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- June 26-July 2 (Toronto)
June 26-July 2 (Toronto)
Canadians are riding the red-and-white wave, gearing up to have one of their biggest July 1 celebrations ever across Toronto! From massive Canada Day festivals with fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square and Harbourfront Centre to the vibrant Toronto Jazz Festival in Bloor-Yorkville, the city is alive with patriotic spirit.
Plus, don't miss our top 10 pick your own strawberry destinations in the GTA for the perfect summer family outing. Right now is the peak harvesting season for the most flavourful strawberries!
In today's newsletter:
🇨🇦 9 Epic Canada Day celebrations with 7 fireworks destinations across the city
🎷 Toronto Jazz Festival & Toronto Waterfront Festival with Tall Ships
🍖 Toronto Ribfest & botanical garden summer programs
🏳️🌈 Family Pride celebrations & library summer activities
Have feedback, suggestions, or know of an event we missed? Simply reply directly to this newsletter - we read every message and love hearing from our community!
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
🇨🇦 Nathan Phillips Square
Tuesday, July 1 | 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM | 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON | FREE
The ultimate Canada Day celebration right in the heart of Toronto! Join thousands of families for live entertainment, activities, and patriotic fun in the city's most iconic square. Features multiple performance stages, kids' activities, food vendors, and spectacular evening fireworks display.
🔥 Hot Tip: Take the TTC - Queen Station is steps away and parking downtown is extremely limited and expensive on Canada Day.
🇨🇦 Harbourfront Centre
Tuesday, July 1 | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON | FREE
Spectacular lakefront Canada Day festivities featuring live performances, family activities, and a breathtaking fireworks display over Lake Ontario. Multiple stages showcase Canadian talent, while the Harbourfront Children's Festival area offers hands-on activities, face painting, and interactive exhibits designed for young families.
🔥 Hot Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for fireworks viewing - the waterfront fills up quickly! Union Station is a short walk away.
🏁 Canada Day at Woodbine Racetrack
Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 AM onwards | Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke, ON | FREE
Canada Day Racing Festival includes ponies in the walking ring before races, ice cream truck at main entrance, free Canadian-themed giveaways (flags, tattoos, stickers), exclusive T-shirt giveaways with proof of betting or email sign up, live entertainment with DJ on the apron and live music between races, and "Oh Canada!" Best Dressed Contest. Whether you're bringing the whole family or coming for high-stakes wagering, there's something for everyone!
🔥 Hot Tip: Free parking available on-site! Check website for family packages and special Canada Day promotions.
🇨🇦 Mel Lastman Square
Tuesday, July 1 | 12:00 PM - 10:15 PM | 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON | FREE
North York's premier Canada Day celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, and evening fireworks. Special thanks to Willowdale Arts Collective for supporting this year's evening lineup! Features Willowdale Battle of the Bands Winner (6:15 PM), Toronto All Star Big Band (6:45 PM), Wayling Riders (8:00 PM), and fireworks at 10 PM.
🔥 Hot Tip: FREE parking available at Yonge and Finch! North York Centre subway station is directly connected to the square via underground walkway.
🇨🇦 Downsview Park Tuesday, July 1 | 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM | 70 Canuck Ave, Toronto, ON | FREE
Enjoy Canada Day festivities in one of Toronto's largest parks with plenty of space for families, activities, and evening fireworks. Features live entertainment, food trucks, children's activities, and wide open spaces perfect for families with young kids to run around.
🔥 Hot Tip: Bring blankets and chairs - lots of green space to spread out! Free parking available on-site.
🇨🇦 East York Festival Tuesday, July 1 | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | 373 Cedarvale Ave, East York, ON | FREE
Community-focused Canada Day celebration featuring local vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities in beautiful Stan Wadlow Park. This grassroots festival showcases East York's community spirit with local musicians, food vendors, children's activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
🔥 Hot Tip: Street parking available on surrounding residential streets. Bring cash for food vendors!
🇨🇦 Thomson Memorial Park Tuesday, July 1 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 1005 Brimley Rd, Scarborough, ON | FREE
Start your Canada Day early at this family-friendly celebration in Scarborough with activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Features morning pancake breakfast, children's games, live music, and cultural performances celebrating Canada's diversity.
🔥 Hot Tip: Arrive early for the pancake breakfast - it's a local favorite! Free parking available in the park.
🇨🇦 Queen's Park Tuesday, July 1 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) | Queen's Park, Toronto, ON | FREE
Celebrate Canada Day at the provincial legislature grounds with family activities and entertainment in this historic downtown location. Features ongoing face painting, midway rides, tours of the building, craft stations, balloon twisting, circus shows, and a dedicated kids zone. No registration required - full event schedule on website.
🔥 Hot Tip: Queen's Park and Museum subway stations are both nearby. Limited street parking - public transit recommended.
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
🎷 Toronto Jazz Festival June 26-29 | Various times (see website) | Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood | Pricing varies
World-class jazz performances throughout the trendy Bloor-Yorkville area. Family-friendly shows and outdoor performances perfect for introducing kids to jazz music. Features both free outdoor concerts and ticketed indoor shows at venues like Koerner Hall and the Phoenix Concert Theatre.
🔥 Hot Tip: Many free outdoor performances happen in Yorkville Park - perfect for families! Bay or Bloor-Yonge subway stations nearby.
