As spring draws to a close, the beginning of summer promises an array of festivals, concerts, events and overall fun in the sun in the busy city. As the summer rays beat down, there will be many events held outdoors where you can enjoy the weather. Whether you’re a foodie, a music junkie, a film fanatic, or simply like to be where the crowds are, there’s something for everyone.
The Kooples Warehouse & Sample Sale
When: On now until June 4
Where: 533 College St.
What: Looking to spruce up your summer wardrobe? Then you’ll want to check out Canada’s first The Kooples Warehouse & Sample Sale. You’ve probably spotted the Parisian luxury brand in high-end stores across the city, but now you can get it for up to 70% off at this pop-up. Shop clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women. Preview the sale here.
Raise the Caliber – Art Creates Change
When: June 1-15
Where: Only One Gallery (5 Brock Ave)
What: Now open at Only One Gallery is the Raise the Caliber, an art exhibit that aims to shine light on illegal gun violence and gun control issues. Each piece uses decommissioned guns and bullets confiscated through amnesty programs and transformed into beautiful works by artist Doug Schwartz and Tracy Hiner. Admission to this exhibit is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to check it out.
Mac and Cheese Festival
When: June 2-4
Where: Ontario Place (955 Lake Shore Blvd W)
What: This comfort food has earned enough love from the public that it has gotten its own festival for the past two years in a row. Professional chefs, savvy cooks and innovative food entrepreneurs will be presenting their spin on a classic dish in hopes of wowing hungry guests. With over 50 variations to choose from, you’ll be leaving the festival on the verge of a blissful food coma. In addition to all the cheesy goodness, there will be booze, music, and carnival games to level up the festivity to the max. Best part yet? Entrance to this ooey-gooey event is free.
Field Trip
When: June 3-4
Where: Fort York (100 Garrison Rd)
What: Back for its fifth year in a row is family friendly music & arts festival, Field Trip. As always, the festival will feature a killer round-up of food vendors, art installations, comedy and musical acts like Fiest, Broken Social Scene, A Tribe Called Red, Phoenix, Timber Timbre and more. Tickets for the 2-day fest are $125 for the entire weekend or $80 per day.
Toronto Summer Pop-up Market
When: June 11
Where: 99 Sudbury
What: Toronto Urban Collective will be hosting their third annual Summer Pop-Up Market this month and this time around, they have 50+ local artisans on deck. Come shop and mingle with the city’s finest local artists, craft-makers, photographers and designers, and stay for delicious food and music. Tickets to this one-day market are free in advance online or $5 at the door.
Luminato Festival
When: June 14-25
Where: David Pecaut Square (215 King St W) and various other venues
What: This boisterous festival is dedicated strictly to the arts, celebrating the hard work and genius of creators. This year, Luminato will pop-up at David Pecaut Square with the Famous Spiegeltent, with various other events sprinkled throughout the city. While prices vary by performance, there are a number of free events, including the big opening night party that pays tribute to indigenous women. Whether you’re into dance, theatre, visual arts or film, this is where you’ll find amazing performances and exhibits that showcase what happens when creative boundaries are tested and expanded.
Swan Lake by The National Ballet of Canada
When: June 15-25
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St W)
What: Swan Lake has withstood the test of time to remain one of the most iconic and beloved ballets in the world, a symbol of the classical ballet aesthetic. The National Ballet of Canada will be bringing this story to life in a contemporary version reminiscent of the original dance this June. Tickets range between $65 to $265.
Taste of Toronto
When: June 15-18
Where: Fort York (100 Garrison Road)
What: The historic Fort York will be transforming into a foodie wonderland as the Taste of Toronto returns for four days of food, drink and merriment. Not only will Toronto’s trendiest restaurants be serving up their signature dishes, but world-class chefs will make an appearance to give live cooking demonstrations, and over 60 food and drink exhibitors will be on site. This is the perfect opportunity to get a taste for Toronto’s vibrant food scene. Tickets range between $17 and $48 for adults, $10 for youth (aged 13-17), and free for children under 12.
NXNE Music Festival
When: June 16-25
Where: Port Lands, 51 Commissioners St. and various other venues
What: It’s a music festival, gaming tournament and a hot rager, all in one. NXNE will be returning to present thirty performances including headliners Post Malone, Kaytranada and Passion Pit. This year also marks the kick-off of Game Land, where pro-gamers will vie for the winning title in a Starcraft II tournament, and eSports athletes will be able to compete in the Super Smash Brothers and Street Fighter V tournaments. You can dance the night away at Toronto’s best live music venues, and take in Club Land performances presenting a series of the latest hot beats. Full weekend wristbands are $125 or you can get single day tickets for $80.
Big Data Conference and Exhibition
When: June 20-21
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West)
What: If you like delving into the world of technology, science and innovation, attend the Big Data Conference and Exhibition to meet like-minded individuals who love AI as much as you do. You’ll get to listen to keynote presentations, visit the expo, and network with leaders in the innovation industry. By the end of the conference, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to master the data universe. Tickets to this event are free, just remember to register online!
The Summer Nordstrom Warehouse Sale
When: June 21-25
Where: Markham Fairgrounds (10801 McCowan Rd)
What: Your favourite sale is back at the Markham Fairgrounds for the summer! For five days only, get huge savings of up to 80% off your favourite Nordstrom designers and labels. There will be clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children. StyleDemocracy Insiders will get an extra 10% off on opening day, so be sure to sign-up for our mailing list. Get full details about the event here.
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
When: June 23 – July 2
Where: Various locations across the city
What: One of North America’s renowned jazz festivals since 1987, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival is coming back this year with renewed energy and ready to please crowds. With over 100 free concerts happening around the city, you can enjoy a new take on jazz every day. This year will also feature jazz legends like Aaron Neville, Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples, and more.
Pride Parade
When: June 25, starting at 2pm
Where: Bloor and Church Streets
What: June is Pride Month in Toronto and tons of different activities will take place across the city, culminating with the 37th annual Pride Parade on the 25th. The Pride festival has become an integral part of Canadian culture and society, and is the largest Pride celebration in North America. Expect spectacular performances, floats, marchers, not to mention an impressive amount of glitter and exuberance. Join in this colourful and vibrant event and show support to the community!
Did we miss any of the best events happening in Toronto this month? Share them with us in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@scottcorman
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