Food festivals, street performers and the CNE - August in Toronto is all about getting outside and celebrating. See what special events are taking place in August 2008.
See also:
What's On Stage | Spectator Sports Calendar | Green Toronto Calendar
Continues to August 3rd
Caribana Festival
The final weekend of events includes the parade on Saturday and a festival on Olympic Island on Sunday.
Continues to August 31
Dream in High Park - A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Canadian Stage Company's annual outdoor staging of one of Shakespeare's works is back this year with a repeat performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Shows run Tuesday to Sunday at 8pm, with the gates opening to the site at 6pm. Admission is by donation ($20 minimum suggested). Remember that High Park is a big place and parking is limited, so whether you're driving or taking transit you should leave yourself ample time to actually reach the Dream site.
Continues to October 12
Chinese Lantern Festival
Visit Ontario Place nightly to see not only the intricate and beautiful lamps, but also entertainment celebrating Chinese culture. If you buy your tickets in advance on the website, you'll be able to avoid the line to get into Ontario Place.
August 1 - August 4
Irie Music Festival
Free performances of reggae and world music will be on all weekend at Nathan Phillips Square and Queens Park. Also check out art and literature displays, dance performances, and the children's area.
August 4
Simcoe Day
The first Monday in August is Simcoe Day in Toronto, a civic holiday to celebrate our history and, if you're lucky, to celebrate not going to work.
August 8 - August 10
Taste of the Danforth
Toronto's Greektown spills out onto the streets with entertainment and plenty of food. And if Greek food isn't your thing, don't worry. The diverse Danforth has plenty of other eats up for grabs during this weekend celebration.
August 15 - September 1
The Canadian National Exhibition
Or The Ex, as it's usually called. Enjoy games, rides, the CNE Casino and of course the wide variety of shows that make the CNE an exhibition. Among this year's lineup are classics like the Horse Show and Rodeo, the IAMS Superdogs, and the Labour Day Weekend Air Show, plus the return of the RCMP Musical Ride.
August 21 - August 24
Toronto BUSKERFEST in Support of Epilepsy Toronto
The St. Lawrence Market neighborhood it will be filled with street performers from all over the world. Be amused and often amazed by the humor and skills these entertainers bring to the table - er, pavement. The shows run between noon and midnight, and admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto.
August 22 - August 24
Fan Expo
Fans of horror, sci-fi, comics, anime and gaming come together under one roof to meet artists and industry leaders - and each other.
August 23
The Underwear Affair
Proceeds from this marathon will go towards the Edmond Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook. With a focus on cancers that occur "below the belt", both the 5k and 10k marathon's welcome runners in their skivvies, or any other wacky costume. Of course, more traditional running wear is welcome as well - it's all for a good cause, after all.
August 29 - September 1
Artisans at the Distillery - Visual Arts Fair
Visit the Distillery District on Labour Day Weekend to see and purchase visual works of art, including painting, photography and sculpture. The show runs 11am - 7pm all four days, and as always visiting the Distillery District is free.
