As the summer enters into its final stretch, spend the Simcoe Day long weekend taking in the sights, snacks and sounds at one of the many festivals in town.
Caribbean Carnival
The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival – formerly known as Caribana – is in town this weekend.
Take in the colourful masqueraders and steel pan bands during the carnival's grand parade Saturday.
The parade will transform Lake Shore Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The street will be closed from Strachan Avenue to Colborne Lodge Drive from midnight Saturday to Sunday at 6 a.m.
Carnival events range in price and there are a number of free events. Check the carnival website for more details.
Irie Music Festival
The TD Irie Music Festival sees a number of music and dance performances take the stage at Nathan Phillips Square this weekend. Starting Friday, residents can check out the sounds of artists including Kerwin Dubois, Richie Stephens and Shi Wisdom. Admission to the festival is free.
Island Soul and Calypso Stars Festival
The Island Soul and Calypso Stars showcase celebrates the culture of the Caribbean Islands at Harbourfront Centre. Catch steel pan performances, DJs and dance lessons starting Friday evening and running through the weekend. Admission is free.
Grove Music Festival
Musical acts Phoenix, Girl Talk, Icona Pop and Hot Chip are a few of the artists performing at Fort York Garrison Common Saturday during the Grove Music Festival. The festival kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and tickets are available online.
Summer Art & Craft Show
The Distillery District is hosting the three-day Summer Art & Craft Show, with more than 65 artists and artisans from across Canada displaying and selling pottery, glass, jewellery and paintings. The show begins Saturday and admission is free.
Scarborough Ribfest
In the city’s east end, meat-lovers can enjoy some tasty eats at the Scarborough Ribfest. The annual festival takes place at Thomson Memorial Park and runs Friday to Monday.
The festival also features midway rides, a karoke competition and an all-day beer garden. Ribfest has free parking and there are free shuttle buses for seniors.
Dusk Dances in Withrow Park
Catch a dance performance at dusk in Riverdale's Withrow Park. “Dusk Dances” brings different dance troupes from across Canada to the east-end park to give nightly dance classes and performances. This year's festival ends Sunday. Admission is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10.
Blueberry Month at the Evergreen Brickworks
August is Wild Blueberry Month at the Evergreen Brick Works. Check out the farmers' market, learn how to cook with wild blueberries or join the activities at the Children's Garden at the historic east-end brickyard. Events range in price from free to $20.
Here's a map of the different events happening this weekend. Zoom out and click on a point to see more details about each event.
View Simcoe Day Long Weekend Events and Festivals in a larger map
