Top things to do in Toronto this Father’s Day weekend (2024)

It’s shaping up to be a jam-packed weekend in the city, which is perfect considering there are several races and street festivals, along with dads being celebrated.

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Before we get into the nitty-gritty, there are several street closures you need to know about.

Taste of Little Italy is expected to draw about a quarter-million people to the heart of College St. to experience the food, entertainment and culture of the Italian community during the three-day festival that runs on Friday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

NOTE: College St. will be closed from Shaw St. to Bathurst St. starting at 3 p.m. on Friday and will reopen on Monday at 3 a.m.

The Under Armour 10K along the waterfront is on Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m.

NOTE: Fort York Blvd. between Fleet St. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., Strachan Ave. between Fleet St. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Bathurst St. to Windermere will all be closes from 4 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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The Yorkville Exotic Car Show is on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and will feature an exciting lineup of more than 85 classic and exotic cars, including a Corvette, Jaguar, Polestar, McLaren, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and more.

NOTE: Bloor St. from Avenue Rd. to Bay St., St. Thomas St. from Bloor St. to the north side of Sultan St., and Bellair St. from Bloor St. to Critchley Lane will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Apologies for stating the obvious but motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation.

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Now, here are some other fun things going on this weekend.

Taco Fest

Mouthwatering tacos, fresh churros, cool margaritas and a tequila and mezcal bar are screaming your name at this 19-plus event.

Get over to Stanley Barracks Grounds at Hotel X Toronto at 111 Princes Blvd. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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Good Investment Fair

Imagine a farmers’ market – but for community bonds and impact investment. It that turns you crank, head over to the family-friendly event (it’s not just money talk, people, there is face painting and popcorn for the kids along with Caesars and beer for the grown-ups).

It’s on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Centre for Social Innovation – Annex at 720 Bathurst St. For tickets and more information, click here.

Multicultural Fine Food Festival

The biggest consumer food show showcases food from more than 25 countries along with cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.

Your tastebuds will have the experience of a lifetime at the International Centre on Friday from 12 noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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For tickets and more information, click here.

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Little Tennessee

Get a little taste of Tennessee’s big flavours though live music, authentic southern eats and plenty of activities — all without leaving Toronto.

It continues into the weekend on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Liberty Village at Carpark 181 in front of Allan A. Lamport Stadium Park.

For the schedule and more information, click here.

Na-Me-Res Pow Wow and Indigenous Arts Festival

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, expect traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisan and culintary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island.

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The annual traditional pow wow is on Saturday while the full-day live concert is on Sunday, but the artisans and food markets featuring Native handmade arts and delicious dishes are available all weekend.

It’s all at Garrison Common at Fort York on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

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Mississauga Halal Food Festival

Savour the best of Halal cuisines from all over the world with incredible vendors and tons of entertainment.

Put on your stretchy pants and run, don’t walk, to Mississauga Celebration Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Hamilton FrancoFEST

The annual event showcases a rich lineup of arts and culture – en francais – featuring performances by many renowned artists from Ontario and Quebec, emerging local artists, and a host of free workshops and activities for the whole family.

The three-day event is at Gage Park on Friday from 5 p.m to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Toronto Beaches Rib & Beer Fest

Get your bibs ready for some mouthwatering, finger-licking, lip-smacking, belly-rubbing delicious barbecue, as well as a kids zone, canine show and lots of entertainment.

Head to Woodbine Park on Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 12 noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, click here.

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

This year’s race, now part of the DBC Race Series, promises to continue to be one of the most exciting summer events in the city and one of the most prestigious dragon boat festivals on the North American dragon boat calendar.

Take the ferry to Toronto’s Centre Island to watch the awe-inspiring races featuring an expected 5,000 athletes in the two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday.

For tickets, schedules and more information, click here.

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