There’s nothing more exciting than the countdown leading up to a long weekend. Believe it or not, the August Civic Holiday is a holiday that has long been around since the late 1800s. It was later renamed in Toronto to what we now know as Simcoe Day, named after first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe. Its purpose: to give Canadians an extra day off during the summer season (and for that we are so ever thankful!)
The best part of living in the city during the summer is that you don’t need a cottage to get away. It’s the perfect time of year to explore all the events the city offers during the busy season and enjoy the outdoors. From food and music festivals to cultural parades and gatherings, there is no shortage of events taking place all summer long.
Whether you’re looking to eat your heart away or showcase your dance moves, here’s where you can head on over to celebrate the long weekend in the GTA.
Scarborough Ribfest
In an updated photo Silver Bullet BBQ showcases their award-winning BBQ Ribs as they fire up the grill for yet another Toronto Ribfest. (Facebook/ @silverbulletbbqteam)
The Scarborough Ribfest is returning in all its glory for its 16th anniversary. Not only is delicious food going to be available all weekend long, but also entertainment for kids. Join in on a family fun weekend with saucy ribs, pulled pork, corn on the cob, midway rides and games, an all-day beer garden and a karaoke competition. The best part is that admission and parking is FREE. This is the largest community event in East Toronto that has become a favourite over the years and for good reason.
For those who are unaware, the Scarborough Ribfest is organized by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. It is a fundraising event that helps the club raise funds to support local charitable organizations, including food banks, scholarships, and several youth leadership programs. Not only do these efforts help serve its community and those in need locally, but internationally as well. So if mouth-watering BBQ is up your alley, the Scarborough Ribfest will not disappoint. After all, long weekends are meant for indulging, right?
The Scarborough Ribfest is taking place from August 4-7 at Thomson Memorial Park.
For more visit: http://www.scarboroughribfest.com/
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
In a photo taken August 2016 masqueraders in colorful and striking costumes are pictured as they wind their way from the assembly area at Exhibition Place along Lake Shore Boulevard. (web/www.caribanatoronto.com)
What better way to celebrate all that the Caribbean culture has to offer than at one of the largest cultural festivals in North America. This weekend the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, widely known as Caribana, is marking its 50th anniversary on the streets of Toronto. Since 1967, Caribana has attracted millions in attendance, making it a large tourist attraction for the city. Originally introduced as a gift for Canada’s centennial birthday, the carnival still holds strong cultural significance in Toronto 50 years later. This year’s theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage: From Then to Now.”
The Carnival itself runs for 3 fun-filled weeks, but it is the Grande Parade that many in attendance look forward to.
Music is at the heart of the Grande Parade with soulful sounds of calypso, soca, reggae, Latin salsa and more. Be prepared as the city comes alive with the rhythms, culture, art, cuisine and history of the Caribbean that ignites a spark in our beloved community. Costumed masqueraders, steelpan performers, and guest bands lead the parade from Exhibition alongside Lakeshore Boulevard, gathering thousands of festive crowd-goers along the way. This is a summer event you don’t want to miss.
The Grande Parade is taking place Saturday, August 5th at Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd.
For more visit: https://torontocaribbeancarnival.com/
Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival
In this still image taken in 2015 at the Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival, event goers are seen posing for a picture lavishly dressed in their cultural attire. (web/scarboroughcommunityfestival.ca)
Last, but not least, the 3rd Annual Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival runs its course over 3-days at the Scarborough Civic Center next weekend. If your long weekend is already filled with plans, this is the perfect opportunity to participate in celebrating Scarborough’s rich culture and diversity. After all, it’s what makes living in this country so great.
The festival features an array of children’s activities, live entertainment including concerts, movie screenings, cultural presentations, and a marketplace with diverse offerings, art and crafts. Embrace yourself in the history of our multicultural communities by joining in on the festivities, supporting local businesses and engaging in new cultural experiences.
There are also lots of prizes to be won including a Family Prize Pack featuring 4 passes to Casa Loma and a $150 gift card from Mandarin.
The Scarborough Community Multicultural Festival takes place Friday August 11 – Sunday August 13 from 10am-10pm at the Scarborough Civic Centre/Albert Campbell Square.
For more visit: http://www.scarboroughcommunityfestival.ca/