This Weekend: Events Around Toronto

Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3
Lisa van Kolfschoten, events & attractions editor

Aug 01, 2008

Looking for something to do in Toronto this weekend? We've compiled a list of some of the biggest events and festivals, along with some hidden gems that will keep everyone busy all weekend long. Also, a list of what's open and what's closed this Civic Holiday Monday.



Weekend hightlight: The Chinese Lantern Festival
This glowing festival features a beautiful display of hand-crafted lanterns made by artisans from the city of Zigong, China. This yearly festival features a new twist this summer, as thirty-two exhibits have been designed to represent architectural wonders from each continent. Read More

Friday, August 1

Avenue Q
This Tony Award-winning musical is performed by puppets and their handlers. The story follows Princeton, a college grad who moves to New York City with dreams of making it big. His adventure begins when he ends up on Avenue Q, the only neighbourhood within his budget. Read More

ALSO ON FRIDAY
• Coldplay Tribute Concert
• Toronto Summer Music Festival
• Roots to Rhythm: Caribana Art Exhibit
• Sherway Gardens Antiques Sale
• more Friday events

Saturday, August 2

Evil Dead: The Musical
This comic musical is based on the low-budget, cult classic ‘80s film and stars Broadway and film actor Ryan Ward. The gory tale features five college kids who go to a cabin in the woods and accidentally release an evil force. Read More

ALSO ON SATURDAY
• Caribana Parade
• Island Soul Festival
• Interactive Fun Zone: YTV's Wow
• Summer Movies
• Rhinestone Country Music Fest
• more Saturday events

Sunday, August 3

Irie Music Festival
Created as a unifying symbol of Toronto's diversity, the Irie Music Festival is an opportunity to promote a greater understanding between the diverse cultures and traditions of Toronto. The festival includes live music, dance presentations, art exhibitions, demonstrations and more. Read More


ALSO ON SUNDAY
• more Caribana
• Toronto Turkish Festival
• Historic Garden Tours
• Closing: Darwin Exhibit at the ROM
• more Sunday events

What's Open and What's Closed Civic Holiday Monday

This holiday Monday, many venues around the city remain open, but several have reduced holiday hours. Here's a list of what's open and what's closed.

Public Transit

For the Civic Holiday both the TTC and GO Transit are running on holiday schedules.

Attractions

This long weekend, big ticket attractions are open to the public on Monday.

Wonderland - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Toronto Zoo - 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ontario Place - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ontario Science Centre - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ROM - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Centre Island - 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Centreville Amusement Park - 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CN Tower - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Shopping

It’s business as usual for most Toronto shops and malls, but most have reduced hours.

Eaton Centre – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vaughan Mills - Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sherway Gardens – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fairview Mall – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Scarborough Town Centre – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Square One - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Supermarkets

Sobeys - All stores are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Loblaws - Downtown and Etobicoke locations are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and GTA stores are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A&P/Dominion - All stores are open 24 hours.

LCBO

Some LCBO stores remain open, with holiday hours. Check out the LCBO website for schedule details before heading out.

What's Closed Civic Holiday

Banks
Libraries
Schools