It’s Thursday, and the weekend is fast approaching. Need stuff to see or do? We’ve got you covered. In this edition, a two-day electronic music festival, barbecue galore, celebrating the true north strong and free and more.
Canada Day
When: June 28 to July 1
Where: Various locations
Details: Celebrate Canada’s birthday this long weekend with fireworks and a range of festivities going on around the city. Here are some events to hit:
- Canada Day celebrations are going on all weekend down at the Harbourfront Centre, including live performances and fireworks.
- Bloor Cinema is hosting a screening of the summer-camp comedy Meatballs on Sunday, and there will be beer, marshmallows and an acoustic sing-a-long to simulate cottage life.
- Nothing says Canada Day like cupcake decorating. Le Dolci is hosting a workshop on Saturday to show you how to make Canadian-themed cupcakes.
- Evergreen Brick Works is celebrating Canada Day with a nod to Canadian beer. It’s hosting an event called Capital Mashup on Monday, which will showcase collaboration beers between various breweries, including Great Lakes and Cassel, Amsterdam and Broadhead and Indie Alehouse and Beyond the Pale.
- There will be free festivities all over the city on Monday. Venues include Mel Lastman Square (5-10:30 p.m.), High Park (11 a.m. -2:30 p.m.), Fort York (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Queen’s Park (12-5 p.m.), Black Creek Pioneer Village, a free barbecue at Trinity Bellwoods Park (1-4 p.m.), an all-day music fest at Woodbine Park, Stan Wadlow Park (11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.), fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland (10 p.m.) and Downsview Park (10 p.m.) and a Canada Day Parade in East York (starts at East York Town Centre at 9:30 a.m.).
Digital Dreams
When: June 29-30
Where: Ontario Place
Details: Paul van Dyk, Datsik, Richie Hawtin, Excision, Dubfire and Noisia are a handful of the performers who will be taking the stage at this two-day electronic-music festival. The event takes place at The Flats at Molson Ampitheatre, and it will have three different stages where Canadian and international DJs will be spinning.
CHIN International Picnic
When: June 29 – July 1
Where: Exhibition Place
Details: This year marks the 47th anniversary of the world’s largest free multicultural picnic. This annual picnic promises music, vendors, international cuisine and live performances, all to celebrate the diverse multicultural nature of this city.
Pride Parade
When: June 30
Where: Starts at Bloor and Church
Details: The 33rd annual Pride Parade will have floats, marching groups and dancing. After the parade, awards will be given out, like “Best Costume Design” and others. Come celebrate Toronto’s LGBTQ community by showing support and encouraging acceptance.
Toronto Ribfest
When: June 28 – July 1
Where: Centennial Park
Details: Ribfest is a carnivore’s delight. There will be rib competitions, barbecue, kids’ activities and Canada Day fireworks. Not a barbecue fan? There will also be stone oven pizzas, Caribbean food and Indian food. Hosted by Rotary Etobicoke, this event will leave you with a full stomach for a good cause, as all of the funds raised will go towards humanitarian organizations.