The long weekend is upon us, which means maxing and relaxing in the somewhat elusive sun and pretending like the F-word (Fall) is not fast approaching. The city is teeming with activity this weekend, so here are some events you’ll want to work into your schedule…
Thursday
The Ultimate Pringles Summer Party
This classic stackable snack brand is taking over Yonge-Dundas Square with the help of DJs EfSharp and Lexx Decibel, interactive video booths, and an improv comedy troupe. Stop by from 11am to 4pm to party with Pringles.
Support Local
The third annual Support Local is taking over 88 Ossington. As the name suggests, this event brings together a variety of local vendors and artists. With the proceeds from the event going to support Waack Revolt, an independent dance film, this event is a great community cause.
St. James Park Series
The St. James Park music series is in full swing, and taking the stage this weekend is contemporary jazz chamber group hobson’s choice. Consisting of four members playing vibraphone, trumpet, voice and acoustic guitar, respectively, the quartet pays homage to Canadian music icons, like Bruce Coburn, with a jazz flair.
1812 Commemoration
If you’re in the mood for history, head over to Berczy Park to catch a full-fledged re-enactment of the Battle of York.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Opening at the Randolph Theatre, the legend of Elle Woods lives on in this theatre adaptation. With the production made up of bright young talent from the Randolph Academy, you’ll get a chance to see emerging performances front and centre. The play runs August 1st through 3rd and 8th through 10th, and tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
First Thursdays at the AGO
There’s no better way to party than in the presence of art, and with this event steadily increasing in popularity, you definitely don’t want to miss out. Bringing together DJs, Canadian artists including Kim Adams and hip-hop trailblazer Cadence Weapon, and with a price tag less than $20, this event will have you looking forward to the first of the month.
The Open Roof Festival
In a brand new location this year, this non-profit, waterfront music and film festival has been going strong is support of the Canadian independent arts scene. Taking place Thursdays in the summer, this Thursday will feature sounds by Yuka, food by Tita Flips and Grub, and Bones Brigade as the feature film.
Friday
Thumper at Bambi’s
Unleash your inner hipster on Dundas West this weekend at this local dance destination. With sounds from Thumper, make sure to arrive early because this place is sure to be packed.
Muscle Souls Music Showcase
Rakia Bar plays host to Muscle Souls as part of their Summer Showcase Series. There is no cover, but a suggested $10 donation is asked in order to support the local music scene.
Summer Jam Fest
The second annual jam event is going down at The Hoxton, and apparently it features a “special guest that will blow your mind.” We’re up for a gamble! We think it’s gonna be Drake based on the hint that “it’s the OVO fest this weekend.” We’re taking bets right now. It’s totally Drake. Maybe…
Atomic Lollipop
It starts with a ghetto-fabulous Dragonball Hunt, a Pokeman Snap! contest and a Gladiator Jousting Tournament, transitions into Live Action Mario Kart bidness, and an event that’s called “The X-Files and JJ Abrams: The Truth Is Out There,” and ends with a Steampunk Electroswing Prom and a midnight picnic. If you need to ask anymore questions before buying your ticket, then clearly this fabtastic night just isn’t for you.
Island Soul
Starting Friday and running through Monday, Harbourfront Centre is hosting their annual Island Soul Festival. Come get your groove on to Kay-Ann Ward (August 3th), Tabou Combo (August 4th) and Moko Jumbie: Dancing Spirits of Trinidad (August 4th and 5th).
6th Annual Zine Dream Small Press Fair
Zine collectors unite! The 6th annual Zine Dream fair will feature kickass panels, 50 exhibitors of self published art books, comics, crafts, music, zines and much more.
Fear of Punk // Fear of Art
Communication Art Gallery on Harbord is riding the wave that is the punk renaissance of 2013 with an exhibit featuring contemporary punk artists that runs until Sunday. Deck yourself out in safety pins and we’ll see you there.
Terms and Conditions May Apply
If you’re sad you’re stuck in Toronto for the long weekend, don’t be. We’re getting the Canadian premiere of Terms and Conditions May Apply at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, premiering August 2nd and running until the 14th. That’s way better than an actual holiday this weekend, right?
Outdoor Cinema in the Junction
If you’ve never seen Citizen Kane, which is arguably the best movie ever made, at least give yourself a reason to make a case why it isn’t by checking it out for free tonight in the Junction… under the stars. How hipsterific.
