👋 SLOOOW down summer. August is flying by but there is still plenty of summer left and family fun to be had. If you're in town this week, there are free events happening across the city to help you make the most of these last precious weeks of summer.

Things I'm loving this week:

1. The Canada Strong Pass - we'll be cashing this in for a trip to Ottawa next week. Children travel free on VIA Rail! (Note: it's not a physical pass you purchase, just visit participating Parks Canada sites, national museums/galleries and VIA Rail to benefit from free admission or discounts).

2. This Tick Check and Remover Kit I picked up for an upcoming camping trip. Hopefully we don't have to use it, but it includes a helpful tick identification card.
   

FREE events I'm checking out this week:

🇰🇷 Korean Festival, 🇹🇼 TAIWANfest with kids' workshops, 🦋 Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park, 🎶 Parkdale Music Crawl with family zones, 🧪 Science Centre Pop-Up at Sherway. 💸 Plus 15 other FREE events happening this week!

- The Mayhem Mamas

⚠️ Quick reminder: Registration for fall recreational programming across Toronto opens soon! Check out last week's newsletter for direct links to your neighbourhood’s programming and registration timing.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

🐰 Toronto Public Library: Hands on Exotics - Furry Friends | NORTH YORK
Date: Thursday, August 21 | Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Fairview Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: 6-12
🔗 Event Details
Perfect for animal lovers! Meet different breeds of rabbits, a chinchilla, birds, reptiles and other furry friends. Free tickets available in the theatre lobby 30 minutes before the show – first come, first served!

🎬 Evergreen Brick Works Movie Night: Finding Nemo | TORONTO-EAST York
Date: Thursday, August 21 | Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Evergreen Brick Works
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Bring blankets and chairs! Arrive early (3:30-7:30pm) for pre-movie fun with giant Jenga, cornhole, sidewalk chalk, and scavenger hunts. Food vendors and the Evergreen Bar available.

📝 Early Local Recreation Registration | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Thursday, August 21 | Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Scarborough Village Recreation Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Get a head start on fall recreation registration! Fun activities, meet local staff, and learn about programs including help with costs. Perfect for families planning ahead.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

🇰🇷 Toronto Korean Festival (Day 1/3) | NORTH YORK
Date: Friday, August 22 | Time: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate Korean culture with food, performances, and activities! Easy TTC access via North York Centre subway station. Note: crowded environment may be challenging with strollers.

🇹🇼 TAIWANfest 2025 (Day 1/3) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Friday, August 22 | Time: 7:30 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Taiwanese and Canadian arts, food, and music celebration! The HarbourKIDS Tent features calligraphy and pickling workshops perfect for little hands.

🎭 FAN EXPO Canada | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: August 21-24 | Time: Various times
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Cost: Paid (Children 5 & under FREE, discount coupons available) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrity Q&As, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Check the website for family attraction locations and don't forget to print your free kids' ticket coupon! This event runs all weekend long.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

🧬 Sherway Science Centre Pop-Up! | ETOBICOKE
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Ontario Science Centre: CF Sherway Gardens
Cost: (2 and under FREE, $13.27 GA) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Fun and engaging pop-up event for little ones! Meet outside the Sherway Science Centre entrance for hands-on science activities. Brought to you by Nest & Bloom.

🧘 Wild and Free Family Yoga | NORTH YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Location: Downsview Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages welcome
🔗 Event Details
Experience calming yoga surrounded by natural beauty! Registration required, no equipment needed. Perfect way to start a busy Saturday.

🇰🇷 Toronto Korean Festival (Day 2/3) | NORTH YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Day 2 of Korean cultural celebration with food, performances, and activities. Accessible by TTC via North York Centre subway station.

🛍️ Shops Don Mills Community Weekend (Day 1/2) | NORTH YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Town Square, CF Shops at Don Mills
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Connect with the community and enjoy family fun! Toronto Artisan Market vendors showcasing handcrafted creations. Perfect for supporting local talent.

