Now that the sun in consistently shining, we don’t have to wait for warm days here and there to get outside and explore the city. The season for strolling has well and truly arrived and we can’t wait to sample everything Toronto has to offer.
The summer holidays are peeking over the horizon, but there are still a few more weekends to go until the break. So start as you mean to go on with some of the city’s most diverse and eclectic arts, culture and food events happening this month.
Free (or Almost Free) Things To Do in June
Dundas West Fest
This music and arts festival covering 12 blocks from Ossington to Lansdowne will be filled with food, live performances, and shopping. If that’s not enough to keep your kids entertained, there’s an Instagram scavenger hunt, which invites competitors to snap shots of clues to be in with a chance of winning a prize.
Dundas St. W., between Lansdowne and OssingtonJune 1 and 2
Roncy Rocks Arts Fest West
Whether you’re a west-ender or not, the second Saturday in June is the perfect time to pay the village a visit. Local artists, makers, and creators will take part in a juried art show and sale at this one-day event that showcases creativity along the avenue. Guests can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, a dog show, and a sidewalk sale.
Roncesvalles Ave.June 9
Food Festivals
Summer is the perfect time to sample some delicious street eats, and food festivals are a great opportunity to let your kids sample lots without tiring little legs out. Toronto has so many great food events, you could try a new one almost every weekend. This June, head to the Mac and Cheese Festival at the Milton Fairgrounds (June 8–10), Taco Fest at Ontario Place (June 15–17) and Thrill of the Grill on the Danforth (June 18).
Waterfront Artisan Market
Eat, shop and be merry at this recurring market on the waterfront. Local artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers come together at the HTO Park on the Queens Quay on weekends throughout the summer and into the fall.
Queens Quay W.Weekends May 19–October 7
Farmers’ Markets
Grocery store shopping with your kids is about as much fun as a snow day in April, but if you can get to a farmer’s market, it’s a great way to run some errands and get your kids out of the house. Teach your littles about seasonal produce at The Stop Farmer’s Market at Artscape Wychwood Barns, the Junction Farmers Market, the Saturday Famers Market at Evergreen Brickworks—all on Saturdays—or the Leslieville Farmers’ Market or Liberty Village Farmer’s Market on Sundays.
Read more: 30 Kid-Friendly Farmer’s Markets in Toronto
Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest
As the name suggests, this annual street festival features 50+ family-friendly food outlets alongside free live music ranging from samba, New Orleans-style jazz, blues, all the way through to kid-specific entertainment. Eats & Beats spans 10 blocks along Queen Street East between the Don Valley Parkway to just past De Grassi Street and runs alongside the Riverdale ArtWalk at Jimmie Simpson Park (also free).
Queen St. E. from the DVP to Jimmie Simpson Park
June 2
Chess Fest
This event is a real checkmate for any chess-crazy kids. The Harbourfront Centre will be providing two days of chess programming for all ages and skill levels, with a giant chess board and the chance to dress up as a chess piece. If your kid is really serious about, there’s a Children’s Chess and Toronto Blitz Championship (though registration and fees are required for this).
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.June 9 and 10
Riverdale Farm
Just west of Cabbagetown and east of the Don Valley Parkway sits Riverdale Farm: 7.5 acres of farm, ponds, and butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens. Kids can visit the farm animals, tour the pig and poultry barn, and chat with the farmer during daily chores like animal feeding, egg collecting, and cow milking or goat milking.
Residence visits Saturdays and Sundays 11 am–4 pm; farmers’ chores daily at 11:30 amToronto Island
Last year, spring flooding saw Toronto Island closed until late July, so we can’t wait to make up for lost time this year! The summer ferry schedule begins May 16 with more regular services running to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Island, and Ward’s Island. Pack a picnic and hang out at the beach or take bikes and cycle around the island.
Round-trip ferry tickets: adults $7.87; kids ages 2–14 $3.80; free for ages 0–23 monthsRead more: How To Spend a Day on the Toronto Islands with Kids
Movies Under the Stars
If your kids are a little older and can stay out once the sun goes down, there’s something pretty magical about watching outdoor movies in the summer. Christie Pits Film Festival will kick things off with Hairspray on June 24, while Sorauren Park debuts with Babe on June 23. Movies in St. James Park begin on June 31 (watch out for Coco later in the season).
Bells on Danforth
If your family loves to bike, you’ll love this family-friendly ride across the Danforth. Grab your wheels, check your bell, and join this ‘pedal-powered parade to celebrate cycling. This year, participants will start at Withrow Park and ride 8 km to Danforth Avenue, before arriving at the Oakridge Community Recreation Centre Fun Fair in Scarborough for food, entertainment, and a bicycle rodeo.
Danforth Ave., from Withrow Park to just past Pharmacy Ave.June 16
Indigenous Arts Festival
This annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts, and food is a great way to educate kids on Canada’s heritage this June. Performances from Indigenous Day Live on June 23 will be broadcast across television and radio, so if you can’t be there in person you can tune in from home.
Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.June 21–24
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market
On the last Sunday of each month, the streets will close to vehicles as a festival takes place in the market. Artists, musicians, and performers will be on hand to fill the car-shaped hole from noon to 7 pm on each of the days.
Kensington MarketJune 24
