Our Faves

Free thing to do, Cultural organization, Light show, Weekly reading series

Rated this place:

Every weekend they always have fantastic festivals and concerts on - be sure to check out the art gallery inside as well!

Their program always has really creative and interesting events at reasonable prices (often, even free). I want to know who I thank for organizing my favorite musician to play a free concert on my birthday.

Pulse Front light installation has just been extended for an additional week, until June 17th. The flashing of the lights is controlled by the pulse of whoever is holding the controls down at the harbourfront. So, what you're seeing at night is the heartbeats of fellow Torontonians.

There is just something nice about hearing authors read from their own works. Tickets to most readings are $8; Free for students with valid ID.

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Rated this place:

Its amazing for chilling out in summer.

You'll become a Fun-Junkie!

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Along the edge of our city enveloped in a thick canopy of urban architecture lies Toronto’s harbourfront centre. During the summer months, this is one of the most congested areas of the city. Festivals, shopping, good food draw diverse crowds from all walks of life.Sit and watch the unset, walk your dog, jog, grab a bit or dance the night away on a boat -- there are no limits!

free events and festivals

Rated this place:

Harbourfront Centre, located on the waterfront, hosts cultural festivals and events during the year and almost every weekend from June to September. Some of my favourite events here include The International Festival of Authors where I've attended readings and book signings of some of my favourite authors, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival that features celebrity chefs, local restaurants and vendors who come out to share tasty dishes and the Canada Day celebrations, where I've seen Canadian bands like Barenaked Ladies and Feist perform (for free). During the summer months there's also an outdoor marketplace where you'll find international jewelry and crafts from places like Africa, Asia and Brazil.

Free summer entertainment

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If you're in the neighbourhood, stop by for a summer evening of free music by the water. It's also fun to peruse the little marketplace set up with crafts and garments. If you're hungry, there's a tiny outdoor food tent or the restaurant nearby. Enjoy!

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Free concerts
• Food tent
• Vendors

Free festivals

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We love going to Harbourfront Centre in the summer. It’s a great place to watch the boats go by and stroll along the water. They have many different festivals, exhibitions and concerts, which are all free! Harbourfront also holds various ethnic festivals which is not only a great way to experience all the diversity Toronto has to offer but is also a way to sample a variety of yummy cuisines! In the winter you can also ice skate.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• summer festival
• outdoor skating
• free activity

i heart harbourfront

Rated this place:

Part art gallery, part concert arena, part exhibition place, this multi-purpose space receives a ton of traffic year round from gallery showings, hipster concerts, tourists and even dance parties. Its grounds also hold various ethnic festivals to satisfy not just your multicultural know-how but one’s culinary palettes. One secret not many Torontonians know about the Harbourfront Centre is its free wi-fi.

Toronto's waterfront oasis

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Harbourfront is basically the perfect place to go if you're looking for a cool, interesting day or night out without spending tonnes of cash. Sure, there are theatres and shows that do cost money, but the sheer number of free outdoor summertime concerts and other events that Harbourfront puts on is kind of mind boggling.

Being able to stroll up to the stage and watch a live musical performance with a bunch of people, the lake at your back, the fresh air and awesome acoustics of being at an outdoor amphitheatre? It's basically the best. My fave Harbourfront memory of all time: dancing non stop while Konono No.1 played the first song in their set (for 45 minutes) a few summers back. Perfect!

Plus, let's not forget winter skating!

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• summer festival
• concert venue
• Ice Skating

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Ice skating is one of Canada’s favourite winter activities and Harbourfront Centre is one of the most beautiful places to do it. Family entertainment at its best, you and your children can skate on your free time or enroll your kids into skating lessons. You can make a day out of it. A snack bar and restaurant are located right beside the rink which makes it easier to spend the whole day at the rink. They are open from 10 am to 10 pm! If you’re a parent waiting around for your child to finish their skating lessons, you can treat yourself to learning something new and can take a workshop or course at the nearby arts centre while you wait!

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Ice Skating

Fall festival

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The Annual Vegetarian Food Fair is Toronto’s tastiest green festival and marketplace. Delicious food served by some of Toronto’s best vegetarian restaurants, informative presentations about making environmentally-friendly food choices. This year’s event starts at 4 pm this Friday, September 5 at Harbourfront Centre and lasts till Sunday at 6.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fall festival