By Jenn Reid
Last Updated August 17, 2017
With the rainy weather that plagued us these past few months, it almost feels like summer never even started. While we didn’t have the nonstop sunny days we were hoping for, fall and it’s even rainier weather is right around the corner! Before the leaves start changing and the kids head back to school, make sure to check out these events and things to do in the city while you still can! [Photo credit: Greg Paupst]
CNE
The CNE marks the end of summer in Toronto each year. Running from August 18 to September 4, it’s your chance to play midway games, take a spin on the tilt-a-whirl or stuff your face with delicious fair food. Don’t forget the International Air Show on Labour Day! It’s an annual tradition that can’t be missed. Until next year, CNE!
Canada’s Wonderland
Yes, Wonderland is open through October (can’t forget about Halloween Haunt!), but the summer season ends Labour Day weekend. Splash Works officially closes September 4, and from then on the park itself is only open on weekends from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you want the full Wonderland experience (sunny skies, a full day riding coasters followed by a float in the lazy river), make sure to visit ASAP!
Waterfront Artisan Market
The weekend market at the Toronto waterfront ends at the beginning of October, so you have a few more weeks left to check it out! Local artisans and vendors will be selling their wares, like handmade jewelry, clothes and vintage goods, plus there’s street-style food. Check out locally made desserts and snacks, and enjoy an ice cream cone as you walk along the pier. This is something you’re going to want to do while the long sunny days are still on our side!
Shakespeare in High Park
You don’t have much time left to catch a performance of Shakespeare in High Park! The shows alternate each night between a comedy (Twelfth Night) and a drama (King Lear), both presented in new stagings on the High Park Amphitheatre. There is seating, but it’s limited, so remember to come early! All performances are pay-what-you-can.
Blue Whale at the ROM
If you haven’t made it to the ROM yet to check out the Blue Whale exhibit, you better hurry! The exhibit closes September 4. Out of Depths: The Blue Whale Story tells the story of a blue whale that washed ashore in Newfoundland and how Canadian scientists preserved the remains and made advances in blue whale research.
Toronto Beaches
Yes the beaches opened later than usual this year, especially Toronto Island, and no that does not mean they’ll stay open for longer to make up for it! Beach season officially ends Labour Day weekend. Head out as soon as you can if you want to have a beach day at all this summer!
Concerts at Molson Amphitheatre
Toronto’s outdoor music venues are only open for the summer months — obviously! No one wants to stand outside in the snow for a concert in January. There’s a handful of concerts happening through September, ending with Bryson Tiller at Echo Beach on September 13 and Scorpion and Megadeth at Molson Amphitheatre on September 22.
Free Flicks at the Harbourfront
One more summer tradition that’s coming to an end is outdoor movies! Once the weather starts turning colder, we’ll be heading back in to the multiplexes. But before that happens, you can head over to the Harbourfront Centre for Free Flicks. The free outdoor movie screening series ends August 30 with Cooking with Stella. Movies start at approximately 9 pm.
Symphony in the Gardens
Casa Loma is open year-round, but it’s always worth it to visit in the summer and see the beautiful gardens. Symphony in the Gardens is a chance to see the stunning estate while enjoying music from the Toronto Concert Orchestra. There’s food and drinks on hand as well, and the grounds are open late so you can relax under the stars.
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