It's already starting to feel like summer outside and we're lovin' it. Summer actually begins officially this month on June 20th.
Since it's almost summer, it's time to start filling your calendar up with fun activities and events. Why not check out all these free things happening this month?
1. Celebrate the artistry and influence of Melissa Levin at the AGO.
Melissa Levin was a passionate creator of LGBT video art and an advocate for queer youth. Many of her videos were screened at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival. In tribute to her, there will be a free screening of her work followed by video tributes by former Inside Out youth participants who learned from and were influenced by Melissa. See it all June 1st.
2. Indulge yourself at the Mac and Cheese Festival 2016.
Ontario Place is coming back to life with the Mac and Cheese Festival. If you went last year, you know all about the hot mess that happened in Liberty Village. This year, it's going to be bigger and better, with attractions such as craft beer and cider, an outdoor cinema, a carnival with a huge ferris wheel, food trucks, an artisanal market, and plenty more. Check it out June 3rd to 5th.
3. Visit the Riverdale Art Walk.
Feeling artsy? View and purchase original works of photography, painting, fibre, sculpture, and more from over 180 local artists on-site. Check it out June 4th to 5th.
4. Eat free pizza at Pi Co.
Fancy some free 'za? This brand new Yorkville pizza joint is giving away free pizzas in honour of their grand opening on June 6th from 12 PM to 3:14 PM.
5. Watch Jurassic Park at The Royal Cinema.
This month's free monthly flick at The Royal Cinema is the classic Jurassic Park. Tickets are free and first come, first serve, and they'll be giving away a Toronto Raptors prize pack to one lucky guest at the screening. See it June 6th.
6. Get educated at Pride Toronto's Human Rights Panels.
School's out, but that doesn't mean you have to stop learning. Pride Toronto is hosting a series of Human Rights Panels all about LGBT issues, history, and celebration.
June 7th – Bathhouse Raids
June 14th – Trans Rights in the New Generation
June 21st – Beyond Queer Politics
Photo cred – Toronto Art Crawl
7. Check out the Liberty Village Art Crawl.
Watch as Liberty Village Park gets taken over by amazing local artists and designers, delicious food trucks, and awesome DJs. You'll be able to shop home decor, fashion, jewelry, and more. They'll be giving away swag bags at 11 AM as well as Cirque du Soleil tickets before and during the event. Enjoy it all June 11th.
Photo cred – Alex Landon Richardson
8. See the Virtuous Skies Exhibition at Coldstream Fine Art.
See how paintings can tell stories at this solo exhibition by Canadian painter Alex Landon Richardson. Each painting becomes a story frame and contributes to the entire narrative as a whole. Check it out at Coldstream Fine Art from June 11th to July 16th.
Photo cred – Pierre Huyghe
9. See free screenings of Pierre Huyghe's films at the AGO.
In conjunction with one of Pierre Huyghe's sculptures for the Luminato Festival, the AGO will be showing two of his films: A Way in Untilled and Untitled. View them June 14th at the AGO.
Photo cred – Event Page
10. Buy some new books at the Toronto Art Book Fair.
Read any new books lately? The Toronto Art Book Fair will feature national and international vendors, curated exhibitions, and a variety of programming including a speakers series, readings, launches, signings, and more. Check it out June 16th to 19th at Artscape Youngplace.
Photo cred – yyzmag
11. Shop at the Trinity Bellwoods Flea & Etsy 416 Hustler Spring Market.
Time to go summer shopping! A special edition of the Trinity Bellwoods Flea is happening June 18th, featuring one of Toronto's largest Etsy teams, 416 Hustler. There'll be tons of amazing vendors as well as great food on-site.
Photo cred – Toronto Etsy Team
12. Shop at the Toronto Etsy Street Team Midsummer Marketplace.
The Toronto Etsy Team's Midsummer Marketplace is also happening the same day for you to do even more shopping. There'll be crafts, workshops, tutorials, tours and plenty more. It's happening at the Campbell House Museum.
Photo cred – Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival
13. Watch the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival.
Back in 1989, the festival only had 27 participating teams. On June 18th and 19th of this year, there will be between 180 to 200 participating teams with over 5,000 athletes. Watch it at Centre Island.
Photo cred – Yorkville Exotic Car Show
14. Admire cars at the Yorkville Exotic Car Show.
If you're an exotic car enthusiast, be sure to check out the Yorkville Exotic Car Show. There'll be over 110 classic and exotic cars, including Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. You'll even get the chance to see the newest Ferrari, the La Ferrari (valued at over $2 million), and the new 2017 Acura NSX. Pay it a visit this Father's Day (June 19th) in the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area.
Photo cred – Toronto Queer Film Festival
15. Watch films at the Toronto Queer Film Festival.
The Toronto Queer Film Festival is happening for the first time ever this year. Enjoy three nights of contemporary and innovative queer and trans film and video art. It's all happening June 22nd to 24th at CineCycle and the event is PWYC.
Photo cred – Toronto Jazz Festival
16. Get into a jazzy mood at the TD Jazz Festival.
The TD Jazz Festival is back for another year! A lot of shows require tickets, but there are also tons of free concerts. All the outdoor stage shows at Nathan Phillips Square are free, and the lunchtime concerts at the Toronto Star Stage are also free. It's happening June 24th to July 3rd.
Photo cred – Nuit Rose
17. Enjoy a night of contemporary art at Nuit Rose 2016.
You've been to Nuit Blanche, but have you been to Nuit Rose? Church/Wellesley Village and West Queen West will transform into amazing art spaces by queer artists. The theme for this year is "Night Shift", and it will reflect all things that happen between dusk and dawn. See it for yourself June 25th.
Photo cred – Nuit Rose
18. Join in on the Nuit Rose Light Parade.
On the same night, the Nuit Rose Light Parade will be happening. You can join in by simply wearing a light-emitting object. Free lantern-making workshops will be also offered before the Light Parade.
Photo cred – Peter Dusek
19. Indulge yourself in BBQ ribs at Toronto Ribfest.
Ribfest is back for another year! There'll be great live performances, fun events, and delicious food. June 30th to July 3rd at Etobicoke Centennial Park.
