Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive! If you’re trying to save money this summer but still want to get out and enjoy the city, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Fortunately, Toronto has a handful of festivities in July that you can attend for free or at a low cost.
Here are 18 free and cheap things to do in Toronto in July.
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Music in the garden
Sit Along Toronto Harbor and Listen to Free Music This Summer
Taking place on Thursdays and Sundays in July, Music in the Garden is an intimate and free live music experience.
To choose which one you want to attend, consult the program here.
When : Thursdays and Sundays in July
Or : Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Free
Free movies
Tuesdays in July are the time to enjoy a free movie by the water!
Harbourfront Center will have a free movie (including classics like Grease and Mean Girls) to enjoy every Tuesday at 8:30am.
The full schedule can be found here.
When : Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. in July
Or : Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Free
Canada Day in Woodbine
Woodbine Park vibrates and rolls this Canada Day!
There will be a full evening lineup with live music, fireworks, food and a beer garden.
Don’t hesitate to bring the kids as there will also be a children’s zone.
When : July 1st from noon
Or : Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Price: Free
Canada Day at Toronto History Museums
“Dive into the diverse stories of Canada anew Toronto History Museums Through the city.”
Admission is free, making it the perfect way to spend the day with the family on Canada Day!
When : July 1st
Or : Various Locations (Toronto History Museums)
Price: Free
City of Toronto Canada Day Fireworks
The City kicks off the month with free Canada Day fireworks at 10 a.m. at the following locations:
Find a good place and enjoy!
When : July 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Or : Various locations
Price: Free
ROM ground floor free
The ROM opens its ground floor for free starting July 2!
The upstairs is open free seven days a week throughout the summer and a handful of exhibits await your visit, including:
- Currently Gallery
- First Peoples
- Korea
- China
When : From July 2
Or : The ROM, 100 Queens Park
Price: Free
Taste of Laurent
This three-day street festival along Lawrence will feature international food, music and culture.
These are just a few of the festivities that will be happening, so be sure to go between the 5th and 7th.
When : 5th of July – 7th
Or : Lawrence Avenue between Birchmont and Warden
Price: Free
Salsa on St Clair
Who’s ready to dance, eat and party?!
Salsa on St Clair brings together over 350 Canadian and international artists and offers a market of authentic and fiery food and treats to savor.
Want to know what to expect? A full performance schedule can be found here.
When : July 6 & 7, 2024
Or : St Clair Avenue West between Winona Road and Christie Street
Price: Free
Free films at the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is bringing free films to different city parks this summer!
Free films will be shown at Christie Pits on Sundays starting July 7 and Thursdays at Corktown Common starting July 11.
Check movie titles and times here.
When : Sundays from July 7 (Christie Pits) and Thursdays from July 11 (Corktown Common)
Or : Christie Pits and Corktown Common
Price: Free
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Canada’s largest outdoor art fair will take over Nathan Phillips Square from July 12 to 14 and feature more than 400 artists.
Although the event is free, there will be art for purchase as well as food and drinks.
When : July 12th – 14th
Or : Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Price: Free
Salsa on the beach
Woodbine Park transforms into a dance floor to the energetic Latin melodies of Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia for three days in July!
Salsa on the Beach is free to attend and will also include food trucks and a beer garden.
When : July 12th – 14th
Or : Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
Price: Free
Shomigo Markets
According to Shomigo Markets, “Dive into a treasure trove of vintage finds and explore a selection of clothing, jewelry, candles and more”
This market spans three weekends in July at Roy Thomson Hall with admission starting at $6.38 per ticket.
When : July 13 – 14, 20 – 21 and 27 – 28
Or : Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Price: $6.38 + per ticket
The Cookout
Stackt Market is hosting a barbecue!
This year’s barbecue will feature music, DJs, food specials, vendors and more.
Participate for free and come back for the full music lineup here.
When : July 20 from noon to 11:00 a.m.
Or : Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
Price: Free
South Asia Festival
Participation in North America’s largest South Asian main market is free!
The South Asia Festival features a wide selection of products and services on display in an exotic display of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas.
The festival runs from noon to 11 a.m. on the 20th and 21st, so mark your calendars!
When : July 20 to 21
Or : Gerrard India Bazaar, Gerrard Street E, between Coxwell Ave and Glenside Ave
Price: Free
Big on Bloor
According to Big on Bloor, this art-focused street festival in Bloordale celebrates “community magic, creativity and diversity through arts and culture, providing opportunities for disenfranchised local artists and showcasing the small businesses that make Bloordale so amazing.”
Walk around and enjoy outdoor murals, storefronts, public installations, and other projects!
When : July 20 to 21
Or : Bloor Street West between Dufferin and Lansdowne
Price: Free
Street party
Between July 25 and 27, Queen Street East will close its doors every evening from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for an evening filled with delicious food, musical performances and dancing!
Check out the lineups and map here.
When : July 25th – 27th
Or : Queen Street East
Price: Free
Bone Festival
Ossington’s biggest party!
Ossfest features music, food vendors and more on one of Toronto’s most popular streets.
Although the vendors may cost you, it is free to participate.
When : July 27 from 11:00 a.m. to midnight
Or : Ossington Avenue between Queen and Dundas
Price: Free
Kensington Walking Sundays
Walking Sundays are very popular at Kensington Market!
The streets of Kensington transform into a celebration of dancing, music and vendors on the last Sunday of the summer month, meaning the July performance will take place on July 28.
When : July 28 from
Or : Kensington Market
Price: Free
Have a great July and enjoy these free and cheap activities in Toronto!
