Pig out with some righteous ribs
Get sauced this weekend at Toronto Ribfest, where barbecue masters will cook off for more than 200,000 meat lovers. Held at Centennial Park, the all-you-can-eat ribfest will also have a beer tent, live music, a Guinness World Record-holding illusionist, a carnival and — yes — fall-off-the-bone, sticky, smoky deliciousness. And did we mention admission is free?
Wave your rainbow flag proudly
Arguably the highlight of Pride Week, Sunday's parade will be an explosion of glitter, sequins, feather boas, music, dancing and, of course, rainbow flags. Now in its 32nd year, the parade kicks off at Bloor and Church and makes its way to Church and Gerrard. The competition for Best Drag, Best Costume Design and more will be fierce, and in our experience, nudity is a strong possibility — not that we're complaining. Totally worth forgoing the cottage and staying in town for the celebrations.
Around the world in three days
What better way to celebrate Canada Day than the world's largest multicultural (and free) picnic? This weekend, the CHIN picnic will host Italian, Chinese, Polish, Portuguese and Caribbean festivals, and more, along with a bikini contest, a folklore dance competition, a zero-gravity circus and a shopping bazaar. The three-day event signifies the official start of summer for many Torontonians, so don't be afraid to take your Canuck pride to the next level.
Get out your glow sticks
For electro music fans who missed WEMF, there is the Digital Dreams Music Festival. Afrojack, Duck Sauce, Major Lazer and others will be spinning vinyl and pumping out hipster music at the formerly beleaguered Ontario Place this weekend. Fist pumping expected.
Bikes and brews (just don’t cycle and drive)
Tonight, Evergreen Brick Works will transform into a bike-in outdoor movie theatre. Before the screenings, there will be tours of the Don Valley Ravine System and beers from a local brewery. The movie night is free, but the $5 suggested donation will go towards supporting Bike Works programs.
