It’s almost that time of year again. As the temperature heats up, the evenings get longer, and the winter coat gets to the back of the wardrobe, summer is on the horizon.
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS), which is making its long-awaited return, is another huge signifier of the sunny season.
This is ideal if you’re looking for things to do in Toronto over the summer.
In 2025, TOPS will celebrate its 15th birthday with its new festival, “When We Were Young.” This theme will be a coming-of-age that will make us nostalgic by reminding us of our teenage years and everything that was good, embarrassing, and memorable about those days.
This year, TOPS will host 20 showings across three parks in Toronto: Fort York National Historic Site (June 12-17), Christie Pits Park (every Sunday from July 6 to August 24), and Corktown Common (every Thursday from July 3 to August 7).
It will open in Fort York on Thursday, June 12, showing Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. The 1996 film stars Leonardo DiCaprio (you’ve probably heard of him) and Claire Danes, from Homeland, in the title roles. Luhrmann’s take on the Shakespearean tragedy has become a cult classic in recent years.
The six-night opening at Fort York will also see Steve McQueen’s fascinating portrayal of Black music and ’70s youth culture in London, U.K., Lovers Rock, Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror I Saw the TV Glow, and a 30th anniversary screening of Amy Heckerling’s teen comedy Clueless, starring Silver Silverstone and Paul Rudd.
Thanks to charitable donations, all TOPS events are free and open to the public.
As part of their 15th anniversary season, everyone who makes a charitable donation of $15 or more on the TOPS website can vote on the festival’s closing night film in August.
TOPS is also looking for volunteers over the summer, including volunteer captains, safety marshals, photographers, donation collectors, and other roles.
If you are a movie lover who wants to give back to your community, apply now on the TOPS website.
Get ready to grab your blankets and snacks as Toronto’s beloved outdoor movie series is almost here!
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Price: Free
When: June 12, 2025, to August 24, 2025
Address:
- Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
- Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
- Corktown Common, 155 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This year, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will host 20 showings across three parks in Toronto.
The beloved outdoor movie series is a perfect get together for friends, date night or even a solo visit.
Sitting there enjoying snacks as the sun sets is particularly beautiful.
TOPS Website
The complete schedule of films will be revealed on May 15 on the TOPS website.
