The sun is shining, the weather is warm and another summer long weekend is upon us in Toronto.
Coming up on Monday, Aug. 3 is Simcoe (Civic) Day, a statutory holiday in Ontario. And if you’re looking to make some plans, there are several festivals and events taking place in and around Toronto.
Here are some of the best things to do in Toronto during the August long weekend.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival, July 30 to Aug. 3
North America’s largest Caribbean carnival is all set to return to the city’s downtown core for a four-day weekend, starting July 30 to Aug. 3.
The carnival brings its iconic parade, party vibes and plenty of Mas bands. This year’s theme has yet to be announced, but details will be revealed shortly, with tickets on sale now. As for the Grand Parade, it will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Where Various locations including Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Boulevard West.
Ward’s Island Fire Parade, July 31
If you’re looking to check out an event you can only find in Toronto, this one-day parade could be it. On Friday, July 31, 39th Annual Ward’s Island Fire Parade takes place.
Hosted by Shadowland Theatre, this magical experience will take place in the evening and will have a lantern-lit parade, stilt-walkers and live music, all along the beach.
Where Ward’s Island Dock
Dream in High Park, July 31 to Aug. 3
One of Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor professional theatre events can be found at a local stage this weekend. Dream in High Park, a much-loved summer tradition hosted by Canadian Stage, kicked off its 43rd edition earlier in July and runs all the way through the summer until Sept. 6.
The spectacle takes place at the picturesque High Park Amphitheatre. This year’s “inclusive family-friendly” celebration will feature the play “Twelfth Night,” written by William Shakespeare. You can catch it any day this weekend.
Where 1873 Bloor St. W.
Toronto Blue Jays, July 31 to Aug. 2
The Toronto Blue Jays are in town for a few home games against the St. Louis Cardinals. This weekend’s games include City Connect Fridays, with activations around the ballpark on Friday. And on Saturday, expect a Blue Jays Transformers hat giveaway during the Blue Jays Transformers Day.
Tickets for the games are still available online.
Where 1 Blue Jays Way
Toronto Food Truck Festival, July 31 to Aug. 3
The Toronto Food Truck Festival is rolling into Woodbine Park for four days of “real must eats.” As part of the Canadian Food Truck Festivals, the celebration will take place from July 31 to Aug. 3 with more than 20 food trucks, live eating challenges and live music. Best of all, admission is free.
“Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before,” the festival said online.
Vendors include Alijandro’s, Cheat Day Desserts, Coal Pot Jerk, Chill Delights and many more. You’ll even be able to find vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options.
Where 1695 Queen St. E.
Scarborough Ribfest, July 31 to Aug. 3
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Scarborough Ribfest returns during the August long weekend. Festivalgoers can enjoy great music and ribs from the finest ribbers in Canada and the U.S., all weekend long.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Scarborough, Scarborough Ribfest represents the club’s largest annual fundraising event.
Where 1005 Brimley Rd.
The Mosaic Festival, July 31 to Aug. 1
The longest-running multidisciplinary South Asian arts festival in the Greater Toronto Area, the Mosaic Festival is held annually at Mississauga Celebration Square.
This is a vibrant, “free, two-day celebration of South Asian heritage, featuring a high-energy mix of international headliners, local talent and immersive cultural experiences,” said organizers.
Where 300 City Centre Dr.
Island Soul, July 31 to Aug. 3
Island Soul is a festival held annually during the August long weekend at Harbourfront Centre. Now in its third decade, the event is known to highlight the diversity and cultural richness of Caribbean communities.
Expect a showcase of everything from live soca, reggae and dance hall performances to storytelling, film screenings and interactive workshops. There will be artisan markets for shopping as well.
This year, the festival is partnering with Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario, one of Ontario’s largest organizations dedicated to celebrating Franco Caribbean (Creole) culture.
Where 235 Queens Quay W.
Super Yummy Night Market, Aug. 1
Also at Harbourfront Centre, a new night market kicked off this month and will be held every Saturday until Sept. 5. Taking place this Aug. 1, Super Yummy Night Market will have everything from Filipino barbecue at Hang-Outs Foods and momos from Himalayan Momo, to pizza from Heartbroken.
The night market promises an “exclusive secret menu with each vendor offering a unique secret menu item priced at just $5.”
Where 235 Queens Quay W.
Veld Music Festival, July 31 to Aug. 2
The city’s hottest electronic music festival is back for a full weekend at Downsview Park. Veld Music Festival 2026 is set for July 31 to Aug. 2. This year’s lineup includes acts like Armin van Buuren, Kaskade and deadmau5, Lilly Palmer and more.
Each year, Veld Music Festival attracts as many as 100,000 attendees during the three-day weekend.
Where 1-35 Carl Hall Rd.
Taste of India Festival, Aug. 1 and 2
Back for its ninth edition, the annual Taste of India Festival is set to bring an electric atmosphere to the heart of downtown Toronto. Featuring world-renown celebrity choreographer Lauren Gottlieb, the two-day celebration will include food, live entertainment, cultural performances, shopping and all around family fun.
It’s a celebration of India’s rich heritage, culture and community at Nathan Phillips Square.
Where 100 Queen St. W.
