In a blink of an eye, we have already made it to the end of July!

The summer is going by exceptionally quickly, but there are still tons of summer festivities to check out in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area before the season ends.

To take advantage of the last bit of great weather, we have compiled a list of upcoming outdoor festivals and events throughout the region that are totally worth a visit.

Beaches Jazz Festival

One of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals is wrapping up its final week in Toronto! From July 25 to 27, Queen Street East will be transformed into a hub for bands, food trucks and vendors. Each year, the festival features acclaimed jazz performers, from around the world, while also spotlighting local talent and young jazz musicians.

This event is only a few short kilometres away from Danforth GO and draws nearly 1,000,000 attendees, throughout its month-long span. The notable stretch between Woodbine and Beech Avenue will close at 6:00 p.m. on Friday to become a musical destination with live band performances set to begin at 7:00 p.m.

That’s not all. Visitors can also check out the festival’s OLG Weekend Series held at Woodbine Park. The event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, featuring Canadian DJ Kenny Glasgow, and continues throughout the weekend with other performances by local and international artists as well as a kids dance party.

Check out the Beaches Jazz Festival’s website for a list of events and schedule.

OssFest

Looking to check out an epic street festival this weekend? Head on over to the Ossington Strip, between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West, this Saturday July 27 to explore local businesses and artisan goods. From 11:00 a.m. till midnight, attendees can celebrate the neighbourhood with over 25 extended patios and live music performances and DJs that are set to begin at 2:00 p.m.

Bring your families and dogs to the sixth edition of OssFest and enjoy this street party that is only two kilometres away from Exhibition GO.

Toronto Waterfront Night Market

Back for its 15th year is the Toronto Waterfront Night Market. The event is held from Aug. 9-11, at Hotel X and Stanley Barracks, and is a celebration of Pan-Asian culture and cuisine. The festival is only a 10 minute walk from Exhibition GO and features a floating lantern event, live music and DJs, tons of food vendors and an artisan showcase with festivities set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. The event is 19+ on Friday and Saturday, however the market is now introducing festivities for all ages on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Looking to purchase tickets? PRESTO cardholders can use code PRESTO24 at checkout to save $5 off regular admission and VIP tickets. Please be prepared to show your card upon entry and note that offer ends Aug. 8.

Port Credit Busker Fest

We are encouraging all music lovers, comedy fans, acrobatic enthusiasts, and foodie fanatics to check out Port Credit Busker Fest from Aug. 16-18 at Memorial Park. Just a 10-minute walk from Port Credit GO Station will take you to an action-packed festival that features street performers from around the world for a spectacular three day free event. Attendees can expect to see a wide variety of incredible acts including jaw-dropping stunts from Quinn Beasley, mind-bending card tricks from magician Mark Lewis, and high energy dancing from The USA Break Dancers.

Touch-a-Truck Oshawa:

If you are looking to take your little ones to a kid-friendly event in the Durham region, Touch a Truck is the place to be. Located at Tribute Communities Centre, near Oshawa GO, this tenth-annual event will take place on Friday, Aug. 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This free community event is an engaging and exciting gathering that allows children of all ages to get up close and personal with more than 40 vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Kids will be sure to love the interactive displays and the opportunity to learn about the vehicles directly from the drivers. The event will also feature a charity BBQ and some fun activities for purchase such as face painting. Our team will also be attending the event so swing by our Metrolinx booth and come say hi.

Whether you are looking to indulge in delicious food from around the world, enjoy live performances or support local artisans and businesses, there is a festival for everyone, and we invite you to visit these incredible events that are transit accessible!