Weekend need-to-know: Celebrate Caribbean Carnival on the August long weekend

It’s officially midway through the summer, and what better way to mark it than celebrating the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this long weekend. Keep in mind, the August Civic Holiday is not a designated fireworks day, and residents are only permitted to set off fireworks on their property if they have obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are not allowed in city parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or other private property.

Canada’s Wonderland will be having fireworks just before it closes at 9:45 p.m. Caribbean Carnival The largest Caribbean Carnival in North America is happening this long weekend with a multitude of events across the city, including the Grand Parade taking place on Saturday. Masqueraders and steelpan performers will take over Lake Shore Boulevard for the annual parade, with millions from around the world tuning in to see the live performers in person and online.

The parade will leave from the Exhibition Place grounds and travel westbound on Lake Shore before turning at Jameson and heading back to Exhibition. Everyone is invited to attend, with most of the areas along the route free to access. Family-friendly events, along with parties at Rebel, Markham Fairgrounds, and more nightclubs, will be happening throughout the weekend.

You can find a full lineup of events on their website. Veld Music Festival Electronic dance music will take over Downsview Park along with thousands of attendees for the annual Veld Music Festival. Each day represents a new theme with Y2K on Friday, Enchanted Forest on Day 2 and finishing off with Thunderdome on Sunday.

Interactive art and immersive experiences will also be happening alongside the performers. Tickets are still available, both single day and for the whole weekend. A full lineup of artists is available on their website.

National Bank Open Victoria Mboko will look to defend her hometown title when the National Bank Open kicks off this weekend in Toronto. The women’s tournament is back in the city and will also feature Leylah Annie Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu, Kayla Cross, Rebecca Marino, Katherine Sebov and Cadence Brace. The preliminary rounds for the nearly two-week tournament begin on Saturday.