5 things to do this weekend: Ribfest, Pride & Canada Day festivities

As our regular CityNews.ca series continues, we look at events happening in Toronto for a variety of ages and interests on this Canada Day long weekend.

June 28 – July 1

Toronto Argonauts home opener: The defending Grey Cup champions open their 140th season Friday night at the Rogers Centre, where the Argos will take on their rival the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The game will include a pre-game presentation with a banner raising ceremony, ring presentation, and much more. Rogers Centre. Friday, 7 p.m. Tickets:  $20-105. www.argonauts.ca

Toronto Ribfest: Centennial Park’s annual ribfest returns this year with more great food and fun. The festival includes a world-famous variety of barbecue, as well as carnival rides and games, live music, and a Canada Day fireworks display. Centennial Park. June 28-July 1. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $2. www.torontoribfest.com

Scotiabank CHIN Picnic: Come join over 2,500 participants, artists, and performers this weekend at the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic. Enjoy entertainment from many different cultural communities, including Italy, Portugal, China, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as a performance from Canadian music icons Platinum Blonde. June 29 – July 1. 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. Exhibition Place. Free. www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com

Pride Parade: Toronto’s Pride Week comes to an end on Sunday with the 33rd annual Pride Parade. Come out and show your support for diversity and equality and get a look at all the colourful and creative costumes and dances that are part of the parade. June 30. 2 p.m. Begins at Bloor Street & Church Street and ends at Dundas Square. Free. www.pridetoronto.com/parade

City Summer 2013: Click here to read our full Pride Week preview

Canada Day festivities:

Mel Lastman Square:  Everyone is invited to come and join in a day of family fun and festivities at the square. Special guests include world-champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig, dance company Northbuck Krumping and Zero Gravity Circus. Canadian artists She King and Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter Derek Miller will also perform. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display. Mel Lastman Square. July 1. 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Free. www.toronto.com/events/canada-day-at-mel-lastman-square

Canada Day at Queens’ Park: Torontonians are encouraged to bring their families to the lawns of the Ontario legislature to help celebrate Canada Day as a community. Festivities include music, dance, children’s shows and a taste of Toronto’s locally grown foods. Queen’s Park. July 1. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Free.  www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/canadaday

Canada Day at Harbourfront Centre: Harbourfront Centre is officially opening its new Canada Square this weekend just in time for all the Canada Day festivities. Head down and join the celebration with music, dance and food, and be sure to catch their spectacular Canada Eve Fireworks presentation. Harbourfront Centre. June 28-July 1. Free. www.harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/canadaday

Scarborough Canada Day celebrations: Scarborough is holding its 46th annual Canada Day celebration, and it will include a free pancake breakfast, buskers, bouncy inflatables, entertainment, a craft show and hot-air balloon rides. The festivities will end with the annual Canada Day parade, which will begin at 4 p.m. west of the Scarborough Civic Centre, and a fireworks display beginning at dusk at Milliken Park. Thompson Park. July 1. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. www.insidetoronto.com/events

City Summer 2013: Click here to read our full Canada Day preview

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