August 21, 2026 | 8 Free Events in Toronto Today
Happy Friday! It's opening night of the CNE, but there's also a bunch of other events happening across the city. Here are today's picks:
Tartan Turban Secret Readings #50
Barrett And Welsh | 7p-10p
50 Readings! This not-so-secret event is a literary feast. With great writers sharing their works in a beautiful environment. And 50 of these is quite an achievement.
Eventbrite
Toronto Korean Festival
Mel Lastman Square | 10a-10p
The North York festival lineups are nice and a little more peaceful than the downtown variety. This one is a bit different because of the density of Korean businesses and culture in the area. An authentic festival despite the blatant use of AI imagery in their imagery.
Eventbrite
Book Event: At The Confluence of Science & Art
Ben Mcnally Books | 5p-7p
Swing by this east end staple to see Sangamithra Iyer and Madhur Anand at Ben McNally Books for a reading, conversation, and celebration of their latest works.
Outoor Movie: Titanic (1997)
Christie Pits Park | 8p-11:30p
Last time this was cancelled due to rain, so this is your second chance to watch this very long, but classic film. I think it's based on some historical event.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
SankofaFest
Sankofa Square | 3p-11p
I know a lot of people are against the name, I'll take it over the original even if there's no connection to the city. It's meaning, looking to the past to learn for the future, is beautiful. I'll take that Ghanaian saying as a cool thing to have learned. This festival looks great, with a different theme every day.
Eventbrite
Cherry Beach Guided Nature Walk
1 Cherry St (43.637049, -79.343976) | 9:30a-11a
Learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife who call . The walk will begin next to the sign board beside the flag pole.
Eventbrite
Roller Skating Trail
The Bentway | 5-9p
Free public roller skating at The Bentway. Bring your own skates or wheels of another kind and enjoy the trail. Skate rentals available starting at $18.
Handmade Markets
High Park | 9a-6p
There are a bunch of these types of markets. This one is in High Park, but check the full list. All oddly on the same day. Is there some agreement they can only have artisan markets this Friday?
10a-5:30p | Trillium Park | Cultural Tastes And Artisan Market
10a-6p | Trinity Bellwoods Park | Summer Handmade Market
9a-7p | Nathan Phillips | Makers Market & Food Truck Festival
Art Exhibits
Museum Of Toronto, 11a-5p | The T.O. You Don't Know
Montgomery's Inn, 11a-5p | Artistic Differences
The Power Plant, 11a-8p | Colourful Parachutes
North York Central Library, 10a-5p | Fatyma Khan
Todmorden Mills, 11a-5p | North is Freedom
Forest Hill Library, 10a-5p | Faustine Mendoza
Harbour Square Basin | Global Convenience
Live Music
College Park, 5p-6:30p | Irene Torres
Farmers' Markets
Scadding Court Community Centre, 2:30p-8p | Thorncliffe Community Market
College Park, 3p-7p | College Park Market
Fitness
Neo Coffee Bar, 6a-7a | Curre Club
Member discussion