Fan Expo
Date: Aug 28-31
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Let the cosplay begin. Toronto’s largest comic-con will connect over 150,000 fans with everything they ever wished was real (but isn’t). We’re pretty sure this is the only place you’ll find Frodo sitting alongside two Star Trek captains, the cast of The Walking Dead, and many more sci-fi and fantasy celebs. In its 20th year running, Fan Expo 2014 promises to be the best yet.
Open Streets TO
Date: August 31
Location: Bloor and Yonge
We like to think of it as Rob Ford’s nightmare. Open Streets TO closes off 5 kilometres of Bloor (Spadina to Parliament) and Yonge (Bloor to Queen) to allow pedestrians to use the streets as “paved parks.” There’ll be walking, biking, jogging, yoga, and a variety of other activities all centered around the idea of improving the “mental, physical, and emotional health” of all Torontonians.
Electric Island
Date: September 1
What better way to spend your Labour Day than on the island ‘helping’ the Electric Island grand finale be the biggest party in the city? If you’re in town this long weekend, you shouldn’t be. Head over to Centre Island to get your fill of outdoor fun complete with live DJs, drinks, and a few thousand likeminded partiers. There’s no better way to say goodbye to summer than by dancing your way into September.
Vegetarian Food Festival
Date: September 5-7
Location: Harbourfront Centre
The name says it all: if you’re looking for meat, this is not the place for you. If, however, you are either a vegan or vegetarian (or just appreciate good food), this might just be your dream world. One of the largest events of its kind in North America, this festival will offer a wide range of the world’s best vegetarian cuisine. Not only that, but workshops, fitness classes, and several other events will round out the meatless weekend and help to promote a healthy lifestyle.
TIFF
Date: September 4-14
Location: Various
Do we really need to explain this one? TIFF is now, arguably, the most important stop on the worldwide film festival tour. Whether you’re into seeing the next crop of Oscar contenders before anyone else, or you just like the idea of running into some A-list actors on your street, TIFF is going to take over Toronto for a full 10 days. Get excited.
Lorde
Date: September 12
Location: Echo Beach
Yes, this is a full two weeks away, but if you want to see one of the most exciting pop stars in the world perform on the beach, you should probably start buying your tickets now. The fact that Lorde isn’t even old enough to buy a drink at her own event is both enviable and awe-inspiring. We don’t know what you were doing at 17, but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t selling out concerts.
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Top photo: Lorde