August Calendar of Events and Festivals in Toronto

You may have thought that I forgot August but I decided to do things a little backwards this time. I was so excited about September that I decided to do that report first. But trust me you will not be disappointed with the exciting festival and events happening in Toronto in August. So if you are wondering what to do in Toronto in August, then read on.

On Aug 3-6 discover your Island Soul as Harbourfront Centre celebrates 50 years of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago’s independence.  Location: Harbourfront Centre: Queens Quay in Toronto.

The Irie Music Festival is a celebration of music, dance, art and culture happening Aug 03 to Aug 06. Created as a unifying symbol of Toronto’s diversity, the Irie Music Festival is an opportunity to promote a greater understanding between the diverse cultures and traditions of our world class city. The Irie Music Festival is a free event. Festival Location: Queen’s Park & Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto

Tennis Anyone? The Rogers Cup runs from Aug 4 -12 and attracts the biggest stars in men’s tennis with more than $3million in prize money. Location: Rexall Centre at York University.

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto (formerly Caribana) runs July 17 to Aug 5th is the largest Caribbean festival in North America and the 45^th year in Toronto. This two week festival features authentic Caribbean cuisine, outdoor concerts, king and queen of the bands competition and the Grande Parade on Saturday Aug 4th with colourful costumes. Location: Exhibition Place & various locations, Toronto.

Avast me hearties, on Aug 04 to Aug 06 the Annual Pirate Festival at Country Heritage Park be dropping anchor. Grab  parrots, hooks, and eye patches and get ready to walk the plank ye scurvy dogs. For three days Cap’n William Dampier and his band of playful scallywags be taking over Fort York for high sea adventure, cuisine and fun. Thar she blows! Landlubbers, sea cap’ns and all who share the heart of a pirate be welcome. The village stages will be filled from morning ’til evening with family friendly shows. There be buxom beauties and wenches on hand, music and comedy, feats of skill and bravery, sword fighting, and buried treasure to hunt. Location: Country Heritage Park, Milton, Ontario.  Note: This festival is not in Toronto but it’s pretty cool so I decided to add it here. You will need to drive to get to this event.

On Aug 10 – 12 Greektown hosts the Pilaros Taste of the Danforth , showcasing the best our multicultural city has to offer – from mezes to dim sum, from world folk music to children’s games – but with a very special emphasis on the Hellenic food and culture that make Greektown a year-round destination. Location: Danforth Ave Between Broadview and Jones Aves Toronto.

You can call it the CNE, The EX or the Canadian National Exhibition but it is always fun. This exciting summer event starts August 17th and runs to Sept 3rd. Vendors, rides, craft, midway, airshow…something for everyone. Location: Exhibition Grounds, Lakeshore Boulevard, Toronto

Scotiabank BusketFest is back for the annual festival, 4 days and nights from August 23 to 26th the streets of the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood come to life with laughter, cheering, applause and flames when some of the best street performers from around the world gather for the Toronto International BuskerFest. Contortionists, comedians, clowns, magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialist artists, daredevils and so many more, all strut their stuff to the delight of crowds of all ages. Admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto. Festival Location: Front Street between Jarvis and Yonge in Toronto.

Ashkenaz  Festival Aug 28 to September 3rd builds and unites the diverse and dynamic Jewish communities from across Canada and around the world. Dance to Klezmer and Middle-Eastern music, kvetch with the best at special workshops, indulge in Kaballah Yoga, and binge on Bubbe’s blintzes and bagels. Admission is free however some events are ticketed Location:  Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay West Toronto.