Canada 150 is right around the corner and with it comes a variety of what are promised to be extravagant events throughout the GTA! Here are some events that are family-friendly and absolutely worth taking the time to explore this Canada Day long weekend!

Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square will host a four-day celebration starting Friday at 5 p.m. The event will feature dancing, food, music and a slew of top-notch performers, including Barenaked Ladies, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ron Sexsmith and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Queen’s Park

The province will host a day full of family-friendly celebrations at Queen’s Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be live music, fitness and craft workshops, roaming performers, food vendors, games and lots of activities for kids.

Ontario Place

Running from June 30 to July 3, the Heritage Ontario festival will celebrate the heritage, culture and traditions of Ontario through music, interactive exhibits and food.

Entertainment District

Toronto’s Entertainment District has put together a website to highlight some of the activities taking place in the downtown core for Canada Day. Events include two special ball games where the Blue Jays will face off against the Red Sox, events at Steamwhistle Brewing and The National Ballet of Canada.

Toronto Ribfest

The annual Toronto Ribfest is on at Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.) on July 1. Playgrounds, picnic areas and a wading pool will be open. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Mississauga Celebration Square

A massive celebration at Mississauga Celebration Square starts at 2 p.m. and will include a citizenship ceremony, food, entertainment and live performances by artists such as K’NAAN, Neon Dreams and DJ Shub.

Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day

The City of Vaughan is holding a large celebration at Boyd Conservation Area (8739 Islington Ave.) from noon to 10 p.m. The event includes live performances by Coleman Hell, Michelle Treacy and others. It also features midway rides and inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts and a laser show finale.

Markham – Milne Dam Celebrations (8251 McCowan Road)

Food, kids’ entertainment and a live performances by Francesco Yates will be part of Markham’s  Canada Day celebrations. Fireworks cap off the celebration at sunset.

Fireworks

  • Woodbine beach at Ashbridges Bay at 10 p.m.
  • Nathan Phillips Square on July 1 and daily at 10:55 p.m. from June 30 to July 3
  • CN Tower – a 30-second light show will be followed by five minutes of fireworks set to music at 10:30 p.m.
  • Canada’s Wonderland  – 10 p.m.
  • Humber Bay Park West – at 10:55 p.m.
  • Mel Lastman Square  – at 10:55 p.m.
  • Scarborough Civic Centre – at 10:55 p.m.
  • Milliken District Park (5555 Steeles Ave. E.) will begin at 10 p.m.
  • Stan Wadlow Park at 10 p.m.
  • Toronto Ribfest at Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.) at 10 p.m.
  • Weston Lions Park (2125 Lawrence Ave. W.) at 10 p.m.
  • Amesbury Park (1507 Lawrence Ave. W.) at 9:45 p.m.
  • Mississauga Celebration Square at 10 p.m.
  • Milne Dam Celebrations (8251 McCowan Road) at sunset

Happy Canada Day!