events toronto

The top 10 new events in Toronto for summer 2015

New events in Toronto this summer will have you cuddling with puppies, camping out at music festivals and feasting on baked goods. Although some of this year's high profile newbies such as Bestival are already behind us, there's still plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

Here are my picks for the top new events in Toronto this summer.

Front Street Foods at Union Station (July 6-Aug. 30)
Bye-bye construction and hello food fair! Revel in Union Station's new outdoor plaza with an open-air market that serves up food seven days a week. Vendors include Caplansky's, Uncle Testu and Hula Girl Espresso.

Panamania (July 10-Aug. 15)
Free concerts from bands and artists including the Flaming Lips, Jann Arden and Chromeo, as well as art shows and theatrical performances, allow you to enjoy the spirit of the games without stepping foot in a stadium.

TIFF in Your Park (July 11-Sept. 25)
For its 40th anniversary, TIFF is rolling out free film screenings to parks across the GTA. From Mississauga to Scarborough, you can watch classics and box office hits like Ghostbusters, Hugo and Fly Away Home - in the city's green spaces.

The 12 Beers of Summer (July 17)
It's officially Christmas in July because the Gladstone Hotel is giving its popular all-you-drink beer-fest a summer date. The Hawaiian-themed 12 Beers of Summer will feature taps from Canadian and American craft brewers, making your $20 ticket well worth the price.

Slide the City (July 18-19)
Relive the glory days of your youth by splashing your way down a 1000 foot slip-and-slide. Although, you won't exactly be sliding through the city as the event takes place at Downsview Park.

Wayhome (July 24-26)
Touted as Bonnaroo of the North, Wayhome has a headliner deserving of this moniker - Neil Young. This three-day festival in Oro Medonte will have four stages and music going until 2 a.m. some nights. With a silent disco, art installations and an impressive lineup, Wayhome may just live up to the hype.

Toronto Vegan Food and Drink Festival (Aug. 8)
For one day only, munch on the city's best vegan comfort food at the Fort York Garrison Commons. This cruelty-free food festival also features beer, wine and spirits. Tickets start at $10.

Sweetery (Aug. 15-16)
Finally, a food festival dedicated solely to desserts. Vendor details are pretty sparse, but the event will include sugary treats created by George Brown pastry chefs as well as nostalgic activities like a pi単ata competition and a jellybean count. Best of all, admission is free - sweet.

Camp Wavelength (Aug. 28-30)
While Wayhome has been getting all the attention this summer, Wavelength is bringing its own independent, camping music festival to Artscape Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Island. Headlined by Holy F*ck, this three-day event will feature two stages, art installations, and of course, nights under the stars.

Poochella (Sept. 20)
At the tail end of the summer, Woodbine Park will be transformed into a dog-lover's paradise. This four-legged fiesta is taking place only a week before Woofstock and at the same venue so we'll see what happens.

What did I miss? Add your most anticipated new summer event in the comments.

Photo by Matt Forsythe.


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