weekend events toronto

The top weekend events in Toronto: June 12-14 2015

Weekend events in Toronto will be nothing if not loud, as the Honda Indy rolls into town. Don't worry, if you don't have a need for speed, there are plenty of other options. Bestival takes over the Toronto Islands with an impressive lineup, and there are a number of street fests and markets popping up across the city.

Here are my picks for the top events happening in Toronto June 12-14, 2015.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

FOOD & DRINK

Session Craft Beer Fest (June 13)
Craft Beer Week kicks off this Friday and there is a giant party at Yonge and Dundas to celebrate. Sample over 100 beers, grab a bite to eat and listen to live music.

MUSIC

Bestival (June 12)
After 12 years of positive vibes in the UK, the first overseas Bestival will land at the Toronto Islands this weekend. Florence + The Machine, Nas, Flume, Caribou, SBTRKT, and more will play while you play in the Bollywood Temple, Inflatable Church, and so much more.

Illumination Music & Arts Festival (June 12-14)
If you're into funk and electronica, you're in luck. Illumination will be hosting a number of musicians and visual artists for a can't miss festival. The line up this year includes The Love Orchestra, Sam Klass and more.

SPORTS

The Honda Indy Toronto (12-14)
The city's largest annual sporting event is rolling into town on Friday. Head over to Exhibition Place and prepare to see some world class racing.

ENTERTAINMENT

Yonge & Gerrard Block Party (June 12)
You know that summer has arrived when the block parties kick off. This weekend, Yonge and Gerrard is hopping on the bandwagon and hosting its first street fest. This free event will have you grabbing bites to eat from Scaddabush, Reds Midtown, and Duke's Refresher.

African Experience Festival (June 13)
This Saturday make your way to Mel Lastman Square for a celebration of African Culture. Experience everything from authentic cuisine to live music and dancing.

Portugal Week Fest (June 13-14)
Head to Earlscourt Park this Saturday to see everything that the Portugal Week Fest has to offer. The celebration ticks all the festival boxes, featuring everything from food to entertainment. Saturday's musical line up will include Xutos & PontapĂŠs, Shawn Desman and many more.

Doll Factory by Damzels Honky Tonk Hoedown (June 13)
Up for some line-dancing? Throw on your finest cowboy hat and head to Leslieville for a hoedown behind the Doll Factory by Damzels. There will be live music, piniatas, prizes and more.

Bubble Battle (June 13)
If you like your events a little bit on the quirky side, the Bubble Battle is taking place this Saturday. Grab a bubble gun or wand and get ready for a seriously whimsical showdown.

Toronto Water Gun Fight (June 14)
If you have a lot of pent up frustration, this may be the right way to let it out. Gear up with your super soaker and head to Yonge and Dundas for an epic water battle. Remember that white is probably the best colour to wear, if you value your modesty.

Muhtadi International Drumming Festival (June 13-14)
Woodbine Park will be filled with the sound of drumming this weekend. There will be workshops, dancing, drum clinics and more around the park.

Annex Family Festival (June 14)
End your weekend on a high note by heading to the Annex Family Festival. Come Sunday, Bloor will be taken over by performers, vendors, midway rides and more between Spadina and Bathurst. If you want to stick around for some shopping, The Annex Flea will be taking over Honest Ed's alley.

MARKETS

Barns Art Market (June 13)
This carefully curated art market features the goods of 25 handpicked artisans. Featuring everything from paintings to handmade jewellery, you're sure to stumble upon some one of a kind pieces.

Beaches Arts & Crafts Show (June 13)
Head to The Beaches to see the community come together in support of local artists at the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show. When you're done there, you can always head down to the water to soak up the sun.

Toronto Fair Trade Show (June 13)
If this week has been rough and you need some retail therapy, head to the Toronto Fair Trade Show. You'll find a wide range of ethically-sourced products and with the knowledge that you're helping support farmers and artisans, you won't feel so bad about if you overspend.

Parkdale Flea (June 14)
Embrace the warm weather by rummaging around the Parkdale Flea for some vintage treasures. Bring your appetite because Caplansky's Food Truck will be on site serving up delicious bites to eat on the go.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

Contributions by Aubrey Jax and Benjamin Boles. Photo by Jesse Milns.


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