September 5, 2026 | 11 Free Events in Toronto Today

September 05, 2026

The long weekend begins! If you like this, check out the weekly newsletter. Here are today's picks:

Canadian Opera Company Open House
Four Seasons Centre For The Performing Arts | 3p-6p

See live performances and see the process behind the opera. Register to get yourself a spot. This is a very cool way to experience the building and see the artists do their thing.

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Canadian International Air Show
Toronto Waterfront | 12p-3:40p

It's your last year to see the Snowbirds until the 2030s. Skip the official ticketed view at Marilyn Bell Park because you can watch this anywhere along the waterfront. You can't see everything from everywhere, but usually you can see almost everything from the Ontario Place grounds near Lakeshore and the green areas around there. HTO Park West, Bathurst Quay Common, Ireland Park, Little Norway Park, Hanlan's Point Beach, Polson Pier, Sugar Beach, and Centennial Park are all solid options.

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T.U. Jazz Fest
Mel Lastman Square | 4p-10p

A really good reason to go uptown if you haven't yet this summer. Great jazz, good vibes at Mel Lastman Square. There's an artisan market from 10a-6p as well. And if you want to go deeper, there's a free masterclass with a Grammy winner at the North York Central Library at 2p.

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Sketch and Walk
Lassonde Art Trail | 2p-4p

Architect and artist Julie Ourceau leads a walk-and-sketch session along the Lassonde Art Trail focused on reading plants through drawing. You'll also encounter sculptures and installations along the trail. Bring your own sketchbook and pencils, dress for the weather, and know going in that there's not much shade out there yet.

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Art in the Park
Clarence Square Park | 11a-4p

A low-key afternoon at Clarence Square Park where you can make bookmarks, listen to live music, and sit outside for a few hours. All materials are provided.

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Urban Harvest Festival & Makers Market
Trinity Bellwoods Park | 10a-7p

A harvest festival and makers market at Trinity Bellwoods with local food and craft vendors. A solid Saturday morning option if you're already in the west end.

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Summer Forest Care Club
Discovery Centre, Downsview Park (near Greenhouses) | 10a-11:30a

A hands-on stewardship session at Downsview Park where you actually help care for the forest.

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Toronto Dragon Festival
Nathan Phillips Square | 11a-11p

For the time, this year will have the warrior dance, Chaoshan Yingge dance. Along with water shows, lion dances, and of course, good food. Today, if you want to show up sweaty and tired, there is a run club running from Canoe Landing to the festival starting at 10a.

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People's Fair
Wildseed Centre For Art & Activism | 1p-6p

A free event for the people, by the people. Music, food, wellness activities, and a fundraiser for Cuba.

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Revel in the Chaos
Tray Arts | 10a-12p

Designed for women looking to decompress and connect. Guided painting, real conversation.

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Guided Kayak Tour to Toronto Islands
Toronto Sup & Kayak | 9a-1p

A guided kayak tour leaving from Cherry Beach and paddling out to the Toronto Islands. You'll get skyline views, quieter lagoons, and someone who knows the waterway leading the way. A genuinely different way to see the islands on a long weekend. Only free if you bring our own kayak.

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