Toronto Buskerfest 2025

Woodbine Park is chock full of entertainment as the annual Toronto International Buskerfest is back again in support of Epilepsy Toronto. The festival moved from downtown Toronto to the eastern Beaches park in 2016 which certainly provided more room along with less impact to traffic, unfortunately it is a little harder to get to the event.

Buskerfest is billed as one of the biggest street performer festivals in North America and features four days of fun, with 100 performers, seven stages, a beer tent and some sporting events thrown in as a bonus. In addition to the staged shows there are a number of performers that wander the grounds, posing for photos and delighting the crowds.

The festival runs from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, 2025 which makes for a fun Labour Day long weekend. Admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto.

Festival Hours

Friday, August 29, 4 pm – 11 pm
Saturday, August 30, Noon – 11pm
Sunday, August 31, Noon – 10 pm
Monday, September 1, Noon – 7 pm

See more photos from the festival after the jump.

Canadian International Air Show 2025

The 76th annual Toronto Air Show, or Canadian International Air Show (CIAS), is now on for the Labour Day weekend running Aug 30 to Sept 1 and with an initial practice on Friday, August 29. All shows will fall between noon and 3:40pm so keep your eyes on the skies over Toronto and Lake Ontario near Exhibition Place to see the planes take centre stage as an important part of the Canadian National Exhibition.

F-35

Some cool aircraft are participating in 2025 such as the P51 Mustang, the CF-18 and F-35 along with the long range patrol plane the Aurora, of course the Canadian Snowbird air demonstration team will be closing out the show.

Canadian Snowbirds

I find Hanlan's Point Beach near the Island Airport to be one of the best places to watch the aerial show, you can see the CN Tower and the City's skyline while the sun is behind you. It's less busy on the island and you can relax in the water waiting for the show to begin. Keep in mind that the beach is clothing optional so it might not be the place to watch for some.

CF-18

Northern Stars Pitts Team

The Snowbirds with the P-51 Mustang

See more plane pics after the jump.

Toronto Dragon Festival 2025

Flowing, golden dragons are part of the Toronto Dragon Festival happening down at City Hall from Aug 29 to 31. The 6th annual free festival runs from 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday and 11am to 9pm on Sunday in Nathan Phillips Square. Performers will put on lion and dragon dances high overhead while balancing on poles, vendors will be selling Asian street foods and a Luminati Night Light Show will take place after dark. The reflecting pool will be used for the Reflection Water Show and a fashion runway show.

From the festival website, "This year’s Festival promises mythical encounters and futuristic thrills. For the first time ever, beloved figures from Black Myth: Wukong and Chinese mythology’s iconic Nezha will come to life in vibrant performances, turning the square into a live-action fantasy universe. Don’t miss your chance to snap photos and interact with these legendary characters! Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature humanoid robots and robot dogs – dancing, interacting, and showing off their skills along with our dragons and lions, in a one-of-a-kind showcase that merges ancient cultural artistry with tomorrow’s technology."

Mayor Olivia Chow joins the lions

Lions performing on high poles

See more of the dragon festival after the jump.

Canadian International Air Show 2025 coming to Toronto Labour Day weekend

The EX is on and coming to a close soon, but not before the Canadian International Air Show helps to end the upcoming Labour Day holiday weekend with a fantastic show in the skies over Toronto. With three shows taking place Saturday to Monday, August 30 to September 1, 2025 and with a bonus practice show on Friday, August 29, all from noon till 3:40pm. UPDATE: See my post with the 2025 air show here.

This is North America's longest running air show and this year will mark the 76th year of the CIAS and you can find this year's performers listed below.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds
F-35 Demonstration Team
Dan Fortin – Nanchang CJ6
Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation – Fleet Cornell
Luke Penner – Extra 330SC
Marco Rusconi & The P-51 Mustang
Mike & Samantha Tryggvason – AirShow Cat Wingwalker
Northern Stars – Pitts team
RCAF – CP-140 Aurora
CF 18 Demonstration
RCAF CH-146 Griffon
Trevor Rafferty & the Christen Eagle

Note the Ministry of Natural Resources CL-415 Water Bomber has been cancelled. A statement about the water bomber released by the show, "We are disappointed to announce that The Ministry of Natural Resources Water Bomber has withdrawn from the CIAS 2025. In understandable circumstances, this asset is needed for critical firefighting operations across Canada right now. Our thoughts are with all those affected by wildfires this summer."

Events at Stackt Market Toronto

Stackt Market is an interesting space located at 28 Bathurst Street, just north of Old Fort York and the railway lines, and is made of a combination of steel seacans, or shipping containers and a number of buildings, stores, food and beverage vendors and a craft beer brewery. Besides the stores being a reason to visit the area there are a lot of events and festivals put on throughout the year which you can check out on there website.

Outdoor patios, a basketball court, picnic tables, a dog park, art installations (like the hanging umbrellas) and comfy alcoves make the destination a great way to escape the stress of the city and relax with friends.

