TO’s most famous festival, Caribana happens this weekend, which is what most Torontonians will be doing. But if you’re not into shaking your booty and eating Jamaican patties all weekend, there’s something wrong with you, and there’s also lots of other awesome stuff going on in the city. Instead, you can check out a free jazz concert, practice your Hotline Bling moves, practice your downward dog, or watch a bunch of dogs. All part of the other stuff to do this weekend in Toronto, July 29-31.
Summer Music in the Park – Ruben Vasquez Trio
Guys, there are few things cooler than free live music in a park. This Friday, the Summer Music in the Park series of 2016 continues with the latin-infused jazz tunes of the Ruben Vasquez Trio, all born in Cuba. Pull up a blanket.
When to go: Friday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Where at? Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland
Tickets: Admission is free
Free Yoga in the Park
The title says it all: Free yoga in Liberty Village Park. Bring your mat, maybe a towel and some water, and your $110 printed yoga leggings, and show off your downward dog on the grass. If you can’t make this round, it happens Aug. 6 and Aug. 27 as well.
When to go: Saturday, 10:30-11:30 am
Where at? Liberty Village Park, Liberty St. at Pirandello
Tickets: Admission is free
WoofJocks Canine All-Stars
Whether you’re the kind of person who tries to pet every dog you see, or you have kids that try to pet every dog they see (or you just like dogs), the WoofJocks is probably in the cards for you this weekend. They’re putting on a free show that combines talented pooches and trainers for all ages.
When to go: Saturday and Sunday, noon, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Where at? Purina PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay W
Tickets: Admission is free
The Toronto Food Truck Festival
Any Torontonian knows the joys of grabbing food from a truck (who doesn’t love street meat?). Now, you can discover the many flavours of mobile food from all over the city at the Toronto Food Truck Festival. Find your new favourite or revisit one you used to frequent. Either way, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
When to go: Starts Friday, 5pm and ends Sunday, 9 pm
Where at? Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E
Tickets: Admission is free
VELD Music Festival
Unless you have been seriously out of the loop for the past few years, I’m sure you’ve heard of VELD at some point or at least scrolled past an Instagram of the festival. 30 internationally acclaimed EDM artists perform to a crowd of colourfully-dressed, flower crown wearing crowds every year around this time. It is definitely one of those events that you want to attend at least once.
When to go: Saturday and Sunday, 11 am-11 pm each day
Where at: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd
Tickets: They range from $109-229
OVO Fest 2016
Like VELD, this music festival is held every year around this time in the city. It’s Drake’s music festival where he headlines along with various artists that change each year. It is perfect for those who prefer hip hop over house.
When to go: Saturday, 7pm
Where at? TD Echo Beach, 909 Lakeshore Blvd W
Tickets: $60 for general admission, $90 for VIP
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (aka Caribana)
This annual event is a festival of Caribbean culture that’s held every summer in Toronto. The festival is 3-weeks long but the Grand Parade is the main attraction. Masqueraders adorned in striking costumes parade through the streets, starting from Exhibition Place. If you miss it, don’t worry because there are events throughout the city this weekend to get a little taste of Caribbean culture.
When to go: Celebrate all-weekend throughout Toronto but the main event is Saturday, 10 am-9 pm
Where at? Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd, 15 Saskatchewan Rd
Tickets: $10-$20 admission to Exhibition Place but most of it is on Lakeshore Blvd. which is free!
Le Tour de Café
On this food tour, you’ll wander through Corktown and Riverside to enjoy specialty drinks from various cafes. Meet passionate baristas and artisan bakers who love their craft and listen to their stories. Indulge in scrumptious pastries and treats in excellent bakeries and food shops too. This tour will provide you with a greater appreciation for Toronto’s evolving coffee and dessert scene.
When to go: Sunday, 10:30 am
Where at? Meeting near Parliament & King but you will wander
Tickets: $50+tax for 6 generous food & drink tastings
Drake Night at the Drake
For those of us not fortunate enough to see Drake live, there’s an alternative. All Drake, all night. What could possibly go wrong? Seriously, Drake Night at the Drake was bound to happen. It is written.
When to go: Friday, 10:34 pm
Where at? The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen W
Tickets: $10 <- that’s just an educated guess, but you can bet on some amount of cover at the door
12 Beers of Summer @ Gladstone Hotel
Don your ugliest Hawaiian shirt and cozy up with a beer (or 12) at this full-venue extravaganza. 12 of the best breweries gather to provide you with tastings of their brews.
When to go: Friday, 6:30-9:30 pm
Where at? Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
Tickets: $30+tax but once you’re inside it’s all-you-can-taste
A Paintlounge Paint Party
If none of the above appeal to you, this definitely will! Party with awesome music as you paint, drink and have a blast. Don’t worry, if you’re not the artistic type, their staff have you covered!
When to go: Friday, 7:30 pm, 7:45 pm, 8 pm
Where at? Paintlounge Toronto West, 784 College St
Tickets: $20 + any drinks you choose to buy