Toronto’s Best Events: August Edition

Since August may be the last official month of the summer, it’s time to go big or go home. Which is why we’ve brought you some of the city’s best events! From street festivals to boat cruises and much more, there’s a slew of events that will be sure to satisfy all…

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2014
July 31 to August 3
The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival main weekend is quickly approaching! Packed with family events and parties, and a massive parade to finish it all off, this year artists such as DJ Whitebwoy and Problem Child will be performing.

Fado Music at Lisbon by Night
August 1
Planning on taking a vacation to Portugal? How about you postpone that trip and stop by Lisbon by Night for the city’s answer to authentic Portuguese food and treat your ears to some Fado (Portuguese soul) music!

Modest Mouse at TD Echo Beach
August 1
It’s been seven years since Modest Mouse released an album, but fans can hear tons of songs, both new and old, live during the Toronto stop at Echo Beach. Tickets are available for $56.75.

Island Soul
August 1 to August 4
The Caribbean comes to Toronto’s waterfront for four days of music, dance, food, film and more.

Summer Opera Lyrics
August 2 to August 10
Summer Opera Lyric Theatre announces a season featuring fully-staged productions of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, and Samuel Barber’s great 20th century masterpiece, Vanessa.

Veld Music Festival
August 2 to August 3
Didn’t get your hands on those coveted Tommorowland tickets again? No problem! Canada’s largest electronic music festival, Veld, returns to Downsview Park. This year’s big DJs include Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Zedd, Ingrosso, and many more! .

ArtFest at the Distillery
August 2 to August 4
Over 75 artists and artisans from across Canada gather at the Historic Distillery District for three days of artistic excellence. Enjoy hand-made Canadian pottery, glass, leather, jewellery, gourmet food, textiles, paintings, live music and more. Plus, it’s free… so why not?!

Christie Pits Film Fest presents Days of Summer: Twister!
August 3
Looking for a romantic spot to watch your favourite 90s action flick? Try this outdoor screening of Twister. PWYC.

Electric Island
August 4
The fully licensed concert and picnic series is back this summer with another four events stacked with world class talent. The third edition takes place on the Civic Holiday (Monday, August 4th)!

MYRIAD3’s CD Release at Jazz Bistro
August 7 to August 9
If you’re looking for a summer filled with music and food, then let Jazz Bistro be a part of your summer shenanigans. From August 7th to the 9th, stop by Toronto’s favourite jazz bar and experience MYRIAD3’s CD release! It’ll be a party filled with incredible music, great booze, and a phenomenal atmosphere.

Krinos Taste of the Danforth
August 8 to August 10
Krinos Taste of the Danforth is Toronto’s largest street festival, showcasing the best of Mediterranean food, culture, and music our multicultural city has to offer – from souvlaki to mezes, authentic music to interactive activities!

A Global Meditation for Peace
August 8
Thousands of people around the world come together for the largest meditation gathering in history, led by Deepak Chopra, Gabrielle Bernstein, and Grammy-award winning artist India Arie. Together, we’ll break the Guinness World Record for the largest group meditation in history. Westin Harbour Castle, $49 to $79.

2014 Pan American Food Festival
August 8 to August 10
Featuring an impressive roster of extraordinary chefs, led by renowned chef and culinary genius Norman Van Aken, the exciting flavours and cultures of the 41 countries of North, South and Central America and the Caribbean will be showcased at the Pan American Food Festival.

Absolut Makerfest 2014
August 9
No cover, complimentary booze and a free mini-concert featuring Q-Tip and Theophilus London…all at 99 Sudbury in support of the arts and technology. It’ll be a party you won’t…no, can’t miss.

JerkFest 2014
August 9 to August 10
Taste great jerk food such as jerk chicken, fish, and shrimp to delectable jerk octopus, jerk kangaroo, and jerk alligator while the vivacious rhythms of the music sweep you off your feet as you sway to the pulsating beats and enjoy live performances by internationally acclaimed reggae artists. Centennial Park, Etobicoke.

TheBHD.com Launches Les Ateliers
August 10
Join The Broken Heel Diaries at The Spoke Club for an exclusive launch of Les Ateliers, series of event workshops for women across Canada to be inspired, build confidence, feel beautiful and give back to their communities. For tickets and more info, visit their website.

