TIFF and other things to do in Toronto this weekend

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The kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.

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Of course, the Toronto International Film Festival is in town, where you can catch some of the must-see films or try to catch celebrity films (although they’re on strike and it’s going to be tougher than previous years), but, hey, a Reduced TIFF is better than no TIFF!

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The weekend is just around the corner and the weather is expected to cool down (while still remaining mild and pleasant). So give the air conditioning a break and attend one of the many events in and around the city.

Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.

Taste of North York

The aim of the inaugural event is for locals to meet their neighbors and celebrate all that North York has to offer with an outdoor street food market, a community festival and lots of live entertainment including Iranian, Korean and Chinese dancers and musicians.

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Visit Mel Lastman Square on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information click Here.

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VegTO Fest

Showcasing the best in vegan foods, products, services and the vibrant Toronto community, the food festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience the cuisine, connect with local businesses and have intimate conversations.

It takes place at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information click Here.

Southside Shuffle Blues

Three stages with 40 Canadian and international acts and more than 20 musical performances along the eponymous street party, the Street Shuffle, await you, as well as plenty of food and a craft market in a fully licensed park.

Immerse yourself in the music at Port Credit Memorial Park on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m

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For tickets and more information click Here.

Note: Lakeshore Rd. E. between Hurontario St. and Stavebank Rd. will be closed Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Drive Festival

Embark on an exciting adventure at this car show featuring manufacturer displays and test drives, ride-alongs, car collections, motorcycle clubs and a “Dream Car Speed ​​Run,” not to mention food trucks and other types of fun.

Head east of town to Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m

For tickets and more information click Here.

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Celebrate Alive: A Live Gospel Music Experience

Check out this unique music event that celebrates life, love and hope with the sounds of gospel, hip hop, R&B and more.

Enjoy it all on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Yonge-Dundas Square. For more information click Here.

Comedy tour recommended by Nurse Blake Shock

Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, is bringing his unique act to Toronto, although you might be one of his nearly four million followers who can’t get enough of his viral videos.

His tour takes place at Meridian Hall on Saturday at 8pm, perfect for a hilarious last minute night out. For tickets and more information click Here.

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Constantine Yorkville Run

This premier 5K event brings together local runners, celebrities and businesses to raise funds for more than 20 Toronto charities.

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Participants will meet in the courtyard of Jesse Ketchum Public School at 61 Davenport Road for the run on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

To register or get more information, click Here.

Note: Full road closures include Bay St. from Davenport Rd. to Cumberland Ave. and Elm St., the southbound lanes of Bay St. from Davenport Rd. to Yorkville Ave., Bay St. from Cumberland Ave. to Dundas St., the northbound lanes of University Ave., Queens Park and Queens Park Cres. and Avenue Rd., as well as the eastbound lanes of Davenport Rd. from Belmont St. to Bay St., Davenport Rd. from Avenue Rd. to Belmont St. and Davenport Rd. from New St. to Bay St. between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.

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1MX Music Festival

This unique festival brings together an authentic Asian artist showcase and the local cultural scene in which it is located – from food to fashion to lifestyle – offering an unparalleled experience that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.

Doors open Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage. For tickets and more information click Here.

UBE night market

End the summer by celebrating the Philippines’ rich art, culture and history with plenty of entertainment including a DJ and a magician, as well as artisans, drinks and plenty of food.

It’s all on display at The Bentway on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm to 11pm. For more information click Here.

Cabbagetown Festival

From quirky crafts to delicious treats, the festival – after a three-year hiatus – returns bigger, bolder and better than in the last 43 years with more than 200 vendors featuring local artisans, live music, street performers, delicious food trucks and pop terraces lively parade and traditional cabbage cutting.

Visit the Cabbagetown neighborhood on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

For more information click Here.

Note: Parliament St. from Gerrard St. E. to Wellesley St. E. and Carlton St. from Parliament St. to Ontario St. will be closed for the event.

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