🔍 Xplorers: Bug Detective! | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Meeting point: Parking lot, 19 Reesor Road
Cost: FREE | Age: 6-12 and their families
🔗 Event Details
Guided walk to discover insects and spiders! Learn to identify different species and their important roles. Note: no washroom on site.

🎵 Afro-Carib Fest 2025 (Day 1/2) | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Thomson Memorial Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate African and Caribbean culture with live music, dancing, and vendors! Family-friendly atmosphere with TTC access.

🎶 Parkdale Music Crawl 2025 | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Queen St. W. from Roncesvalles to Dufferin
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Stroll and soak in vibrant sounds! Family zones, live jazz, DJs, and buskers. Plus sidewalk sale (10 AM-9 PM) with unique goods and tasty eats.

🦋 Butterfly Festival | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Tommy Thompson Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate butterflies before their epic journey to Mexico! Guided butterfly walks, kid-friendly games, and pollinator conservation activities.

🐶 Doggie Fest Summer Carnival | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Roundhouse Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages and their dogs
🔗 Event Details
Perfect for dog-loving families! Pet-friendly vendors, fun games for pups, adorable photo ops, and chance to meet fellow Toronto dog lovers.

🇹🇼 TAIWANfest 2025 (Day 2/3) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Day 2 with longer hours! Taiwanese arts, food, and music plus HarbourKIDS Tent with calligraphy and pickling workshops for kids.

🦁 Nest and Bloom High Park Zoo Meetup | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, August 23 | Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Meet outside the High Park Cafe
Cost: FREE to join | Age: Parents and their young children
🔗 Event Details
Connect with other moms while kids enjoy the zoo! Perfect opportunity to make new friends and let kids socialize with animals.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

🛍️ Shops Don Mills Community Weekend (Day 2/2) | NORTH YORK
Date: Sunday, August 24 | Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Town Square, CF Shops at Don Mills
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day to connect with community and browse Toronto Artisan Market vendors. Great for last-minute weekend family fun.

🇰🇷 Toronto Korean Festival (Day 3/3) | NORTH YORK
Date: Sunday, August 24 | Time: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of Korean cultural celebration! Last chance to experience the food, performances, and activities.

🎵 Afro-Carib Fest 2025 (Day 2/2) | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Sunday, August 24 | Time: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Thomson Memorial Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of African and Caribbean cultural celebration with live music, dancing, and vendors!

🇹🇼 TAIWANfest 2025 (Day 3/3) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Sunday, August 24 | Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day! Don't miss the HarbourKIDS Tent activities including calligraphy and pickling workshops for children.

🎵 Summer Series at Trillium Park: City Hall Live | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Sunday, August 24 | Time: 1:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Trillium Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Live music, dance lessons, and entertainment! Onsite bar, food vendors, and artisan market showcasing local musicians and presenters.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

🎒  Decorate Your Own Backpack Buddy | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: August 25-29th | Time: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Little Canada
Cost: Free with admission to Little Canada (while supplies last) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Get ready for back-to-school! Decorate your own Little Moose backpack buddy inspired by Maurice the Moose. Perfect drop-in activity.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

💃 Arts in Summerlea Park: Bollywood Dancing | ETOBICOKE
Date: Tuesday, August 26 | Time: 3:30 PM–5:30 PM
Location: Summerlea Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
End-of-summer celebration with upbeat Bollywood dancing workshop! Learn expressive, energetic movements plus arts, crafts, and free food.

🏒 Meet Hockey Legend Carlo Colaiacovo | NORTH YORK
Date: Tuesday, August 26 | Time: 1:00 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Yorkgate Mall
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
FREE photo, autograph signing, keepsake card, and free kids' hockey book (while supplies last)! Perfect for hockey-loving families.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

🦁 Moms & Minis at the Zoo | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Wednesday, August 27 | Time: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: The Toronto Zoo
Cost: $36+HST/person (children 2 & under FREE) | Age: Parents and their young children
🔗 Event Details
Wild day out at the zoo! Explore amazing animals up close. PRESTO Card holders get 20% off admission at ticket counter.

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