Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this July.
Fringe Festival (July 1-12)
This year's Toronto Fringe Festival offers a heavy dose of comedy and indie theatre. From July 1 to July 12, the city will be buzzing with eager thespians in search of an audience. The lineup this year is chock full of shows starring, written or directed by kick-ass women.
Taste of Toronto (July 2-5)
Now in its sophomore year, this internationally acclaimed food festival takes place at Fort York from July 2 to 5. Look forward to a lineup of 30+ chefs dishing out delicacies, a vendor marketplace, a WayHome preview stage, guided tastings, master classes, and more. Admission is $19 to $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Salsa on St. Clair (July 4-5)
Salsa on St. Clair is one of the festivals most fraught with steamy summer possibilities. Put on your dancing shoes and get to know the St. Clair West community through dance. There will also be Latin food vendors on the streets, in case you need an energy boost.
Beaches Jazz Festival (July 10-26)
The Beaches Jazz Festival continues to expand, this year encompassing three weekends at Woodbine Park, on top of the annual street festival, while still remaining free for everyone. Performances by the Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more make this one of the most international options this summer.
Pan Am Games & PANAMANIA (July 10-26, August 7-12)
The Pan Am Games aren't just about sports. You'll be able to see acts like The Roots, Flaming Lips, Chromeo, Jann Arden, USS, Lights, Janelle Monae, Colin James, tons of world music artists, and lots more -- all for free at Nathan Phillips Square and Pan Am Park. Check the schedule and show up early.
Junction Night Market (July 11)
This budget-friendly event is ideal for those who have spent most of their summer savings on Wayhome tickets. Food and craft beer will be served up for the low price of $5 per item. Look forward to eating bites from Aphrodite Cooks, La Vizziata Gelateria & Dessert Bar, Mo'Rockin' and more.
Toronto's Festival of Beer (July 24-26)
Featuring over 300 different brands of beer that run the gamut from small, local outfits like Junction Craft and Left Field to purveyors of mass-produced industrial lager like Miller Lite and Budweiser, for better of for worse, TFOB has it all. Find interesting craft offerings among the "beer girls," fizzy lagers, and pseudo craft schlock and expect thousands of beer drinkers gathering to party.
Night It Up! (July 24-26)
Modeled after night markets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the 14th annual event returns to the Markham Civic Centre (101 Town Centre Blvd.) from July 24 to 26. The weekend event will be packed with unique Asian street foods, food trucks, game booths, merchandise vendors and live performances. Ticket sales and details to be announced. Here's what it looked like last year.
Wayhome (July 24-26)
How does a festival that hasn't happened yet make the list? Have the founder of super-festival Bonnaroo bring their success north of the border, booking a three-day music, arts and camping festival, the likes of which we've never seen in Ontario. Neil Young, Sam Smith and Kendrick Lamar top the bill of over 70 acts spread over three days.
Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show (July 26)
At the end of the month Trinity Bellwoods will bring bicycle enthusiasts together for a one-day event. Show of your prized vintage two-wheeler and chat with like-minded folks. Vendors will also be on the scene if you're looking to do some shopping.
What did I miss? Let us know what us know what events you're most looking forward to this July in the comments.
Contributions from Matthew Forsythe, Ben Johnson, Sima Sahar Zerehi, and Liora Ipsum
Photo of Salsa on St. Clair.
by Alice Prendergast via blogTO
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