From Brunch & Dinner to Nightlife, Events & Festivals!
We don’t have to tell you just how fun and exciting the city of Toronto is. That’s not why you’re reading this article. You’re here because you’ve probably asked yourself, “what’s happening in Toronto this weekend?” You’re looking for the hot spots – the places to be, the things to do, the best bites in town, and the best events and bucket-list festivals you just can’t miss. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together a list of the best places and events to experience during your next trip to Toronto!
Read Part I: WHAT TO DO IN TORONTO THIS WEEKEND – MUSEUMS, ATTRACTIONS, LANDMARKS, & MORE!
The Food Scene
Undeniably, some of the best restaurants in the country are located here in the 416. When it comes to food and drinks, there’s no doubt that Toronto is home to some of the most eclectic, culturally diverse eateries unparalleled in any other Canadian city.
Here’s who made the not-so-shortlist:
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner:
- O&B Canteen | 330 King StW
Variety, Convenience – $$ - Ricarda’s | 134 Peter St
Mediterranean – $$$ - Marben | 488 Wellington StW
Canadian – $$$ - Aloette | 163 Spadina Ave
French – $$$ - Montecito | 299 Adelaide StW
California – $$$ - Le Sélect Bistro | 432 Wellington StW
Classic French – $$$
Brunch & Dinner:
- Wynona | 819 Gerrard StE
Contemporary Italian – $$ - Byblos Uptown | 2537 Yonge St
Eastern Mediterranean – $$$$
Lunch & Dinner
- Loga’s Corner | 216 Close Ave
Tibetan – $ - Chop Chop | 771 Dundas StW
Taiwanese – $ - Moretti Caffé | 328 Wellington StW
Italian – $$ - Famiglia Baldassarre | 122 Geary Ave
Italian – $$ - Omai | 3 Baldwin St
Japanese – $$ - Donna’s | 827 Lansdowne Ave
Home cooking – $$ - Seoul Shakers | 1241 Bloor StW
Contemporary Korean – $$ - Leela Indian Food Bar | 3108 Dundas StW
Indian – $$
Dinner:
- Giulietta | 927 College St
Italian – $$ - Dasha | 620 King StW
Chinese – $$ - Gusto 101 | 101 Portland St
Southern Italian – $$ - Yukashi | 643a Mt Pleasant Rd
Japanese – $$ - Après Wine Bar | 1166 Queen StW
French – $$ - Figo | 295 Adelaide StW
Contemporary Italian – $$ - Patois | 794 Dundas StW
Asian & Caribbean – $$ - Mira | 420A Wellington StW
Peruvian – $$$ - Dandylion | 1198 Queen StW
Scandinavian-influenced – $$$ - Patria | 478 King St W
Classic Spanish – $$$ - Skippa | 379 Harbord St
Japanese – $$$ - Kiin | 326 Adelaide St W
Thai – $$$ - DaiLo | 503 College St
French-inspired Chinese – $$$ - Bacchanal | 60 Sudbury St
Modern French – $$$ - Actinolite | 971 Ossington Ave
Canadian – $$$$ - Alo | 163 Spadina Ave
French – $$$$ - Edulis | 169 Niagara St
Spanish – $$$$ - SARA | 98 Portland St
Contemporary Japanese – $$$$ - Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse | 12 Brant St
Steakhouse – $$$$
Entertainment in the Six
Toronto is a central hub for all things exciting, festive, diverse, and attention-catching. Have some time to kill? Here are a few pit stops that are yours to experience during your visit to the GTA.
Rogers Centre
Established in 1989, this multi-purpose stadium is home to two local teams we all know and love, the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.
Not into team sports? No problem! You can catch the next professional wrestling match, rock out at a concert, take your kids to see Disney on Ice, or get inspired by public speakers – this stadium has everything you could possibly need and more.
Local Festivals
Looking for a taste of the local life in the six? Whether you’re into automotive, literature, videogames, beer – you name it, there’s a festival for almost everything. Celebrate with locals and people from all over the world during the summer, winter, fall, or spring!
