Here are 10 free activities to check out in Toronto this weekend, July 12 to 14. Make the most of your time off!
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 Free Main Floor is back for the summer and you can explore parts of the museum without paying admission.
Visitors can wander through main floor galleries and exhibits such as the Currelly Gallery, First Peoples, Korea, and China.
There will be live music, theatre, and dance performances throughout the season.
ROM website
Take a mini trip to India
Price: Free
When: July 13 to 14, 2024
Address: Multiple locations
Why You Need To Go: You can take a little trip to another land this weekend at the Festival of India. The event, which has been taking place in the city for half a century, features a "vibrant parade down Yonge Street in which three giant floats are hand-pulled by thousands of attendees and spectators amidst melodious singing, chanting, drumming, and dancing."
More celebrations and activities are held on Centre Island. You can enjoy a free vegetarian festival, live performances, a marketplace and free outdoor yoga.
Festival of India website
Enjoy a music festival
Price: Free
When: July 13 to 14, 2024
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The annual Mixto Festival showcases different music scenes in Toronto. This year, the event is free and is part of of SummerSeries in Trillium Park at Ontario Place.
You can expect "immaculate block party vibes" on a fully licensed festival ground.
The festival features a diverse range of local performers and you can spend the day enjoying bands, singers and more. You can even bring your pup along for the experience.
Mixto Festival website
Check out the events at the Toronto Fringe Festival
Price: Free
When: July 3 to 14, 2024
Address: 292 Brunswick Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Toronto Fringe Festival, Ontario's largest performance festival, is back with 77 shows at 16 venues.
If you're on the hunt for free activities, the Fringe Patio is "the social hub and heart of the Toronto Fringe Festival," offering numerous free events and programs. This weekend, you can enjoy an artisan market, silent disco, and live music.
Toronto Fringe Festival website
Explore some art
Price: Free
When: July 12 to 14, 2024
Address: 100 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is back for another year. The event connects Canadian artists directly to the public and features over 400 visual artists and makers annually.
You can enjoy all sorts of events and experiences, including "artist discovery, installations, guided tours, soulful kids programs, live painting, and site-specific dance."
From a five-piece brass band performance to an alternative rock show, there's lots to see and do.
There are also several online events that you can access from home.
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair website
Get groovy
Price: Free
When: July 12 to 14, 2024
Address: 2441 Lake Shore Blvd W., Etobicoke, ON
Why You Need To Go: Start practicing those moves! The Dance Together Festival is an annual event that "transforms public spaces and celebrates community through diverse and inclusive dance workshops, vibrant visual art and live music."
You can enjoy free workshops and events centred around dance this weekend.
The dance workshops include Hip Hop, West African, Swing, Flamenco, Brazilian Forró, Cuban Salsa and more and you can also enjoy live bands, social dancing and performances on the dance floor mural.
Dance Together Festival website
Watch an outdoor movie
Price: Free
When: July 14, 2024, 6 p.m.
Address: 750 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's movie night! The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is happening at Christie Pitts Park this Sunday and you can watch a movie beneath a twinkling sky.
This week, the film will be Empire Records and there will also be two short films called Ruff 'n Tuff - Stranger Cole's Toronto Roots and Turning Tables.
You can bring a blanket and chair, as well as some snacks to enjoy as you watch the show. There will be food vendors on site so you can purchase some food and drinks at the event.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show website
Enjoy a summer festival
Price: Free
When: June 24 to August 25, 2024
Address: 65 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Union Station is the ultimate spot for summer fun with Union Summer, presented by TD.
The event offers 60 days of free outdoor experiences, featuring music, live performances, diverse food vendors, and beverages and desserts, all celebrating summer in the city.
You can take in stunning views of the CN Tower while listening to musicians, DJs, and more in the heart of Toronto.
Toronto Union website
Dance the day away
Price: Free admission
When: July 12 to 14, 2024
Address: 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can get groovy this weekend at the Beaches Jazz Festival's TD Salsa on the Beach event. Woodbine Park is transforming into a "dance floor featuring the energetic Latin melodies of Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia."
The event features vendors, food trucks and a beer garden as well as the "the electrifying sounds of Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia in an open-air dance floor."
You can even take dance classes for some extra weekend fun.
Beaches Jazz Festival website
Get your sweat on
Price: Free
When: July 13, 2024, 10 a.m.
Address: 8 Aggie Hogg Gardens Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's time to get sweaty! CF Shops at Don Mills is hosting a Fitness Series so you can get moving this weekend. You can take part in Mobility and Strength Training with Physiomobility this Saturday.
These 45-minute sessions take place on Aggie Hogg in front of Roots.
Don't forget to bring your water bottle and yoga mat.
Eventbrite website
Leave your wallet behind and enjoy these free things to do in Toronto this weekend!
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.
