(Photo courtesy of The Bentway via Facebook)
There's no such thing as a free lunch but there can be a free Toronto.
The summer is coming to a close (sorry) and if your budget is feeling the strain of a few extra nights on a patio, we've got you covered with free things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Whether it's chowing down on some Korean-fusion snacks or taking in a classic at the Toronto Reference Library, you can have a great weekend without spending a dime.
READ: Toronto Road Closures To Watch For This Weekend
1. The Bentway Block Party
When: Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Where: The Bentway
The first section of the Gardiner Expressway opened in 1958. The first section of The Bentway opened in January 2018. To celebrate the completion of the entire Phase 1, The Bentway presents a Block Party 60 years in the making.
Throughout the day there will be traditional family games and activities in the Kids Zone, an open-air arcade by Hand Eye Society, roaming live musical performances, and dance workshops followed by a streetdance competition presented by Funky Facilitators. Also catch a human Bent parade designed by Rob Shostak that will serve as a photo booth and selfie-station, large-scale art installations, and various food and beverage delights.
2. Maldewin Weskijinu / Blood Soaked Soil Public Launch
When: Friday at 6:00 p.m.Where: Gardiner Museum
Artist, writer, and illustrator Louis Esmé (Mi’kmaq, Acadian, Irish) is a Two-Spirit, non-binary person, and co-founder of Titiesg Wîcinímintôwak // Bluejays Dancing Together. The troop gathers knowledge, stories, and desires for re-urbanized Two-Spirit people and their relations. This exhibit will be open and free to the public.
3. Korean Harvest Festival
When: Friday, Saturday, and SundayWhere: Mel Lastman Square
(Photo courtesy of Korean Harvest Festival)
Also known as the Harvest Moon Festival, the Korean Harvest Festival will include plenty of delicious Korean food, market booths, and an array of entertainment.
More than 25 food and snack booths will be offering a variety of traditional Korean and fusion food at a discounted price, so you can sample the many unique flavours Korea has to offer. Old favourites will be available such as Bulgogi, Japchae and Ddukbokkie, as well as new popular creations like pork-belly buns, kimchi fries and Korean tacos.
4. Free Screening Of Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times
When: Friday at 2 p.m.Where: Toronto Reference Library
Charlie Chaplin's comedic masterpiece about the Little Tramp's struggles with automation and modern-day living.
READ: TTC Subway Closures: 4 More Stations Closed On Line 1 This Weekend
5. Your Dance Fest
When: Friday to SundayWhere: Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre
(Photo courtesy of Your Dance Fest via Facebook)
Your Dance Fest is an event that is all about you, the dance watching experts. From programming through to presentation it is a collaboration between artists and the community. Free dance workshops are available to the public – no experience required!
6. Books and Bikes Along The Bloor Viaduct
When: Sunday at 12:00 p.m.Where: Central Technical School courtyard off Lennox Street & Lippincott Street nearest Borden Street.
Bike Share Toronto will have 20 free bicycles to pick up at the Lennox Street dock at Bathurst Street from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Discover a new author with newcomer stories in fiction, memoir & graphic novel being presented as you ride along the cycling corridor of the Bloor Viaduct.
7. Tamil Fest 2018
When: Saturday and SundayWhere: Markham Rd. and Turbina Ave.
(Photo courtesy of Tamil Fest)
Tamil Fest 2018 is the largest Tamil street festival of its kind outside of the Indian subcontinent. Last year crowds exceeded 200,000 people including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over two days marking Tamil Fest in its third year as the largest event in east Toronto's history.
8. TAIWANfest: Fete with the Philippines
When: Friday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Harbourfront Centre
Break out your uke and get ready to jam this weekend as TAIWANfest celebrates a fête with the Philippines. Continuing the Dialogues with Asia series, TAIWANfest visits our Austronesian connections with music, food, films, fashion, arts, and more.
9. Bloorcourt Arts Fair
When: Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Where: Dufferin to Montrose
(Photo courtesy of Bloorcourt BIA via Facebook)
This festival boasts one of Toronto's largest gatherings of artists, musicians, artisans, and masters of all crafts. There will be plenty of family fun complete with inflatables, crafts, and interactive entertainment for the kids to enjoy. Local businesses will be coming outside for sidewalk sales. Restaurants, bars, and pubs will all have patio extensions for patrons to enjoy food and beverages outdoors on the street. Last but not least the event features exceptional talent with live music playing at street corners from end to end.
10. Panamerican Food and Music Festival
When: Saturday and SundayWhere: Yonge Dundas Square
This is Canada’s only event that brings together the 41 countries that make up the American continent. Join them for a celebration of flavours, music, and dance at Yonge-Dundas Square.
