You won't be disappointed by the choice of August events in Toronto. Our city offers something for everyone — from music fans through tennis enthusiasts to foodies. Check out our must-see list, and see you around!
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (August 2 to 4)
Boots and Hearts Music Festival
The Boots and Hearts music festival is the biggest event that focuses on country music and lifestyle in the GTA. The three-day showcase of the best of the country scene attracts thousands of visitors that flock over to see their favourite local and international performers. The festival also tries its best to provide space for young emerging artists and serves as a launching pad for many new talents. Some of the big names that will take part in the 2013 edition of the festival include Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean. Ticket prices range from $199 to $304.99. Check the website of the event for more information.
The Grove Music Festival (August 3)
The Grove Music Festival
The Grove Music Festival offers an unforgettable one-day "boutique music experience," as the organizers like to call it. The event brings together the very best of the large music festivals and cozier community-based events. The idea of the festival was created by well-known concert promoter Goldenvoice and independent music label Arts & Crafts, responsible for the rise of such names as Broken Social Scene, Stars, and Feist. All indie music lovers who are keen to discover up-and-coming performers and enjoy alternative stars like Hot Chip, Phoenix, and Girl Talk will certainly enjoy the show prepared on one stage only. General admission tickets are $59.50 and VIP tickets are $99.50.
Rogers Cup (August 3 to 11)
Rogers Cup
World-class tennis players are coming to Toronto for the annual Rogers Cup, and no real tennis fan in Toronto will miss it. While the men's section of the tournament takes place in Montreal, our city hosts the women's competition, with a total grand prize of $426,000. The opening of the tournament will unfold in true tennis style — Serena and Venus Williams will play a doubles exhibition match against Monica Seles and Eugenie Bouchard. Ticket prices range from $25 to $415, so check the website for more information. The event takes place at the Rexall Centre.
SummerWorks Performance Festival (August 8 to 18)
Good People Bad Things by Daniel Thau-Eleff
The SummerWorks Performance Festival is here, and it brings theatre and creativity right to the streets of Toronto. The public space of our city will brighten up with over 30 plays and performances by artists from all around Canada. Besides featuring pieces of well-established playwrights, the festival also aims at introducing young talents with potential and getting their work closer to the public. Additionally, there's a rich supporting program, including creative workshops featuring as-yet unfinished plays and a mentorship program. Visitors can buy multi-passes or tickets for single plays at the door for $15.
Taste of the Danforth (August 9 to 11)
Traditional Greek pita street food in Pilaros
The Taste of Danforth is here to celebrate the multicultural buzz of the city in the most pleasant way — by savouring excellent food from all around the world. Come over straight to the heart of Toronto's Greek town and enjoy Thai, Indian, Cuban, and (of course) Greek goodies right on the street. In addition to discovering great cuisine, visitors can look forward to dance and music performances, workshops, and challenges from professional sports teams. No tickets necessary for the event — simply pay the vendors you buy from.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) (August 16 to September 2)
The Canadian National Exhibition (usually referred to as the Ex) is certainly among the most popular events at the end of the summer in Toronto. The CNE is without any doubt one of the largest annual fairs in North America, as every year, millions of people visit Exhibition Place and enjoy the 18 days filled with fun and entertainment, up to Labour Day Monday.
Canadian National Exhibition
Besides thrilling amusement rides for adults and milder choices for kids, the fair features many other fun attractions, such as a petting zoo, horse show, acrobatic performances, stunt shows, and even a casino. Music and dance lovers will also enjoy concerts and performances held by local and international artists, including the famous Devoy Academy of Irish Dance, the Orient Dance Company, the New Pornographers, and the legendary Beach Boys with Brothers Dubé. The organizers were also happy to announce that the Canadian International Air Show team will be taking part in the Ex and stunning visitors with their nerve-throbbing show full of loop-de-loops and synchronized manoeuvres in the air. If you grow tired from all the buzz of the fair, the huge arts and crafts market area will provide a calmer place to roam. General admission is $16, seniors and children under 13 pay $12, and kids under 4 can enter for free.
Buskerfest (August 22 to 25)
Buskerfest Seagulls
Buskerfest is the biggest festival In Ontario featuring street performers, entertainers, artisans, musicians, and sketch artists from all around the world. Get enchanted by the magic of street performing in the Yonge neighbourhood, where most of the performances will take place. More than 100 performers and artistic groups will turn the public space into a colourful party full of spontaneous expression and creativity and they will ask the audience to participate — so get ready to become a part of the performance! The event is free and any proceeds will go to Epilepsy Toronto.
Fan Expo Canada 2013 (August 22 to 25)
Fan Expo Canada
Tens of thousands of fans will visit the annual Fan Expo Canada, one of the largest events focused on fan culture in North America. If you also belong to the comic, anime, sci-fi, horror, and gaming communities, you'll certainly love Fan Expo. Star Wars princess Carrie Fisher, the famous Hulk Hogan, Baywatch star David Hasselhof, and former Superman Dean Cain plus many more cult actors will appear on the special guests list in 2013. Besides greeting the film and TV stars, visitors can also look forward to unique art, fan merchandise, and gaming items in the huge shopping area. Ticket prices range from $25 to $115. Check the website for more information.
Selena Gomez Concert (August 24)
Selena Gomez concert
Selena Gomez, one of the most celebrated teen pop stars from the United States, is coming to Toronto to introduce her recent debut album. The 21-year-old singer will try to persuade the audience that she can be more than a teen sensation and step up for her solo career (her former group was called Selena Gomez & the Scene). Selena Gomez became popular especially thanks to her role on the TV show Wizards of Waverly Place. Her tour spans 56 cities across North America and the world. The concert will take place in the Air Canada Centre, and ticket prices range from $46.50 to $106.50.
Hot & Spicy Food Festival (August 30 to September 2)
Hot and Spicy Food Festival by Tom Bilenkey
Do you love food that sets your mouth on fire? The Harbourfront Centre has prepared something that will suit your taste perfectly — the Hot & Spicy Food Festival! The festival showcases a wide range of food for all levels of spiciness lovers, from mild meals to super-hot dishes that will attack your taste buds. Besides the top meals prepared by both local and international chefs, there's a rich program including music and dancing performances (Sauce Rock featuring D.A. Foods & Grey Kingdom) and a special Iron Chef Competition.
Do you know of any other interesting events? Let us know in the comments!