It might not actually be a long weekend, but it almost feels like it, thanks to a mid-week statutory holiday (hi, Canada Day) and absolutely staggeringly hot weather. So treat it like it is one anyway and enjoy all the incredible festivals, concerts and more happening this week. From a weeks-long theatre festival to jazz in the street and Lionel Richie, these are the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Toronto Fringe Festival
One of the city’s most beloved arts events returns this week with nearly two weeks of theatre, comedy, dance, musicals and experimental performances spread across venues throughout Toronto. Highlights this year a show exploring the violence of Canadian hockey culture (The Astros), a solo cabaret (Brava: A Cabaret of Devotions) and a 1980s one-woman musical (First Kiss).
Toronto Arabic Festival
All weekend long, Nathan Phillips Square will transform into a celebration of Arabic culture during the ninth annual Toronto Arabic Festival. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors and family-friendly programming throughout the weekend at this free festival.
The Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside
The first weekend of July is packed with neighbourhood celebrations — including the east end’s Beaches Jazz festival! While the festival takes place pretty much all month long, it’s The Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside that is happening this particular weekend, featuring live music, local vendors and family activities that will take over Queen Street East.
Taste of Lawrence
In Scarborough, Taste of Lawrence returns this weekend with international cuisine, entertainment and one of the city’s largest multicultural street festivals. Enjoy over 170 vendors and a brand-new TOL Soccer Hub, featuring free soccer activities, watch parties and game screenings, giveaways, interactive experiences and special programming.
Fun Philippines Food and Music Festival
From Friday to Sunday, the Fun Philippines Food and Music Festival will fill the weekend with authentic Filipino cuisine, live performances and cultural showcases celebrating the country’s vibrant traditions. Taste authentic dishes like adobo, lumpia and halo-halo, as well as cultural exhibits showcasing Indigenous crafts and artefacts.
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire at Scotiabank Arena
Two legendary acts share the stage for one unforgettable night at Scotiabank Arena this Saturday. Lionel Richie brings timeless hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long” and “Easy,” while Earth, Wind & Fire delivers a catalogue packed with funk, soul and disco classics including “September” and “Let’s Groove.” Get ready for decades of musical history all in one concert!
Summerlicious
Ready to save big at your favourite restaurants? Beginning this Friday and running until July 19, Summerlicious is back with prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at over 200 restaurants across the city. Now is your excuse to try out a new spot or revisit an old favourite!
Santana & The Doobie Brothers at RBC Amphitheatre
Grammy award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists Santana and The Doobie Brothers are joining forces and bringing the Oneness Tour to Toronto on Sunday! The tour will span five decades of hits from Santana, including classics like “Black Magic Woman,” while The Doobie Brothers will revisit favourites as well as hits from their new album, Walk This Road.
