Five things to do in Toronto on the Canada Day weekend

Five things to do in Toronto on the Canada Day weekend

Things-to-do-in-Toronto
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In this edition of The Long Weekender, a Canada Day celebration (fireworks included) at Mel Lastman Square, Toronto Ribfest and more things to do in Toronto.

EVENTS
Canada Day Celebration at Mel Lastman Square (FREE!)
The City of Toronto is celebrating the country’s birthday at North York Centre with a fireworks display, aerial acrobats, performances by Juno Award-winners She King and Aboriginal singer-songwriter Derek Miller and craft stations where children can create moose puppets and hats. Everybody is invited to leave a birthday message to the nation in chalk on the square. July 1. Mel Lastman Square, Toronto Bike Month

MUSIC
Elliot Brood (FREE!)
Canadian three-piece alt-country band Elliot Brood is headlining a weekend of free music at Harbourfront Centre. The Juno Award-winning group’s hard-hitting, banjo-driven sound is sometimes even referred to as “death country.” June 29. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4600, harbourfrontcentre.com

FOOD
Toronto Ribfest
The three-day fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke brings 16 different barbecue houses from across Canada and the U.S to Centennial Park to serve ribs. There’s also live music, carnival rides, ponies and a climbing wall for entertainment (plus the chance to meet the minions from Despicable Me). $2. June 28-July 1. Centennial Park, Eglington Ave. W. & Centennial Park Blvd., torontoribfest.com

MUSIC
Digital Dreams
The electronic dance music spectacle returns after its first run last year. Three stages showcase deejays, producers and other electronic music-makers, including EDM icon Paul van Dyk, dubstep DJ Datsik and Dutch house musician Tiesto. $149. June 29-30. The Flats at Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 1-855-985-5000, ticketmaster.ca

SPORTS
Canada Day Regatta

Few boat races have the Canada Day Regatta’s pedigree. For the 129th year, there will be 99 rowing, kayaking, canoeing and dragon boat races at Centre Island. July 1. $7 for a ferry ticket. Toronto Centre Island, ddra.ca