There’s only a few more days left of summer, but before you head out to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage or soak up the scenery in an autumn-inspired day trip, make sure to check out these must-see/do events in Toronto while the weather is still relatively warm.
Spirits of the Distillery Tour
Okay, so Halloween isn’t here as yet, but this late-evening walk will certainly get you in the mood! This guided, lantern-lit stroll takes place along the cobblestone streets of the historic Distillery District, which is considered one of Toronto’s most haunted spots. Since Toronto is experiencing warmer-than-usual weather for September, patrons can enjoy this 75-minute-long outdoor tour without freezing their butts off, making it the perfect opportunity for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique experience to learn more about the district before the summer ends. Runs nightly at 8 pm. Adults: $25.99 | Youth: $19.99. 10 Front St W.
Toronto Urban Agriculture Week
This is the perfect opportunity to spend a week celebrating Toronto-grown food and the people who grow it! See how growing food in the city can create greener spaces and more liveable neighbourhoods. Festivities take place at various locations across the city (including Allan Gardens and Regent Park in downtown Toronto), and visitors can participate in everything from garden tours, workshops, and harvest parties. The best part is that all events are free. Daily, until Sep. 22.
ROMWalks
Discover the city with ROMWalks! These outdoor walks take place until late October, but try to check them out before the cooler weather kicks in for a more comfortable experience. These guided walking tours take guests on a journey of urban discovery, exploring diverse neighbourhoods across Toronto with knowledgeable guides (rain or shine)! Upcoming walks include Cabbagetown North (Sept. 29) and Riverdale (Oct. 6). Free walks are scheduled on most Sundays at 2:00 pm and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Each walk takes place in a different location (check their website for further details).
Indie Mondays at Drom Taberna
Celebrate this weekly showcase featuring up-and-coming local, independent talent — one band and one solo artist, each among the best of the city’s emerging performers (catch these artists before they blow up on the music scene). The cover is pay-what-you-can ($5 is suggested) and is added to every bill when settling up. Money goes directly to the performers. This month, check out Maiasha and Tricia Leigh (Sept. 16) and Himalayan Pink and Kia Rose (Sept. 30). 458 Queen St W.
Sounds of GreekTown 2024
Celebrate the last days of summer at this free live music series at the newly renovated Alexander the Great Parkette (until Sept. 21). The performances feature different musical genres, including R&B, Latin beats, and of course traditional and modern Greek music. Upcoming performances include bitter&broke (Sept. 19, 7-9 pm), LAZO I (Sept. 20, 7-9 pm), and MDQ Trio (Sept. 21, 2-4 pm). 16 Alexander St.
Art Bash at the AGO
This event celebrates the Art Gallery of Ontario’s (AGO’s) collection of modern art and focuses on the bold role that colour plays in artistic expression! Guests will explore the AGO’s Moments in Modernism exhibition, featuring works by legendary artists like Mark Rothko, Ellsworth Kelly, Rita Letendre, and Jack Bush. There will also be some delicious cuisine and cocktails influenced by modern art, and eye-catching installations by artists, musicians, and fashion designers. Sept. 26, 8 pm-1 am. Tickets: $200/person.
Illuminarium (in the Distillery District)
Experience the best of Illuminarium Toronto for out-of-this-world 360-degree immersive shows that the whole family will enjoy. Buy a day pass and access both “Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder” and “Space: A Journey to the Moon and Back”. In “Space”, it’ll feel like you’re taking a journey across the galaxy — flying through a technicolor nebula, kicking up dust on the moon, seeing Saturn’s rings up close, and even weaving through an asteroid belt! Kids and kids-at-heart will love the “Light-Brite” experience, which features an immersive narrative with interactive lights, playable gaming stations, and friendly hosts. A day pass gives access to both cinematic immersive shows, unlimited re-entry throughout the day of your choice with a wristband, and unlimited re-entry on the day of your ticket purchase. Individual Admission: $34.50. Family and Friends – 3 Pack: $95. Family and Friends – 4 Pack: $115. 28. Gristmill Lane.
Bubble Planet Toronto
Embark on a sensory journey with oversized bubbles! This immersive experience features different rooms filled with bubble-themed activities, such as the LED room, a VR room, and a soap bubbles room. The whole experience takes about 60 minutes but you’re welcome to stay as long as you want in each room before moving on to the next one. All ages welcome. Prices start from C$25.90 for a child and C$33.90 for an adult. Children under 3 enter free of charge. Exhibition Hub, Downsview Airport Lands (YZD), 30 Hanover Rd.
Neon Brush: Sip and Paint Workshop in the Dark
Make it a Girls’ Night out at the Neon Brush workshop! This painting workshop takes place in a unique retro-futuristic atmosphere. Participants are immersed in a fluorescent neon-lit setting and use fluorescent paint to create their own works of art. With a brush in one hand and a glass in the other (with or without alcohol), you and your friends can unleash your inner artists. Duration: About 1.5 hours. Located at Peach Berserk – 1694 Queen St W. $49.00/person. Click here for tickets and upcoming dates.
1939
You don’t have to head to Stratford to enjoy a good show! 1939 follows an English teacher at a fictional Residential School in Northern Ontario. She enlists her students in a production of All’s Well That Ends Well. But her traditional ideas of how Shakespeare should be performed are challenged as new ideas and audience expectations abound — and her Indigenous students start finding parallels between themselves and the characters in the play. The production is 2.5 hours with intermission and runs at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St.) on specific dates until Oct. 11. The play’s opening is Sept. 19 (with previews on Sept. 17-18). Tickets: $34+.
