Labour Day long weekend: What’s on, open/closed info, road closures

The last long weekend of summer is upon us, so make it the best one ever. For those staying in town, below are some of the events taking place.

If you are heading out on Monday, scroll below for a list of what’s open and closed. Bookmark this page for updated road closures as well.

Events

Air show highlights last weekend of CNE
This is the last weekend to enjoy the CNE before it closes up for another season. The main highlight this weekend is the Canadian International Air Show, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. This year’s show features the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team the Red Arrows, which has performed around 5,000 times worldwide since 1965. In keeping with tradition, the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds will be back doing what they do best. The show is scheduled to run from noon to 3 p.m. on each day of the long weekend. While at the CNE, stop by the Rose Garden to check out all things aviation, including the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Glider and other historical exhibits.

Buskers for a good cause
Street performers from around the world such as fire jugglers, magicians, aerial and acrobats artists, and musicians, will converge at Woodbine Park this weekend for the 20th annual Toronto International BuskerFest. The event, which starts on Friday, raises money and awareness for epilepsy. More revelry awaits the kids at the Family Fun Zone, which includes face painting, rides at the midway, interactive games, and a Be A Busker Zone — where kids can learn some of the arts that Buskers perform and trampoline fun to boot. There will also be a beer garden for the adults. Admission to the event is by donation.

WATCH: 20th annual Buskerfest kicks off at Woodbine Park

Art fair at the Distillery
Artists from across Ontario and Quebec will be showcasing various types of their artwork at the four-day Artfest being held at the Distillery. Check out the paintings, pottery, sculpture, glassware, unique jewelry, photography exhibits, and more. There will also be live music and gourmet food, as well as a free art workshop for kids. Admission to the arts festival is free.

Put some jerk in it
If you like spice and barbecued food, then you need to be at Ca-Rib, Jerk and BBQ Fest this weekend. Starting on Friday and until Labour Day, Downsview Park will be sizzling with Caribbean food and the top reggae, dance hall and soca music artists including Shabba Ranks. Tickets are required for the concerts.

A museum birthday party
It has been five years since the Aga Khan Museum opened its doors, and you can be there for the celebration this weekend. Admission to the museum will be free on Saturday and Sunday. The party program includes Persian jazz, Filipino hip-hop, as well as a food fair, art activities, live music, dance classes, and free entrance to the Museum Collection.

What’s open and closed on Monday

Open

• TTC will run on holiday service
• GO will run on a Sunday schedule
• Select Beer Store locations, click here for a list
• 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 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Square One (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), 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 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Hillcrest Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• 10 City of Toronto outdoor pools will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Click here for the list. Splash pads will be available on Labour Day.
• The City’s swimming beaches will be open and supervised from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Fort York and Spadina Museum will also be open, as well as city-run golf courses. Click here for a full list of city-run programming.

Closed

• LCBO stores
• Some malls: Dufferin Mall, Erin Mills Town Centre, 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)
• Garbage collection: Curbside pickup is not provided on any Monday, but other solid waste collection will be affected too. Click here for details.
• No mail delivery
• Aside from the City of Toronto’s 10 outdoor swimming pools, all other outdoor and wading pools will close for the summer season at 4 p.m. on Sunday. All indoor swimming pools will be closed on Labour Day.
• The City’s recreation centres will also be closed.

Road closures

• Section of Bloor Street West (Until the end of December): Bloor Street West between Kipling and Prennan avenues will be closed until the end of December due to construction on the Six Points interchange.
• Labour Day parade (Monday closure): Starting at 9 a.m. and until around 2 p.m., University Avenue from Richmond to Dundas streets will be closed, as well as Armoury Street from University to Chestnut Street, Centre Avenue from Armoury to Dundas, Queen Street West from Bay to Dufferin streets, and Dufferin from Queen to the Exhibition Grounds. Streetcars in the area will be diverted.
• Toronto Fashion Week (Monday-Thursday closure): Hazelton Avenue from Yorkville to Scollard avenues will be closed starting Monday until midnight Thursday.
• Bay Street between Front Street West and Lakeshore Boulevard will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday for the installation of a new glass pedestrian bridge.