12 Best Things to Do in Toronto This Week (August 17-23, 2026): BTS & CNE Hits

Running out of time to plan your week? This guide to things to do in Toronto this week (August 17–23) points you straight to the big ones like BTS at Rogers Stadium, Ed Sheeran’s multi-night concert, the CNE opening at Exhibition Place, and a packed lineup of cultural festivals across Toronto and nearby cities. If your calendar needs help, this list should fix it.

Give the official event pages a quick check for any last-minute updates. Some free spots still require an RSVP, so it’s best to lock them in early. It also helps to bring a bit of cash for snacks, drinks, or any random finds along the way.

What’s the Plan? Best Things to Do in Toronto This Week (Aug 17-23)

Free Events to Check Out 

Mississauga ItalFest

August 21–22, 2026丨Mississauga Celebration Square丨Free entry 

Italian heritage comes through with live music, food demos, and games like bocce and card tournaments. Pasta contests and cooking showcases add a fun twist, while local chefs handle the food lineup. There’s also a Kid Zone with activities running all day.

Mabuhay Philippines Festival

August 22–23, 2026丨Nathan Phillips Square丨Free entry

This cultural festival starts with familiar cravings like adobo, lechon, sisig, lumpia, and a cold halo-halo. Of course, let’s not forget about ube desserts. Live performances run throughout the day, keeping the atmosphere lively while people eat, walk around, and discover new things to try. It’s among the busiest festivals in Toronto this weekend.

Afro-Carib Fest 2026

August 22–23, 2026丨Thomson Memorial Park丨Free admission 

How about an Afro-Caribbean celebration? This festival goes big with over 120 performers, dance competitions, and workshops, making it among the top free events in Toronto this weekend. The cultural parade and the first-ever “Taste of Afro-Carib Fest” food competition are among the highlights, along with food stalls and a marketplace. Families can head to the Kids Zone for games and activities.

Burlington Latin Festival

August 22–23, 2026丨Central Park丨Free entry

Latin music and dance fill the park, backed by food vendors and cultural showcases. The festival in Burlington draws a steady crowd across both days, with performances scheduled throughout. It’s worth the drive if you want a change from downtown plans.

Yorkville Murals Festival – “No Empty Spaces”

August 22–23, 2026丨Yorkville Avenue (from Bellair Street to Hazelton Avenue)丨Street, park, and Block Party (Free) / Wellness Event, VIP area, and after-parties (Ticketed)

Yorkville shifts into an open-air gallery with murals spread across streets and public spaces. Artists work on large-scale pieces while live programming runs nearby. Yorkville Park hosts added community activities this year, expanding the footprint of the event.

Ticketed Events to Plan For 

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) 

August 21–September 7, 2026丨Exhibition Place丨Ticketed (free/discounted entry through specific promotions)

Toronto’s end-of-summer ritual is back. The CNE packs in everything: Bandshell concerts, food stalls that test your curiosity, a working farm, dog shows, and even an air show. It draws over a million visitors each year, so there’s always activity around every corner. Plus, it’s one of the top things to do in Toronto today once it opens.

Toronto Folk Festival

August 21–23, 2026丨Ward’s Island丨Ticketed

Indie artists take the stage while you hang out on the grass, blanket down, just letting the music do its thing. The setup stays simple, so it’s easy to linger and catch a few sets without feeling rushed. This folk festival in Toronto is a quieter option when you want a break from louder events.

GLO Toronto 

August 23, 2026丨Coronation Park

This glow-in-the-dark half marathon, 5K and 10K night run lights up the route with DJs placed along the course. Music plays as you move through each section, which keeps the pace steady. It’s a fun pick for things to do in Toronto this weekend when you want to stay active.

Live Shows You’ll Want to See 

Ed Sheeran – 2026 LOOP Tour

August 20–22, 2026丨Rogers Centre

At this point, you already know at least three Ed Sheeran songs by heart. He brings his LOOP Tour to Toronto with hits like “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Thinking Out Loud,” plus tracks from his new album Play. Myles Smith and Lukas Graham join the lineup, which adds more range to the night. This concert is among the top picks for things to do in Toronto this weekend.

Simple Plan – The Bigger Than You Think Tour

August 20, 2026丨RBC Amphitheatre

This Toronto concert taps straight into early 2000s pop-punk. Simple Plan brings songs like “I’m Just A Kid” and “Perfect” back on stage, backed by years of touring experience. And, of course, you’ll experience a lot of throwback energy and zero shame in singing loudly.

BTS – World Tour Arirang 

August 22–23, 2026丨Rogers Stadium

Have you synced your light sticks, planned your outfits, and mastered the fanchants? ARMY shows up in full force when BTS lands in a city, and Toronto gets two nights of it. This BTS tour marks their return after military service, with fresh Arirang-era tracks like 2.0, Hooligan, and Swim, plus the dance challenges fans have already been practicing everywhere.

Hungry after the sun goes down?

If your plans run late and you aren’t ready to head home, you need a spot that serves more than just basic takeout. You can check out my guide to the 15+ Best Late- Night Restaurants in Toronto, where you can grab everything from authentic ramen to classic comfort food long after midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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