If you love music, dancing and dining, this weekend was made for you!
The first weekend of July brings plenty of street festivals, including Salsa on St. Clair, The Beaches Jazz Festival and Taste of St. Lawrence. But that's not all. Music lovers will also be happy to hear North York Arts' annual Sunday Serenades also returns this weekend with three performances on Sunday night.
Read on for our weekly roundup of fun (FREE!) things to do this weekend in Toronto, below.
1. Beaches Jazz Festival
Where: Queen St. E. from Woodbine Ave. to Willow Ave.When: From July 5 to 28 (see the schedule for performance times)
Listen to the sounds of Leslieville and Riverside this weekend between Broadview and Logan streets. From Friday to Sunday, more than 40 jazz artists will perform on the street and on Jimmie Simpson Park main stage. All performances are free to the public.
2. 2019 Korean Film Festival
Where: TIFF Bell Light BoxWhen: Friday and Saturday (see the schedule for showtimes)
Take in authentic Korean cinema and learn more about Korean culture and the connections between Canada and Korea. This year's festival will feature films such as "Take Off 2," "Joint Security Area" and "DONGJU: The Portrait of a Poet." All films will have English subtitles. Cinephiles can reserve tickets in advance here.
3. Taste Of Lawrence
Where: Lawrence Ave. E. from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd.When: Friday from 6 p.m to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Taste of Lawrence is back for its 17th year. This year, the popular festival will include over 130 street vendors, midway rides, and music and entertainment experiences that are fun for the whole family.
4. The Really Really Free Market
Where: 225 Campbell Ave.When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No need to bring cash, nor something to barter. The Really Really Free Market is just that — free! Bring a bag and take what you'd like. Even though it's not necessary to bring goods for an exchange, no one will stop you from bringing a few things for others.
5. Sailing With Sailing Fanatics
Where: 225 Campbell Ave.When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get out on the water courtesy of Sailing Fanatics Inc. Enjoy a short ride in a sailboat and learn more about Sailing Fanatics. All you need to bring is yourself, but you might want to bring a change of clothes or a towel and some snacks too. Just be sure to leave valuables at home.
6. AfroFest
Where: Woodbine ParkWhen: Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Take in the sights and sounds of Canada's largest free African Music Festival. This year's festival will feature over 35 performances across three stages. A marketplace will also be set up in the park with 75 vendors selling African-made goods.
7. Salsa On St. Clair
Where: St. Clair Ave. W. from Winona Dr. to Christie St.When: Friday and Saturday (see the schedule for performance times)
Canada's favourite Latin street party is back for its 15th year in a row. Enjoy Latin music, cuisine and cultural performances without ever missing a beat. This party is going to be hot-hot-hot!
8. Bentway Block Party
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd.When: Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Bentway's famous block party is back for a second year. Swing by for performances, art installations, food, drink and family-friendly games.
9. Pilates In The Park
Where: Rennie Park - 1 Rennie TerraceWhen: Sunday from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
All summer long, Retrofit Pilates is offering free classes in Rennie Park. Register in advance to secure your spot and bring a mat, a friend and some sunscreen for a fun and invigorating workout outdoors. Please note in the event of rain, classes will be cancelled.
10. Sunday Serenades
Where: Mel Lastman SquareWhen: Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This free concert series features some of the province's best live swing, big band and jazz acts, all courtesy of North York Arts. Put on your dancing shoes and be transported back to the 30s, 40s and 50s!
BONUS
Philippine Festival Mississauga
Where: Celebration SquareWhen: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Though not technically in Toronto, the Philippine Festival is well worth driving to Mississauga for. Now in it's ninth year, the festival includes music from local and ethnic artists, delicious Filipino dishes and plenty of traditional crafts and goods.
Toronto Fringe Festival
Where: Various VenuesWhen: From July 3 to 14
Support the independent theatre scene of Toronto by checking out one of the 150+ shows going on this weekend. While most shows require paid tickets, there are some free performances worth checking out. See the schedule for details.
