So we survived #Stormaggedon, aka the #TorontoStorm, which is all the reason to get out and party this weekend. Here’s everything on radar…
Thursday
Tasty Thursdays
Part of the city’s Special Events series, Nathan Phillips Square serves as the backdrop for an array of international cuisine vendors with offerings for $7 or less along with free noon concerts with acts from around the world. Be sure to make a detour there between now and August 29th.
Sound In Motion
Now in its second year, the three-day Sound In Motion Festival, hosted by StudioFeed, adds an independent twist to the city’s festival circuit with a wide range of electronic acts from around the world.
Five Hole for Food
This ball hockey tournament goes across Canada to raise money and awareness for food banks. To date, these events have raised over 133,000 pounds of food. Stop by and show your support at Yonge-Dundas Square between 11am and 5pm.
Boys’ Night Out
Lifford Wine & Spirits is bringing the boys together for a good cause. Taking place at Evergreen Brick Works, Boys’ Night Out will feature an evening of food, fast cars, fine spirits and many other manly things in support of prostate cancer research. Tickets are still on sale for $100.
Friday
SoundClash Festival
Taking up residence at the Harbourfront Centre, this free festival features artists short-listed for the SoundClash Music Award and other known favourites including Rich Kidd and Born Ruffians.
Honda Indy Toronto
Start your engines and head over to Exhibition Place for all the automotive action your heart desires. This year, the Indy will be featuring two IndyCar races in one weekend along with lots of other entertainment you won’t want to miss. Check out our preview of all the Honda Indy events you need to pop by here.
TD Presents: Night It Up 2013
If you’re in the mood for adventure outside the downtown core, head out to Markham for three nights of delicious Asian cuisine, attractions such as the truck pull, and live entertainment. All proceeds support Toronto charity Second Harvest.
The Summertime Grand Arts Festival
Joining the long lineup of events taking place at Nathan Philips Square, this festival features exhibitions in a variety of creative mediums and offers activities for those of all ages, including a meet a greet with Princess Cinderella and Jay the Firefighter for the younger ones.
Crepes for the Community
Satisfy your sweet tooth for a good cause. King West Parisian café/bakery Brioche Dorée will be serving crepes from 7am to 2pm in return for a small donation in partnership with the Good Shepherd Centre for Bastille Day.
Saturday
Taste of Thailand
Bringing the flavours of Bangkok and beyond to Nathan Philips Square for two days, this free festival provides a taste of Thai culture through food and cooking demonstrations, traditional dances and artisanal offerings.
Festival of India
Working its way from Yonge-Dundas Square to Centre Island, the Festival of India, now in its 41st year, is bringing a taste of Indian culture to the masses. Starting with a parade, this free two-day festival is sure to have something for everyone including a spicy samosa-eating contest.
Brickfete
Bring out your inner builder at this year’s Brickfete, the expo for Lego lovers of all ages. With numerous Lego displays created by hobbyists from around the world, this is Canada’s largest Lego fan event for adults and children alike.
Salsa on St. Clair
Hosted by the Telelatino Network and City of Toronto, this street festival is renowned for bringing the spirit of salsa to the streets. Stretching from Winona Dr. to Christie St., Salsa on St. Clair features all the Latin food, music and salsa you could ever want.
Mad Market Bizarre
CAMH is going mad with its blowout craft sale, setting up shop on the lawn in front of the facilities at Queen and Shaw. Stop by and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event since its inception in 1973.
Sunday
Smash Hunger
SPiN Toronto plays host to this Vital Media Group ping-pong tournament in to raise money for Blessings in a Backpack, a charity focused on feeding elementary school children. Admission is $21, which provides food and drink, and front row access to ping-pong mastery for a good cause.
The Rhino Summer Beer Festival
As a follow-up to the Winter Beer Festival, the Summer Beer Festival is back to show the best of Ontario craft beer. Taking place at the Rhino on Queen West, the festival will feature over 20 craft breweries with free general admission opening at 1pm.
The International Fuller Woman Expo
Founded in 2008, this trade shows is dedicated to empowering plus-sized women. With workshops, seminars and products dedicated to full-figured ladies, this event is sure to spice up Yonge-Dundas Square.
