How to Spend Labour Day 2025 in Toronto

2025 Labour Day weekend Toronto highlights

Closing weekend at the CNE

From midway rides to acrobatic and aerial performances, live music concerts to ridiculous fair foods, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) delivers thrills and chills aplenty over the holiday weekend. 

Travelling from out of town? Check out these CNE deals from its official partner hotel, downtown’s Chelsea Hotel Toronto.

The Canadian International Air Show

Now in its 76th epic year, the Canadian International Air Show (August 30, 31 & September 1, 2025) takes flight over the CNE grounds, closing out the fair’s final weekend. 

Gaze skywards to catch the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet, and Northern Stars zooming overhead, showcasing their pilots’ aerobatic skills.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Boys of Summer hit the field at Rogers Centre for a three-game showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers (August 29, 30 & 31, 2025). 

Build your Toronto Blue Jays day trip or Jays’ fan weekend around catching Canada’s only MLB team in action. 

Budweiser Stage concerts

Soak up the Lake Ontario breezes and the good vibes at the Budweiser Stage. This outdoor venue is locally loved for its great sightlines and acoustics, with a mix of assigned seats and spots on the lawn.

Kick off an extended weekend with the soul/country mashup of “The Crooner & the Cowboy: Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett” (August 28, 2025). 

Or catch English EDM group Above & Beyond (August 29, 2025) or rock-and-rollers The Black Keys (August 31, 2025). 

Rock legends The Who pop by for two shows (September 2 & 4, 2025).

More 2025 Toronto Labour Day activities

Toronto Islands & The Beaches

Lake Ontario breezes, inviting beaches, and an amusement park await on the Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride or water taxi from downtown. Or take public transit to Eastside’s Beaches neighbourhood for a picturesque shoreline, boardwalk, plus cafés and restaurants.

Patios & rooftop bars

From sun-drenched patio oases to patios that serve up Caribbean fare, patios with amazing views to patios with vegetarian and vegan menus, Toronto’s restaurant scene has a patio for every taste. 

Whether you’re looking for a night out(side) or epic rooftop views, you can’t go wrong booking a table for two (or four or more!) under the sun or stars.

Neighbourhood strolls & local eats

Explore Toronto on a more granular level by spending the entire day in one neighbourhood. Besides the leisurely pace, you’ll be able to take a deeper dive into the local scene.

Need inspo? What about boho Kensington Market, home to stellar thrifting and global cuisine? (You could also roll this into a tour of Toronto’s Chinatown, which is right next door.)

Church-Wellesley Village is home to Toronto’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ community, with oodles of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs to hop between. (Psst: don’t forget drag brunch!)

Speaking of brunch, it’s one of the main attractions in young and vibrant Liberty Village, a must-visit for a couple’s or BFFs’ getaway.

For a family-focused day, opt for Roncesvalles Village, the perfect neighbourhood to explore before or after a stroll in High Park. 

Looking for nightlife? Ossington Village and adjacent Queen West can’t be beat for cool restaurant patios, trendy restaurants and live music venues where you can dance into the night.

Top Toronto attractions

If you don’t mind crowds, Labour Day weekend can be a fun day to hit Toronto’s top attractions, from the CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum to the Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 

Pro tip: Save up to 38% on admission to five of the city’s top attractions with a Toronto City Pass.

Family-friendly fun in Toronto

An adventure-filled Toronto getaway is a great way to send off summer! See how many of these 30 iconic kids’ activities your family can cross off their list. Families with older kids can find their trip mojo with these 30 teen-friendly Toronto activities. 

From escape rooms to amusement parks, splash pads and pools to guided walking tours, Toronto will pique your curiosity this Labour Day weekend (and year-round!).

Toronto parks & picnic spots

Late summer is a wonderful time to explore Toronto parks and green spaces. 

Hit the waterfront trail and beach hop by bike (bring our own or book a rental) to catch Lake Ontario views and refreshing breezes. 

Readily accessible by public transit, iconic city parks like High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Christie Pits Park and Riverdale Park East offer urban canopy, playgrounds and are a short walk from food shops and restaurants where you can build your own picnic or order takeout to eat under a tree.

Pro tip: Go on a self-guided City of Toronto Discovery Tour with 11 downloadable maps covering neighbourhoods across town. 

Free Things to do for Labour Day Toronto 

Don’t miss the city’s newest park, the sprawling Biidaasige Park in the revitalized Port Lands area. The wildlife-friendly space includes walking trails, paddling launches, two off-leash dog areas and a playground centred around an eye-catching giant snowy owl.

Or hit Nathan Phillips Square for can’t-miss photo ops like the City of Toronto sign and the Toronto Dragon Festival (August 29–31, 2025) for Asian street foods, martial arts demos, lion dances and live music.

Reopened after a lengthy restoration, all five of the themed greenhouses at the Allan Gardens Conservatory are ready to welcome plant lovers with palms, succulents, cacti, bromeliads and more.

Harbourfront’s Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is open Labour Day weekend; admission is free year-round.

What’s Open on Labour Day

Labour Day closures include government offices, Canada Post, public libraries and most banks, but most top Toronto attractions remain open, including Canada’s Wonderland, Art Gallery of Ontario, Hockey Hall of Fame, Museum of Illusions, Aga Khan Museum, and other attractions mentioned in this story.

The CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Toronto Premium Outlets shopping centres are open with reduced hours, and the TTC public transit runs on a holiday schedule.

More Toronto trip ideas

Check out the Toronto Events Calendar for a complete list of upcoming events for Toronto Labour Day. Or, find more inspiration with our ready-to-go trip itineraries.