Just because the kids are back in school doesn’t mean the weekend fun has to stop. After all, fall doesn’t technically start until Sept. 23!
READ: A-List Celebs You’ll Be Able To Spot At Every Theatre During TIFF 2019
The first weekend of September is an exciting one. Not only is the Toronto International Film Festival in full swing, but there are also a ton of other fun things to do around the city. From cultural festivals to outdoor movie screenings, you certainly won’t be bored this weekend.
Read on for all the fun, FREE things to do in Toronto this weekend.
1. Toronto Dragon Festival
Where: Nathan Phillips Square — 100 Queen St. W.When: Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Toronto Dragon Festival is back for a second year! Celebrate Chinese culture with authentic street food, Chinese folk handcrafts, and live performances (think drumming, acrobatics, and more!). The event is on all weekend, but the opening ceremony will be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the kids for this one, as there will be fun for the whole family!
2. TIFF’s Festival Street
Where: King St. W. (from Peter St. to University Ave.)When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (event times vary)
TIFF has officially kicked off in Toronto, and Festival Street is back for the opening weekend. Guests can mosey down King St. and enjoy free screenings, activations, and live performances. Screenings include “Whip It,” “An Education,” and “Bride & Prejudice,” while the live entertainment will feature Canadian talent like Sam Drysdale and Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine.
3. Flow With Us At RYU
Where: RYU Apparel, Sherway Gardens — 25 The West Mall, Unit 3055When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
This all-levels yoga class will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Trainer Becca Tran will lead the class in a series of flowing postures and movements to build strength and flexibility. All you need is to bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. This event is free, but there’s a $5 suggested donation that will go towards Right to Play.
4. Veg Food Fest 2019
Where: Harbourfront Centre — 235 Queens Quay W.When: Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Calling all veggie lovers! Veg Food Fest is back with over 160 vendors for guests to explore and taste test. There will also be plenty of educational workshops and presentations to inspire plant-based eating. From debunking plant-based myths to learning new recipes for Instant Pot dinners, this festival has a lot to see and do.
5. “Captain Marvel” Outdoor Movie Screening
Where: Downsview Park — 79 Carl Hall Rd. (Football Field)When: Friday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The kids might be too young for TIFF, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on free screenings! Downsview Park’s final movie screening of the summer is “Captain Marvel.” Bring a blanket and some popcorn for this fun night out. And don’t forget to show up early to reserve your spot on the football field!
6. Kanto Night Food Festival
Where: Market 707 — 707 Dundas St. W.When: Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Food festivals are one of the biggest highlights of summer, and thankfully there are some still happening in the city. Kanto is a street food festival offering authentic and traditional Filipino eats. This includes puso (hanging rice), BBQ skewers, fish balls, and more! DJ Mensa will also be spinning beats to keep guests entertained while they eat.
7. Cabbagetown Festival 2019
Where: Cabbagetown (Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard and Carlton Street from Ontario to Parliament)When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you’ve never had the chance to explore Cabbagetown, now’s your chance! The Cabbagetown Festival has it all: food, activities and entertainment. They even have an interactive zone for kids, which includes bouncy castles, a pirate ship, and drag queen story time! And, of course, guests are encouraged to browse the “Made in Canada” section, where local craftspeople show off their unique handmade goods.
8. Jazz Sundays
Where: Vista Eatery, Ontario Place — 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.When: Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts and head over to the waterfront patio at Ontario Place this weekend. There, emerging jazz musicians from across Ontario will take the stage. This Sunday, The DTK Trio from Mohawk College will perform with the piano, bass and drums. Jazz Sundays is on every week until the end of September.
9. Taste of the Kingsway
Where: Bloor St. W. (from Prince Edward Dr. to Montgomery Rd.)When: Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who doesn’t love good eats? Foodies will be delighted by the international cuisines featured at Taste of the Kingsway! This year, there will be over 100 vendors and exhibitors in attendance, as well as plenty of entertainment. Festival-goers can enjoy tribute bands, local dance school performances, and midway rides. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun!
10. Mental Health Pop-Up Market
Where: Hard Feelings — 848 Bloor St. W.When: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hard Feelings is a non-profit that provides low-cost mental health services and support. To celebrate their second birthday, they’re hosting a pop-up market featuring artists and vendors whose work intersects with mental health. The event is free, but bring some cash if you’re hoping to buy some goodies.
