Free & Paid Things to Do in Toronto This Week (August 4-10)
We’re deep into summer now, and if you’re trying to stretch every sunny moment, this list of free & paid things to do in Toronto this week (August 4–10) will help you plan a week that doesn’t feel like every other week.
So skim through, pick a free plan for when you want to take it easy, and maybe choose a paid one for when you feel like adding a little extra fun. The rest? Let summer do its thing—and enjoy it while it lasts.
Event details are subject to change at the discretion of the organizers. For the latest updates, visit the official websites or social media pages.
Things to Do in Toronto This Week (August 4-10)
Free Fun Events
Hendrick’s Gin Presents: A Refreshingly Curious Event
If you’re a gin lover, you’ll want to check out the Hendrick’s Gin pop-up. It’s a quirky, immersive experience where you can enjoy gin tastings and meet The Mystic Cucumbra.
- When: August 6-10, 2025
- Where: 105 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
- Tickets: Free. More info here.
- Best for: Gin lovers and anyone who loves unique experiences.
Habari Africa Festival
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Spice up your weekend with this three-day festival of African culture, music, dance, and film. It’s a great way to experience new cultures without leaving the city.
- When: August 8-10, 2025
- Where: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://batukimusic.com
- Best for: Culture explorers and music lovers.
Annual Grange Festival
This annual fest offers local performances, snow cones, popcorn, and all-ages activities in the heart of downtown. Rain or shine, it’s a guaranteed good time.
- When: August 8, 2025
- Where: Grange Park (26 Grange Road, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://universitysettlement.ca
- Best for: Families and downtown folks.
Battle by the Water
Some epic dance battles? Battle by the Water is bringing the heat to the Waterfront with a prize money up for grabs. You’ll enjoy live DJs, jaw-dropping dance moves, and a fun vibe.
- When: August 8-9, 2025
- Where: 275 Queen’s Quay West
- Tickets: Free for spectators
- Website: https://www.art-water.ca
- Best for: Dance fans and thrill-seekers.
Play on the Runway
The 2km runway at YZD is being transformed into a playground for all ages. From biking and roller-skating to just having fun with friends and family, you’ll get active while enjoying some great outdoor space.
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- When: August 9-10, 2025
- Where: YZD Runway 10 Hanover Road, Toronto
- Tickets: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: https://www.yzd.ca
- Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves being active outdoors.
Toronto Labubu Meet-Up
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a summer afternoon, the Toronto Labubu Meet-Up is a great option. It’s your chance to swap, trade, and flaunt your best-dressed Labubu dolls. Snap some cute pics at the book box vignettes, connect with fellow collectors, and get Labubu dolls.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Front Street Plaza (65 Front Street West, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://torontounion.ca
- Best for: Foodies, families, and anyone who loves Labubus.
Viva La Leaside
Leaside is the ideal spot for a weekend full of local culture. The Viva La Leaside Festival brings together live music, food trucks, art, and even classic cars, making it a perfect way to enjoy the community atmosphere.
- When: August 9-10, 2025
- Where: 25 Commercial Road, Leaside, Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://viva-laleaside.com
- Best for: Families, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys a lively community celebration.
Himalayan Mela
Want to experience the rich culture of Nepal? This event features live performances, traditional Nepalese food, and a showcase of arts and crafts that celebrate the culture’s heritage.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.nccs.ca
- Best for: Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone looking to explore new traditions.
Toronto Diversity Festival
The Toronto Diversity Festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural diversity. With performances, food, and arts from different communities, it’s a fantastic way to explore the various cultures that make Toronto so unique.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Yonge &Dundas Square (1 Dundas St E, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.mokshacanada.com
- Best for: Anyone who loves cultural festivals and trying new foods.
K-EXPO Canada 2025
For those who can’t get enough of K-pop and K-culture, K-EXPO Canada is the event you don’t want to miss. This four-day celebration is packed with concerts, K-beauty, K-food, and everything Korean. Yep, it’s the ultimate K-experience in Toronto.
- When: August 9-12, 2025
- Where: Meridian Hall and Delta Hotels Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://thekexpo.com
- Best for: K-pop fans, beauty enthusiasts, and anyone into Korean culture.
Wavelength Summer Thing: Downtown Edition
For a weekend reset, head to Trillium Park for two days of indie folk, dreamy electronica, and poetic hip-hop. There’s also art, a mobile sauna, and an indie market by the waterfront.
- When: August 9-10, 2025
- Where: Trillium Park (955 Lake Shore Blvd W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: https://www.wavelengthmusic.ca
- Best for: Music lovers and artsy types.
Taste of Albion
Street food, live shows, beer garden, and a doubles eating contest (yes, you read that right). Taste of Albion brings the spice, sounds, and family-friendly fun to Islington Square.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Thistletown Plaza (988 Albion Road, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @albionislingtonsquare
- Best for: Street food lovers and festival roamers.
Kothu Fest 2025
Scarborough’s Albert Campbell Square turns into a full-on flavour party celebrating Sri Lanka’s iconic Kothu Roti. Expect loud chopping, loud music, and even louder energy.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Albert Campbell Square (150 Borough Dr, Scarborough)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://kothufest.com
- Best for: Street food fans and culture seekers.
