The countdown is on. We’re staring the end of summer in the face, with our remaining dog days numbered in the single digits. Such little time, and yet, so much left to do in our city before the big end. Here’s our to-do list of what to take in before summer turns into a pumpkin at 11 p.m. on Labour Day (because, as everyone in Toronto knows, when The Ex closes its gates, it means school’s on and summer is gone).
Obvious: take in a concert at the CNE. Maybe the adrenaline-pumping Midway is not your cup of tea. Maybe other Ex events like the UFC fighters meet-and-greet and the Guns N’ Roses tribute bands just don’t turn your crank. But how about a concert at the historic Toronto Star Bandshell, which marks its 75-year anniversary this summer? Check out Canadian rap n’ roller k-os with online hip hop teen sensation Reema Major on Sept. 2. Or, for something completely different, there’s Tommy James and the Shondells with Andy Kim on Sept. 3. Go for it, it’s a Toronto tradition.
CNE, Aug. 19-Sept. 5
Not-so-obvious: Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art. If you haven’t, ahem, heard, there’s been a celebration of sound art in Toronto this whole entire summer. What’s left to do? Check out the outdoor sound sculpture on Centre Island, the Synthecycletron, that’s there until Oct. 5. And there’s also a free concert at Yonge-Dundas Square: a day-long new music marathon on Sept. 3. Sounds good. Plus, you can’t go wrong with something that’s free.
INTERsection: Toronto’s New Music Marathon, Yonge-Dundas Square, Sept. 3
Not-so-obvious: Open Roof Festival. Take in the outdoors, see some live music, catch a movie and support a good cause all at once. Not bad for ticking some summer to-do items off your list. The Open Roof Festival ends tonight, and all proceeds from the festival go to support Toronto’s independent film community. Tonight, Brampton’s indie rock band The Junction play, and following them, there’s a screening of acclaimed documentary Eco-pirate: The story of Paul Watson.
Open Roof Festival, Amsterdam Brewery, Sept. 1
Totally obvious (but often overlooked): The Labour Day Parade. This one really is obvious. Why not pay tribute to the reason why you have the day off? (Provided, of course, that you’re lucky enough to have the day off.)
Labour Day Parade, leaves from Queen and University, Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m.
Not-so-obvious: Hispanic Fiesta. Here’s an opportunity for downtowners to venture to a land called North York. Mel Lastman Square is subway accessible and easy to get to, plus, it’s less smoggy and crowded than downtown. It’s win-win for everyone. The Hispanic Fiesta runs throughout Labour Day weekend at Mel Lastman Square and promises over 300 performances, from local to international artists, including children’s programming and Latin bands. The fiesta starts Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
Hispanic Fiesta, Mel Lastman Square, Sept. 2–5
