16 Sep 2026 10 min read Weekly Dozen

remnants of summer | Sep 18 - Sep 24 2026

you know how old you are based on how you do the heart symbol when you sing skinnamarink

The last big weekend of festivals is here with TIFF still going on and a brand new waterfront weekend experience. And you could still think it's summer. But at night, that breeze reminds you it's September. There's a lot to get out to see this week, not just this weekend.

The calendars are still at the bottom. They will be transitioning very soon. Outdoor movies will become a free movies calendar over the colder months and we'll have a new calendar or two for indoor events.

1. Public Pier

Fri-Sat Sep 18-19 - Fri 6-11p, Sat 1-11p | Marina Quay West | Free

Public Pier transforms Toronto's waterfront into a free day-to-night waterfront experience. In the day, there's DJ sets, dance workshops, and interactive public art. The showstopper is at night where the Canada Malting Silos become a canvas for immersive projections and sound.

2. Park(ing) Day Toronto

Fri-Sun, Sep 18-20 | Parking lots across Toronto | Free

Park(ing) Day is actually 3 days where someone in the community transforms parking spaces into welcoming gathering spots for all sorts of interesting things. Check their site for a map. One example:

Bloorcourt Nuit Nuit | Fri, Sep 18 · 3p-10:30p | GreenP Parking Lot | Free

A one-night only third space whereby we transform a parking lot into a block party and community celebration.

3. Sharon, Lois & Bram Concert

Sat, Sep 19 10a-3p | Sharon, Lois & Bram Playground | Free

A free concert for all of those who grew up on the elephant show or just want to hear one of the original gang (Sharon) sing Skinnamarink and have an excuse to join in. There are other people slated to sing, but the headliners are on at 2p.

4. Ukrainian Festival

Fri-Sun Sep 18-20 · Fri 5-11p, Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-7p | Bloor West Village | Free

Every year this and the Roncy Polish festival happen on the same weekend. Two interesting cultures battling it out for your weekend hours. The biggest difference are the stage performances where Ukraine really showcases their culture and obviously the food.

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5. Tree Planting

Sun, Sep 20 · 10:30a-12:30p | Downsview Park | Free

Planting trees that you may never get to see mature is a really generous act. It's also quite rewarding. There will be more events like these in the fall if you can't make this one.

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6. West of Spadina Festival

Sat, Sep 19 · 11a-5p | St. Andrews Playground Park | Free

Live music, local pop-ups, and waterworks food hall. There's a wellness area and a lounge zone during the day. At night it becomes a paid block party at 30 Maud St.

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7. Sound on Geary (SONG)

Sat, Sep 19 · 2p-11p | Geary Avenue | Free

The walk along Geary is always worth it. On this day there'll be 8 stages, lots of music of all kinds and 16 live street artists creating. You know the food on Geary is always good, but their parks are also a nice refuge.

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8. Kensington Market Jazz Festival

Fri-Sun, Sep 18-20 · Fri-Sat 1p-10p, Sun 1p-7p | Kensington Market | Free

3 days of jazz all around Kensington Market, with two spots with free options all day. Supermarket and Bellevue Square Park. Trinity Common has a street party with The Shuffle Demons performing at 6:30p on Friday.

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9. Roncesvalles Polish Festival

Sat-Sun, Sep 19-20 · Sat 11a-11p, Sun 11a-7p | Roncesvalles Village | Free

Everyone has homemade pierogi to go along with music, shopping and all the fun festival things you'd expect.

10. A migratory birds walk

Sat, Sep 19 · 10a-12p | Tom Riley Park | Free

A hike to learn about the birds that call Tom Riley Park home.

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11. Evening Photo Walk

Fri, Sep 18 · 6p-7:30p | Humber Bay Park East | Free

The newly reopened Humber Bay Park East is the perfect spot to get great photos and you can join up for 90 minutes of photography with others.

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12. TIFF Peoples' Choice Award Screening

Sun, Sep 20 · 10a | TIFF Lightbox | Free

Every year, TIFF screens the winner of the audience pick for free. They used to do it in large venues and you'd line up to watch. It was a memorable event. Now, that magic is gone, but you can still watch it for free if you can get through the Ticketmaster lottery. Announcements and tickets usually go on sale on Sunday morning

13. STILL/ALIVE Exhibition Opening

Sat, Sep 19 · 1p-5p | 152 Sterling Rd | Free

The public opening of STILL/ALIVE, a contemporary exhibition bringing together artists and florists. It's open for 11 days, so you do have a few days to catch it if you don't make the opening day, but this one is the only one on the site that says free.

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