Labour Day Weekend is quickly approaching – it falls on Sept. 3-5 this year – and while many Toronto families will be busy getting students ready for their return to school, it’s also a time to enjoy one last blast of summer. In between shopping for last-minute back-to-school clothes and supplies, you may want to try and squeeze in some family time for the following end of summer Labour Day events.
Canadian National Exhibition
The CNE runs until Monday, Sept. 5, 2011 and will feature the much-loved Canadian International Air Show on Sat. Sept. 3, 2011, Sun. Sept. 4, 2011 and Mon. Sept. 5, 2011 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Labour Day Weekend. The show, which takes places at the waterfront south of Bandshell Park, is included with admission to the CNE. Other special attractions include Olympic bronze medalist Joannie Rochette’s ice-skating show at the Ricoh Coliseum at 2 and 5 p.m. each day and CNE bandshell concerts featuring K-OS on Sat. Sept 3, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. and Tommy James & The Shondells with Andy Kim on Sun. Sept. 4, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. And of course there is the Food Building.
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is offering a pretty sweet deal for the rest of the summer with its Canadian Family Play All Summer Pass for $34. The price includes unlimited visits and rides at Ontario Place until September 25, 2011 and includes one free day’s parking at Ontario Place, which is valued at $20 during the CNE. The pass also includes free admission to the CNE, reserved viewing for the Canadian International Air Show and discounts at Ontario Place restaurants.
Toronto Blue Jays
If you’re thinking of things to do on Labour Day weekend, the Toronto Blue Jays will grace their fans with their presence on Mon. Sept. 5, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Rogers Centre playing against leading hitter Adrian Gonzalez and the red-hot Boston Red Sox. Tickets are $216, $81, $77, $52.80 and $17 and are available at Ticketmaster.
Toronto Argonauts
While the Jays are away, the Toronto Argos play the B.C. Lions on Fri. Sept. 2, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Centre. Tickets for the Toronto Argonauts are $88.25, $78.25 and $27 and are available at Ticketmaster.
Hot & Spicy Food Festival at Harbourfront
The Hot & Spicy Food Festival runs from Sept. 2 to Sept. 5, 2011 at Harbourfront Centre. You can taste and buy food samples at the Red Hot Market including sauces, marinades and dips or watch a BBQ demo and listen to music performed by John Ellison. Jamie Kennedy will be saluted during the weekend and his delectable frites will be available for visitors to try all weekend. Mary Luz Mejia will host the Emerging Chef Competition while Longo’s hosts the Iron Chef Competition. A burger battle will determine Toronto’s best burger.
Dream in High Park
If you haven’t made it out to The Dream in High Park this year, performances of Shakespeare’s lesser known The Winter’s Tale wrap up on Labour Day weekend on Fri., Sept. 2, Sat., Sept. 3 and Sun., Sept. 4, 2011 at 8 p.m. Watching the play at the amphitheatre in High Park amidst the trees, stars and moon is a sublime experience. The drama/comedy runs 1 hr and 45 minutes with no intermission. Washrooms are located inside the gate and there are several food concessions. Admission is pay-what-you-can with a suggested minimum of $20; 14 and under are free. Bring a blanket to sit on and socks; cold nights are upon us.
