What to do in Toronto this Month: July 2016

We get it: you’re busy. With so many things happening in Toronto every week, let alone every month, things can get a little overwhelming when planning your social calendar. Let’s keep it simple. Each month, Vv Magazine collects the top events in Toronto so that you know what you absolutely must attend. The rest, as they say, is noise.

Summer in Toronto is quite the sight to see! The days are gloriously long and the city is a brighter and livelier place, buzzing with a bounty of enticing events. If you’re looking to indulge in delicious foods, delve into different cultures, or dance the night away, then you came to the right place.

Check out our list of the top 10 must-attend events below:

Queen’s Plate
July 3
Grab the fanciest hat you own and head out to the 157th annual Queen’s Plate on July 3rd – the greatest social event of the year! Keeping up with tradition, this year’s race will host some of the best food and fashion the city has to offer. Not to mention, the famous Hats & Horseshoe’s Party, red carpet moments, lawn games, style contests, cocktails, and live music from Matthew Good, Hedley and more on three different stages! Tickets are still available for purchase and range between $30 to $60.  

Summerlicious
July 8-24
Make room in your stomach because Canada’s premier prix fixe food event, Summerlicious, starts on July 8th. For two-mouthwatering weeks, explore Toronto’s impressive culinary scene through a selection of three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus from over 220 top restaurants – including 24 new vendors. Lunches range between $18 and $28, and dinners range between $28 and $48. See a full list of participating restaurants and their menus here.  

TO Food Fest
July 9-10
Satisfy your hunger at the 5th annual TO Food Fest! On July 9th and 10th, some of Toronto’s most talented chefs and vendors will be gathering to serve up a wide selection of tasty creations. While admission is free, donations to Second Harvest, a non-profit organization that reduces food waste and helps provides meals to hungry Torontonians,  are encouraged – so eat your fill and donate to a good cause! Remember to bring an empty stomach and full pockets as all vendors will only be accepting cash.

Seinfeld Pop-up Bar
July 15 – end of Summer
Summer 2016 has been proclaimed as the summer of Seinfeld! Immerse yourself in all things Seinfeld through the recreation of Monk’s Diner. The summer-long pop-up bar and restaurant will open on July 15th, featuring a full list of bar and food offerings, a Seinfeld pop-up shop, trivia nights, costume contests, little kicks dance-off and a photo booth. 

Pizza Fest
July 15-17
You know the saying, “people disappoint, but pizza is eternal”? Well, regardless of whether you believe it or not, one thing’s for sure, pizza is awesome! Round up the family and celebrate this fact with pizzerias from across Ontario plus, live music, comedy acts, midway rides, pizza eating contests, celebrity meet-and-greets with athletes like Toronto Maple Leaf’s Frankie Corrado and more. General admission is $25 and includes the entrance fee, a pizza ticket, and drink ticket. 

Ontario Oyster Festival at Rodney’s Oyster House
July 17
Leave the shucking to the pros! The Ontario Oyster Festival at Rodney’s Oyster House is back for its 28th year. This year’s theme is about, ‘making the oyster great again‘ (as if they were ever not great!), so get ready to indulge in oysters (duh) and other gourmet food and drink like lobster and microbrew. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the door or by phone, and include two drink tickets and one food ticket.

T&T Waterfront Night Market
July 22-24
One thing we absolutely love about July are the warm summer nights! If you’re in agreeance then you definitely need to check out the T&T WaterFront Night Market. Not only does the market offer an enticing selection of Asian street foods, but also features 120+ retail vendors, a multi-stage entertainment section, kids zone and sports court. Admission is free with a T&T flyer (available at T&T Supermarket locations).

WayHome Music Festival
July 22-24
While not technically in Toronto, this music festival is too good (and close) to miss! Gather up your crew and prepare yourself for a weekend of camping and live music at WayHome Music Festival. This year’s lineup is jam-packed with indie favorites like LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire, Metric, M83, The Killers, Haim, Major Lazer, FKA Twigs, Chet Faker and many more (see the full lineup here). If you’re not a camper, single day passes are going for $109.99, while general weekend passes are $279.99. Grab your comfiest dancing shoes, slather on the sunscreen and prepare yourself for an unforgettable weekend! 

Lole White Tour
July 28
Love yoga? The annual Lole White Tour is headed back to Toronto, this year at Exhibition Place! Join thousands for an invigorating yoga class held at sunset as you’re guided by leading yoga instructors to a live music set. Tickets will run you between $40 and $125, but we feel like you can’t really put a price on inner peace. Oh, and don’t forget to wear white – the symbol of peace!

Caribana
July 28-31
With Caribana taking over Toronto from July 28-31st, the streets are about to get louder and a whole lot more colorful! End the month on a high note and celebrate Caribbean culture through cuisine, music, and the arts – some of the highlights being the Caribana Parade, Carnival in the 6ix and Sunnyside Up Cruise. See the event listings here & here and stay tuned for the release of weekend passes. 

RELATED LINK: The Vibe Guide to Music Festivals: Summer 2016

Want to see your event in our listings? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.