Waterfront Festival and more to dive into this weekend in Toronto

Published Sep 12, 2024  •  Last updated 4 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Dog jumping off deck during Canine Watersports Canada competition. Toronto Waterfront Festival

There’s still time to hobknob with celebrities as TIFF wraps up this weekend, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other things to do in the city.

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Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.

Toronto Waterfront Festival

There may not be a giant rubber duck this time around (though a baby duckie will have to do), but it’s water-loving dogs that will be all the rage as they take part in dock-jumping in Canine Watersports Canada competition as well as more diving, jumping and fetching into a 45-foot pool.

The tall ship Empire Sandy will be there, along with the Canadian Armed Forces, Pirate Life Theatre, interactive cultural activities, loads of food, pop-up entertainment and more.

Head to Sugar Beach on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Nightmare on Queen Street

It’s Friday the 13th this month and what scarier way to honour the unlucky day and gear up for Halloween in a few short weeks than a haunting experience at a museum?

Expect larger-than-life monsters to boo-tiful blowups at the pop-up experience, from Home Depot Canada, and treats from Craig’s Cookies (while quantities last).

Get spooked at Campbell House Museum at 160 Queen St. W. on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, click here.

RELISH the Foodie Event

Locals and foodies from everywhere can socialize and picnic with food from more than 40 vendors – from food trucks to artisan market vendors – shop through the Tastemaker’s Marketplace, and participate in food and floral-themed workshops and activities.

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Savour it all at Cloverdale Mall’s north parking lot in Etobicoke on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Roncesvalles Polish Festival

Celebrate community and build on the history and old-world charm of the neighbourhood with the annual festival that features polka and pierogi and other fare, live entertainment, local artists, buskers, vendors, family-friendly activities and more.

Get over to Roncesvalles Village on Roncesvalles Ave. between Queen St. W. and Dundas St. W. on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Pape Village Block Party

It’s all about community meeting family-friendly entertainment, where visitors can listen to live music, shop from arts and crafts vendors, check out a car show featuring vintage vehicles and hot rods and kids can enjoy the fun zone featuring bouncy castles, a balloonist and their favourite characters.

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It’s all on Pape Ave. between Mortimer Ave. and Gamble Ave. on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6p.m.

For more information, click here.

Mexican Day Toronto

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a full food festival, arts, crafts, vendors, a kids zone, traditional dress contests and a packed stage show that includes Mariachis, folkloric dance, Aztec dancers, latin rock, singers and much more.

Enjoy the fiesta at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., though you can also check out live music at El Sazon Mexicano at 1278 St. Clair Ave. W. on Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Fall Canadian Pet Expo

It’s the ultimate pet-friendly event around, whether your non-human family member is furry, feathery or scaly, which also features the Canadian Reptile Breeders’ Expo, the Plant Expo and the Canadian Aquatic Expo.

Expect more than 250 vendors, a creative dog grooming show, special-guest influencers, and agility activities.

All the shows are at the International Centre in Mississauga on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Philippine Festival Mississauga

It’s a celebration of Filipino heritage and diversity through food, music, arts and culture, from local performers and bands, dance presentations, crafts, games, dozens of vendors, Raptors 905 basketball and more.

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It’s all at Celebration Square in Mississauga on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

Celebrate the Ukrainian spirit and culture through musical and dance performances, culinary delights, beautiful exhibitions, children’s activities, a craft and artisan market, vendors and so much more.

And don’t forget the parade on Saturday at 11 a.m.

The festival in Bloor West Village between Jane St. and Glendonwynne Rd. on Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Note: Road closures start Friday at 9 a.m. until Monday at 12 a.m. affecting Bloor St. W. from Jane St. and Runnymede Rd., and Bloor St. W. from Runnymede Rd. to Glendonwynne Rd. The Bloor Street W. road closure will extend from Glendonwynne Rd. to High Park Ave. for the parade on Saturday from about 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

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