
7. Festival of India 2019
Where: Centre IslandWhen: Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This two-day festival celebrates South Asian culture in a big way. Festivities begin with a parade on Saturday at 11 a.m., starting at Yonge and Asquith and ending at Queens Quay and Freeland St. The celebration then continues all weekend long on Centre Island, where guests can enjoy a free vegetarian feast, an arts and culture showcase, live entertainment, and a South Asian Bazaar (marketplace).
8. TD Festival of South Asia
Where: Little IndiaWhen: Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
If you can’t make it to Centre Island, Little India is also hosting a South Asian festival. It includes everything you’d expect from a cultural fest: Indian and world cuisines, live performances, art galleries, South Asian fashion, and henna salons. There will also be plenty of kids’ activities to keep young ones entertained, including face painting and crafts.
9. Parkdale Flea: Summer Market
Where: Northern Contemporary Gallery — 1605 Queen St. W.When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parkdale Flea and Toronto Designers Market have rounded up over 80 local vendors and artisans to bring Torontonians a special shopping experience. Guests can expect to find unique products (including vintage and antique!), and enjoy product samples.
And for those who can’t get enough of summer markets, The Eco Lifestyle Market is also on this weekend in the west end. It will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Great Hall.
10. Natural Wellness Workshop: Intro To Essential Oil Basics
Where: 482 Queens Quay W.When: Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Take your personal well-being into your own hands by attending this free workshop. Here, guests will learn how essential oils can promote wellness on a day-to-day basis. As a bonus, light refreshments will also be served.
BONUS: Night It Up! 2019
Where: Markham Civic Centre — 101 Town Centre Blvd.When: Friday from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you don’t mind travelling a bit outside of Toronto, then definitely check out Night It Up! It’s the GTA’s longest-running night market that puts Asian street food at the front and centre. The event will also have game booths, art takeovers, an inflatable obstacle course, and live performances. Toronto's very own Simu Liu, of “Kim’s Convenience,” is also expected to be there!
