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It’s always better when the fun comes with a good price tag! Summertime in the city means there’s lots going on but if you’re looking to save some cash, these are the things to add to your calendar. Here are 25 free and cheap things to do in and around Toronto this August.
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Free Main Floor at the ROM
August is the last full month for ROM visitors to take advantage of free admission on the museum’s main floor.
The deal runs seven days a week from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM with no ticket required.
When: Seven days a week in August
Where: The ROM, 100 Queens Park
Cost: Free
Blue Jays game
The Jays have over ten home games in Toronto in August with tickets in the 500s as low as 20 bucks a pop.
When: Various dates in August
Where: Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way
Cost: $20+
Music in the Garden
Sit back along Toronto’s harbourfront and enjoy some free music this summer.
Happening Thursdays and Sundays in July, Music in the Garden is an “intimate live music experience” that’s free to attend.
To pick which one you want to attend check out the lineup here.
When: Thursdays & Sundays in August
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show free movies
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is showcasing free movies at different parks in the city this summer!
Free flicks will play at Christie Pits on Sundays and Thursdays at Corktown Common.
Bell Manor Park will also be showing free films from the 15th – 17th.
Check for movie titles and times here.
When: Sundays (Christie Pits), Thursdays (Corktown Common), August 15th – 17th (Bell Manor Park)
Where: Christie Pits, Corktown Common & Bell Manor Park
Cost: Free
Free Flicks
Tuesdays in August are the time to enjoy a free movie by the water!
Harbourfront Centre will have a free flick to enjoy each Tuesday at 8:30 PM.
The full lineup can be found here.
When: Tuesdays at 8:30 PM in August
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free
Summer Market at the Garden
Held on Thursdays at the Toronto Botanical Garden, this market brings “the freshest local produce, artisanal products, and unique food items from farmers and small businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.”
When: Thursdays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Cost: Free
Yoga in Trillium Park
Try something new on a Saturday in August!
These free yoga classes at Trillium Park are taught by a certified instructor offering a mix of hatha and vinyasa yoga.
The classes “focus on mindfulness, strengthening the core, and cultivating the connection between the breath and body.”
When: Saturdays from 10::00 AM – 11:00 AM in August
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Cost: Free
Music in St James Park
No plans on a Thursday evening this August?
St James Park is hosting a free concert series at the Michael Comstock Pavilion in St. James Park from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM every Thursday of the month!
When: Thursdays from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM in August
Where: St James Park, 120 King St E
Cost: Free
VIVE Latino American 2024
This Latino-American festival features music, dance, and more!
According to their website, the festival is to “warm up the spirits of all Canadians.”
When: August 1st, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free admission
Team Canada FanFest
According to the Canadian Olympic Committee, “Team Canada FanFest will offer Olympic fans the opportunity to watch the Games with family and friends, Olympic athlete appearances, and live performances featuring Canadian music artists.”
The pop-up is happening for four days, free for anyone to visit.
When: August 2nd – 5th, 2024
Where: Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd., Toronto, ON
Cost: Free
Toronto International Dance Festival
According to TIDF, “The Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) is a diverse and inclusive event that celebrates various dance styles from around the world.”
If you’re a lover of dance, you’re going to want to check out this amazing showcase.
When: August 3rd from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Where: Albert Campbell Square, 150 Borough Dr, Scarborough
Cost: Free
Toronto Patty Fest
The Toronto Patty Fest is taking place on August 3rd, the best way to celebrate and chow down on Toronto’s favourite snack!
When: August 3rd, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: 531 Eglinton Ave W
Cost: Free
Mississauga Midway Fair
An artisan market with local Mississauga vendors, free rides, face painting, food trucks and a grand fireworks show!
The Mississauga Midway Fair is the perfect way to spend the day with friends and family.
When: August 11th from 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Where: 2560 Motorway Blvd, Mississauga
Cost: Free
Canadian Latin Fest
The Canadian Latin Fest is bringing the Canadian Latin culture to Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square!
There will be Latin food vendors, arts and crafts, and a kid’s zone area.
Visitors can expect free entertainment with more than 20 performances!
When: August 11th, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free
Roller Skate Party
The Bentway is putting on its August Roller Skate Party and all are welcome.
According to the Bentway, “Whether you’re a first-time skater or a seasoned pro with superfly moves, their figure-eight skate trail is the perfect place to cruise and have fun.”
There will be food trucks, a DJ and a vendors market with over 20 vendors.
When: August 16th from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free
Butterfly Festival
A family-friendly experience you won’t want to miss out on.
The TRCA Butterfly Festival is a free public event at Tommy Thompson Park to celebrate as butterflies embark on their journey to Mexico over the winter months.
More than 50 butterfly species can be expected!
When: August 17th
Where: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie St
Cost: Free
Toronto Flower Market
Blooms for days!
The Toronto Flower Market displays and sells flowers from vendors from all around the GTA. It’s beautiful, smells amazing and is a great photo opportunity.
When: August 17th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: 1001 Queen St W
Cost: Free
Toronto Chinatown Festival
This exciting event not only pays tribute to Chinese culture but also serves as a tourist attraction for visitors from all over to enjoy.
Expect mouthwatering street food, traditional dancing and dragon dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more.
When: August 17th & 18th, 2024
Where: West of Spadina Avenue between St. Andrew Street & Sullivan Street
Cost: Free
India Day Festival and Parade
This festival and grand parade brings together live music, dance and celebration of India.
Happening at Nathan Phillips Square, the festivities are free to attend.
When: August 18th
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free
Mississauga Italfest
A celebration of all things Italian culture including all the delicious Italian foods you know and love!
This free festival is for two days only so head over and show up hungry!
When: August 23rd – 24th, 2024
Where: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
Cost: Free
Toronto Korean Festival
The Toronto Korean Festival is the biggest Korean festival in all of Canada, happening this August!
Visitors can expect yummy food, live performances and a vendor’s market.
When: August 23rd – 25th, 2024
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, North York
Cost: Free
Yorkville Murals
YVM is transforming the Yorkville neighbourhood into “an immersive art experience, filling every corner with vibrant creativity, from massive inflatable sculptures to striking new murals, and even art installations in TTC stations.”
Those who visit can also enjoy “elevated” street food, yum!
When: August 24th – 25th from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Where: Yorkville
Cost: Free
Tamil Festival
The largest Tamil street festival of its kind outside of the Indian subcontinent takes place in Toronto this August.
Cultural food, artistic talents and more will fill the streets so bring the family and have an amazing time.
When: August 24th – 25th
Where: Markham Road, Scarborough, ON
Cost: Free
2024 Toronto Dragon Festival
This festival celebration of Chinese culture is happening at Nathan Phillips Square and will feature food vendors, martial arts demonstrations, lion and dragon dances and live music.
When: August 30th – September 1st
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free
TU Jazz Fest
Live jazz music, anyone?
TU Jazz Fest showcases up-and-coming jazz musicians and the lineup has so many acts you won’t know which one to go to first!
When: August 30th – September 2nd
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, North York
Cost: Free
August is going to be a great month, which of these free and cheap things to do are on your list, Toronto!?
