’Bana bonanza
Get your costume out, get your glitter on and get ready for a weekend-long party. The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival (otherwise known as Caribana) has actually already been going strong since July 17, but it doesn’t get any bigger than this weekend’s festivities, which include the King and Queen Competition and, of course, the Grand Parade. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the colorful, vibrant festival.
100 per cent chance of Drizzy
Speaking of festivities tied into the Caribbean Carnival, Drake’s OVO Festival has become an unofficial staple of the weekend. Now in its third year, OVO has generated buzz for a stacked line-up of announced guests (this year’s slate includes The Weeknd and A$AP Rocky), as well as some unannounced surprises (the past two years have seen Eminem, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder and Lil Wayne make appearances). However, the unmistakable star of the show remains the homegrown superstar formerly known as Aubrey Graham, or as we like to remember him: Wheelchair Jimmy.
Globetrotters, tennis and more… for free
How’s this for a deal: an outdoor Harlem Globetrotters game, world class men’s tennis action and tons of family activities for precisely zero dollars? Value is the name of the game at Rexall Centre this weekend for the Rogers Cup qualifying round, as families are offered free admission to check out the legendary Globetrotters alongside some of the best in men’s tennis. Weekend activities also include autograph sessions, tennis clinics and scavenger hunts.
Horsin’ around
It won't exactly smell like roses down by the CNE this weekend — not that many horse-loving families will mind. The Ex will offer a free, up-close-and-personal experience with some four-legged, hooved friends as CNE HorseCapades gets underway. The free, three-week interactive exhibit offers wagon rides, horse petting and plenty of games and prizes.
A trip back in time
Back to the Future fans will want to get into their DeLoreans and make their way over to Riverdale Park East on Saturday for the third in a series of Movies in the Park. After showing Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark in July, Riverdale keeps its ’80s theme going with an 8:30 p.m. screening of Marty McFly and his fellow time travelers. The screenings are free of charge, with donations being accepted to children's charities, including Art City in St. James Town and The Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs. The final film in the series, The Princess Bride, will be screened on Aug. 19.