TO Food Fest 2014
August 10
TO Food Fest brings together top foodie-reviewed restaurants and local hidden gems in one exciting event. Both established and aspiring chefs can be found at TO Food Fest, giving the local community a taste of unique and delicious cuisine.

Sail-In Cinema
August 14 to August 16
The world’s first two-sided floating movie experience returns to Toronto’s Sugar Beach. Toronto Port Authority will transform Sugar Beach into the city’s largest outdoor theatre.

Mad Decent Block Party 2014
August 15
Are you a music junkie? Then the Mad Decent Block Party is an absolute must! This year’s Block Party, at the Fort York Garrison Common, features Chance the Rapper, Diplo, Flosstradamus, Grandtheft, ZEDS DEAD, and many more.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
August 15 to September 1
The Ex is back! From international vendors to some of the craziest fair foods, the CNE is a summer essential. Be sure to get those tickets early for a discounted price.

Hot & Spicy Food Festival
August 15 to August 17
This year’s festival dips into food and culture rooted in the past and renewed for the future. Enjoy a range of culinary delicacies, as well as hot rhythms and spicy grooves from the past and present.

Designers Closet Toronto Presents: The 5th Annual Autumn/Winter 2014-15 Showcase
August 16
The Designers Closet Toronto, at The Uptown Lofts, hosts annual fashion shows to display and support Toronto’s fast growing fashion design community. For 5 years the Designers Closet has been a networking event for fashion loving locals, as well as the perfect social to wrap up the summer season!

Yogapalooza
August 16
A celebration of music, movement and meditation. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations and a wellness-based marketplace. Bring your mats and your friends to the Exhibition Common at Harbourfront Centre for all things yoga!

The Indie Boat Hop
August 17
BarHop and Indie Ale House present a fantastic boat cruise featuring beers that have never been consumed on land! Tickets are $40 and include 1 Indie Boat Hop cup, 1 token (half pint), a three-hour sail, and access to beer that has never been released on dry land.

Bond Affair Dinner Series
August 21
The Bond Affair Pop-up Dinner Series is a sophisticated, elegant pop-up social dinner that is held at a magnificent location such as a museum, conservatory, historical location, golf club, art gallery, estate, or even 5-star restaurants. The location is revealed two days before the event! The Bond Affair Pop-up Dinner Series Program is $200 per person, including an open bar.

Farmers Dinner at Cafe Boulud
August 21
Join Chef Tyler Shedden and Bill Parke of Blackview Farm at Cafe Boulud for their first ever Farm Dinner Series, which will feature a 4-course dinner inspired by the preservation of the environment. Each course will be paired with a fabulous Norman Hardie Wine selected by wine director Drew Walker.

Paddle Royale 2014
August 21
A ping pong tournament of epic proportions! Support Big Brothers and Big Sisters Toronto with a night at Steam Whistle that’s sure not to disappoint.

TAIWANfest
August 22 to August 24
Taiwan is a country built on the legacy of global traditions and cultures that have marked its shores. Join all the fun at the Harbourfront Centre for a weekend wander down the path of music, dance, art and food that invigorates the island nation.

Hip, Hip, Hooray Cabaret
August 23
Get your belly dancing on this summer starting August 23rd and running every 4th Saturday of the month after that at ROUND Venue. With only a $10 cover, you really can’t go wrong.

TD Festival of South Asia
August 23
Be part of a spectacular street festival and come experience the most exotic cuisine, free entertainment, music, and fun activities. Partake in stage performances, interactive booths, and arts and crafts displays by local artists.

Coconut Festival Canada
August 24
We are excited to present you the first festival in Canada that highlights of one of the greatest drupes in the world, the coconut! Experience the sights and sounds and immerse your senses in the wonders that it brings at the Wychwood Barns.

Ashkenaz Festival
August 29 to September 1
North America’s premier festival of global Jewish music and culture returns with its 10th biennial celebration. Over 200 artists from more than a dozen countries will showcase the vibrancy and brilliance of Jewish artistic traditions, from traditional styles to cutting-edge, cross-cultural fusion – all for free at the Harbourfront Centre!

If we missed out on an event you’ll be attending, let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewTheVibe.