It’s been such a hot and sunny summer that many people (myself included) are excited for the arrival of the cooler temperatures of September. It’s honestly one of the best weather months in Toronto: the humidity tapers off and the evenings get that nice crisp feel. Plus, even if you don’t have kids going back to school, there’s always a sense of optimism and new beginnings. So, enjoy the fresh air with our September Event Guide for Family-Friendly Events in Toronto and the GTA.
(Click on each title for more information)
Labour Day Weekend
Toronto International BuskerFest (September 2-5)
The Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy is back, so explore the captivating curiosities hiding around every corner.
Toronto Dragon Festival (September 2-5)
This free and family-friendly festival returns to Nathan Phillips Square with dragons, food, arts and a dazzling water show.
Disney On Ice’s “Let’s Celebrate” (Ending September 2)
Disney On Ice returns to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena with “Let’s Celebrate”. Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for non-stop fun!
Toronto Council Fire Youth Pow Wow (September 3)
“Revillagizing” is the theme of Toronto Council Fire’s 5th Annual Youth Pow Wow at Regent Park, with performances, crafts, vendors and more.
“As You Like It” at Dream In High Park (Ending September 4)
Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park returns to the amphitheatre this summer with the classic Shakespearean comedy.
Ashkenaz Festival (Ending September 5)
The Ashkenaz Festival, presented at Harbourfront Centre, is one of the world’s most prominent showcases of Jewish music and culture.
CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) (Ending September 5)
The CNE finishes up its very busy 2022 return to an in-person event on Labour Day Monday. It’s been a Toronto summer tradition since its inception in 1879!
Ontario Science Centre’s “Above & Beyond: An Interactive Flight” (Ending September 5)
This new exhibition flies out of town Labour Day Monday. Find out how scientists are still working to take humans faster, higher and farther than ever before.
September Event Guide — Starting This Month
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September 8-18)
The famous Toronto International Film Festival returns to public screenings, hosting a street festival and events for the biggest names in film.
The Immerse Robert Munsch Experience (Starts September 9)
This is an indoor immersive visual and auditory 270-degrees experience for children and parents alike.
Drive Festival (September 9-11)
A racing festival at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, this is sure to get your little Lightning McQueen wannabes pumped up over fast cars.
Taste of the Kingsway (September 9-11)
The Taste of the Kingsway is back with three days of entertainment, international cuisine and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival (September 10)
The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival is back in-person this year with kids arts & crafts, games and entertainment, plus free admission.
Celebrate Toronto Festival (September 10-11)
Celebrate Toronto Festival is a free weekend of entertainment to bring the city together and to highlight small businesses, artists and musicians.
Redpath Waterfront Festival (September 17-18)
Celebrate the last weekend of summer with unique and interactive on-land and on-water entertainment at the Redpath Waterfront Festival.
Fall for Dance North Festival (Starting September 17)
The Fall For Dance North Festival celebrates a return to full-capacity performances in signature indoor venues and pay-what-you-can outdoor shows.
Ontario Culture Days (Starting September 23)
Celebrate the diversity and arts of our great province with Ontario Culture Days! There are events for all ages across the GTA and beyond.
Markham Fair (September 29-October 2)
One of Canada’s longest-running county fairs, the Markham Fair is back in full swing after pivoting towards an agricultural event last year.
September Event Guide — Continuing This Month
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays will be making a push for the postseason this month against division rivals Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Check out our family tips and budget-friendly options!
Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo
Terra Lumina is back at the Toronto Zoo this summer, a family-friendly multi-media visual immersive experience and enchanted night walk.
World of Barbie
World of Barbie is an interactive experience to discover, explore and revel in the lifestyle and also the many careers of this pop-culture icon.
Immersive King Tut
Making its Canadian debut, Immersive King Tut is a groundbreaking experience that takes you on a journey through the Egyptian afterlife.
Mirvish’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
This highly anticipated play flies into Toronto at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, packed with stage magic and electrifying storytelling.
ROM: Fantastic Beasts Exhibit
The “Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature” exhibit at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) combines real nature facts with the imagined creatures of the popular Potter-verse film series.
Pirate Life Theatre
These scallywags arrrr back for another season on the high seas (well, Lake Ontario) with a family theatre experience and boat cruise that’ll leave ye shiverin’ in yer timbers.
Family Fun Toronto Guides
Guide to Apple Picking in Southern Ontario
Earn your apple pie while also having a fun outdoorsy day out by picking your own fruit with our Guide to Apple Picking in Southern Ontario.
Guide to Sunflower Farms in Southern Ontario
Wander through sunflower fields to feel at one with nature and take plenty of selfies with our Guide to Sunflower Farms in Southern Ontario.
Outdoor Movies in Toronto
Spend a lovely evening on a blanket at a park (or even in a boat!) to see one of these Outdoor Movies in Toronto into September.
Guide to Parks & Playgrounds in Toronto
There are parks perfect for a family outing strewn all around town, so hang out with our Guide to Family Parks and Playgrounds in Toronto.
Guide to Family-Friendly Patios in Toronto
Even with hungry little ones in tow, you can still enjoy dining out. Cheers to our Guide to Family-Friendly Patios in Toronto!
Guide to Camping in and around the Greater Toronto Area *Updated for 2022*
Campgrounds are bustling all around Ontario. So feel like you’re away from it all, but still within a two-hour drive of downtown!
But Wait… There’s More!
On the other hand, are you looking for tips on how to keep your kids occupied without attending in-person events? In that case, find our best ideas, activities and inspiration here!
For a complete listing of all the best events around Toronto, click on our Calendar and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook and Instagram. Also, don’t forget to sign up below for our monthly e-newsletter.
Furthermore, you can submit your family-friendly event to us! Fill out the form with your event details and send us a photo. Then we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
