Free is always fun! Especially in Toronto on Canada Day long weekend. So we've put together a list of 10 free Toronto events and things to do this weekend.
This long weekend there are many free things (AND FREE BEER) to choose from to celebrate Canada's heritage. (And there are so many places for you to watch fireworks, that we've created a separate list just for that. Take a look over here.)
Whether it's rallying for the rights of families at the U.S. Consulate or watching free Canadian Film Greats at TIFF, there are many great (and delicious) ways to join in on Canada's celebration.
And to make sure you get from free point-A to free point-B, you should also check out our list of road closures this weekend. That's right here.
1. Dancing In The Park At Aga Khan Park
Where: Agha Kan ParkWhen: Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Aga Khan Museum kicks off its second annual Dancing in the Park series with a free outdoor concert. The event takes place in the Aga Khan Park adjacent to the Museum and will include various food offerings. With the Museum’s extended hours until 9 p.m., guests are also invited to explore the galleries, with admission by contribution.
2. Toronto Ribfest
Where: Centennial ParkWhen: Friday to Monday
Since 1999, Toronto Ribfest has been delivering family entertainment to Toronto with the most delicious Canada Day weekend party around. Between the live entertainment, exciting midway and Kids Zone — and of course, the mouth-watering food —everyone has fun and no one leaves hungry.
(Photo courtesy of Toronto Ribfest)
3. Harbourfront Centre Canada Day Concerts
Where: The Harbourfront CentreWhen: Friday to Monday
Featuring a multitude of voices that are feminist, Indigenous, people of colour, queer, newcomer and otherwise underrepresented within Canada, these concerts will showcase the many talents that live, learn, and create together on this land.
4. Big Rock Brewery Parking Lot Party
Where: Big Rock BreweryWhen: Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the expected heat wave with the first summer parking lot party of the season.
Admission is free — and receive your first two beers free!
Celebrate warm weather, amazing beers, good times, $5 Big Rock Beers (after your first two free ones). Food catered by Lisa Marie. AND, free bus shuttle service from Liberty Commons to Etobicoke.
5. Beach Volleyball & Salsa, Bachata, Reggaeton
Where: Ashbridge's Bay Beach VolleyballWhen: Sunday at 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This public run drop-in event that's free for all. If you have an extra net, lawn chair, speaker, or anything else you think might come in handy, bring it along. Expect some bumping balls and some bumping beats all day long.
6. Music In Trillium Park: Canada Day at Ontario Place
Where: Ontario Place in Trillium ParkWhen: Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Canada Day 2018 Ontario Place has something for everyone (like this free outdoor skating rink).
All afternoon award-winning children’s performers will be eager to make the whole family sing and dance. Starting at 5:30 p.m. Trillium Park turns into an all-ages dance party, perfect for those who want to dance, or relax by the water.
7. Families Belong Together: Rally & Call To Action Across Turtle Island
Where: Toronto U.S. ConsulateWhen: Saturday at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m,
In solidarity, love, and rage, joining those rallying in the U.S., on Saturday the LAEN Latinx, Afro-Latin-America, and Abya Yala Education Network will be hosting a peaceful rally. They seek recognition and a grounding that of stolen Indigenous Land, and that on Turtle Island including what we dominantly know as Canada, separation of families has been not only happening presently but as well as historically.
8. Q107 Canada Day Picnic
Where: Woodbine ParkWhen: Sunday
A day of live music featuring Q107 Rock & Roll Tributes to Tom Petty, The Tragically Hip, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Eagles and Prince. Then cap off the night with Toronto’s largest fireworks display from Ashbridges Bay, set to a “live” tribute to KISS. Head down and enjoy midway rides, great eats and a great selection of beers in the Mill Street Brewery Beer Garden.
(Photo courtesy of The Bentway)
9. Free Canadian Film Screenings
Where: TIFF Bell LightboxWhen: Saturday 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
Beat the heat with free Canadian film screenings. Patricia Rozema's I've Heard The Mermaids Singing at 1 p.m., Denis Villeneuve's Incendies 3 p,m., and Hard Core Logo 6:15 p.m.
10. The Bentway CITE Opening Party
Where: The Bentway Skate TrailWhen: Friday and Saturday
CITE, a summer-long celebration of skateboard arts and culture launches on June 30 and officially opening The Bentway Skate Trail for the season.
Things kick off on Canada Day weekend, with the reveal of a new art installation/skatepark, featuring Semblance, skateable sculptures conceived and constructed by Build for Bokma. They even created a 3D-terrain for boarders to ride on, as well as a site-specific art installation by artist and skateboarder Pascal Paquette.
