Weekend events in Toronto June 24-26 2016
Weekend events in Toronto consist of fun festivals, a couple food events and a whole lots of Pride dance parties. The Village is closed for the weekend, and gays are taking over the ROM and the Aquarium. It's also Taste of Toronto and Asia. Fill your belly, get dancing, and enjoy the sunshine this weekend!
FESTIVALS
TD Jazz Fest (June 24 - July 3)
So much amazing music, so little time. With stages at Nathan Phillips and a mix of ticketed and free events, this year's lineup includes Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Sarah McLachlan, Gregory Porter and so many more.
Go West - Alt Queer Fest (June 24-26)
Set up camp on the west side this weekend before all the big shows move to the village next weekend. This alternative Pride fest includes two dance parties and one gay rock show on Sunday.
Nuit Rose (June 25)
This is a one night only art party on West Queen West and in the Village. I created a guide to help navigate this one, which runs from 7 p.m. 'til late.
Summer Pet Fest (June 25-26, Downsview Park)
There will be loads of pet demos, and competitions including dock diving, birds of prey and celebrity dogs. Yup, celebrity dogs. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Downsview park.
Pedestrian Sunday (June 26, Kensington Market)
The easiest thing to do on a lazy Sunday is to stroll around Kensington Market, car free, and care free all afternoon. It's the best people watching in the city, and snacking and relaxing is made easy.
FOOD
Taste of Toronto (June 23-26)
One of our city's most favourite food fests features a mind blowing list of local restaurants and chefs happening all weekend at the grassy Fort York. This year they're introducing "The Dish," a unique and flavourful plate from each restaurant specially crafted for the festival with limited quantities per session.
Taste of Asia (June 25-26)
Admission is free to this massive Markham cultural festival. Food, performance, midway entertainment, sports games and immersive cultural experiences happen non-stop over the two day event, which closes at midnight on the Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday.
PERFORMANCE
Flying Solo presents: Rough (June 24, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
Described as a "dirty circus of art, dance and aerial acrobatics," this is one bad-ass show worth checking out if you're into beautiful people floating and flipping around in their underwear.
ART
Summer 2016 Opening Party (June 24, Power Plant)
Celebrate a new season of large scale art installations at the Power Plant. Admission is free, even if the bar is not. You can have cocktails under a large outdoor dome and then check out the new exhibits.
Super Trash Show (June 24-26, Super Wonder Gallery)
An entire art show dedicated to the culture of trash. Inspired by John Waters-style living, there is a trailer park built in the middle of the gallery.
Pixel & Bristle (June 25, The Drake)
A design & typography market bringing together the work of some of Toronto's most exceptional designers, illustrators, typographers and makers.
SPORTS
Bells on Danforth (June 25, Danforth Ave)
Cyclists of all ages from around the city come together at 10:30 a.m and ride on Danforth Avenue. So many ringing bells. Last year 500 cyclists participated. The idea behind this is to encourage safe biking in the city and the expansion of bike lanes, all while having fun.
Outdoor Yoga (June 26)
Yoga in High Park, Dovercourt Park, Fresh City Farms and one indoor event at the Centre for Social Innovation.
FILM
Serious Moonlight presents: Labrynth (June 25, Earlscourt Park)
Not only do you get to watch the magic that is Labrynth and David Bowie's bulge on the big screen, but pre-show (movie starts at 9 p.m.) you can check out the wading pool Labyrinth, designed by local artist HiMY SYed. There's also David Bowie themed face painting!
Christie Pits Film Festival (June 26, the giant hill in Christie Pits Park)
Finally the Christie Pits film fest is underway! Keeping with the "stranded" theme, they're showing Gravity, but get there early to nab a good viewing spot on the hill.
MUSIC
Fitz & The Tamtrums (June 25, Danforth Music Hall)
Catch these LA pop rockers in all their colourful glory for one night only on the east side. They recently released a new record, so get ready for lots of fun, new material.
Claptone (June 25, The Hoxton)
An excellent chance to see this Berlin producer in all his dark, dance-y electronic glory. Here's hoping he wears the giant, golden bird mask.
DANCING
If you feel like dancing this weekend, you're in luck. There's like 50 places to get your groove on. Most of them are gay, which make for the best dance parties anyway. The last few gay dance parties I've been to, it was my straight guy friends who hooked up with the cutest girls.
Anyway, check out my Pride party guide for all the dance party listings this weekend. Here are a few more.
For more events this weekend click on over to our events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.
Photo of PS Kensington by Hector Vasquez.
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