By Lucie Huang

With summer holidays freeing up schedules, many teens often feel riddled with boredom during the school break. But, before you commit to another Netflix binge, consider the many affordable and enjoyable options for events available in Toronto during July and August. Ranging from music festivals and art museums to outdoor movies, if you’re a teen looking for low-budget but exciting events in the GTA, this list is for you. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine with these summertime picks!

Museums and Galleries

If you’re an avid artist, an art lover, or just seeking some new attractions, consider visiting one of the many museums in the GTA. Some of the largest museums in Ontario, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Toronto History Museums, have opened their floors to all visitors during July and August, offering free admission for visitors under the age of 25! With a wide array of contemporary, classic and experimental artwork and artefacts, this is a great opportunity to explore to your heart’s desire without breaking the bank. 

Summer Music Festivals

Aside from visual art, Toronto has a wide array of music festivals and performances hosted all throughout the summer—as often as one every day! Locations include public parks, outdoor venues and concert halls, and some events are even free of charge. See some exciting performances from new Canadian musicians of all genres, and bring your friends and family along too! Some popular festivals include Toronto Summer Music Festival, Summer Music in the Park, and Amphitheatre Unplugged. You can find more information (including instructions for buying tickets and more) here.

Outdoor Movie Programmes

Want to enjoy a movie with friends but still take advantage of the lovely summer weather? The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show offers free outdoor movie events in the GTA, including at Fort York, Corktown Commons, Bell Manor Park, and more. Not only will classic Canadian films be shown, but there are also lineups of performance artists, short films and documentaries as well! A completely free event, all you need to do is bring your friends and family, some refreshing beverages, and some lawn chairs to enjoy this outdoor fest! You can find more information here.

We hope that these event suggestions will inspire you to explore some new neighbourhoods and spaces around Toronto this summer. Feel free to check back to this list when you’re feeling restless or bored to seek out some of the best events that Toronto has to offer near you! 

Keep up to date with our blog for more summertime activity ideas, and follow us on IG @EmpowHERto.