Cities/YYZ

Fri., July 22 – Sun., July 24
$65 – $150
Festival
Bandshell Park, 100 Prince Edward Island Cres.
beerfestival.ca

Back for its 25th year, the Toronto Festival of Beer hosts a weekend of fun in the sun with food, drinks and live music along the city’s waterfront. Sample from over 400 local and international drinks (including non-alcoholic options) while munching on a gourmet grilled cheese from Meltwich or sweets from Craig’s Cookies. Stay hydrated while singing along to festival headliners Nas (Fri., July 22), Sam Roberts Band and The Strumbellas (Sat., July 23) and The Revivalists and Matt Mays (Sun., July 24). Snag a VIP ticket and lounge poolside with front-row access to the shows!

Thur., July 28 – Sun., July 31
Free – $150
Festival
Lamport Stadium, 1155 King St. W.
torontocarnival.ca

With a trail of glitter and coloured feathers, Carnival returns after a two-year hiatus! This Caribbean festival is a celebration of culture, freedom and emancipation from slavery through music, food and pageantry. The four-day festival kicks off on Thursday with a showcase of elaborate costumes at Lamport Stadium. The Ontario Steel Pan Association brings the rhythm to the stadium on Friday and the free Grande Parade marches along Lakeshore West on Saturday. Food and drinks will be available all weekend, but get a true sampling of different island flavours on Sunday at Hotel X.

Every Sunday in July and Aug
Free
Film Festival
Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St. W.
topictureshow.com/cpff

Bring your own blanket for a night in the park under the glow of a massive outdoor silver screen! This summer’s film schedule includes Almost Famous (Sun., July 31), Cabaret (Sun., Aug 14) and American Utopia (Sun., Aug 28). Snacks are available at 6 pm and films start at sundown. Screenings are free but donations are welcome.

Fri., July 29 – Sun., July 31
$145 – $389
Music Festival
Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave.
veldmusicfestival.com

The city’s biggest electronic music festival returns to Downsview Park with a packed three-day lineup. Headliner’s include Alesso and Marshmello (Fri., July 29), Armin Van Buuren and Martin Garrix (Sat., July 30) and The Chainsmokers and Porter Robinson (Sun., July 31). Don’t miss Canadian acts Manila Grey and bbno$!

Thur., July 28 – Sun., Sept. 4, 8 pm
$30
Theatre
High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor St. W.
canadianstage.com

Toronto truly comes alive in the summertime and what better way to celebrate than in beautiful High Park with some live theatre? Canadian Stage opens the park’s outdoor amphitheatre and hosts a production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It every night (excluding Mondays) from now until September.

Thur., Aug. 25 – Sun., Aug. 28
$37 – $220
Convention
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.
fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada

Fans of all ages and genres unite! Fan Expo Canada transforms the Convention Centre into a haven for film, TV and comic lovers. The four-day event includes panels, shopping experiences and photo ops with beloved characters. This year’s celebrity guests include Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, Star Trek icons William Shatner and Levar Burton and Disney’s Encanto voice actor Jessica Darrow. Start planning your outfits and walk the cosplay red carpet, add to your comic book collection and spend some time in the gaming booths.

Sun., Aug. 28, 7 pm
$52 – $76
Comedy show
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.
masseyhall.mhrth.com

From radio show to TV series to touring live podcast, writer and comedian Scott Aukerman brings his long-standing comedy show to Massey Hall for an unpredictable but hilarious night of interviews and improv sketches. This show’s guests will be a surprise, so you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind evening!