It's almost the weekend! You don't need to spend all your money in order to have fun during your time off. There are lots of free things to do in Toronto this weekend that won't break the bank.
From summer festivals to pop-up fairs, there are so many events to enjoy.
Here are eight free things to do in Toronto this weekend, August 16 to 18.
Take a mini trip to China
Price: Free
When: August 17 and 18, 2024
Address: Spadina Ave. from St. Andrew St. to Sullivan St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a mini trip to China at the Toronto Chinatown Festival this weekend. The two-day event includes international street food, free mural walking tours, a dragon and lion dance and more.
Go to a paper fair
Price: Free
When: August 17, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 260 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto's First Post Office is hosting a Pop-up Paper Fair where you can shop for a variety of unique paper goods such as greeting cards, notebooks and totebags.
Have fun at a street festival
Price: Free
When: August 17, 2024, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Danforth Ave. and Danforth Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all car enthusiasts! The Wheels on the Danforth Street Festival & Car Show is taking place this Saturday and you can enjoy hundreds of cars, food vendors, live music and a movie on Friday night.
Visit some butterflies
Price: Free
When: August 17, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: 1 Leslie St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The TRCA Butterfly Festival is happening at Tommy Thompson Park and it's a magical event to check out. You can learn all about the butterfly migration, see some presentations, go on nature walks and more.
Watch a movie beneath the stars
Price: Free, donations accepted
When: August 16 to 18, 2024
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: Get your popcorn ready! This weekend, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is taking place in both Christie Pits and Bell Manor Park. You can see films including Perfect Days, Mary Poppins and Monsters, Inc.
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: Head to Union Station for some fun at Union Summer. The free event features musicians, DJs, food vendors and more.
Roll around Toronto
Price: Free
When: August 16, 2024, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON,
Why You Need To Go: Head to The Bentway for the monthly Roller Skate Party. The event includes DJs, vendors and food trucks as well as equipment to rent if you do not have your own.
The Bentway website
Enjoy a summer festival
Price: Free
When: August 17, 2024, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 28 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: STACKT Market's 5-part summer festival is returning with BACKYARD//MADEInTO, and you can enjoy everything from live music and vendors to live art and games.
STACKT Market website
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.