Toronto Chinatown Festival
Prefer lion dances, kung fu shows, and BBQ squid on a stick this weekend? From cultural performances to tasty eats, this two-day bash on Spadina is packed with flavour, tradition, and even lucky draw prizes.
- When: August 9-10, 2025
- Where: Spadina Avenue (Sullivan St to St. Andrew St.)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://chinatownbia.com
- Best for: Culture lovers and foodies.
Downtown Movies in the Park with TIFF
Who needs a movie theatre when TIFF is throwing free outdoor screenings under the stars? Every Wednesday night, grab a blanket, snag some popcorn, and settle in at David Pecaut Square for a film lineup hand-picked by TIFF’s top brass.
- When: Every Wednesday, Until August 13, 2025
- Where: David Pecaut Square (215 King St. W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://yourexperienceawaits.ca
- Best for: Movie buffs and date night ideas.
Harbourfront Farmers Market
Saturday mornings hit differently when you’re walking through a farmers’ market by the water. You’ll find fresh fruit, local meats, small-batch coffee, handmade jams, and more.
- When: Every Saturday, Until September 27, 2025
- Where: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
- Admission: Free. Goods are available for purchase.
- Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com
- Best for: Market lovers and casual strolls.
TD Union Summer
Still haven’t checked out Union Summer? This downtown market has daily live music, delicious food, and a patio feel.
- When: Until August 10, 2025
- Where: Union Station’s Front Street plaza
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://torontounion.ca
- Best for: After-work hangouts, live music lovers.
Movies Under the Stars 2025
Clear your evening, grab a blanket, and head to Downsview Park for free outdoor movies by the lake. It’s a relaxing way to wind down after a long day.
- When: Until August 7, 2025
- Where: Parc Downsview Park (Orchard Pavilion, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free with registration
- Website: https://downsviewpark.ca
- Best for: Families, couples, and low-key date nights
- Wednesday, August 6: Captain America: Brave New World (French)
- Thursday, August 7: Captain America: Brave New World (English
The Edwards Summer Music Series
Live music in a garden? Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Bring a date, your best friend, or just yourself and vibe out at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
- When: Every Thursday, Until August 21, 2025
- Where: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca
- Best for: Music lovers, garden strollers, and mellow summer nights.
- August 7: Raoul and The Big Time
Free Outdoor Movie Nights at Evergreen Brick Works
Every Thursday, this open-air theatre brings out the movie lovers with comfy seats, craft cocktails, and local food vendors. Come early, grab a bite, and enjoy cinema under the stars.
- When: Every Thursday, Until August 28, 2025
- Where: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.evergreen.ca
- Best for: Couples, friend groups, and film fans who like snacks with their cinema.
- August 7: Over the Hedge (2006)
Summer Music in the Garden
It’s hard to beat live music by the lake. This waterfront concert series offers calming tunes in one of the prettiest settings in the city.
- August 7: The String’s The Thing by Mark Fewer, Nathan Hiltz, Joseph Phillips
- Where: Toronto Music Garden (479 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
- Admission: Free admission
- Website: https://www.waterfrontbia.com / https://harbourfrontcentre.com
- Best for: Chill hangouts, music fans, and anyone who likes a scenic soundtrack.
Yoga in Trillium Park
Need a breather from the city buzz? Stretch it out at free yoga classes in Trillium Park, where lake views and fresh air set the tone.
- When: Every Saturday & Sunday, Until September 28, 2025
- Where: Trillium Park at Ontario Place (999 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://ontarioplace.com
- Best for: Chill seekers, yoga beginners, and wellness lovers.
CNE’s HorseCapades
If you’ve got kids or just love horses, CNE’s HorseCapades at the Horse Palace is a must-visit. You’ll get to pet horses, learn about their care, and enjoy interactive games that are fun for the whole family.
- When: Until August 14, 2025
- Where: CNE Horse Palace
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.theex.com
- Best for: Families and animal lovers.
Wines of Ontario
The Wines of Ontario pop-up at Stackt Market is perfect for anyone who enjoys sipping on local wines. With a wide selection of premium VQA wines to try, it’s a great place to relax and discover new favorites.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St. Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://stacktmarket.com
- Best for: Wine lovers and anyone who wants a casual wine-tasting experience.
Cabbagetown’s Mainstreet Walking Tour
Want to explore Cabbagetown like a local? Take a free app-guided walking tour and check out the neighborhood’s history, landmarks, hidden gems, and local spots.
- When: until the end of 2025
- Where: Carlton & Parliament Streets
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.cabbagetownto.com
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers.
Food, Music,Culture & More
National Bank Open presented by Rogers
Tennis meets full-on summer festival at the National Bank Open. Expect world-class matches, food, music, and a giant playground for fans of all ages.
- When: Until August 7, 2025
- Where: Sobeys Stadium (100-1 Shoreham Drive, North York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://nationalbankopen.com
- Best for: Tennis lovers, sports fans, and anyone who just wants a good time.
