The summer heat is on and Toronto is alive with festivals, exhibits and events perfect for the balmy weather. We’ve found the top 10 July events in Toronto that you won’t want to miss.
Andy Warhol Revisited
Opens July 1
Andy Warhol’s images are among the most iconic of the past century, and you can see over 120 of his works at 77 Bloor St. W. beginning on Canada Day. This curated exhibit will include educational materials, mobile apps, audio tours, and special events — all to contextualize Warhol within our modern times, and expand your Warhol vocabulary beyond Campbell’s soup cans. General admission is $10 for adults.
Fringe Festival
July 1-12
Toronto’s beloved indie theatre festival is back with over 1,100 performances (cue your “ooh”s and “ahh”s). This year, you can expect 60 comedy shows, 14 dance and physical theatre shows, and 15 productions in unusual environments such as a yoga studio and a Kensington Market vintage clothing shop. There are 148 shows to choose from, and the tickets per show are priced (very affordably) at $12.
Salsa in TO Cruise Nights
July 2
Like boats? Like salsa? (Yes, you do.) You’ll love Salsa in TO Cruises. A glamorous, water-bound kick-off to the Salsa in Toronto Festival, Mariposa Cruises will host three cruises (the first of which is on July 2) with Latino food and music, performances and lessons from Toronto’s finest salsa dancers, and the sunset-tinged Toronto skyline as a backdrop. Tickets are $75. If you’d like to put your newfound moves to good use, the Salsa in Toronto Festival runs July 2-9 and will finish off at the Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival.
The Taste of TO
July 2-5
Ever had that dream of being surrounded by your favourite chefs as you consume incredible food and sip on wine, all while strolling through the great bright outdoors? That’s Taste of Toronto. We’re talking Mark McEwan demonstrating how to cook steelhead trout, Lamb Kofte from Byblos and Patria’s Paella, and currency that’s called “crowns.” We’ll stop gushing. General entry per day starts at just $19 for Thursday, but tickets are $30 at the door.
Summerlicious
July 3-26
Summerlicious — AKA Toronto food lovers’ heaven (the warm weather edition) — offers diners the opportunity to eat out without draining their wallets thanks to decidedly affordable prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner. Word to the wise: it’s something of a foodie stampede, so secure your seats now to avoid disappointment, and consult our handy guide of the top 25 Summerlicious 25 restaurants.
Rethink at the Races
July 5
Think of Rethink at the Races as equine glamour for a good cause. Supporting Rethink Breast Cancer, this year’s races will feature savoury treats from Rancho Relaxo, sweets from Bite Bar, and an open bar slinging yellow tail wine and Amsterdam Brewery beers. There will also be a mani station courtesy of The Ten Spot, a scotch tasting lounge, and a live graffiti artist. Tickets are $200 and ladies, we strongly suggest you sport your finest fascinators.
Toronto Food Fest
July 12, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
This is Toronto Food Fest’s 4th year, and it promises to be another showcase of innovative chefs. This year’s confirmed vendors include Liko’s Hawaiian Barbecue, Heirloom Food Truck, and Smoke’s Poutinerie— follow T.O Food Fest to stay updated on who else will be there. Admission is free, but there’s a $2 suggested donation (or you can opt to bring a non-perishable food item for Second Harvest).
Park Ave. Pop Up
July 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beer, food, and the Gardiner Museum make for excellent bedfellows in this pop-up organized by The Food Dudes and Double Trouble Brewing. Elevate your Friday afternoon (and welcome the weekend in style) with craft beer, live music, and good eats. If you can’t make it in July, stop by for the August 14 or September 11 instalments.
Backyard BBQ
July 17
Part of the Cheese Boutique’s League of Extraordinary Chefs, Backyard BBQ will be held at Langdon Hall, and will feature the extraordinary talents of Splendido’s Victory Barry, The Harbord Room’s Cory Vitiello, and the Cheese Boutique’s Afrim Pristine. The event costs $75 and will be hosted by Jason Bangerter of Langdon Hall.
TO’s Festival of Beer
July 24 – 26
A festival of beer—what could be more summer-appropriate than that? Head to Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place for this weekend-long extravaganza of all things hops, and enjoy live music, a slew of food (from Rashers to Campagnolo), and get the inside scoop from international brewmasters. Oh, and BEER. Get your tickets ($39.50-$79.50) quickly, as Saturday tickets have already sold out.
Honourable Mentions:
The Ontario Oyster Festival – July 19
Hennessy Time Barrel on display at La Societe – July 8-14
Related Link: Toronto’s most enchanting summer events
Which of these top 10 Toronto events will we be seeing you at? Let Vv Magazine know your thoughts on “Top 10 Toronto Events: July Edition” in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
