What to do in Toronto summer 2023: 20 super fun ideas

Summer is finally here, and the GTA is hot with places to go, people to see and things to do.

Whether you’re looking for thrills or prefer a more relaxed environment, the Star has put together a list of 20 things to experience this season for every age and budget.

1. Enjoy outdoor theatre

Dream in High Park returns this summer for its 40th anniversary with two productions. From July 6 to 8, the “Young, Gifted and Jazz” immersive dance experience will electrify the High Park Amphitheater with jazz culture and music. Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs from July 21 to September 3. Regular tickets for both shows cost $29 and can be purchased online or at the box office starting two hours before the show. More information

2. Attend a concert at Budweiser Stage

There’s something magical about hearing live music outside. With Budweiser Stage’s diverse lineup, there are concerts for everyone. Feeling some country rock? Zac Brown Band headlined on July 14. Ready to rock? Fall Out Boy takes the stage on July 30. Want some 2000s hip-hop nostalgia? 50 Cent tops the list on July 31 with Busta Rhymes and Jeremih. More information

3. Party and sweat at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade

Expect to see colorful, light-hearted costumes, hear Caribbean music, and taste great food on August 5 when the 56th Annual Parade takes over part of Lake Shore Boulevard West. The celebration lasts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free, although there is a charge for those who want to watch the parade from the very start in the Exhibition Place grounds. More information

4. Get animated at Fan Expo Canada

From August 24 to 27, comics, anime, gaming, film and TV fandom, and cosplay will take over the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Whether you’re a superhero or a samurai, there are many events to enjoy including celebrity Q&As, workshops over 400,000 square feet of retail. Day tickets and four-day passes are available at special prices until August 9. More information

5. Watch a movie at the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

This summer TOPS takes you to ‘Another World’ screens fantastic films such as ‘The Matrix’, ‘ET the Extra-Terrestrial’ and ‘Jumanji’ on various dates at Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park or the Christie Pits Film Festival. All shows start at sunset and are free. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs and blankets. More information

6. Feel the rhythm at Toronto Zoo

The sound of drums will roar on July 8 and 9 for Zoo Beats, an energetic drum and comedy show presented by Rhythm Works. The four shows, featuring Broadway performers, take place in the main courtyard from 10:30am to 4pm and are free with zoo entry. Ticket are usually priced between $11.19 and $31.95. More information

7. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

A new exhibition will open in the ROM on 1 July. Entitled “Being and Belonging: Contemporary Women Artists from the Islamic World and Beyond,” it features work from 25 emerging and established artists, touching upon themes of identity, power, sexuality, and home. One of the other shows currently on view is “T. rex: The Ultimate Predator,” which departs September 4. Admission to the museum ranges from $16 to $39. More information

8. Appreciate art at the Artist Mentorship Showcase

This showcase is the result of a 12-month mentoring program led by acclaimed curator and creative director Ashley McKenzie-Barnes. Created by local emerging and mid-career artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, each project highlights the perspectives and experiences of the LGBTQ community. All events are free and take place on various dates at 10 historic museum locations in Toronto, such as Diana Contreras Cabanas’ “Pride Calavera” at Colborne Lodge. More information

9. Go under the big tent at the Royal Canadian International Circus

Clowns, high-flying acrobats, contortionists and deadly tricks all come with the Royal Canadian International Circus. The traveling show will run through August 27 in several cities across the GTA, including Toronto’s Scarborough, Brampton, and Pickering. Tickets range from $35 to $60. More information

10. Observe thought-provoking images at the 15th Annual Doc Now Festival

This documentary festival, which runs until August 5, showcases innovative work by students of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media program. Through film, photography, installations and new media, these international storytellers touch on a range of personal, political and topical topics, such as Katrin Faridani’s ‘Interconnected’, a visual exploration of Toronto’s stormwater system and its effects on our drinking water and Lake Ontario . Entrance is free. More information

11. Put your thinking cap on for Drag Trivia at Cafe Paradise

Wednesday night at Cafe Paradise on Bloor West means Drag Trivia, hosted by drag queen Weird Alice. While racing, enjoy comfort food like grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers and fries to answer questions about pop culture’s best and brightest celebs, TV, movies, music and much more. It’s free to join, but Cafe Paradise recommends booking a table. More information

12. Get creative at Eglinton West in Poetry

Every Wednesday through September 6, youth will learn elements of poetry to help write, edit and perform homemade works about the Little Jamaica community, culminating in a public performance and the publication of their poetry in an anthology. The program is free; registration is required. More information

13. Enjoy a Storybook Orchard Walk

Every Friday through September 24, visitors can stroll through the historic apple orchards of the Spadina Museum for free while reading panels of poetry accompanied by illustrations from the book “Poems to Honor Mother Earth” by Métis artist Leah Dorian. More information

14. Feel electrified at a music festival

It’s music festival season all over the GTA, with sounds for almost every taste in music. Veld celebrates its 10th anniversary as Canada’s largest electronic dance music festival from August 4-6 at Downsview Park, showcasing superstars like Zedd and Tiësto. Manifesto, on August 11, features 14 artists on two stages at RBC Echo Beach; rappers Aminé and Saukrates headline. Boots and Hearts Music Festival returns to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds August 10-13, featuring country music legends Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. More information

15. Relax on TD Union Summer

Live entertainment awaits outside Union Station. Until August 27, visitors can expect movie nights as well as local talent singing everything from salsa to Motown. There will also be rotating food vendors offering delicious food such as authentic Cuban cuisine from Tropical South and street style sandwiches from Tut’s Egyptian Street Food. More information

16. Wander through the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

From July 7 to 9, Nathan Phillips Square will be transformed into a gallery. The free public event showcases 2D and 3D artwork, photography, paintings and more on display and for sale. The weekend also offers guided tours, children’s programs and live painting demonstrations. More information

17. Immerse yourself in a new culture at a street festival

Travel the world without getting on a plane street festival with an array of multicultural food, music and activities. Get your dancing shoes on for Salsa on St. Clair from July 8-9, where you can party to the sounds of Latin artists and enjoy favorites like pupusas and tamales. At Taste of the Middle East, at Nathan Phillips Square from July 14 to 16, there’s music, treats like baba ghanoush and baklawa, and shopping-till-you-drop at the bazaar. Greektown’s Taste of the Danforth returns August 11-13, offering dozens of free activities and a wide variety of delicious street food, such as souvlaki and gyros. More information

18. See a show at the Fringe Festival

The 35th Toronto Fringe Festival will take place across the city from July 5 to July 16. With 100 dance, storytelling, drama and comedy performances – even a children’s party – there’s endless variety for all ages to enjoy, including “Caezus,” a 45-minute hip-hop adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” and “All of Our Parents Are Asian,” a 75-minute improv show about the joys and challenges of growing up in an Asian household. Ticket prices for children’s shows are $6, teens are $9, and adult tickets vary. More information

19. Explore the CNE

Get ready for another two weeks of carnival rides and crazy food as the Canadian National Exhibition returns to Exhibition Place from August 18 to September 4. Fan-favorite attractions such as the Canadian International Air Show, Outdoor Marketplace and the CNE Farm, featuring more than 100 animals, will return with many more attractions. Pre-sale tickets and all-day passes are now available starting at $20. More information

20. Smell the roses at Royal Botanical Gardens

Stay in tune with nature all summer long, with plenty of thriving events to satisfy your inner green thumb. Royal Botanical Gardens offers gardening workshops for all ages and 17 miles of trails to explore. Special summer events include musical performances, a nighttime walk through the rock garden, Shakespeare in the Garden and a movie night. More information

PART: