Summer in the big city means a multitude of events, festivals, and concerts around every corner. This long weekend, these happenings will attract many crowds, but for those looking to lay low, here are a few unique attractions to look out for this civic holiday.
Shakespeare in High Park
If relaxing in the park and watching adaptations of your favourite Shakespeare play sounds like the perfect summer night, head to High Park Amphitheatre this long weekend. Now in it’s 36th season, Shakespeare in High Park is currently playing Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performances are pay-what-you-can, but premium seats can also be reserved online for those that want a guaranteed spot.
High Park Amphitheatre is located at 1873 Bloor Street West. Romeo and Juliet plays Saturday, August 4th at 8 PM and A Midsummer’s Night Dream plays Friday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 5th at 8 PM.
Sunday Artisan Market at Evergreen Brick Works
Happening every Sunday until November 4th, the Artisan Market at Evergreen Brick Works brings together local makers from all over Toronto. Shop locally made goods, featuring everything from jams and jellies to handcrafted wood and leather goods, and try out some delicious artisanal eats as you browse.
Evergreen Brick Works is located at 550 Bayview Avenue and takes place Sunday, August 5th from 10AM to 3 PM.
Amélie at Christie Pitts Film Festival
This Sunday, watch as Paris’ most famous waitress, Amélie Poulin, goes on a mission to transform the lives of her neighbours, as Christie Pitts Film Festival is featuring Amélie as part of their Cinematic Cities showcase. Enjoy this Jean-Pierre Jeunet directed film while sitting on a blanket in the grass for free, or pay-what-you-can.
Christie Pitts is located at 750 Bloor Street West. Amélie is playing Sunday, August 5th and begins at sundown.
ZimSculpt at Toronto Botanical Garden
Toronto Botanical Gardens is presenting ZimSculpt for the first time ever—an exhibition that is world renowned for modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures. Visitors can purchase items on display in the gardens and marketplace, as well as from two in-residence Zimbabwean artists at the exhibition. The exhibit will be running daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
ZimSculpt is on display from Friday, August 3rd to Sunday, September 30th at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, located at 777 Lawrence Avenue East.
Snapshots of Change at Withrow Common
What started off as an agriculture fair has today become one of the world’s largest summer exhibitions, as well as an iconic representation of Toronto. Withrow Common Gallery is honouring the Canadian National Exhibition with their exhibit Snapshots of Change, running every Thursday and Saturday until September 29th. Discover nostalgic, historical photographs to see how the exhibition has grown and impacted Toronto as a city.
Snapshots of Change is open Saturday, August 4th from 1-5 PM at Withrow Common, located at 200 Princes’ Boulevard.