Start the countdown! The weekend is almost here and there are so many free things to do in Toronto. There's no need to blow your paycheque in order to have some fun on your days off.
From summer festivals to free ice cream and live music, the city is full of fun and free experiences. You can take a mini trip to the tropics, check out a street festival and more without spending a dime.
Here are 11 free things to do in Toronto this weekend, July 19 to 21. Make the most of your time off!
Take a trip to Brazil
Price: Free
When: July 20 to 21, 2024
Address: Earlscourt Park, 1200 Lansdowne Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: BrazilFest is the "biggest Brazilian Festival in Canada" and you can enjoy a range of activities and performances that will whisk you away to another country.
You can experience "rhythmic beats, vibrant colours and rich culture" all weekend long. The festival includes Brazilian music dance, drool-worthy cuisine and more.
From live music to food stalls and refreshing drinks, you can experience a range of activities and performances. Dig into "traditional dishes to contemporary twists" and get groovy to the rhythms of samba.
Visit the ROM
Price: Free
When: July 2 to September 2, 2024
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The ROM's main floor is free to visit this summer, so you can take a trip to the iconic museum and explore some of the areas without paying a cent.
You can check out galleries like the Currelly Gallery and exhibits on First Peoples, Korea, and China.
Plus, there will be live music, theater, and dance shows all season long.
Indulge in ice cream
Price: Free
When: July 21, 2024
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Did you know that July 21 is National Ice Cream Day? It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a frozen dessert, and the best part is, you might be able to snag one for free.
Cereal Box Cafe will be giving out 25 free ice cream cones at the Queen and Spadina location and the Ossington Dundas location with be handing out 100 free ice cream cones, in partnership with Dished Toronto.
Both locations will also be offering $1 cones all day long so you can still enjoy a cheap snack if you miss out on the free ones.
Watch a film beneath the night sky
Price: Free, donations accepted
When: July 21, 2024, 6 p.m.
Address: 750 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy that fresh summer air with a free movie beneath the stars. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is taking place at Christie Pits Park this Sunday, and you can enjoy a film amidst the twinkling city lights.
This week's feature is Someone Lives Here, along with two short films: The Repair Shop (L'atelier) and Mathilde and the Love Room.
Don't forget to bring a blanket, chair, and some snacks to make your experience cozy. Food vendors will also be available at the event, so you can always purchase food and drinks there.
Go to a street festival
Price: Free
When: July 20 and 21, 2024
Address: Bloor Street West, between Dufferin to Lansdowne
Why You Need To Go: The BIG on Bloor Festival is back for another year and you can celebrate the local arts scene.
The festival offers hundreds of events, activities, displays and exhibitions to enjoy, including outdoor murals, window displays, public installations and more.
The "in-person pedestrian takeover of car-free Bloordale" allows you to stroll through the area and check out the small businesses and artists that contribute to the neighbourhood's culture.
Listen to some free live music
Price: Free
When: July 18 to 21, 2024
Address: 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready to party at Woodbine Park! The TD Weekend Series is taking place from July 18 to 21 as part of the Beaches International Jazz Festival.
You can enjoy "diverse musical acts, food trucks, vendors, beer garden, and more."
There will be live bands and performances taking place throughout the weekend, including Soul of Motown, Jordan Astra, Boom Shaka Lakas Disco Party and Lazo and Exodus the Bob Marley Experience.
Beaches Jazz Festival website
Get sweaty
Price: Free
When: July 20, 2024, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 220 Yonge St., Unit # A-015 Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's no need to pay for a gym class this weekend. You can take part in a free workout session with a SWAT Health Trainer that's "designed to challenge and inspire you."
The one-hour, beginner-level workout will also include stretching, wrapping, warm-up and cool down exercises.
Have fun at Union
Price: Free
When: June 24 to August 25, 2024
Address: 65 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, you'll want to head to Union Station for the Union Summer event, presented by TD.
This festival offers 60 days of free outdoor activities, including music, live performances, a variety of food vendors, plus drinks and desserts, all celebrating the fun summer vibes in Toronto.
With CN Tower views, musicians, DJs, and more, it's an idyllic spot to soak up some sun and enjoy the season.
See a Friday night film
Price: Free
When: July 19, 2024 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Orchard Pavilion Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to Downsview Park this weekend and enjoy a movie beneath the twinkling night sky. The 8th annual movie program will be taking place by the lake and you can see a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4.
Stretch with yoga
Price: Free
When: July 20, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Address: 790 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can stretch and relax at this yoga flow in Trinity Bellwoods Park for some self-care this weekend. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat and water bottle.
Take a mini trip to the tropics
Price: Free
When: July 20, 2024, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 5100 Yonge St., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: Head to Mel Lastman Square this weekend and enjoy AlohaFest. The event showcases Polynesian culture, art and dance.
You can enjoy a range of performances as well as drool-worthy Hawaiian treats and a marketplace where you can shop for unique items such as food, jewellery items, crafts and more.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
"Frenchsicles" on a table with ketchup and tomatoes.
