👋 Hello sweet August! You might just be my favourite month of the year. The days are long, the sunsets are magical, the bugs are finally buggering off, and our pace slows down after the initial summer hype.

Whatever you have planned for the month, I hope you soak it all in. We've curated a list of free events that might make it even better.

My favourite finds this week:

1. Deebee's organic freezies (no affiliation, just happy to find a summer treat without red dye no. 3. Watermelon is currently the household top flavour 🍉).

2. This Disney story time playlist on Spotify - for those longer car rides, they're narrated by some awesome British dude and include original songs and clips from Disney films.

Happy August, happy summer, happy days!

-Mayhem Mamas

Here's what's happening this week around Toronto

🎪 JerkFest with dedicated kids zone and bouncy castle – ETOBICOKE-YORK
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Captain America – NORTH YORK
🌮 Kothu Fest with kids programming and face painting – SCARBOROUGH
🐛 Toronto Bug Day with hands-on insect exploration (free!) – TORONTO-EAST YORK
🎭 Wayo Children's Festival (puppet shows + storytelling) – TORONTO-EAST YORK
🪂 Viva la Leaside with hot air balloon rides & vintage cars – TORONTO-EAST YORK
🎊 Annual Grange Festival with family activities – TORONTO-EAST YORK
🍜 Toronto Chinatown Festival (weekend fun!) – TORONTO-EAST YORK

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

🎬 Movies Under the Stars: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ | NORTH YORK
Thursday, August 7 | 9:00 PM (dusk)
Location: Downsview Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Arrive an hour early to snag the best spot! Parking available in the Orchard lot (P2). Perfect for families who love superhero adventures.

🎵 Rosyland: Park Performances & DIY Melodies | NORTH YORK
Thursday, August 7 | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
Location: Lee Lifeson Art Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Interactive concert with DIY station! Bring furry friends, pack a picnic, and come early for hands-on activities. Meet the musicians after the show.

🎬 Evergreen Brick Works Movie Night: ‘Over the Hedge’ | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Thursday, August 7 | 7:30 PM
Location: Evergreen Brick Works
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Block party vibes from 3:30-7:30pm before the movie! Take the free shuttle from Broadview Station. Extended bus service available.

🎭 Wayo Children's Festival (Day 1/4) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Thursday, August 7 | Multiple show times
Location: Berkeley Castle
Cost: $5/person | Age: Ages 2-12
🔗 Event Details
This year, children will explore the world one continent at a time through interactive artistic experiences. Continues through August 10th!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

🎪 JerkFest 2025 (Day 1/3) | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Friday, August 8 | 5:00 PM–10:30 PM
Location: Centennial Park
Cost: Ticket prices vary; Kids under 7 are FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Going cashless at admission! Dedicated kids zone with bouncy castle and games. Food vendors still accept cash.

🎊 Annual Grange Festival | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Friday, August 8 | 11:30 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Grange Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Explore community tables from over 25 organizations working in downtown Toronto. Experience performances by local artists representing our rich cultural mosaic. Enjoy free games, activities, and food – hot dogs, ice cream, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy for everyone! Check website for event schedule.

🎨 Shops at Don Mills: Bunny and Munnie Kids' Crafts | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Friday, August 8 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: CF Shops at Don Mills - Town Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Perfect indoor activity for beating the heat! Drop-in crafts featuring the adorable Bunny and Munnie characters.

🎭 Wayo Children's Festival (Day 2/4) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Friday, August 8 | Multiple show times
Location: Berkeley Castle
Cost: $5/person | Age: Ages 2-12
🔗 Event Details
Children will explore the world one continent at a time through interactive artistic experiences. Festival continues through August 10th.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

🎪 JerkFest 2025 (Day 2/3) | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
Location: Centennial Park
Cost: Ticket prices vary; Kids under 7 are FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Longer hours today! Kids zone open all day with plenty of entertainment. Don't forget – cashless admission but food vendors take cash.

🌮 Taste of Albion | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Location: Festival Grounds @ Thistletown Plaza
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Face painting, inflatable kids zone, giant lego station and more! Food and community vibes in the west end.

