Air show tops last long weekend of summer; what’s open on Labour Day

By Samantha Knight and Patricia D'Cunha

The last hurrah of summer is upon us – the Labour Day long weekend. While some will be heading to the cottage to soak in the last remnants of the season, others will be enjoying what their city or town has to offer or wrapping up back-to-school shopping.

For those who are staying in Toronto, below is a curated list of events happening around the city. Also check our roundup of what’s open and closed on holiday Monday.


Events

Canadian International Air Show
Keep your eyes and ears to the skies over Lake Ontario this long weekend. The Canadian International Air Show is back for its 68th annual event, just south of the CNE grounds. This year’s display will feature a United States Heritage flight, with the F-22 Raptor and P-51 Mustang. Canada’s icons of the air, the CF Snowbirds, will wow fans with their high-speed aerial performance and the CF-18 Hornet will also rip through the sky. The Canadian International Air Show takes flight Saturday through holiday Monday, with all shows scheduled to begin at noon.

Canada’s Wonderland fireworks
Don’t let the last long weekend of the summer get you down. You can still revel in the season by watching spectacular fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland. The light show, which is set to music, is at 10 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Canada’s Wonderland Food Truck Festival
Indulge in 15 delicious food truck offerings this weekend at Canada’s Wonderland Food Truck Festival. The event is in its third year and runs from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the ‘action zone.’ There will also be live performances by Mike Walmsley Band and Stacey Renee.

Ontario Science Centre Community Day
Spend part of your long weekend at the Ontario Science Centre – for free. The Science Centre is hosting its annual Community Day this Saturday, offering free admission to all exhibits and special programming from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. IMAX film tickets will be $9 for all ages. Community Day programs include the Telus Connected Playground, The Energy Show, Science HotSpot and Planetarium Shows.

Fan Expo
Over 100,000 fans of all things comic, anime, sci-fi, horror and gaming will be flocking to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for Fan Expo. The event kicks off on Thursday at 4 p.m. and runs until Sunday at 5 p.m. Attendees can dress up, get autographs/photos with their favourite guests, explore 400,000 square feet of merchandise and get the inside scoop about movies and TV shows at celebrity panels. Special guests include Tim Curry from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Norman Reedus of the “Walking Dead,” and the cast of “Stranger Things.” Fan Expo Canada is in its 23rd year.

 

Electric Island
Electric Island is taking over Hanlan’s point for a massive finale concert this Labour Day weekend. The dance party and picnic features two stages with musicians including Claude Vonstroke, Chris Liebing, Dusky, Dixon, Yotto and Soul Clap. It runs on Sunday and Labour Day.

Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy
Immerse yourself in musicians, sketch artists and entertainers this long weekend at the Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy. The event will take place at Woodbine Park Friday through Sunday. It features over 100 performers from around the world, including Beat the Streets, Becky Hoops, Captain Cowboy and the Money Maker, The Chalk Chick and Strong Lady. Admission is by donation, with $5 suggested per person, or $10 per family.

What’s open and closed on Monday

Open

  • TTC will run on holiday service
  • GO will run on a Sunday schedule
  • Tourist attractions: Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada’s Wonderland, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario Science Centre, Canada’s Wonderland, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo
  • Several malls: Bramalea City Centre (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Eaton Centre (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Pacific Mall (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Square One (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), The Promenade (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Toronto Premium Outlets (9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Upper Canada Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Vaughan Mills Mall (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Hillcrest Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Yorkville Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • City-run facilities: 10 outdoor pools (the rest close at 4 p.m. on Sunday), splash pads, golf courses, Fort York and Spadina museums, High Park Zoo, and the Toronto Island Park. Click here for more information.

 

Closed

  • All LCBO and Beer stores
  • Most grocery stores (select ones are open but call ahead)
  • Some malls: Dufferin Mall, Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, Yorkdale Shopping Centre
  • Government offices, municipal buildings, and banks
  • All Toronto Public Library branches (they are also closed on Sunday)
  • City-run indoor pools, wading pools close for the season on Sunday afternoon
  • Garbage collection: Curbside pickup is not provided on any Monday, but other solid waste collection will be affected. Click here for details.
  • No mail delivery

Road closures

Gardiner to Lower Simcoe ramp construction: The intersection of York and Harbour streets will be closed from 9 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Lower Simcoe will be reduced to one lane in both directions through Harbour.

Road closures for events: Closures will be in effect for several events around the city, including Fan Expo Canada,
Buskerfest, Toronto Fashion Week, and the Labour Day Parade. Click here for a list.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today