⛵ Toronto Waterfront Festival with Tall Ships June 28-29 | Various times (see website) | 11 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON | FREE
Marvel at magnificent tall ships docked at Sugar Beach! This maritime festival offers a unique opportunity to explore historic vessels and enjoy waterfront festivities. Climb aboard authentic tall ships, watch maritime demonstrations, and enjoy harbor tours and family activities along the waterfront.
🔥 Hot Tip: Union Station is a 10-minute walk away. Arrive early to avoid crowds for ship tours!
🍖 Toronto Ribfest June 28-July 1 | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily | 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, ON | FREE admission
Four days of BBQ bliss! Family-friendly festival featuring top ribbers, live entertainment, and activities for kids in beautiful Centennial Park. Features multiple BBQ vendors competing for best ribs, live music stages, carnival rides, and a dedicated kids' zone with activities and games.
🔥 Hot Tip: Free parking available in the park, but arrive early on weekends! Bring wet wipes - ribs can get messy!
🏳️🌈 Family Pride June 28-29 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 83 Alexander St, Toronto, ON | FREE
Inclusive family celebration during Pride weekend with activities designed for families with children of all ages. Features face painting, crafts, story time, live entertainment, and educational activities celebrating diversity and inclusion in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
🔥 Hot Tip: College subway station is nearby. Street parking is limited during Pride weekend - consider public transit!
🎵 Rhythms of Canada Festival June 30-July 1 | Various times (see website) | 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON | Pricing varies
Multicultural celebration of Canadian music and culture in the stunning Aga Khan Museum. Perfect for families interested in diverse musical traditions. Features performances from Indigenous, Francophone, and multicultural artists, plus hands-on workshops and family activities exploring Canada's rich musical heritage.
🔥 Hot Tip: Free parking available on-site! Check website for free outdoor performances vs. ticketed indoor shows.
🌱 Summer in the Garden June 28-29 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON | FREE
Step into a weekend of creativity, nature, and celebration at this outdoor artisan market at the beautiful Toronto Botanical Garden! Enjoy a carefully curated lineup of vendors offering handmade goods, organic products, and unique gifts. Features garden trail exploration, family-friendly fun with face painting, henna, kids' craft stations, balloon twisting, live music, wellness sessions, and delicious treats from food trucks. Free swag bags for the first 50 families each day!
🔥 Hot Tip: Get there early for free swag bags for the first 50 families each day! Free parking available on-site.
HISTORIC & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
🏛️ Celebration at Gibson House Tuesday, July 1 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St, North York, ON | FREE
Step back in time and celebrate Canada Day at this historic 1850s farmhouse with period demonstrations and family-friendly historical activities. Features costumed interpreters, traditional games, heritage crafts, and special Canada Day programming exploring 19th-century Canadian life.
🔥 Hot Tip: Free admission and parking available on-site! Perfect for families interested in Canadian history and heritage.
🏰 Proud to be Canadian: Celebrating Chinese Communities at Fort York Tuesday, July 1 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON | FREE
Unique Canada Day celebration highlighting the contributions of Chinese communities to Canadian history at Toronto's birthplace. Features cultural performances, traditional crafts, historical exhibits, and educational programs about Chinese-Canadian heritage and contributions to Toronto's development.
🔥 Hot Tip: Bathurst Station is nearby. On-site parking available but fills up quickly on Canada Day!
LIBRARY PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
📚 DIY! Summertime Slime
Monday, June 30 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Toronto Public Library - Morningside Branch, 4279 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON | FREE
Get hands-on and messy with this fun slime-making workshop perfect for kids who love science experiments and creative activities. All materials provided - just bring your enthusiasm for gooey, stretchy fun!
🔥 Hot Tip: Registration required - spots fill up fast! Check library website for specific registration details.
📚 Welcome Summer! Monday, June 30 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Toronto Public Library - Flemingdon Park Branch, 24 Grenoble Dr, North York, ON | FREE
Kick off summer with stories, songs, and activities celebrating the season. Perfect for preschoolers and their families. Features interactive storytelling, summer-themed crafts, and sing-alongs designed for ages 2-5.
🔥 Hot Tip: Drop-in program - no registration required! Perfect for families looking to start summer celebrations early.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK (JULY 3-9)
🎬 Evergreen Brick Works: Free Outdoor Movie Night (The Wild Robot) Thursday, July 3 | 7:30 PM | Evergreen Brick Works | FREE
Family movie night under the stars featuring the beloved animated film "The Wild Robot." Bring blankets and snacks for this magical outdoor cinema experience in one of Toronto's most unique locations.
🔥 Hot Tip: Free parking available on-site, but arrives early! Bring bug spray and layers - it can get cool after sunset.
🍽️ Taste of Lawrence 2025 July 4-6 | Various times | Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road | FREE admission
Three-day street festival celebrating the multicultural flavors of Lawrence Avenue with food vendors, entertainment, and family activities. Features authentic cuisine from local restaurants, live cultural performances, kids' activities, and community vendors.
🔥 Hot Tip: Street parking can be challenging - consider taking TTC! Bring cash for food vendors.
📚 Beaded Sun Catchers Thursday, July 3 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Toronto Public Library - Parliament Street Branch | FREE
Create beautiful beaded sun catchers in this craft workshop perfect for kids who love making decorative art. All materials provided for this hands-on creative session.
🔥 Hot Tip: Registration required - call ahead to secure your spot! Limited street parking available.
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