Wow, it’s already August?! Time flies fast in the summer! Don’t worry, there’s still time to check off all of your summer to-do’s, plus this month has plenty of action-packed festivals and events to check out before the kids head back to school. So, seize the summery days with our Guide to August Events for Toronto and the GTA…
(Click on the title link for more details)
August Event Guide — Starting
CNE HorseCapades (August 3-17)
CNE HorseCapades is an interactive and FREE horse program that precedes The Ex every year at Exhibition Place. Giddy up!
National Bank Open (August 7-13)
The National Bank Open (formerly known as Rogers Cup) welcomes the world’s best male tennis players, including Canadians Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov and Milos Raonic.
GreekTown on the Danforth BIA: Taste of the Danforth (August 11-13)
Head to the Danforth for the highly anticipated return of the delicious Taste of the Danforth street festival, serving Greek and international food.
JerkFest Toronto (August 11-13)
JerkFest Toronto returns to Etobicoke for a memorable family affair with tantalizing Caribbean jerk cuisine and the buzz of live music.
The Bentway Block Party (August 13)
The Bentway Block Party is back with their free celebration including live music, family-friendly activities, art workshops, and street food.
KIDZ BOP: Never Stop Live Tour (August 13)
The KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour is the ultimate pop concert sung by kids for kids, making its only Canadian appearance in Toronto this summer!
National Ballet of Canada & Harbourfront Centre: Sharing the Stage (August 17-19)
The National Ballet of Canada returns to Harbourfront Centre with free outdoor performances, plus dance classes and lively conversations.
CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) (Starting August 18)
The CNE has been a Toronto summer tradition since its inception in 1879 and it’s back this year with its usual array of EXciting events!
Toronto Chinatown Festival (August 19-20)
Toronto Chinatown Festival returns this year with a free two-day program of cultural performances, street eats, family activities and more!
FAN EXPO Canada (August 24-27)
The four-day pop culture convention FAN EXPO Canada is about celebrating all things fandom as the largest comics, sci-fi, anime and gaming event in Canada, packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrities.
Yorkville Murals (August 26-27)
Yorkville Murals transforms the upscale neighbourhood into a huge canvas with a free outdoor festival, celebrating public art with cultural events.
August Event Guide — Continuing
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Dream In High Park
Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park returns to the amphitheatre this summer with the classic Shakespearean comedy.
Wychwood Theatre: “A Year with Frog and Toad”
The Tony-nominated play “A Year with Frog and Toad” is the story of two friends, a cheerful Frog and a grumpy Toad, who learn life lessons.
Toronto Public Library Summer Programs
Toronto’s excellent library system has summer programs to entertain and educate kids in person and online. Kids stay motivated to read all summer long too!
Stratford Festival
This renowned theatre festival, held in the quaint Southern Ontario town of Stratford, features a full schedule of Shakespearean classics, plus musicals and family favourites.
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the films of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
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.
August Event Guide — Ending This Month
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Ending August 7)
Formerly known as Caribana, Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a spectacular display of costumes, music and culture, with a month’s worth of events.
Mirvish Productions: “Hamilton” (Ending August 20)
It’s your last chance to be in the room where it happens to see this blockbuster musical at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Royal Canadian International Circus (Ending August 27)
Join the Royal Canadian Family Circus under the Big Top again as this spectacular family show finishes their Ontario summer shows this month, in Mississauga and Burlington.
Toronto Union Station: TD Union Summer (Ending August 27)
Toronto Union Station hosts outdoor events with TD Union Summer with an outdoor patio, plus free daily programming such as films and music.
Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass (Ending August 31)
Registration has opened for teens aged 14-19 to get FREE passes from Planet Fitness. Once signed up, they can work out at their nearest location all through the summer.
Family Fun Toronto Guides
Summer Festival Guide for Toronto and the GTA
Toronto loves warm weather and getting out into it at a festival. So try out a bunch in our Summer Festival Guide for Toronto and the GTA!
Cheap Summer Activities Guide for Toronto
Entertaining kids over their summer vacation can get expensive. But we’ve got you covered with our Cheap Summer Activities Guide for Toronto!
Summer Fun Bucket List
Jump for joy, it’s time for Summer Events! Not to worry if you haven’t decided how to entertain the family during the summer, we’ve got oodles of ideas in our annual Summer Fun Bucket List!
Guide to Summer Craft Markets in Toronto and the GTA
Whether you’re looking for artwork, clothes, vintage pieces, cultural crafts or even flowers, it can be found in our Guide to Summer Craft Markets in Toronto and the GTA!
Guide to Toronto’s Best Public Outdoor Pools
Toronto pools are opening already now in June, so dive into our Guide to Toronto’s Best Public Outdoor Pools!
The Best Spots to Catch Outdoor Movies in Toronto This Summer!
Spend a lovely evening on a blanket at a park (or even in a boat!) with these Best Spots to Catch Outdoor Movies in Toronto this Summer.
The Best City-Run Splash Pads in Toronto
There are over 100 splash pads located in parks all across Toronto, offering an easy way for kids to have safe summer fun. Plus they’re free!
The Best Family-Friendly Breweries in Toronto
Yes it’s true, parents can still enjoy some delicious craft beer without needing a babysitter. Cheers to our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Breweries in Toronto!
The Best Family-Friendly Restaurant Patios in Toronto
Even with hungry little ones in tow, you can still enjoy dining out with our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Restaurant Patios in Toronto!
But Wait… There’s More!
Want even more ideas for Family-Friendly Events in Toronto This Weekend? 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 both our Facebook and Instagram pages. Plus, we’re now on TikTok and Threads!
If you are looking for tips on how to keep your kids occupied without attending in-person events, you can find our best ideas, activities and inspiration here!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, as well as a photo, and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
