05 Aug 2026 10 min read weekly dozen

the second half | Aug 5 - Aug 11 2026

It feels like you can screenshot any moment in a Wes Anderson film and it would make a movie poster.

Welcome to the heart of August. We've got a brief respite from the full on events schedule that's coming with the Ex and all the end of summer events to fit in before most things are indoors again. I say that all the while, this is the best one week lineup of outdoor movies this summer, there are festivals of all sizes, and community events that are always fun to check out.

It's also been 2 months of the newsletter which is a good time to reflect and ask for your feedback. Constructive ideas are always welcome. You can leave a comment anytime.

The calendars are all here, the arts one is still not complete, but it has a lot of information. I'd recommend just looking at it and not adding it to your calendar. And, the daily posts for recommendations every day are always here.

The First Dozen

1. Screening & Souq: Thank You For Banking With Us

Sat, Aug 8· 6–11p | Christie Pits Park | Free

An annual celebration of Palestinian art, food, and film. Come early for the Souq market where you can shop Palestinian goods or eat a good meal and stick around for the film which has had greater resonance in the last few years. This movie is a comedy which is perfect and the atmosphere is worth experiencing.

2. It's Ok* World Festival

Sat, Aug 8 · 5-11p | Trillium Park | Free

It’s Ok* World is at Trillium Park and run by the incredible event space in the west end. You can expect artists that don't dominate your streaming lists but will make you fans by their performances and this festival is always thoughtful, warm, and stress free. It's the underrated night out this weekend.

3. Question Everything Trivia

Mon, Aug 10 · 5:30-7:30p | CIBC Square, 4th Floor | Free

They call it socially aware trivia. It's just more fun than you should be having at trivia. It's free weekly at a bunch of spots, but on Mondays, check it out at CIBC Square.

4. Korea Town Street Festival

Sat, Aug 8 · 1-8p | Bloor St W at Euclid Ave | Free

This is one street festival to check out. It's one day and located in the heart of where a lot of Korean restaurants are, so you're gonna get an authentic vibe here.

5. Outdoor Movie: Moonrise Kingdom

Wed, Aug 5 · 8:30-11:30p | College Park | Free

A Wes Anderson film is always perfectly quirky. This is a great movie and before it starts, there's live music from Kubla starting at 5 p, and a free bike clinic that runs from 3 to 5 p if you want to make the most of it.

6. First Wednesday Night Free at the AGO

Wed, Aug 5 · 6-9p | Art Gallery Of Ontario | Free

3 hours isn't nearly enough time to see the AGO properly, but luckily a full membership is free if you're young and $40 (you get a discount if you have your Presto card) if you're not. You'll leave feeling calmer and inspired if you pick the right rooms. The line up starts outside, so dress accordingly and pack light.

7. Secret Movie Club Outdoors: Boxcutter

Fri, Aug 7 · 8-10:30p | Canoe Landing Park | Free

This is put on by the always awesome It's OK* Studios people. They have their festival this weekend and on Friday night, they are screening a quintessential Toronto film which showcases the whole city in a way only a local could see it. It was featured at the Regent Park Film Festival when it launched and it's a film that deserves more eyeballs. Go be a pair and catch it in the park for free this weekend.

Fri, Aug 7 · 7:30p | Sugar Beach | Free

A social run with the atmosphere of a group of friends dancing. It's not pressure-filled and it is very welcoming of everyone who wants to join. It's a big club and there are all levels of runners. They say, "no pace, no pressure." Get your heart rate up on a Friday night in a healthy way.

9. Toronto Stitchers & Chatters

Wed, Aug 5 · 6-8p | First & Last Coffee Shop | Free

A low-key crafting meetup. Bring whatever you're working on, find a seat, and talk to people who may have strong opinions about yarn.

10. Outdoor Movie: Wildhood

Thu, Aug 6 · 8:45p-11p | Corktown Common | Free

A second chance for a rained out TOPS movie night. If the weather holds up this should be a gem. Get there early to get a spot, bring everything you need and always, always a waterproof blanket to sit on.

11. Life-sized 3v3 Foosball

Wed-Sun, Aug 5-9 · 12-9p | Eaton Centre, 2nd Floor | Free

Normally, I ignore corporate installations, but this week the Eaton Centre will have Foosbelle, a life-sized foosball experience inspired by the tv show Ted Lasso. You can get a branded photo or play 3 on 3, which sounds like a funny thing to do.

12. From Root to Table

Sat, Aug 8 · 1p | Scarborough Museum | Free

An interactive workshop with Caribean bites and cooking demos using ingredients such as breadfruit, cassava, yam, and plantain. A delicious learning experience. RSVP below

13. Grange Festival

Fri, Aug 7 · 11:30a-3p | Grange Road, 26 Grange Rd | Free

A small celebration of community and family. It's a short festival, it's got a lot to offer, including free food, face painting, activities,and booths from dozens of city organizations and non-profits. A festival that's not really a festival.

14. Kiku Listening Sessions: Herbie Hancock

Tue, Aug 11 · 6p + 8p | 915 Dupont | $20

This month, the Kiku Listening Sessions focuses on Herbie Hancock and each week they feature one album. This week it's Mwandishi. The vibe at 915 is always great, but this is a special kind of event. It's an intimate way to immerse yourself in music in a relaxed spot. It's put on by passionate people and you can feel it. The event is free, but you have to spend a minimum of $20 on food or drinks. Worth it if you can.

Things to Miss

Taste Of The Danforth
Aug 7-9 | Danforth Ave | Fri, 6p-12a, Sat, 12p-12a, Sun 12p-10p

This doesn't suck. And it's cool that it's back. But it's not what it used to be and it can be a crowded, overpriced example of a generic festival at times. You can have fun here, and I'll probably feature it in the daily post, but there are better options this weekend.

Kalamansi Fest
Sat, Aug 8 | STACKT market
The name sounds great, but it's just a sponsored market at Stackt.

Toronto Diversity Festival
Sat, Aug 8 | Sankofa Square | 12p

I'm sure it's worth 5-10 minutes of your time, but don't go out of your way. These kinds of events end up being a hodge podge of randomness and sameness at the same time.

Moksha Canada Foundation

Art Exhibits
Harbour Square Basin, 24 hours | Global Convenience
Market Gallery,10a-5p | GATHER
Museum Of Toronto, 11a-5p | The T.O. You Don't Know
Fort York National Historic Site, 11a-5p | Rebirth
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun 11a-6p, Fri 11a-8p | Colourful Parachutes
Montgomery's Inn, 11a-5p | Artistic Differences
Le Labo, 5:30p-11p | Kylie
Bata Shoe Museum, Aug 9 12p-5p | Free Sundays