🚑 Train the Next Hero! FREE First Aid & CPR Workshop | NORTH YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: FREE (tickets skip registration line) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
30-minute workshops throughout the day. Great life skills for older kids and parents! Reserve a time slot to skip the line.

🌮 Kothu Fest | SCARBOROUGH
Saturday, August 9 | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Location: Albert Campbell Square
Cost: FREE (download Playmi app for entry) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Kids programming all day! Mini-arcade games, popcorn station, and face painting. Download the app before you go!

🧊 Woodside Ice Festival: Break the Ice | SCARBOROUGH
Saturday, August 9 | 2:00 PM
Location: Woodside Square South Side
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Beat the heat with ice-themed fun! Another session happening August 23rd if you miss this one.

🎪 Viva la Leaside 2025 (Day 1/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Location: 25 Commercial Road, Leaside
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Live music stage, vintage car exhibit, hot air balloon rides, kids zone with bumper cars, dog talent show, and "Walk Through the Ages" history display. Food vendors and entertainment all day!

💙 Community Event in support of Jessie's Centre Toronto | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
Location: The Pink Studio
Cost: $40/family | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Support a great cause while having family fun! Check registration for specific activities planned.

🎥 CF Shops at Don Mills: Movies in the Square | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Location: CF Shops at Don Mills - Town Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Triple feature day! Free Willy (11 AM), Minecraft (4 PM), The Goonies (7 PM). Something for every age group!

🍜 Toronto Chinatown Festival (Day 1/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Saturday, August 9 | 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Location: Spadina Avenue (west side, St. Andrew St. to Sullivan St.)
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Street festival kicks off! Food, culture, and entertainment. Continue the fun on Sunday too.

🎭 Wayo Children's Festival (Day 3/4) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Saturday, August 9 | Multiple show times
Location: Berkeley Castle
Cost: $5/person | Age: Ages 2-12
🔗 Event Details
Children will explore the world one continent at a time through interactive artistic experiences. Final day tomorrow!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

🎪 JerkFest 2025 (Day 3/3) | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 10:00 AM–9:30 PM
Location: Centennial Park
Cost: Ticket prices vary; Kids under 7 are FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of jerk festival fun! Kids zone keeps the little ones entertained while you enjoy the food and music.

🌳 Tree Tour and Shrub Giveaway with Downsview Park | NORTH YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Downsview Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Tree tour 10:00-11:30 AM, shrub giveaway 11:30 AM-2:00 PM (while supplies last). Educational and you get free plants!

🐛 Toronto Bug Day | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Location: Children's Conservatory at Allan Gardens
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Come early – the most desirable products go fast! No parking on site, but street parking on Carlton & Gerrard. Bring your own bags!

🎪 Viva la Leaside 2025 (Day 2/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: 25 Commercial Road, Leaside
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day! Live music, vintage cars, hot air balloon rides, kids zone with bumper cars, dog talent show, and local history exhibits. Earlier hours today so plan accordingly.

🍜 Toronto Chinatown Festival (Day 2/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Location: Spadina Avenue (west side, St. Andrew St. to Sullivan St.)
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of street festival! Earlier hours today, so plan accordingly. Great cultural experience for families.

🎭 Wayo Children's Festival (Day 4/4) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Sunday, August 10 | 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM
Location: Berkeley Castle
Cost: $5/person | Age: Ages 2-12
🔗 Event Details
Final day! Children will explore the world one continent at a time through interactive artistic experiences. Tickets may be available at door but spots are limited.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

🧪 Toronto Library: Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Tuesday, August 12 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Pape/Danforth Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Hands-on science experiment! Learn about environmental cleanup in a fun, engaging way. Perfect rainy day activity.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

🎪 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) – Toronto-East York (Thursday, August 15)

🎪 Thorncliffe Park Fair – North York (Thursday, August 15)

🚗 Wheels on the Danforth – Scarborough (Saturday, August 16)

🎪 Playing in the Park – Toronto-East York (Wednesday, August 17)

🎨 Back to School Week Workshops – North York (Monday, August 19)

💫 Have a wonderful week exploring Toronto with your little adventurers!

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