August long weekend events in Toronto for 2016
August long weekend events mark the peak of summer in Toronto, so you have to get out and enjoy everything under the sun as much as you can. There's a food truck fest, a giant EDM Festival, and plenty of outdoor movies to enjoy while the weather is still warm.
Here are my top picks for events going down this August long weekend in Toronto.
FOOD
Out the Box (July 29, Market 707)
One DJ and two MCs battle it out amongst the roti, gushi and lumpia at Market 707 at Dundas and Bathurst. Get your snack on at the food containers as Nari the Saga and Belladonna the Blest with Ergo Sum spit rhymes and rhetoric.
Toronto Food Truck Festival (July 29-31)
Woodbine Park hosts a food truck frenzy with about 40 vehicles pulling up and serving you the goods. Here's a full list of the vendors, but some of my faves include FeasTO and Original Chimney's.
Markham Food Fest (July 30-31)
This is a huge Asian street food festival at Metro Square in Markham. Admission is free and you can bet they'll be some super interesting stuff on the menus. Take the Zhejiang style Shaobing, for example. Never heard of it? Take a chance and get your empty stomach over here.
FESTIVALS
Caribana (July 28-31)
I went to Caribana last year and got danced on so hard it changed my life. Just look at the beautiful photos! This is the place to be for street dancing and people watching, if you're brave enough to sneak onto the parade route.
Toronto Burlesque Fest (July 28-31)
The 19th annual festival of classy clothing removal takes place at the Mod Club and Revival -- basically across the street from each other. A pant-dropping lineup of internationally renowned burlesque dancers, male and female, will be performing.
OVO (July 29, 31, Aug 1)
This is actually the coolest summer festival in the city. With our city's love for Drake at an all time high, this show will be off the chain. Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa and have already been announced, but we all know it's about the surprise guests. But don't worry if you can't get there, the fest overlaps with Drake's Summer Sixteen tour.
Aloha Fest (July 30)
HÄlau Hula I Ka LÄ ("Hula School in the Sun"), a Toronto-based hula dance school presents the 2nd annual celebration of Polynesian culture. Culture, art food, crafts and dance are on display at Mel Lastman Square from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
TD Irie Music Festival (July 30-31)
Nathan Phillips Square is taken over with the sounds, smells and tastes of African-Canadian culture with headliners Bushman, DaVille and the Summer Dance Showcase on closing night. This one's for people who want to dance and chill.
VELD (July 30-31)
EDM hasn't died just yet, and VELD is the only place for true fans to be. Taking place at Downsview Park over two days, this year's headliners include the Chainsmokers, Flume and Travis Scott.
MUSIC
FILM
Insomniac Film Fest (July 29, Royal Cinema)
This is a curated selection of the year's most creative, confounding and brutally honest short films from Toronto's distinct young film community. Films start at 9 p.m. at the Royal Cinema.
Christie Pits Film Fest (Christie Pits Park)
A very romo screening of Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliette on the hill in the park. There will be eats, coffee and treats available at 6 p.m. with the film at sundown, but arrive a bit early to get a good spot.
DANCING
It's not U it's Me (July 30, Power Plant)
Elevating Toronto's party scene one event at a time, the It's not U it's Me party collective have created a three-part underground dance series at the Power Plant. This party is number two and features Detroit's legendary Interdimensional Transmissions crew.
For more events this weekend click on over to our events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.
Photo of Veld by Jesse Milns.
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