The end of summer may be fast approaching, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of fun things to do in the city. And with warm weather still sticking around (for now) it’s the ideal time to take full advantage of the last few days of the season. From food to comedy, here are eight events to check out in Toronto this weekend.
Fill up at AsialiciousTO
Running through September 26, AsialiciousTO features over 100 venues including restaurants, bubble tea shops, hotels, cafes, bakeries, food courts, fast food spots and food trucks as a celebration of Asian food culture in Toronto. You can sample hundreds of specially priced food and beverages with pocket-friendly deals priced at $10, $20 and $30.
Check out a new free exhibit at the ROM
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Whether a fan or not, masks are likely here to stay for a while. Starting on Saturday, over 100 unique and intricate face masks will be on display at the ROM, representing the work of artists from over 23 countries (including over 40 Canadian makers and 15 Indigenous designers and artists). The timely exhibit, titled Unmasking the Pandemic: From Personal Protection to Personal Expression, was inspired by the creativity of the masks and their makers.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
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Make your way to The Biergärten at Steam Whistle Brewing on Saturday to raise your stein, enjoy some beer among friends or family and feast on Bavarian goodies like sausage, schnitzel, potato salad, soft pretzels and more. There will be both an afternoon and evening seating to choose from and tables will be available for groups of four, six and 10.
Visit a pumpkin patch
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It’s officially pumpkin everything season. Celebrate with a trip to Downey’s Pumpkinfest starting this Saturday and running through October 31. Spend the day outdoors among thousands of pumpkins and enjoy the many family-friendly activities and attractions on offer, from a corn maze and zip line, to farm animals and wagon rides. The farm is about a 45-minute drive from Toronto.
Shop the Fall Harvest Market in Streetsville
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Hello Local and the Streetsville BIA will be hosting their Fall Harvest Market on September 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Streetsville Village Square. Visitors will have a variety of food to snack on, artisan vendors to shop and fall-themed treats to try, as well as live music, a selfie wall and other activities to enjoy.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown
This Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown. Hosted by the Toronto Hong Luck Kung Fu Association and the Chinatown BIA, you’ll get to experience a traditional lion dance parade performed by Hong Luck down the streets of the neighbourhood. The BIA will also be giving out free lanterns to anyone who can show a receipt of a recent purchase made in Chinatown out of appreciation for the support of local businesses.
Score some end of summer produce
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Sure, many of the city’s farmers’ markets run year-round or at least into October, but summer produce is currently at its peak. Use this weekend to stock up on some of the best farm grown goodies the season has to offer. Junction Farmers’ Market, Wychwood Farmers’ Market and Weston Village BIA Farmers’ Market are all good options for Saturdays.
Have some laughs at a brewery
Black Sheep Comedy is back this Saturday at Big Rock Brewery in Liberty Village. The comedy showcase will be featuring headliner Kyle Brownrigg (JFL, Comedy Network, Sirius XM, CBC) along with featured guests Ernie Vicente and Zabrina Douglas. Along with the laughs, a complimentary beer or pop is included with your ticket.
Eat some tacos
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Try over 50 variations of tacos at this year’s Taco Fest at Street Eats Market located at Scarborough Town Centre. The event is happening this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. and admission is free (though presumably the tacos will not be). Vendors slated to participate include Buster’s Sea Cove, Rebozos, Jerk Brothers, Mac Pie House and more.