Summertime can be frustrating when you’re broke. Everyone needs a vacation, and finding fun things to do for less than five bucks is a challenge, at best. However, this quick listing of free events and inexpensive ideas to entertain yourself and your family may be a great way to spend a day trip if you’re from outside Toronto, or pretend you’re a tourist and learn about your hometown as you have fun, if you’re a local.
Toronto’s Free Music Festivals in July
If you’re a jazz fan, or just like hanging out near a beach, you can have the best of both worlds: The Beaches International Jazz Festival takes place from July 17 to 26. Located at Woodbine Park (Woodbine and Lake Shore), Kew Gardens (foot of Lee) and Queen East. Check out more information at: beachesjazz.com
Harbourfront is the place for music, this July: The Beats, Breaks & Culture Festival, celebrates North American electronic music and urban dance. This free festival will be held from at the Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, from July 10 to 12. Another Harbourfront music festival is the Canadian Voices Festival, which highlights emerging folk, hiphop and rock musicians. This free festival takes place from July 24 to 26.
The Island Soul Festival of Pan-Caribbean Culture with reggae, Creole and calypso music featuring the Mighty Shadow and Tony Rebel, plus dance, food demos and more is also free at the Harbourfront Centre, from July 31 to August 3. www.harbourfrontcentre.com.
Afrofest is on from July 11 to 12. Music Africa's free, two-day outdoor music and culture festival. This free celebration of Africa’s musical heritage takes place at Queen's Park. Check out who will be playing at www.musicafrica.org.
The free Irie Music Festival from July 30 to August 3 features a performance by Byron Lee's Dragonaires, concerts, a boat cruise, DJ dance parties and more. Nathan Phillips Square (Queen and Bay), Queen's Park and Lake Ontario. Take a peek at www.iriemusicfestival.com.
Toronto’s Free Multicultural Festivals in July
Toronto’s Caribana is known by name around the world. This year, the annual Caribbean festival takes place between July 14 to August 2. Featuring calypso and pan music, a King & Queen competition, junior carnival, an art exhibition and the Caribana Parade along the Lakeshore. While the parades are free, there are some ticketed events. Check out their website: www.caribanatoronto.com.
You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy the free Corso Italia Street Festival between July 4 and 5. This free, two-day ‘festività’ celebrates all things Italian with live bands, street performers, food and more. St Clair between Westmount and Lansdowne. More info can be found at: www.torontofiesta.com.
The free Festival Of India features mantra meditation, yoga, live entertainment, vegetarian cooking demos, a bazaar and more at Yonge-Dundas Square, between July 18 and 19. Their website features more details on their specific events: www.feedyoursoul.to.
Mexico: Beyond Your Expectations is a free, contemporary multidisciplinary showcase celebrating 100 years since the Mexican Revolution and 200 years of independence. Featuring Los de Abajo, Cafe Tacuba and others. From July 17 to 19 at the Harbourfront Centre.
Free Lifestyle and Living Festivals in Toronto
Green Toronto Street Festival on July 25 and 26: This free, Green Living celebration will take place at Yonge-Dundas Square, and will feature entertainment, displays, activities and more: Website info can be found at www.ydsquare.ca.
If you’re into cars and the Indy car races, Indy Toronto may be the festival for you. Activities celebrate the Indy car races are free, though access to the race is not. Yonge-Dundas Square from July 7 to 9, more info at www.ydsquare.ca.
Pack a picnic, and check out any of these free festivals, and your day is set!
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