oh canada | July 1-7 2026
After an 8-month winter, we're in the middle of an extreme heat wave. Keep hydrated and if you can, enjoy a few outdoor activities when the sun isn't at its peak. This week, we have a few more food festivals, outdoor movies, the Fringe, and Canada Day across the city.
On a more self-indulgent note, we put out a calendar of all the outdoor movies this summer, which allows you to sync the whole list with your calendar or just add any movie night you're interested in individually. Up next, a list of the farmers' markets, flea markets, etc, all in one calendar.
The First Dozen
1. Love Park Sails
It's the end of the World Cup games in the city and Love Park is launching miniature sail boats representing the teams who have played here. You can choose your boat and a launching rod and push the mini sail boat around the pond.
2. Canada Day Fireworks
The whole city will celebrate Canada Day with day parties at Woodbine Park, Queen's Park, and Nathan Phillips Square. But if you want fireworks, the place to be is Ashbridges Bay. It always takes longer than you think to get there, don't be one of those people stuck behind a building or in the car while the fireworks start. If you're not coming to the Beaches, here is the full list of places with fireworks in the city.
Harbourfront Centre | 10:30p
Downsview Park | 10p
Stan Wadlow Park | 10p
Mel Lastman Square | 10p
Amesbury Park | 10p
Milliken Park | 10p
3. Hip-Hop Line Dancing
It's called Hip-Hop line dancing but this session is all about R&B and Soul music. I've never heard of it before but how could you not want to try this? Later in July, there's a session in St Lawrence Market, but this week it's near Weston Rd and Lawrence. Free childcare on request.
4. Taste of the Middle East Festival
City hall festivals this summer have had an extra element because of the big screens showing the world cup matches. It's not the games themselves, but the fact that those games bring their communities together. Watching Morocco win for the first time was a beautiful moment (their captain has troubles though). This weekend, the Middle East fest is coming to the square, with lots of food, Egypt vs Australia, and Canada's match against Morocco. Plus a performance by Karl Wolf (you probably know this song) on Friday night.
5. Red Card | The World Cup & Sportswashing
An antidote to the ever-present World Cup machine. The Launch of Jules Boykoff's book Red Card, in discussion with Shireen Ahmed, one of Toronto's best sports journalists.
6. Davie Studios Presents NEO | Live Music
Davie Studios put on the beautiful live shows, most notably, Listening Room. This Thursday night, if you like live music with Jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop flavours, put this Neo event in your calendar. You'll leave with that feeling you get after having an authentic and fulfilling experience.
If this isn't for you, check the bottom of this post for more live music options.
UnionAdmin
7. Movies In The Square | Shaolin Soccer
One of the only outdoor movie nights at Sankofa this summer. It starts earlier than most at 7pm and it's in partnership with Reel Asian. Shaolin Soccer is a Stephen Chow Kung Fu comedy classic.
This week there are also movies at College Park, David Pecault, Corktown Common, Canoe Landing, and Christie Pits. Check out the full calendar for all the details.
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8. Riverdale Jugglers Juggling Session
This city has everything if you know where to look. Riverdale Jugglers hold a free casual juggling session for anyone who's interested. They provide everything you need, unless you already have your own juggling things.
9. Kothu Fest
The festivals outside the core can be some of the better ones to go to. Kothu Fest is a Tamil festival with cultural performances, and delicious, authentic food options. It's one day only at Albert Campbell Square (McCowan & Ellesmere).
10. The Fringe Launch Party + Artist Parade
Toronto Fringe has their launch party with an Artist Parade through the Distillery, but after that is the launch party with a DJ, photo booth, face painting, clowns, and tarot readings, with free shaved ice. A good way to take a look at what's on offer at the Fringe this year.
11. Winnie's Great Picnic
I can't tell how this will go, but worst case scenario you're having a picnic in the park near the lake. Just remember, this is not the Centennial Park in Etobicoke, this is at The Exhibition grounds.
12. Open Air Sketching
Sketching while walking. An interesting challenge as whatever your medium, you'll be walking through the conservatory and sketching in real time. Register to join this event by Urban Sketchers Toronto.
13. Taste of Lawrence
Another festival, the biggest in Scarborough, this weekend. It's a little generic, but if you're in the area and want the experience, it's a massive street festival on Lawrence.
World Cup Watch Parties + Canada vs Morocco
Canada advanced past the group stages for the first time. They play Morocco on Saturday at 1p. As this team goes further, the city and country is getting more and more invested. If you've been following the write-ups before, there are some changes to the venues.
Nathan Phillips Square | It's buzzing, lots of space to sit and will be full of people, but there are spots near the back which are quieter and more peaceful.
Humber Lakeshore | Outdoors, register first, live music + film screening.
Harbourfront Centre | Covered amphitheatre, Closes July 4.
Stackt Market | At the back of the market, big space, but still limited capacity
Columbus Centre | This place has a nice vibe, smaller than the others.
UofT Front Campus | A student spot, they have lots of time so it's always busy
Jimmie Simpson Park | July 3-5 only, part of Beaches Jazz Fest
Pride House George Brown Waterfront Campus | Open every day until the finals
Scadding Court | Amazing food vendors with a local vibe.
Memorial Hall | If it's raining, here's your spot, plus free popcorn.
Evergreen Brickworks | Showing 6 matches, 5 indoors except the final
Ongoing Events
I've written about these in previous weeks, but they are worth going to, so I'm making a small list in case anyone has forgotten. I'll link to the post about it if you're looking for more info.
Art
Illuminated Malting Silos | July 3-5, 9p-midnight, Music Garden
Colourful Parachutes | 11a-8p, The Power Plant
Fitness
Yoga at Trillium Park | July 4-5, 10a-11a, Ontario Place
Community Yoga | July 4, 10:30a-11:30a, Eglinton Park
Yoga in St James Park | July 7, 6p-7p, St James Park
Live Music
St James, Jul 2, 7p | Misty Blue
Trinity Square Park, Jul 2, 12p | Michael Darcy
Union Station, Jul 6, 5:30p | Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train
Union Station, Jul 7, 12p | Santiago Moa
Granby Parkette, Jul 7, 5p | Fafiella
Music Garden, Jul 5, 4p | Paisajes Argentinos
Happy Canada Day. If you enjoyed this, share it on socials or send it to a friend. And if you have suggestions, leave a comment or send a message. See you next week.
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