Patios, beaches, festivals, live shows, Summerlicious and so. much. more. Make the most of summer in Toronto.
Summer is magic in Canada’s largest city! With sunny days and sultry nights, now’s the time for outdoor fun from day into night. Here are ten reasons why June, July and August are high times for a weekend escape to Toronto. Or, see what's happening now.
1. June is Pride month
Pride is a month-long celebration in Toronto. While the biggest draw is Pride weekend (June 27–29, 2025)—with its Dyke March, Trans March, Youth Pride, family zone, blowout street fest, block parties, drag ball, parade and more—this year’s lead-up includes the Indigenous-led 4th Annual 2-Spirit Powwow (June 7, 2025).
Stay near Church-Wellesley Village (a.k.a. Toronto’s queer HQ) to ensure you’re near all the action.
2. The weather’s never better
Whether you plan to explore Lake Ontario, sip drinks on a patio or catch a concert in the park, summer temperatures in Toronto are superbly on point.
June starts with warm days and mild nights (14°C–23°C), so pack your summer clothes with a cardi “just in case.” Beach weather arrives in July (18°C–27°C) and sticks around for August (18°C–26°C), so think: linens, sundresses, shorts and swimsuits.
Of course, you can always go shopping if you want to expand your summer style!
3. Patio season is upon us
With its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, Toronto is a top foodie destination.
When summer hits, the dining scene moves outdoors, with patios for every taste: rooftop patios, scenic patios, café patios, vegan patios and even under-the-radar patios for those who want to find a secret patio far from patio-loving crowds.
4. It’s beach time!
Toronto is a dream come true for swimmers, paddlers and beach bums! With multiple lifeguard-supervised beaches readily accessible by public transit and beaches you can reach by bike, Toronto’s shoreline is a breezy, big-city alternative to cottage country.
#ICYMI, the car-free Toronto Islands are home to a clothing-optional beach.
5. Summer means arts festivals
Lovers of live music, theatre, dance, visual arts and all manner of creativity will have their curiosity piqued by Toronto’s non-stop arts and culture scene.
First up is Luminato (June 4–22, 2025), which shines a spotlight on avant-garde performance and visual art, music and theatre.
Next comes SXSW spin-off NXNE (June 11–15, 2025), with its focus on up-and-coming Canadian music acts.
Don’t miss the Indigenous Arts Festival (June 20 & 21, 2025), with incredible music, dance, theatre, storytelling, food vendors and the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow.
Grassroots theatre takes centre stage at the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival (July 2–13, 2025). Think: comedy, drama, musicals, improv and children’s productions.
Weird, wacky and wild performances are what define Toronto International Buskerfest (August 29–September 1, 2025) each year, with performances by mimes, clowns, acrobats, fire jugglers and more. There’s a ride midway, too!
6. Prix fixe menus at Toronto’s hottest restaurants
Toronto foodies mark their calendars twice a year for the city’s Summerlicious (July 4–20, 2025) and Winterlicious restaurant festivals.
With over 200 Toronto restaurants offering three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, the biggest challenge will be deciding where to book.
7. Hot nights and cool jazz
With big-name performers, free and ticketed shows, and venues across town, Toronto Jazz Fest (June 20–29, 2025) is a fan favourite.
This year’s lineup includes multi-Grammy winner Mavis Staples (June 23, 2025), genre-bending drummer/composer Makaya McCraven (June 25, 2025) and fan-fave actor-musician Jeff Goldblum, accompanied by the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (June 28, 2025).
The Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 4–27, 2025) keeps the groove going into July with outdoor concerts, drag shows and a street festival (yes, there will be food trucks).
8. Dancing in the streets
Jump up at Toronto Caribbean Carnival (July 31–August 4, 2025), the city’s biggest street celebration with over 1 million participants each year. Soca, calypso, reggae, tassa, zouk and rap fill the air at the annual festival’s Grand Parade and lead-up events.
Smaller but no less spicy, the Salsa on St. Clair (July 5 & 6, 2025) street fest—also known as Salsa in Toronto—hits Midtown a few weeks earlier, with an outdoor celebration of Latino music, art, culture and food.
