There’s a lot happening this weekend in Toronto in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. From live music to local food and drink, and of course, fireworks, there’s something for everyone to do this Canada Day weekend. Check our our list of free events around the city below!
LIVE MUSIC
Canada Days
The City of Toronto is celebrating Canada’s 150th with a weekend long event series that features free live music on four outdoor stages around the city. The weekend long event kicks off at Nathan Phillips Square with a traditional ceremony by the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Elder Garry Sault, followed by performances by Canadian favourites The Barenaked Ladies and Buffy Sainte-Marie. On Saturday, July 1 there will be live music from Busty and The Bass, Charlotte Day Wilson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Born Ruffians, dvsn, Belly and many more at one of the four venues — Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, Humber Bay Park West and Scarborough Civic Centre. Click here for a full schedule of events.
FIREWORKS
June 30 to July 3
Nathan Phillips Square — at 10:55 p.m.
Saturday, July 1
CN Tower and the Harbourfront Centre – at 10:30 p.m.
Mel Lastman Square — at 10:55 p.m.
Humber Bay Park West — at 10:55 p.m.
Scarborough Civic Centre — at 10:55 p.m.
Centennial Park — at 10 p.m.
Ashbridges Bay Park — at 10 p.m.
Amesbury Park — at 9:45 p.m.
(image via flickr)
ARTS & CULTURE
Heritage Ontario Festival
This four day festival celebrates the Ontario’s long history and the challenges and advancements that have made it the multicultural place it is today. Head down to the Ontario Place Friday, June 30 to Monday, July 3 for a weekend of live entertainment, interactive art installations, family friendly activities, and local food and drink. Festival information here.
ROM Canada 150
In honour of Canada 150 the Royal Ontario Museum is granting free admission on July 1 to its permanent collection as well as live performances on site. Be sure to stop by and see Canadians, a photography exhibition by musician and Ontario native Bryan Adams, among many other incredible Canadian artists. To see the complete list of live performers and exhibitions visit the event page here.
The Redpath Waterfront Festival
Take a stroll down Toronto’s Harbourfront Saturday, July 1 to Monday, July 3 and enjoy everything the annual Redpath Festival has to offer – on land and off shore. Featuring the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, the Waterfront Artisan Market, Family Fun Zone, nautical programming, interactive entertainment, and over 60 food vendors along the Waterfront from Spading to Bay. Check out the full festival schedule here.
Canada on Screen
This Canada Day TIFF will be screening four Canadian films from its ongoing series Canada on Screen, which features 150 of the most significant works in Canadian film. Admission to each screening is free on Saturday, July 1. To see the whole schedule and find out more about this initiative, check out the TIFF website. David Cronenberg’s Videodrome is among the films to be screened this Saturday.