Well, we can be sad that it’s over, or smile that it happened – even though the majority of summer ‘17 left a hell of a lot to be desired in the weather department.
Before we return to reality on Tuesday (let’s be honest; the real start of the New Year), we still have one last precious weekend to take in Toronto in all of its food, music and art-filled glory (and get a buzz going in the process).
Here are 10 things to do over Labour Day Weekend in Toronto.
Downsview Park Ribfest
Indulge in a major way one last time before the post-summer “work-off-those-beers-and-BBQ” routine sets in at the Downsview Park Ribfest. In addition to ribs for days, you can expect rides, live entertainment and theme days throughout the festival.
When: Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4
Where: Downsview Park
Electric Island
If you’re looking for a high-energy dance party that goes all day and into the evening – complete with view of the city – you’ll find it at Electric Island. The fully licensed event offers a wide assortment of DJs, food vendors, some inevitable costume-clad guests and an excuse to hit the island, now that it’s open for business again.
When: Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 1 pm to 11 pm
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Island
Canada’s Wonderland Food Truck Festival
If you needed another reason to visit Canada’s Wonderland before the summer ends, you have 15 of them. This weekend, 15 local food trucks will hit the theme park to dish up a variety of offerings for both lunch and dinner (you may want to hit this up after the roller coasters).
When: Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Active Zone, Canada’s Wonderland
Depeche Mode at the Air Canada Centre (ACC)
Top off your Sunday funday on a high note as longtime playlist staple (as in, before playlists were a thing) as iconic British electronic band Depeche Mode takes over the ACC with their unmistakable sounds. Expect no shortage of fans your parents’ age belting out their old school favourites like they did back in the day.
When: Sunday, September 3, 7:30 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre
Artfest at the Distillery
A boozy brunch or romantic dinner in the Distillery District is even more appealing this weekend thanks to Artfest at the Distillery. The outdoor arts and crafts show celebrates painting, photography, sculpture, fine craft and live music from some of Canada’s most celebrated artists. If you’re on a budget, you can always browse; admission is free.
When: Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Distillery District
Hot & Spicy Food Festival
Spice up your weekend with all the fiery goodness your heart desires at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival at Harbourfront Centre. With a focus on sustainability, you can expect Canadian celebrity chefs, cooking competitions, a curated food market and jazz/blues from the Toronto Blues Society.
When: Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy
If you have a thing for street performers and are in the market for social media material, you’ll find no shortage of both at the Toronto International Buskerfest. Featuring over 100 performers from around the world, the festival offers an assortment of musicians, artisans, sketch performers and entertainers.
When: Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4, times here
Where: Woodbine Park
Brewer’s Backyard
Soaking up the last of those breezy, beer-filled days, Brewer’s Backyard beer festival returns to Evergreen Brick Works, offering brews from Exchange Brewery, Nickelbrook, Indie Alehouse, Cowbell, Black Oak, Shacklands and Red Thread. You can expect memorable eats from FeasTO, Meltdown Cheesery, Fidel Gastro, Fully Loaded TO (among others) to soak it all up.
When: Monday, September 4, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works
Active Ontario Festival
If you want to get a head start on that fall fitness mission, you may want to start at the Active Ontario Festival. Here, you can play a team sport, learn to dance, rock climb, play with new technology and hear live music. Afterward, you can refuel at one of the food trucks.
Where: Ontario Place
When: Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4
The Canadian International Air Show
There’s a reason you may have noticed military jets soaring through the sky as of late; it’s prep for the Canadian International Air Show. You can catch the show – which features aerial stunts over Lake Ontario by the Canadian Forces – from the CNE, the island or on a blanket at Marilyn Bell Park or Sunnyside Park.
Where: CNE
When: Saturday, September 2, Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 12 pm to 3 pm
Did we miss any of the best events happening over Labour Day weekend? Share them in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@ninjatography
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