School’s out, which means July is one of the best month’s to have family fun and bonding time with the kids. Toronto and the GTA are overflowing with amazing events, festivals, shows, and activities. Take a look at the list below to get started on all the July fun you can handle.
For even more happenings in Toronto and the GTA, see our Events Directory, updated daily.
On this month in Toronto and the GTA:
The Shrine Circus Spectac! Under the Big Top
The Shrine Circus is an event for the whole family! Kids and adults alike will love watching the acrobats, clowns, and animal performers. It will be a shared experience that crosses generations, giving you a shared experience the whole family will remember for years to come.
Markham Fairgrounds, June 30–July 3
Brampton Fairgrounds, July 7–10
Ancaster Fairgrounds, July 14–17
Hershey Centre, Mississauga, July 21–Aug 1
Singing Ambassadors on Toronto’s Waterfront – FREE
This is the fifth year the award-winning Singing Ambassadors have performed and delighted on Toronto’s Waterfront. They perform impromptu a cappella renditions of all your favourite summer hits. They also help visitors with directions and recommendations for local activities. June 23–Sept 5
Jr. Jays Saturdays
Bring your family to the ballpark every Saturday home game for fun activities and entertainment at Jr. Jays Saturdays. There are specially priced kids’ tickets, and kids can run the bases after the game!
July 2 – Cleveland Indians
July 9 – Detroit Tigers
July 23 – Seattle Mariners
July 30 – Baltimore Orioles
Family Pride during Pride Week – FREE
Celebrate diversity with great family-friendly programing at Family Pride, including sports, games, face painting, story telling, arts and crafts, live performances, and other engaging activities. It will be an unforgettable day! July 2–3
Dancing on the Pier – FREE
If you want to get moving and learn some moves, head to Dancing on the Pier on Toront’s waterfront. Learn to dance with the help of awesome beats from live bands. Each week introduces a different style of dance!
Electro Swing – July 7
Mariachi, Pinatar, Latin – July 14
Celtic – July 21
Solar Observing at the Ontario Science Centre – FREE
Get up close and personal with our nearest star at the Ontario Science Centre’s Solar Observing event. Kids can safely observe the sun (weather permitting) with specially filtered telescopes, and learn more about the sun while trying to spot exotic surface features, including sunspots, spicules, and prominences. July 9
John Burns Memorial Fishing Derby
Head to Valens Lake Conservation Area for a day of fishing fun at the John Burns Memorial Fishing Derby! Try your hand at angling and see if you can make the catch of the day! There will be prizes for kids and adults who catch the largest fish. Bait is available on site, as well as boat rentals. Kids can also learn how to set up rods, rigging of rods, and how to fish safely. July 9
Lucha by the Water!
Lucha by the Water is a great chance to make lasting memories with the whole family. This live Latino event has authentic action, food, and music. Mexico’s top lucha libre will go face-to-face with some of Toronto’s local wrestling talent. Who will win? It’s a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that everyone will love. July 17
WoofJocks Canine All-Stars – FREE
Purina Pawsway is hosting another great free event. WoofJocks Canine All-Stars is a team of professional dog trainers and their talented pooches. The shows have music, tricks, freestyling, drills, games, and interactive audience fun! The team shows the whole family how much fun training can be for the pet owner and their beloved furry friend! July 30–Aug 1
Theatre, Concerts, and Movies:
Alice in Wonderland at Shaw Festival Now until Oct 16
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe at Stratford Festival Now until Oct 22
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lower Ossington Theatre Now until July 24
Pirates Don’t Babysit part of Fringe 2016 June 29–July 10
Shakespeare in High Park: Hamlet + All’s Well That End’s Well June 30–Sept 4
Children’s Concerts in the Park at Richmond Green – FREE July 3, 17
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical July 5–Sept 4
Free Flick: The Visitor – FREE July 6
Peter and the Starcatcher at Lower Ossington Theatre July 7–Aug 28
Free Flicks: A Little Princess – FREE July 13
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre July 14–24
Once Upon a Mattress at Burlington Performing Arts Centre July 14
Free Flicks: The Grand Seduction – FREE July 20
Free Flicks: The Mighty Quinn – FREE July 27
The Wiz at Burlington Performing Arts Centre July 28
Festivals:
Toronto Jazz Festival June 24–July 3
FringeKids Festival June 29–July 10
Toronto Waterfront Festival – FREE July 1–3
Future Routes – FREE July 8–10
Taste of Lawrence July 8–10
Afrofest 2016 – FREE July 9–10
Brickfete Toronto 2016 July 9–10
Stewart Park Music Festival – FREE July 14–17
Ritmo y Color: The Streets of Mexico – FREE July 15–17
Mount Forest Fireworks Festival July 15–17
Festival of India – FREE July 16–17
Festival of South Asia – FREE July 16–17
Ribfest at Richmond Green Park – FREE July 22–24
Persian Family Day Festival – FREE July 23
Island Soul – FREE July 29–Aug 1
AlohaFest Toronto – FREE July 30
Ice Cream Carnival July 31–Aug 1
Canada Day Events:
There are tons of amazing events happening across the GTA in celebration of our great country. If you want in on the party, check out our Canada Day Events Guide for details!
Farmers’ Markets and Flea Markets:
Leslieville Flea at Ashbridge Estate – FREE
With 50+ vendors selling a variety of items, the Leslieville Flea is a great place to take the family shopping (or just browsing!) on a Sunday. There are handcrafted items, upcycled goods, furniture, collectibles, antiques, and other great pieces sold by select artisans. Find something unique! July 17
Other Farmers’ Markets in the GTA
‘Tis the season for Farmers’ Markets, so take your pick; there’s one in almost every neighbourhood. We put together a super handy list for you to make it easier to enjoy all the delicious organic food, drinks, and handmade goods Toronto has to offer. Find out all the locations and details in our Toronto Farmers’ Market Guide: 30 Markets to Visit in the GTA.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- 10 Fun Family Day Trips From Toronto
- 9 Best Parks for Family Picnics in Toronto and the GTA
- Family-Friendly Summer Fun Ideas in the GTA
Keep informed about all the fun family-friendly events this summer with our Toronto Event Listings, or check our Fun Things to Do With Kids in Toronto directory.
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