July is the warmest month in Toronto, and Torontonians like to make the most of it, being outdoors until sundown, and leaving behind their shiver-inducing memories of a long winter.
There are so many festivals, events and outdoor activities happening every day around the city that it can be overwhelming,
In this article, we have listed “don’t miss” events taking place in July, from mega-sized sports events to massive parades, as well as events that will satisfy your gourmet cravings. We hope you will find your favourite event to visit and that your summer will be unforgettable!
Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival: July 4 – 5, 2015 *FREE
How about kicking off July with music and passionate dancing? The 11th annual street festival on St. Clair street celebrates Latin culture, with live music, Latin food from local vendors, professional dancers and even dance lessons. Sexy salsa dance moves and July heat make the festival – stretched out along St. Clair Avenue West (from Winona Dr. to Christie St.) – Canada’s hottest salsa party of the year!
If two days of salsa are not enough for you, we’ve got good news: Toronto’s hottest street dance festival is bigger and better than ever. This year’s festival has been expanded and will last a whole week – from July 2nd till July 9th.
For more information visit the St. Clair Street Festival’s website.
Pan American Games 2015 Toronto: July 10 – 26, 2015
The Pan American Games (also known as the Pan Am Games) are the world’s third largest international multi-sport games. The participating athletes are from countries of the Americas*, and the competition is held every four years in the year before the Summer Olympic Games.
This year Toronto is the host city. This is the third time Canada has had the honour of hosting them (the Pan Am Games were previously held in Winnipeg, in 1967 and 1999).
The Toronto Pan Am Games run from July 7th till the 26th, and feature 36 sports. Athletes who have qualified for the Pan Ams enjoy an important opportunity to tune-up for the coming Olympics. You had better not to miss this chance to see A-class sports live!
Learn more at www.toronto2015.org
* The general term that designates the combined continental landmasses including North, Central and South America
Beaches International Jazz Festival: July 10 – 26, 2015 *FREE
“Where else in Canada can you find a festival of this magnitude, beachside, and for free?” says Lido Chilelli, Executive Producer, Beaches International Jazz Festival.
This Toronto born-and-raised jazz festival is celebrating its 27th year anniversary of dedication to entertaining jazz lovers. This 14-day event turns the Beaches neighbourhood into the coolest music venue, with tons of great musicians.
The main stage is located at the Woodbine Park. Other performances will take place in various locations along Queen Street East.
On July 21st and 22nd, the festival features a “Taste of Jazz” event. Live music will be accompanied by a fine lineup of gourmet food trucks with a full range of culinary delights, and a licensed beer and wine area will be offered to the public.
Check out the schedule on the Beaches Jazz Festival’s website.
Caribana: July 30 – August 9, 2015
Caribana, Toronto’s festival of Caribbean culture, has been beloved by many Torontonians since its start in 1967, and has grown to be North America’s largest cultural festival. Once you enter the festival, you immediately appreciate its charm: adrenaline-pumping music, cheerful crowds and infectious feel-good vibes.
There will be a number of events happening during Caribana, from its official launch on July 7th to the closing service on August 9th. The must-see event in July is definitely The King and Queen Competition & Show @ Lamport Stadium on Thursday the 30th. This incredible costumed extravaganza is when the male and female leaders of Caribana Mas bands are judged on the concept and details of their costumes.
Check all the event lineups and pictures from last year on the Caribana website.
Taste of Toronto: July 2 – 5, 2015
Taste of Toronto is back for its second year!
Fort York, “the birthplace of urban Toronto“, will be transformed into a foodie wonderland offering excellent food, drinks and entertainment.
Participating vendors represent the city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants, offering the same high-quality service and food diners experience in Toronto’s finest restaurants. Each Taste of Toronto “session” lasts about 4-5 hours and is pretty much like a 3D miniature gourmet map of Toronto, offering you a first-hand sense of Toronto’s newest food trends.
You can get your ticket on the Taste of Toronto website.
Festival of India: July 18 – 19, 2015 *FREE
The Festival of India, which celebrates its 43rd anniversary this year, always kicks off with its iconic parade down Yonge street. Three 40-foot tall floats are hand-pulled by participants wearing colourful traditional clothes while singing, drumming, dancing and chanting.
After the parade, the exotic celebration moves to Centre Island where you can enjoy authentic (FREE!) vegetarian meals and a bunch of fun activities.
If you are a yoga lover, you won’t want to miss Yoga Meltdown, Toronto’s largest outdoor spiritual yoga event. Festival of India is the best place to free your body and mind!
All the details are available at http://www.festivalofindia.ca/
Gabriela Jandova and Ai Watanabe
