What to do in Toronto this weekend: August 19-21

There is a lot to do in the city this weekend. Here is a sample of what is going on.

The Canadian National Exhibition

After two years of pandemic cancellations, the CNE is back with exciting additions and classic attractions for a mix of the new and the nostalgic.

“Anyone who comes can find something to have fun and enjoy,” CNE executive director Darrell Brown told the Star.

At the CNE Midway, revisit classic attractions like the Hurricane, Zipper and Scrambler. Or check out one of the new games like the double-decker carousel. For the little ones, the “Mini Midway” offers fun games and interactive programs, including a pizza shop, live shows for children and arts and crafts.

Also, check out the food trucks and stalls. Adventurous diners can sample some of this year’s most creative treats, like ketchup and mustard soft serve ice cream at the So Cute Ice Cream booth.

There’s also plenty of entertainment on offer at the Ex, with acts from across Canada and around the world. This Friday, laugh with comedian Howie Mandel, who will take the Bandshell stage at 7:30 p.m.

And don’t miss the finale: every night at 10:45 p.m., 100 drones will light up the sky in a spectacular display above the food building.

CNE’s return comes amid a strike by safety inspectors represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, who walked off the job on July 21 after contract negotiations with the Safety and Security Authority failed. Technical Standards. Brown said all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the fair is safe.

The Ex opens on August 19 and runs through September 5. Tickets are available online and at the doors. Learn more at theex.com

Here are five other fun things to do this weekend:

T. D. Markham Jazz Festival

Savor the summer with outdoor jazz, food and drinks. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the TD Markham Jazz Festival is back for 25 years with a jam-packed lineup. More than 30 free concerts, spread across three stages along Unionville’s main street, are scheduled for this weekend. At the Millennium Bandstand, enjoy performances by Emily Steinwall, 2022 SOCAN Songwriting Award winner and Canadian blues singer. Shakura S’Aida – both performing on Friday. At McKay Beer Garden, enjoy the summer and enjoy live music, food and over 20 beers on tap. The Varley Art Gallery will also host performances, including 2022 Juno Award winner Caity Gyorgy, on Saturday night. Main Street in Unionville will be closed to traffic this weekend, so if you’re taking a car, park at the nearby Markham Pan Am Center and hop on the free festival shuttle, which will take you directly from the Markham Pan Am Center to the festival site. festival on Main Street. Explore the full festival program at markhamjazzfestival.com.

Buy local produce at a farmers market

Summer growing season in ontario is in full swing and Toronto is packed with farmers markets offering plenty of fresh produce. This weekend, head to a market and shop for produce from local growers and artisans. For the best selection of produce, eggs, dairy, and meats, be sure to get there early and ask the farmers for the best selections that day. And don’t forget to bring cash. On Saturdays, the iconic St. Lawrence Market welcomes local producers to its outdoor space and the North Market from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Through November, Evergreen Brick Worksin the Don River Valley, it has an open-air market on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm with more than 60 local farmers and independent businesses. Stop Farmers Marketat Wychwood Barns Park, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Deeply Rooted Farmers Marketin East York, spotlights Black and Native American farmers, produce, and vendors and is open every Sunday through September 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Toronto Chinatown Festival

This weekend, Chinatown will be busier than usual. The Toronto Chinatown Festival returns for 22 years, celebrating community and culture. Visitors can enjoy performances including dragon and lion dances, a Kung Fu display, and live music. Get ready to eat: traditional Chinese street foods to be featured throughout. And find family activities on Huron Street to keep the kids entertained. The festival will be held Saturday from noon to 8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 7:30 pm on the west side of Spadina Avenue between St. Andrew Street and Sullivan Street.

Japan Canada Festival

Head to Mississauga this weekend to see and celebrate Japanese culture with the return of Japan Canada Festival, which had been held virtually for the past two years. Notable food vendors include Uncle Tetsu (try his fluffy Japanese matcha cheesecake) and the popular Kinton Ramen noodle restaurant. Vibrant dance performances, music, a fashion show and a shopping arcade are also on offer. The event will take place on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Concerts and Shows

Do you want to see a show? On Friday, the American rock band Greta Van Fleet performs at Scotiabank Arena with New York post-grunge group The Pretty Reckless. Neo-soul singer-songwriter Bridges of Leon performs Saturday, also at the Scotiabank Arena. Sunday, german rock band scorpions is coming to the Budweiser Stage.

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