Canada Day weekend is finally here and while there won’t be any fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square this year, there are a slew of fantastic events still taking place around the city.  Whether you’re looking to laugh your heart out or dance the night away, here are seven amazing events taking place in Toronto on Canada Day!

Canada Day at Little Canada

A celebration of all things Canada, on July 1, Little Canada is giving away free 100 ml bottles of Little Batch Maple syrup and Canada Day pins to the first 1,000 people who visit. You can also share a story on what makes Canada special to you for a chance to have it built in miniature. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, you can take a pic with Maurice the Moose, and have the e opportunity to make a miniature version of yourself. The venue will be open all weekend long from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland

You may be bummed that there’s no fireworks taking place at Nathan Phillips Square this long weekend,  but this year there is another awesome location you can go to! Canada’s Wonderland will be holding fireworks when they close at 10:00 p.m. on Canada Day. The show will take place for approximately 15 minutes and guests will witness more than 6,000 colourful explosions, reading heights of over 800 feet.There is even a VIP option that offers a gourmet meal on the Lazy Bear Lodge patio.

Canada Day tribute to Shania and Avril

For all of you Canadian music lovers, there is going to be a free tribute show to two of our country’s biggest artists. “All Shania Twain & Avril Lavigne and only Avril Lavigne & Shania Twain. Multiple-video and audio and lights, a full multi-media show. BIG SOUND.” say the promoters.  The event will take place at the Cat’s Cradle Spirits and Sports, on 1245 St Clair Ave W., from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on July 1st. 

50 years of funny

If you’re looking to have a good laugh this long weekend, The Second City, located at Theatre ’73 at 1 York St, is presenting what they are calling a “comedy show 50 years in the making!” The 50th year anniversary of The Second City just so happens to fall on the Canada Day long weekend and to celebrate they are going to be featuring sketches created by Canadian comedy icons like, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Colin Mochrie and more.

Nathan Phillips Square festivities

Celebrate everything you love about Canada from noon to 6 p.m.  Hosted by Amanda Martinez, you can immerse yourself in the rhythm of Toronto’s diverse communities with live music and circus acts, and let your creativity soar with interactive arts activities for all ages.

Canada Day at Downsview Park

This amazing event at Downsview Park is free to attend. On the schedule is live entertainment, games for kids, inflatables, vendors like Pierogi Me! and Captain Cone and so much more including fireworks and food trucks too!

Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square

From noon until 6 p.m. on July 1, Mel Lastman Square will host performances that celebrate our diversity including Brazilian music by JER, Iranian music by the Canadian Gohla Orchestra and Celtic music by Alana  and Leigh Cline. Around the square you’ll find roller skating performances, stilt walkers, comedy and music as well as dance lessons and airbrush tattoos by Picasso Painters.