Summerlicious is kicking off this weekend, but there’s lots to do between plates around Toronto. There’s art in the great outdoors to enjoy and while your music festival options are many, why not polish up the français while you’re at it? It’s the start of summer movie season in Christie Pits, Bacardi is taking over the Distillery District and more.
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
When: July 4-6
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W)
Details: This festival has been bringing artists together with the viewing public in city since 1961. More than 350 artists tend to be on-hand for this and you’re sure to see something eye-catching between the numerous painting, sculpting, and photography works on display. You can check out an artist preview here.
Christie Pits Film Festival
When: July 6 7:30 p.m.
Where: Christie Pits Park (750 Bloor St. W)
Details: It’s the kick-off for for Christie Pits summer movie program. An electic array of films will be projected for hillside spectators lounging on their own blankets all season long. This time out is the 1992 hit A League of Their Own with an accompanying costume contest. So dust-off those high socks and faded pinstripes and enjoy some motion picture magic in the moon light.
Franco-Fête
When: July 4-6
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square
Details: We’re a bilingual country so it might pay to head down to the country’s busiest intersection to catch a selection of the Francophone music acts. There are several interesting Québecois artists on the bill such as Florence K and Les Chiclettes. It’s a not-for-profit show but you can donate here.
Centreville KidsFest
When: July 4-6
Where: Centreville Amusement Park
Details: There’s always something going on out on the Island for a summer’s weekend, but this is a great one for the youngsters now that schools have all cleared out. It’s all the usual flair you might expect with face-painting, bouncing castles, arts and crafts and magic shows, but there's also a Guinness Book of World Records attempt .
Festival Libre
When: June 28 and 29
Where: Distillery District
Details: Every once in a while the atmosphere of the Distillery District is well utilized and let’s hope this weekend ode to rum (specifically Bacardi) and Latin culture makes for a lively atmosphere as the District is decked out as a giant patio with an obligatory rum garden and a bevy of attractions. There are also several salsa courses as well as mixology lessons and live music to infuse the event with more than just spirits.
