hose without Muskoka cottages (or without friends with Muskoka cottages) have to brave the blazing city streets and make the most out of Toronto’s entertainment scene just like any other tourist would. Fortunately, we don’t need hotel accommodations, and most summer festivals are free, which means more money for booze and food! Wooooooo! Though many of us claim to know the city inside out, these free entertainment events (aka festivals) are often obscure, unique oddities that happen sporadically with a recurring presence solely based on last year's profits. We’re here to help. As August winds down, here’s how you can enjoy the rest of the summer.

It could be easily argued that no other nationality in the city has as much pride in their country as the Greek Canadians, who are more than willing to share their love for the homeland with those ignorant to Greece’s delicious cuisine and intoxicating ouzo. Enjoy the hospitality of the Greektown and head to the East side for the annual Taste of the Danforth, taking place Friday August 10 to Sunday August 12, where beautiful bronzed bods are as plentiful as skewered souvlaki.

Those who want to brave the day will have to fend off pushy baby strollers, the scorching sun and pickpocketers (unless you get that rare seat in the beer tent) so instead, opt for an evening encounter where patio lounging and people watching are integral to the experience. Also note, excessive use of Opa! is not the right way to make friends, so save it until the timing is right.

The Hot & Spicy Food Festival is a communal even for all lovers of heat. Even the pasty white peeps that don’t get down with the sun can embrace the hot lifestyle with the help of some extra spice. Masochists and Sadists alike unite in the quest for the hottest jalapeño where release waivers are as common as a steady supply of water bottles, milk and Rolaids. It’s all happening Friday August 10 to Sunday August 12.


Since BBQ has taken over North America’s culinary mecca (NYC), it was just a matter of time that award-winning champs would make their way to Toronto to showcase their talents. Fans of the lipsmacking, sticky, juicy, fall of the bone meat bring out their bibs and plenty of wet naps to devour as much pork as their bellies will allow. You can get your grub on Friday August 10 to Sunday August 12.

Since the Katrina tragedy struck New Orleans, Toronto has willingly taken over the festivities with gusto (even if the real Mardi Gras occurs in February). Patrons are encouraged to wear loose clothing , bring beads, and consume copious amounts of alcohol to induce drunken Mardi Gras approved antics (think flashing). Peeping toms can rate if the milk’s gone bad or get their fill of jugs starting Friday August 10 to Sunday August 12.

During the summer season, the clear skies are perfect conditions for star sightings (and not just the celebs in Yorkville). During the Starlight Star Bright event, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and Jupiter are all perfect viewing specimens courtesy of largest optical telescope in Canada. For a small fee (skip on the Big Mac Meal and save your pennies for this one), intrigued stargazers can take a summer tour of the David Dunlop Observatory during the remaining Friday and Saturday nights of August, and every Saturday night from September to October.

Beerfest is not just the movie of men’s dreams, but has now become a reality thanks to Ontario brewers that have latched onto the opportunity to give the people what they want – over 200 selections of beer in a two-day festival with live music, food, and grilling demos. Brush up on your drinking songs, polish the old tines (authentic German ones get bonus points) and strap on your lederhosen (feather capped fedoras are optional) for a wonderful weekend of burps, belches, maybe babes (though that means less belches and burps) but most importantly, beer. Get you drink on Friday August 10 to Sunday August 12.