weekend events toronto

Weekend events in Toronto August 26-28 2016

Weekend events in Toronto feature lots of food, beer, midway rides, dancing and a monstrous cosplay tournament at the ACC. It's the last weekend before Labour Day when it will surely feel like summer has come to an end, so the pressure is on to make this one count!

Here are my picks for the top events this weekend to keep you entertained from start to finish.

FESTIVALS

The CNE (until September 5)
There's nothing like the sights, smells, tastes, rides and people watching at the Ex. We've made a list of things to do once you're there this weekend to make it all just a bit easier to navigate.

TaiwanFest (August 26-28, Harbourfront Centre)
Dancing, food, visual art, film, panel discussions and something called a Friendship Picnic round up this major cultural fest at the Harbourfront Centre. Admission is free and you can check out the official website for the full lineup.

Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair (August 27, Bloor Street West)
This street festival takes over Bloorcourt as local residents and community members bust out their best arts & crafts. The fair features vendors, artists, musicians, and masters of all crafts - plus all that generic inflatable street stuff we complained about a while back.

CityFest (August 27, Canoe Landing Park)
This is the 4th annual CityFest, which is expected to draw big crowds. There's art, food trucks, DJs, activities, green turf, and a sense of community. It's an easy breezy festival in a park just outside your condo door.

North American League of Legends Championship (August 27-28, ACC)
The ultimate cosplay event magically appears in Toronto. You should check out this video trailer right now and then get a ticket. I don't even fully understand what goes on at the Summer Finals, but I know there are e-sports and lots and lots of amazing costumes.

FOOD & DRINK

Coconut Festival (August 27, David Pecaut Square)
I know pineapples are the trendy tropical food item of the moment, but coconuts are still living their beach fantasy all over the place, don't you find? This fest helps you learn more about the many health benefits of coconuts (my parents use coconut oil as deodorant!) and try all kinds of coconut-fuelled goodies. Admission is free.

Hop City Beer Bingo (August 27, Brewhaha)
Join a bunch of beer lovers at 9 p.m. for a game of beer bingo. There will be a wide variety of brews and snacks available via Brewhaha's yummy menu. I'm hoping bingo dabbers will also be happening.

Leslieville Beer Fest (August 27, Dundas and Carlaw)
They're shutting down Dundas Street East between Logan and Carlaw from 1-8 p.m. It's true. 17 different craft brewers will be on hand! There will also be food and some other types of vendors, but let's be honest, you're going for the beer. All the beer.

The Cookout (August 27, Hanlan's Point)
Hanlan's Point will be transformed into the summer neighbourhood BBQ party of your dreams this weekend. The day's activities includes games like Twister, relay races, dominoes, spades, euchre, '90s jams, and lots of BBQ. Dress to get dirty; this will be a lot of fun.

Toronto Cider Festival (August 27, Yonge-Dundas Square)
Kick back and relax in some Muskoka chairs andt taste a variety of refreshing ciders from across Canada and abroad at Yonge-Dundas Square. Do your best to pretend you're at the cottage and taste 30 different craft ciders starting at 11:30 a.m. This is a ticketed event and runs into the evening.

2nd Annual Seafood Boil (August 28, The Gaslight)
Guest chef Garth Legree promises a mouthwatering afternoon of shucking oysters, frying calas and of course dishing out the boil. Expect crawfish, shrimp, crab, corn and all the traditional fixings, beer, New Orleans inspired cocktails, and live music from 5-8 p.m.

MUSIC

Karmaxwave (August 26, Adelaide Hall)
Combining music, fashion, health, and fitness, this shop on St. Clair has been tiny cultural force that keeps on giving. This showcase shows no signs of stopping with guest performances by Toronto's own, J-Soul, Top 5, as well as up and coming Karma artists Dutch, Stevie, Khan, and Nike,

FILM

Outdoor film in LV Park (August 26, Liberty Village Park)
Enjoy these final days of summer by spending every last minute outside. Catch a screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Liberty Village Park and meet all the people you've only seen through condo windows. There will be giveaways too.

Sister Act II Quote and Singalong (August 27, St. Peter's Catholic Church)
Ok, I know this is happening in a churchyard, but really, it's an appropriate spot for this screening. I'm just not sure if the church is ready for all the Sister Act II/Lauryn Hill fans about to show up to this party. Sing along with Whoopie, the sisters and Miss Hill -- just bring your own blanket.

SHOPPING

DANCING

Turning Point - last summer session (The Garrison)
This tropical dance party has been going for over 12 years! It you're into dancing to rhythms and beats from around the globe on a giant (I mean giant) sound system, then this is your party. It's always laid back and inclusive, but be warned, it's all about the dancing and friend making.

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Thanks to Big Rock Brewery for sponsoring this post.

Photo by Kevin Morris in the blogTO Flickr pool.


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