Tunnel of Love

Keep alert to some of the following events: Chillin’ & Grillin’ on Sundays, Brews and Chews, Art Month in October and Holiday Hills, a free winter festival.

Toronto 2025 August Long Weekend Activities and Events

It's a toasty weekend coming up, perfect for fun in the sun over the August 2nd to 4th long weekend in Toronto. There are plenty of things to do in the Six including one of the year's biggest events - the Caribbean Carnival Grande Parade. Time to get it done and relax when things are closed on the Monday Civic Holiday.

The largest Caribbean Carnival in North America parade is back in Exhibition Place and onto Lake Shore Boulevard on Saturday, August 2nd. Along Lake Shore the event is mostly free, otherwise you need tickets.

Other events include the following.

Scarborough Rib Fest at Thomson Memorial Park from Friday to Monday.

Toronto Blue Jays home games (if you can afford the new ticket costs) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the Royals.

Harbourfront Centre's Island Vibes Saturday and Sunday.

Toronto Food Truck Festival in Woodbine Park on Saturday.
Summer Music in the Music Garden along the Waterfront on Sunday.

And from the City of Toronto's media release.

"City of Toronto to feature fun activities and attractions over the August long weekend

The City of Toronto is offering a wide range of fun activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy over the upcoming Civic Holiday long weekend.

City beaches
The City has 10 supervised swimming beaches to visit and enjoy. Plan your visit and find more information on the City’s beaches webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/beaches.

Outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads
Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools are all great ways to beat the summer heat. They will be open throughout the weekend and on Monday, August 4. More information, including hours of operation, is available on the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/swim-water-activities/swimming-water-play.

Whether at the beach or a public pool, residents and visitors are encouraged to practice safe swimming by:
• Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and within supervised swimming areas.
• Staying within arm’s reach of children who are in or near water.
• Never swimming alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure to heat and sun.
• Calling 911 in case of emergency.

Toronto Island Park 
Toronto Island Park is a popular destination in the summer and, like many other major attractions, will be busy this weekend. People are encouraged to: 
• Buy tickets online before heading to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Online ticket holders can go directly to the ferry boarding line at the terminal.
• Be patient and plan your trip ahead of time.
• Plan travel during non-peak hours – the ferry is busiest from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. when heading to the islands, and from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for return trips to the city, especially from Centre Island.

Visit Toronto’s newest park
Biidaasige Park, Toronto’s newest park, will be open to welcome residents and visitors this weekend. Enjoy ziplines and a waterplay feature along with recreational trails and cycling paths. More information is available online: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/biidaasige-park.
 
Community centres and indoor pools 
Indoor pools and community centres will be open Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, but will be closed on Monday, August 4. Find more information, including a map with amenities, on the Parks & Community Recreation Centres webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/parks-and-community-recreation-centres-map.
 
Conservatories and greenhouses 
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day this long weekend. More information is available on the City’s conservatories webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/gardens-and-horticulture/conservatories.
 
Cultural centres 
Cultural centres will be operating on limited weekend hours and closed on Monday, August 4. Please consult the hours of operations and plan ahead by visiting the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries.
 
Toronto History Museums 
Fort York National Historic Site and Scarborough Museum are open Saturday, August 2, Sunday, August 3 and Monday, August 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Toronto History Museums are closed on Monday, August 4 but will operate during their regular hours on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3.

Visitors can enjoy free general admission including site tours, hands-on activities and more. More information is available on the City’s Museums webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums.

Golf at municipal courses 
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are open throughout the long weekend. Golfers are encouraged to book in advance, which can be done online by visiting the individual golf course webpage or by phone by calling the golf course. 
More information is available on the City’s golf webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/sports/golf.

Tennis and pickleball courts 
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available for use across the city throughout the long weekend. Players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use them.  
More information about public courts is available on the City’s tennis webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/tennis-court-listings/ and the City’s pickleball webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/pickleball-court/index.html.
 
High Park Animal Display
The High Park Animal Display will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the long weekend. Visitors are reminded that roads within High Park are closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays. More information is available on the City’s zoos and farms webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/zoos-farms.
 
Riverdale Farm 
Riverdale Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Riverdale Farm webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/zoos-farms/riverdalefarm.
 
St. Lawrence Market 
On Sunday, August 3, the Taste of the Caribbean Festival will fill Market Street with the food, crafts and culture of the Caribbean. Visit the vendors and enjoy live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
 
The St. Lawrence Market and the Saturday Farmers’ Market will be open regular hours during the Civic Holiday long weekend:   
•  Saturday, August 2: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Farmer’s Market from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.  
•  Sunday, August 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
•  Monday, August 4: Closed 
 
Toronto Public Library 
All Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches will be closed on Sunday, August 3 and Monday, August 4. For a full list of TPL branches and their hours of operation, visit www.tpl.ca/branches.

TTC 
The TTC will operate on its Holiday service schedule on Monday, August 4. More information is available on the TTC webpage: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Holiday-Service.
 