Symphony in the Gardens at Casa Loma
Live orchestra? Castle backdrop? Summer breeze and city views? Casa Loma’s Symphony in the Gardens is the dreamy, low-effort date night you didn’t know you needed.
- When: Select days, Until September 2, 2025
- Where: Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://casaloma.ca
- Best for: Romantics and classical music fans.
Titanic: The Official Exhibition
Here’s your chance to step into Titanic’s world—without, you know, sinking. This exhibit brings history to life with VR, real artifacts, and stories that go way beyond the movie.
- When: Until September 2025
- Where: YZD (30 Hanover Road, North York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://expo-titanic.com
- Best for: History lovers and Titanic fans.
2025 JerkFest Toronto
Centennial Park becomes a hub for this Caribbean food festival. You’ll enjoy jerk, cooking demos, contests, and live music that’ll have you moving mid-bite.
- When: August 8-10, 2025
- Where: Centennial Park (265 Centennial Park Road, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.jerkfestival.ca
- Best for: Foodies and island music fans.
Taco Fest Toronto 2025
More than 250 tacos. I repeat: two hundred and fifty tacos. This waterfront food fest is back with churros, margaritas, and a spicy taco showdown you get to judge.
- When: August 8-10, 2025
- Where: Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: www.thetacofest.com
- Best for: Taco lovers and casual snackers.
Waterfront Night Market
Pan-Asian street eats, floating lanterns, and dumplings? Waterfront Night Market brings the food, music, and that dreamy lantern-lit atmosphere all weekend long.
- When: August 8-10, 2025
- Where: Hotel X Toronto, Exhibition Grounds (115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.waterfrontnightmarket.com
- Best for: Foodies and night owls.
Afro-Carib Fest Boat Cruise
Party on the water? This cruise sails through Lake Ontario with DJs spinning Afrobeats, Dancehall, Soca, and more.
- When: August 8, 2025
- Where: Stella Borealis (176 Cherry Street, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://afrocaribfestival.co
- Best for: Party people and dance floor lovers.
Electric Island
Long weekend plans? Electric Island is back with two days of bumping beats, outdoor dancing, and lively atmosphere.
- When: August 8-9, 2025
- Where: Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St E, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.electricisland.to
- Best for: EDM fans, party crews, and dance-all-day types.
Mimosa Fest Toronto
Brunch besties, join Mimosa Fest for an all-day toast to bubbly cocktails, live DJs, fashion shows, and a $1K mixologist competition. What’s more, you might win a trip to the Dominican Republic.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Budo Canada – Boxing Fitness MMA (38C Apex Rd, North York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Instagram: @mimosafest.to
- Best for: Brunch lovers and fashion-forward partygoers
RoC Skincare Pop-Up
Keep your summer glow shining bright with RoC Skincare at The Well. Swing by their pop-up cart and spin the wheel for a chance to win full-size Vitamin C samples that’ll leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
- When: August 8-10, 2025
- Where: The Well (486 Front Street West Toronto)
- Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
- Best for: Skincare enthusiasts and beauty lovers.
Concerts
Katy Perry – Lifetimes Tour
Pop icon Katy Perry is back with her Lifetimes Tour, and a fresh batch of songs from her new album 143. Expect full-blown spectacle: costumes, lights, dance breaks, and maybe a flying prop.
- When: August 5-6, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.katyperry.com
- Best for: Pop fans and concertgoers.
The Weeknd – After Hours Til Dawn Tour
The Weeknd returns to his hometown with an epic stadium show. He’s bringing Playboi Carti and Mike Dean along, plus a setlist stacked with hits from After Hours, Dawn FM, and beyond.
- When: August 7-8, 2025
- Where: Rogers Centre (1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here (Aug 7) or here (Aug 8).
- Website: www.theweeknd.com
- Best for: R&B and pop lovers and The Weeknd fans.
Linkin Park – From Zero World Tour
The alt-rock legends are back. Linkin Park’s From Zero tour lands in Toronto with a mix of new tracks and the classic anthems you know by heart.
- When: August 8, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://linkinpark.com
- Best for: Longtime LP fans, rock lovers, and ’00s nostalgia lovers.
Babbu Maan: The One Maan Show
Punjabi superstar Babbu Maan hits the Scotiabank Arena for a one-night-only concert packed with emotion, energy, and massive crowd sing-alongs.
- When: August 9, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thebabbumaan.com
- Best for: Punjabi music fans and concertgoers.
- Originally scheduled for May 17, 2025. All previously purchased tickets will be honoured for the new date.
Goo Goo Dolls – Summer Anthem Tour
If you’re still humming “Iris” after all these years, you can’t skip this concert. Catch Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional live at Budweiser Stage for one epic sing-along.
- When: August 10, 2025
- Where: Budweiser Stage (909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: www.googoodolls.com
- Best for: Alt rock fans and concertgoers.
More…
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/best-things-to-do-in-toronto-this-august-2025
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
- https://www.blogto.com/radar/2025/08/things-do-toronto-weekend-august-8
- https://www.todocanada.ca/things-to-do-in-toronto-this-weekend
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