HOT SUMMER EVENTS IN TORONTO
(FREE OR CHEAP)

We’ve had some strange weather lately. It has been unseasonably cool for the past week and it is late spring here in Toronto. But according to the weatherman, that’s about to change – starting today in fact! After a week of single digit temperatures the forecast is for 18C today! (May 24)
So June is just around the corner and that’s when things begin to heat up in Toronto – in more ways than one. There are a lot of “events” and “festivals” happening and quite a number of them are free! Most of the others are fairly easy on the pocketbooks.

METRO HALL – INDULGE

Metro Hall is located one block from our hostel’s front door. This year the city has begun a new “event” starting on Thursday, May 29th at 11:30 P.M. It takes place in Metro Hall Square and the public is invited to join in on the sights, sounds and flavours of the city. It will take place every Thursday right through the summer until October 16th.

The square (from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.) with have food vendors and live entertainment for the lunchtime crowd. You can sit in the square and people watch while you enjoy lunch while listening to a free concert.

GOLF

Summer everywhere brings on a madness called Golf! Toronto is no exception to this affliction. There are five golf courses within the city limits and they claim to offer “challenging courses at reasonable rates”.

The city has a golf page on their website: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/golf/index.htm

THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

The R.O.M. as it is called is considered to be among the top ten museums in the world. It is Canada’s largest museum and is an architectural wonder with the original structure being built during the depression of intricate brick work as a “make work” program.
Adult admission to the Royal Ontario Museum is normally $20 and students and seniors $17; still the quality of the displays makes the expenditure well worth it. However, there are money-saving alternatives. Every Wednesday, admission during the last hour of operation (from 4:30 P.M. is free. And on Friday’s from 4:30 P.M. until closing at 9:30 P.M. admission is one-half price.

HARBOURFRONT – CANADA DAY JULY 1ST

July 1st is Canada Day and those in the know, realize that the place to be is the Harbourfront! The place is alive with free music at several stages across the waterfront and has numerous patios for beer and coolers.

The music covers a cross section of Canadian and International bands and singers and the venues are absolutely free!

THE TORONTO MUSIC GARDEN

The Toronto Music Garden offers free music and dance programming throughout the summer. Admission to this beautiful waterfront facility is free seven days a week.
The garden was designed by the world renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy as a reflection in landscape of Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello.

For a list of upcoming events see the website at: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/perfarts/musicgarden.php

LUMINATO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AND CREATIVITY

This is a ten day event from June 6 – June 15, when Toronto’s stages, streets and public places are illuminated by arts and creativity. It is an annual multi disciplined celebration of dance, theatre, classical and contemporary music, film, literature, visual arts, design and more.
Contact: 416 368- 3100

THE WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

From June 5th to June 10th, Toronto will showcase some of the most outstanding short films from Canada and around the world. Competitions (both Canadian and International) special programs and gala screenings are just part of the event. The Festival Symposium and Marketplace provides an opportunity to market, promote and launch films and provide networking for film makers.

For info: http://www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com/

THE NXNE MUSIC and FILM FESTIVAL

The North by Northeast Music and Film Festival is an annual showcase for up and coming artists from Canada the United States and around the world.

It is held from June 10th to June 16th and showcases more than 500 acts at over 50 music venues across the city. The relatively new Film portion will showcase new films.

For full info see the website: http://www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com/

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL – CARIBANA

From June 9th to August 4th Toronto is host to the largest Caribbean Festival in North America. It is one of the largest street fairs in North America and attracts over 1.3 million people each year to the celebrations.
The Caribana Festival includes a parade featuring elaborate costumes.

TORONTO PRIDE FESTIVAL

This week-long celebration by the Toronto’s Gay Community takes place during the last week in June and this year runs from June 22nd to July 1st. The Pride Festival includes a parade where upwards of a million people line the route. It is one of the largest of its’ kind anywhere in the world. What first began more than 30 ears ago as a protest and a statement of the existence of the gay community has evolved into an inclusive, award winning arts and cultural festival. Pride Week is an integral part of Canada’s reputation as an open, diverse and tolerant society.

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL/RACE

This two-day event (June 22 and 23) is an annual event in over 40 countries. It combines both sport and ancient Chinese culture. Held on the Toronto Islands the races attract more than 200 teams from around the world.

For complete information see: http://www.torontodragonboat.com/

TORONTO DOWTOWN JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

From June 20 to June 29, Jazz aficionados take over downtown venues. As one of Canada’s largest Jazz music events, the festival attracts internationally acclaimed musicians to the delight of large crowds.

For a complete schedule of music events and venues see: http://www.torontojazz.com/Pages/Toronto_Downtown_Jazz_Festival_pgM29.asp

TORONTO FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL

This is festival is a standout even in a country that hosts the most Fringe Festivals in the world. In almost two decades, it has grown from forty productions in four venues to 120 productions in 10 theatre venues.
This year’s festival will be held July 3rd to July 14th.

THE BEACHES INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

From July 19 to 28, the Beaches area of Toronto’s east end holds this not-to-be-missed festival. This is a unique music festival being community based and free.

This year, over 700 artists will attract an audience of over 1 million fans. The lineup consists of over 100 bands playing different types of music including Jazz, Big Band, Reggae, Calypso and Blues.

These are some (but not all) of the Festivals held in Toronto during the summer. Quite a number of festivals are planned and held into the fall season. Other festivals planned for late summer and fall are the Toronto International Carnival; Toronto International Caravan; Taste of Lawrence Festival and Buskerfest. These have not been included as the exact dates have yet to be announced.