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.
While summer may be (dare say it?) winding down, the city is gearing up with a month-long spectacle of enticing events and festivals. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some delicious market fresh eats or indulge in the city’s art scene, the summer weather, sadly, won’t go on forever. So get out and appreciate what Toronto has to offer before you hear someone utter the words, “winter is coming.”
SummerWorks
August 4-14
The 26th annual SummerWorks – AKA a dream come true for performance lovers in Toronto – is back! Feast your eyes on works in the realm of theatre, dance, music and live art with 69 awe-inspiring projects and workshops at a number of venues across the city. Must-see shows include #7Love, Inside, Two Indians, as well as the opening night party on August 4th. Tickets are going for $15 a show (see full show listings here).
St. Lawrence Summer Market Series
August 4
Make room in your stomachs! On Thursday, August 4th the St. Lawrence Market, in partnership with The Food Dudes, will be creating a downtown foodie haven. The first of the St. Lawrence Summer Series will see the patio transformed into a mouth-watering oasis of local food, drink and performance with some of Toronto’s finest chefs, musicians and artists. General admission is $30 and includes two food tickets. Come ready to eat.
Time Festival
August 6
“I’m sick of music festivals,” said no one ever. Gather up the crew for another sun-filled day of tunes! Time Fest is back at Fort York with an awesome lineup of indie artists including Run the Jewels, Broods, Joey Bad A$$, Bob Moses and more. Give your ears what they’re craving for only $40 (see the full lineup here).
The Summer Sixteen Pop-up Market by Toronto Urban Collective
August 7
Summer market season isn’t over yet! Toronto Urban Collective’s Summer Sixteen Pop-up Market, one of the most anticipated markets of the season, is just around the corner. Held at the Toronto Reference Library, this event promises to be even bigger and better than the last, with over 100 of the city’s finest local artisans, photographers, designers and more. General admission is only $5, but StyleDemocracy.com has a special promo code for free entry (act fast – quantities limited).
Entertainment District Art Crawl
August 12
Things are about to take a turn for the creative. The 4th annual Entertainment District Art Crawl, presented by Cirque Du Soleil Luzia, is returning to David Pecaut Square. The Art Crawl has it all, featuring 50 amazing artists and designers in the realms of art, photography, fashion, sculptures, woodwork and more, plus great food and music. And the best part? Not only is entrance free, but you also have a chance at winning tickets to Luzia by Cirque Du Soleil.
Estrella Damm Tapas Journey
August 12-21
Love tapas? Love beer? (who doesn’t?). Then you’ll love Estrella Damm’s Tapas Journey. Gather up the friends and fam to enjoy three drool-worthy tapas plates with ice cold Estrella Damm Spanish Lager for just $20. There are over 35 participating restaurants including some of Toronto’s best: Barsa Taberna, Carmen, El Catrin, Kanpai Snack Bar, Marben, The Good Son, Bar Reyna and more.
Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival
August 13
The second annual Vegan Food & Drink Festival is back at Fort York this month, promising an all vegan experience with food, craft brews, wine, spirits and live entertainment. This year, vendors include the ever-popular Doomie’s, Bunner’s Bake Shop, Yam Chops, Doug McNish, Steamwhistle, Brickworks Cider and more. The entertainment roster features vegan international and local artists like Rose Cora Perry, Atlas Genius, plus others. Tickets for this one-day event are $10 for regular admission or $20 for a VIP experience. Children 12 and under are admitted for free with any ticket holder.
Toronto Men’s Fashion Week
August 15-23
“Men’s fashion lives here.” TOM (Toronto Men’s Fashion Week) is just around the corner! Indulge in the fashion community and witness a week of runway shows showcasing SS17 Collections from the most notable menswear designers in Toronto. Must-see shows include Kollar, Finezza, Hendrix Roe, Caffrey Van Horne and the always-anticipated MensFashion4Hope Walk-a-Thon. Tickets for individual shows start at $20, day passes at $75 or a three-day pass for $225.
Diner en Blanc
August 18
Put on your finest all-white outfit and get ready for the chicest picnic of all time – Diner en Blanc. Celebrate the finer things from high french society with thousands, including a finely prepared meal and a night of dancing. But where you might ask? You’ll have to wait… the “secret location” will be revealed at the last minute, ensuring guests can truly experience the beauty of our public spaces by participating in the unexpected. Register for Diner en Blanc here and be sure to follow these special instructions.
Hot & Spicy Food Festival
August 19
The weekend of August 19th is looking a little spicy! The Hot & Spicy Food Festival will be taking over the Harbour Front Centre, showcasing cuisine all the way from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. Savour the flavour of the south at this weekend-long BBQ, while you get down to musical performances from the Treme Brass Band and Yuka soul band. Not to mention, admission is free!
CNE
August 19 – September 5
We all know and love the CNE – Toronto’s favourite end of summer ritual. Along with copious amounts of deep-fried food and midway rides, Exhibition Place will also play host to countless celebrity chef demonstrations, international performances, comedy shows and the thrilling three-day air show by the Canadian Snow Birds (of course). Summer won’t last forever, so make the most of August and grab your tickets here.
RELATED LINK: Toronto Restaurant Openings: August 2016
Want to see your event in our listings? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.