Can’t dance? Don’t worry: free salsa dance lessons abound.
9. Non-stop festivals, fireworks and food
Catch tribute bands all weekend long at Q107 Canada Day Weekend (July 1, 2025) in the Beaches, or live entertainment and bouncy castles at Downsview Park (July 1, 2025). Both events feature fireworks as their main event.
Eat up a storm without breaking the bank at Undr Grnd Nght Mrkt (Saturday nights, now through July 26, 2025). Groove to DJ beats as indie food and drink vendors serve up their best at breezy, lakeside Harbourfront—and best of all, all for $10 or less! It’s just one of the Toronto food festivals happening this summer.
Beer, bites and beats? Experience the good life at this year’s Toronto Festival of Beer (July 25 & 26, 2025), where ice-cold craft brews, local fave foods and live bands set the pace for a sweet summer escape.
With three stages, 60+ artists, light shows, eclectic eats and fireworks, the Veld Music Festival (August 1–3, 2025) is a rite of summer for electronic music fans. This year’s lineup includes Alesso, Deadmau5, and Deborah De Luca.
There’s a lot of Asian fun in Toronto this summer. Above all, don’t miss stellar street foods, floating lanterns and cool lakeside breezes at the magical Waterfront Night Market (August 8–10, 2025).
Find your fandom fam at Fan Expo Canada (August 21–24, 2025). Meet Star Wars stars Ewan McGregor and John Boyega, anime creators Chris Condon (Ultimate Wolverine) and other notables, throw down at the gaming booths or cosplay the day away with like-minded folk.
10. Carnival midways and fair food
What’s summer without roller coasters, splash parks, carousels and belly-busting fair food?
Have a blast all season long at Canada’s Wonderland, which boasts the boundary-pushing Yukon Striker dive coaster (how does a 90-degree drop and four dynamic inversions, including a 360-degree loop, sound to you?). Chill afterwards at Splash Works waterpark.
Finally, the CNE (August 15–September 1, 2025) is an end-of-summer Toronto tradition. It is a must-attend event with its midway rides, live music and outrageous fair food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the top summer festivals to attend in Toronto?
Toronto’s summer festival lineup is packed with diverse and exciting events. Must-attend festivals include:
- TD Salsa in Toronto – A city-wide celebration of Latin culture, food, and music.
- Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) – North America's largest Caribbean festival, featuring vibrant parades and cultural performances.
- Toronto Pride Festival – A major celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, drawing international attention.
- The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) - Canada’s largest annual community event and festival, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year, filled with food, rides, live shows, and more.
- Luminato Festival – Showcasing global artists in theatre, music, and visual arts across iconic venues.
Are there any free summer festivals in Toronto?
Yes, many of Toronto’s summer festivals are free to attend. Highlights include:
- Afrofest – Celebrating African music and culture in Woodbine Park with no admission fee.
- Toronto Outdoor Art Fair – Canada’s largest outdoor art exhibition, held at Nathan Phillips Square.
- Beaches International Jazz Festival: This free, month-long music festival in the Beaches community features jazz, funk, salsa, and more.
What food festivals are happening in Toronto in July and August?
Toronto’s summer calendar is packed with delicious food events in July and August, including:
- Taste of Lawrence – A three-day street festival with international food vendors and live entertainment.
- TD JerkFest Toronto – Caribbean cuisine and music come together in this spicy, flavorful celebration.
- Toronto Food Truck Festival - With free admission, live music, and a licensed beer garden, it’s a must-visit for street food lovers.
What are the biggest music festivals in Toronto this summer?
Toronto hosts some of Canada’s top summer music festivals, including:
- VELD Music Festival – A massive electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop festival at Downsview Park.
- Toronto Jazz Festival – Featuring performances in venues and open-air stages across the city.
- NXNE (North by Northeast) - An annual music festival focusing on emerging artists that will be the next generation of headliners at a range of intimate venues across the city.
Start planning your summer long weekend — explore more Toronto summer festivals and events.