Kendrick Lamar
Hip-hop’s current golden boy is making an appearance in Toronto this weekend at the Sound Academy. Clearly Canada loves its Kendrick — it appears tickets are sold out, so hopefully you snagged yours in advance.
Irie Music Festival
In conjunction with Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival, the Irie Music Festival brings a bit of the Caribbean to Toronto. With a range of reggae artists including Wayne Wonder and Belinda Brady, this free festival will definitely have you getting down island-style.
Saturday
Gladstone Flea: August Edition
Brought to you by Laura Hopf, in collaboration with Andrew Sardone of NOW Magazine and Haley Cullingham of She Does the City, head down to the Gladstone Flea for a curated, handpicked marketplace filled with artist goods, reclaimed vintage, craft, design, jewelry, clothing, and more!
Artfest at the Distillery – Art & Craft Show
This long weekend (August 3rd, 4th and 5th), Artfest will be bringing clothing, crafts, art, jewelry, furniture and more to the Distillery District.
The Grove Music Festival
If you can’t make it to Osheaga this year, fear not! Staged inside the beautiful historic Fort York Garrison Common, The Grove Music Festival – a boutique music festival with a curated line-up that includes talents like Phoenix, Girl Talk, and Hot Chip – will be bring a full day of festival realness right here to Toronto.
Yoga + Art + Park
Get out the stress of the week with some yoga in the park! Brought to you by Downward Dog Yoga Centre and Collective Spaces, this will be a weekend (August 3rd and 4th) of relaxation with an Art + Craft Market and a Wellness + Yoga Community Fair where you can take free classes.
Thompson Hotel | Long Weekend Celebration
Toronto’s premiere luxury lifestyle destination, the Thompson Hotel, will be hosting #ThompsonSaturdays with one huge party spread out over three floors, each with their own sound brought to you by DJ Richard Silas, DJ Special K, and DJ Geof Brown.
EAST END COMEDY REVUE featuring DEREK EDWARDS
Hosted by the hilarious Dave Martin of Sirius XM’s “Anything Goes,” come out and have a laugh while supporting the Toronto Humane Society. The lineup includes Derek Edwards (Just for Laughs), Aaron Berg (“24 hour rental”), Ali Hassan (panelist on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight) and Michelle Shaughnessy (Winnipeg Comedy Festival).
Toronto Vintage and Retro Society’s Tiki-Tacky Patio Party
Skip the beach this Saturday and check out the TVRS Tiki-Tacky Patio Party for a celebration of all things retro, vintage and summer. The theme is Tiki so expect tropical cocktails, Hawaiian fun, limbo and kitsch along with some fabulous raffles, dress prizes, door swag and, naturally, leis for everyone.
Sunday
Earls King Street Brunch Event
Keep your long weekend going by eating off Saturday’s hangover! Enjoy samplings, a DJ-created Sunday brunch jam set, and start your pre-game for Sunday night with the Mimosa Bar.
Movies in the Park
TO, don’t go home. Instead, head down to Riverdale Park East to catch E.T. in the park in support of the children’s hospice at the Riverside Philip Aziz Centre.
JUICY J + ACE HOODLIVE at The HOT 97 BET ALL Star Celebrity Party
More than 20 of North America’s hottest Hip Hop, R&B, Soca/Calypso, and Reggae artists are coming to T.dot to do DJ sets and performances of today’s hottest tracks. The Caribana weekend event is so big this year that the entire Guvernment Complex, one of the city’s chillest venues with amazing views of the city and water, will be completely devoted to it.
Toronto Beer Week Music & ProAm Beer Night
The week-long celebration of craft beer known as Toronto Beer Week will be hosting this special/preview night to celebrate two of the city’s best communities – music lovers and beer drinkers. Come sample home-brewed collaborations, dozens of craft beer on tap, and tons of local indie music.
What It Is! presents MIDNIGHT APPLAUDERS
Be prepared to dance and sweat because Caribana weekend is in full swing. Come check out the 9th Annual Caribana Long Weekend Sunday Night Jam featuring beats by Kwame Younge and DJ Dave Campbell alongside special guest DJ Paul E. Lopes (Bump n‘ Hustle).
Monday
Electric Island Civic Holiday Monday with GREEN VELVET, HOT SINCE 82, SOUL CLAP @ Centre Island
Finish off your long weekend right at Toronto’s Centre Island for a full 8+ hours of music and drinking at a concert and picnic party featuring a lineup of local and international artists. Who really needs to go to work Tuesday anyway?