15 Best Things to Do in Toronto in August 2025: Festivals, Beaches, Sports & Nightlife

Looking for things to do in Toronto in August 2025? From blockbuster Toronto festivals in August like Caribana and the CNE to beach days, live concerts, and family attractions, the city overflows with summer fun. This guide spotlights the best things to do in Toronto in August, covering free events, ticketed experiences, food, culture, sports, nightlife, and outdoor adventures—perfect for visitors and locals eager to make the most of the warm weather.

1. Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)

North America’s largest Caribbean festival peaks on August 2 with the Grand Parade along Lake Shore Boulevard. Expect masqueraders in feathered costumes, booming soca music, and mouth‑watering street food all Civic Holiday weekend.

2. Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

Running August 15 – September 1, “The Ex” transforms Exhibition Place into a summer fairground of midway rides, nightly concerts, wild food creations, Kids’ World, craft‑beer gardens, and a Labor Day air‑show finale.

3. Toronto Food Truck Festival

Woodbine Park hosts this free feast August 1–4. Dozens of the city’s top food trucks serve gourmet eats, while live bands, craft‑beer tents, and eating contests make it a relaxed, family‑friendly beach‑neighborhood outing.

4. VELD Music Festival

From August 1–3 at Downsview Park, this three‑day EDM and hip‑hop festival showcases superstar DJs, booming sound systems, and spectacular light shows. General admission and VIP tiers keep crowds dancing all long weekend.

5. FAN EXPO Canada

Pop‑culture lovers gather August 21–24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Meet celebrity guests, cosplay in masquerades, browse comic and anime vendors, and join gaming tournaments—all under one massive fandom roof.

6. Toronto International BuskerFest

August 29 – September 1, Woodbine Park fills with fire‑breathers, acrobats, magicians, and clowns performing for tips in support of Epilepsy Toronto. The event features carnival snacks, a midway, and donation‑based entry.

7. Toronto Chinatown Festival

On August 9–10, Spadina Avenue turns pedestrian‑only for dragon‑ and lion‑dances, martial‑arts demos, craft stalls, and endless dumplings, bao, and bubble tea. A vibrant, free celebration of Chinese culture in the heart of downtown.

8. Harbourfront Centre Weekend Festivals

Every August weekend the waterfront hosts free cultural festivals. Highlights include Habari Africa (Aug 8–10) with Afrobeat concerts and dance workshops, and TAIWANfest (Aug 22–24) featuring Taiwanese cuisine and indigenous arts.

9. Catch a Blue Jays Game

Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, where the retractable‑roof stadium guarantees baseball rain or shine. Weekend promos, Jr. Jays Day activities, and skyline views make for classic summer nights.

10. National Bank Open (Tennis)

From July 27 – August 7, world‑class men’s tennis takes over Sobeys Stadium. See top ATP stars compete just weeks before the US Open, with grounds passes for outer‑court access and stadium seats for marquee matches.

11. Shakespeare in High Park

Canadian Stage’s pay‑what‑you‑can production of Romeo & Juliet runs nightly until August 31. Bring a picnic, spread a blanket, and enjoy professional theatre beneath the stars in Toronto’s beloved outdoor amphitheatre.

12. Toronto Islands & Centreville Amusement Park

A 15‑minute ferry ride leads to car‑free parkland, beaches, kayak rentals, and Centreville’s vintage rides. Perfect for families seeking lagoon paddles, skyline photos, and a day away from downtown bustle.

13. Beach Day at Woodbine Beach

The Beaches neighborhood offers a lengthy boardwalk, dozens of volleyball courts, Blue‑Flag swimming, and lakeside patios on Queen Street East. Sunbathe, paddleboard, or join a weekend beach‑volleyball tournament.

14. Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday

On August 31, Kensington Market goes car‑free. Streets brim with live music, street performers, global snacks, vintage shops, and artisan stalls, creating a bohemian block party celebrating community and sustainability.

15. Summer Nightlife & Live Music

Sip cocktails at rooftop patios like Lavelle or The Porch at sunset, then head to Budweiser Stage for an open‑air concert. Afterward, explore Queen West or the Entertainment District for dance clubs, indie music bars, and late‑night eats.

Which Events Are You Excited For?

Whether you crave big‑ticket events, hidden neighborhood gems, or relaxing days by the lake, these activities prove that Toronto in August 2025 is packed with excitement. Use this list of top Toronto events and things to do in August to plan unforgettable weekends, spontaneous weeknight outings, and family‑friendly escapes. With so many Toronto August activities on offer, you’ll discover new favorites and create lasting summer memories across the city.