By Lori Bosworth
August is here, which means we’re into the last half of summer so it’s time to enjoy a few summer activities before the season is over. If you find yourself in Toronto, there is a lot going on in August 2017. Read further to find things to do in Toronto in August 2017.
Centre Island
Centre Island has finally reopened after flooding from extensive rain in Toronto over the past few months. Bring the kids to enjoy rides at Centreville or enjoy a picnic lunch with a swim at Ward’s Island Beach. You can also rent a bicycle or quadricycle and tour the island on wheels or simply stroll along the boardwalk and admire the waters of Lake Ontario. There are several restaurants scattered among the island including the quaint Rectory Cafe on Ward’s Island. Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Round-trip Ferry is Adults $7.71, Seniors (65+ with proof of age) $5.05, Youth (ages 15-19) $5.05, Junior (2-14) $3.72 and Infant (under 2) Free.
Shakespeare in High Park
Enjoy a Shakespeare play under the stars at Shakespeare in High Park 2017 presented by Canadian Stage. This year, performances include King Lear and Twelfth Night. Take a picnic dinner to enjoy before the performance. Twelfth Night will be performed during the August long weekend on Fri., Aug. 4, 2017 at 8 p.m. and Sun., Aug. 6, 2017 while King Lear will be performed on Sat., Aug. 5, 2017 at 8 p.m. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can with a suggested donation of $20. Children 14 and under are free. Premium tickets (reserved cushion seating) are $25 and can be purchased online. Shakespeare in High Park 2017 takes place at High Park Amphitheatre. Park in the lot beside Grenadier Cafe. Performances run until Sept. 3, 2017.
Rogers Cup Toronto 2017
The Rogers Cup Toronto begins on the August long weekend. Many of the top Women’s Tennis Association players will be competing at the Rogers Cup Toronto 2017 at the Aviva Centre in York University from August 5-13, 2017. Players that have been confirmed include Genie Bouchard, Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber, Venus Williams, Simona Halep, Jelena Ostapenko, Caroline Wozniacki, Karolina Puskova and Elina Svitolina. The Rogers Cup is always an exciting Toronto August long weekend event to attend. Purchase tickets for the Rogers Cup online before they sell out.
Taste of the Danforth
If you enjoy Greek food and culture, get yourself down to Taste of the Danforth, taking place from August 11-13, 2017 along Danforth Avenue. The street will be closed to traffic from Broadview Avenue to Jones Avenue for a street festival that has expanded to feature Toronto’s multiculturalism. Restaurants along the Danforth will be offering $6 tasting menus so that you can taste a number of dishes. Enjoy live entertainment such as Caribbean bands, Bollywood dancers and the Mr. & Mrs. Asia pageant. Kids can check out the Toronto Star Kids’ Fun Zone, the Sports Zone and the Canada 150 experience. There are Green P parking lots on the north side of the Danforth, but they fill up quickly so it’s recommended that you take the TTC.
CNE 2017
The CNE is back from August 18, 2017 to September 4, 2017 at Exhibition Place with lots to see. Don’t miss Jamie Kennedy, Vikram Vij, Michael Hunter and others at the Celebrity Chef Stage. Food Products Day is August 23, 2017 where everyone wins a prize. The Aerial Acrobatic and Ice Skating Show, which is performed daily, features Olympic silver medalist Elvis Stojko. And of course the Air Show returns on September 2-4, 2017 at the waterfront. Admission to the CNE is Adult (14-64) $19, 65+ $16, 5-13 $16 and 4 and under Free. A Family Pass for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children is $59. CNE Bandshell concerts are free with admission. Performances in August 2017 include:
- Sat., Aug. 19, 2017 – Sam Roberts Band
- Sun., Aug. 20, 2017 – Kiefer Sutherland
- Tues., Aug. 22, 2017 – Colin James
- Thurs., Aug. 24, 2017 – Aaron Pritchett
- Fri., Aug. 25, 2017 – I Mother Earth & The Watchmen
- Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 – Chad Brownlee
- Sun., Aug. 27, 2017 – John Kay & Steppenwolf
- Mon., Aug. 28, 2017 – Pavlo
- Tues., Aug. 29, 2017 – The Sheepdogs
- Wed., Aug. 30, 2017 – Shawn Hook
- Thurs., Aug. 31, 2017 – Dear Rouge
Enjoy the rest of the summer! If you have suggestions for things to do in Toronto in August 2017, please let us know in the comments.