Toronto Zoo 
The Toronto Zoo will be open all three days from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. More information, including how to purchase tickets, is available on the Toronto Zoo’s website: https://www.torontozoo.com.
 
Important reminder about fireworks 
The August Civic Holiday is not a designated fireworks day. Residents are only permitted to set off fireworks on their property if they have obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are not allowed in city parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or other private property."

OSSFEST Toronto 2025 - Party in the street

It's just one day a year but Ossington Avenue really brings it for the OSSFEST event staged between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West. This year the fun happens Saturday, July 26 from 11am to 11pm. The street was jammed with visitors checking out the entertainment on the stages, the vendors lined up and down the roadway and the many places to pick up some food and beverages.

There were two main stages, one at Dundas and one at Queen, bookmarking the street festival. In between and running into the side streets as well as alleys along the way you could find the Afro Caribbean Market, a busker area and even a wrestling ring with fighters putting on exciting performances from 2-8pm.

SUPERKICKED PRO WRESTLING ROCK SHOW

Afro-Caribbean Food Festival Toronto 2025

The party is just getting started in the Stackt Market for the Foodville: Afro-Caribbean Food Festival. The popular shopping, art and food/beverage hotspot is holding the free culinary and cultural event Saturday, July 26 from noon  onwards.

From the fest website, "Foodville Festival is Toronto’s ultimate celebration of African and Caribbean culture through food, music, and community. The festival features over 50 Black-owned vendors offering food, drinks, artisan goods, and fashion. Guests can enjoy cultural cooking classes hosted by chefs from Jamaica, The Bahamas, Haiti, and Ethiopia; live performances; and music by top international DJs, including Bashment Sound and Chromatic Sound. Hosted by Blue Will and Ada Oh, Foodville is a free, one-day event dedicated to connection, representation, and culinary excellence."

Summer on the Toronto waterfront

Harbourfront Centre is cool to hang at throughout summer and into fall with a number of events scheduled, otherwise up and down Queen's Quay you can find restaurants, beach parks and the ferries or water taxis over to the Toronto Islands.

Other events for 2025 include the following.

Summer Music in the Garden: June 21 – August 28, 2025.
Dancing on the Square: July 2 – August 27, 2025, various dance and live music events
Free Flicks: July 8 – August 26, 2025, free outdoor movie screenings.
Island Vibes: August 2–3, 2025.
Habari Africa: August 8–11, 2025, celebrating African cultures.
TAIWANfest: August 22–24, 2025, exploring Taiwan's culture.

Canadian International Air Show: August 30 - September 1.

Now you can find more along the waterfront with the continuing construction of the Port Lands and into Cherry Beach.

Honda Indy Toronto Free Fan Friday 2025

Today is the official start of the 37th annual Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto 2025 race weekend and you can get free general admission to the race with a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish Canada. Plus as a bonus you can show your presto card to get free access to the NTT IndyCar Series paddock all day. The paddocks are the best place to get some photos of the cars up close when they are moved and keep a close eye for the drivers as well.

You can find my posts of the 2025 Honda Indy race weekend as follows.

Welcome to the Honda Indy: Thursday, July 17

Free Fan Friday: Friday, July 18

Saturday Qualifications: Saturday, July 19

Race Day at the Honda Indy: Sunday, July 20

Gates open at 9pm and a highlight of the day will be the IndyCar driver autograph session at 12:30pm in Heritage Court within Enercare Centre (between the Paddock area and Coca Cola Coliseum). Off track you can find food trucks, interactive displays and activities in several areas. Inside the track you can find Thunder Alley, the Beer Deck, the Truck Stop and the support series paddock. Some of the best general admission viewing is inside the track across from the pits, then along Turn-4 and also alongside Lake Shore Boulevard. Outside the track is Victory Circle (west of Enercare Centre behind the pit suites), a food and beverage area near the Start/Finish Line as well as some more general admission viewing. Inside Enercare Centre is the IndyCar paddock as well as a support series paddock, Ontario Honda Dealers Pit Stop, a Fuel Up food and beverage area and more vendors.

The lead up to the Honda Indy has been intense as the final touches get put on the track, stands, paddocks and vendor areas. Race cars and equipment, including an astounding amount of big rigs and vehicle carriers are now on site and work areas in the paddock have been setup and the cars are being fine tuned for the upcoming practice, qualifications and races. In addition to the NTT IndyCar Series there are four other series to keep an eye on; USF Pro 2000 Championships presented by Continental Tire, USF2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tire, Emzone Radical Cup Canada and the Miata Canada Cup.

“We encourage all our Toronto Indy patrons to not only enjoy the racing action tomorrow, but also to contribute to Make-A-Wish Canada’s impactful work with a voluntary donation at Your Ontario Honda Dealers Present Free Fan Friday,” said Jeff Atkinson, president of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto. “It’s an honour to be a part of this long-standing community initiative, and we look forward to seeing everyone at Exhibition Place tomorrow and throughout the weekend.”