- The Toronto Light Festival– January-March
- Cavalcade of Lights– November
- Toronto International Festival of Authors – October
- Nuit Blanche Toronto– October
- Toronto Oktoberfest– October
- Taste of the Danforth – August
- Honda Indy Toronto– July
- Pride Toronto Festival – June
- Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – May
- Tastemaker Toronto – May
- Toronto ComiCon – March
- Canadian International AutoShow – February
Film Festivals
If you’re visiting Toronto in the spring or summer, you have to experience one of its incredible film festivals. From LGBTQ representation to the most anticipated film fest in Canada, Toronto is home to some pretty spectacular events you don’t want to miss. There are also a ton of other festivals and events happening throughout the year – check out www.toronto.ca for more details!
- Toronto International Fill Festival (TIFF) – September
- The Toronto Fringe Festival – July
- Open Roof Festival – June-August
- Christie Pits Film Festival – June-August
- Inside Out Film and Video Festival– May-June
- Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival – April-May
Music Festivals
There are hundreds of music festivals throughout the year in Toronto where you can dance all day (and night!) to your favourite genres. Some of the most popular festivals by genre include:
Indie Music Festivals
- Riot Fest Toronto – September
- NXNE – June
- Canadian Music Week – May
Electric Dance Music
- Escapade Music Festival – June
- Ever After – June
- Field Trip – June
- Bud Light Dreams Festival – June
Alternative, Roots and Hip-Hop
- Camp Bestival – July-August
- Toronto Urban Roots Fest – July
Jazz
- Beaches International Jazz Festival – July
- TD Toronto Jazz Festival – June
Other
- Toronto Summer Music Festival – July-August
- Toronto Caribbean Carnival – July-August
- Salsa in Toronto Festival – June-July
- Canadian Music Week – May
Nightlife
Toronto nightlife is vibrant, dynamic, and full of options. From quaint, niche speakeasies to massive rave-like clubs, there’s something for every mood and occasion. Your only problem will be trying to narrow down which spot to go to.
- 4.7* Bar Chef – Dimly lit, intimate hangout offering creative cocktails, with over 5,000 house-made bitters
- 4.7* Hoof Cocktail Bar – Inventive cocktails served in a cozy, dark space with a chic, retro vibe & a seasonal patio.
- 4.5* Simon Says – DJs spin at this unmarked nightclub with a hot pink & black decor offering bottle service.
- 4.5* Beaver Cafe – Former gallery that mixes art with comfort food, brunch, & nightly dance parties, plus a patio.
- 4.5* Paradise Grapevine – A wine and beer bar with affordable small plates and a lush back patio, all of which can be enjoyed until 2 a.m.
- 4.4* Get Well – Boisterous taproom known for vintage decor & arcade games along with its selection of craft beers.
- 4.3* The Rooftop – Rooftop bar with a terrace & airy, indoor space, offering panoramic views & an eclectic menu.
- 4.3* The Piston – Bar with cozy booths & a hopping back room for live acts, plus tapas & gourmet sandwiches.
- 4.2* El Convento Rico – Latin nightspot welcoming all, offers drag performances & Friday night dance lessons.
- 4.2* Coda – 2nd-story nightclub hosting dance parties & a wide mix of live acts, from hip-hop to death metal.
- 4.2* Cold Tea – Tucked in an urban mall, this funky hideaway with a backyard patio serves drinks & dumplings.
- 4.2* Locals Only – Comfy, vibrant bar offering oysters & other gourmet pub eats, with daily drink & food deals.
- 4.1* Nest – Internationally known DJs spin at this cavernous night spot featuring premium sound & light shows.
- 4.1* The One Eighty – Relaunched venue offers city views from the 51st floor, plus a bar cart, cocktails & eclectic fare
- 4.1* Baby Huey – Compact nightspot drawing a boisterous crowd for regular DJ sets & drink specials.
- 4.1* The Libertine – Sumptuous booths & tiny tables adorn this vintage bar preparing craft cocktails & seasonal menus.
- 4.0* Call Her Juliet – DJs spin hip hop & top 40 tracks at this lower level dance club with sensual art & bottle service.
- 3.9* Petty Cash – Hip set-up offering a mix of gastropub plates, house cocktails & pool amid money-themed decor.
- 3.7* Rebel – Buzzy, 45,000-sq.-ft. club with cocktails, multi-sensory entertainment, a 65-ft. stage & city views.
There you have it – the most exciting places to be and entertaining things to do in Toronto, all available to you during your next trip to the six. Whether you plan your trip around these events or take the route of spontaneity, you won’t be disappointed in what this city has in store for you!
