Summer isn’t done making its mark here in Toronto.
With the warmer weather still in our midst, there’s time to check out some live music outdoors in the city.
And although Toronto has some pretty amazing spots to catch a show, how about checking out a more unexpected and exciting venue in the city?
I’m talking castles, gardens and more outdoor locations. Let’s dive in.
Sunset Concerts at Casa Loma
Start off with a sunset show at a castle. At Casa Loma, located at 1 Austin Terrace, Grammy-nominated singer and actress Deborah Cox will take the stage as part of their 2025 Sunset Concert Series.
Cox made history in 2022 as the first Black woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Las month she performed at Casa Loma and unveiled her new signature wine Kazaisu.
Cox will perform next on Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and tickets are available online.
Sofar Sounds
While its venue changes, Sofar Sounds generally has epic outdoor shows during the warmer months. As a “global community that connects artists and audiences through unique and intimate experiences,” the initiative hosts concerts around the world, including in Toronto. Guests are unaware of who will be gracing the stage until they actually arrive at the show.
In fact, you won’t even know where the stage is located until 36 hours before the event. It could be a backyard patio, an intimate brewery, someone’s backyard, on the Toronto Islands or even a boat. Locations are kept secret until just under two days before the show.
Coming up in Toronto, Sofar Sounds will host a concert in the Harbourfront area on Aug. 16. They’ll also be hosting a show on the Toronto Islands in collaboration with Red Bull Canada on Aug. 23. Tickets to both performances can be purchased online.
Summer Music in the Garden
At Summer Music in the Garden, music lovers have the chance to enjoy a show at one of the city’s “most enchanting locations.”
The music series began in June and runs until Aug. 28. It features concerts on Thursdays and Sundays at the Toronto Music Garden located at 479 Queens Quay W., between lower Spadina Avenue and Dan Leckie Way. All performances are free.
On Aug. 14, catch Belinda Corpuz and on Aug. 17, check out Tara Kannangara and Chris Pruden. On Aug. 21, Ensemble Jeng Yi will take the stage and on Aug. 24, Charlotte Siegel and Nate Ben-Horin will perform. The final show will feature Bunna Lawrie with Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators on Aug. 28.
SummerSeries at Trillium Park
Throughout the summer, Trillium Park, located on Toronto’s waterfront at Ontario Place, has hosted a lineup of live music with a stunning lakeside backdrop.
Coming up on Aug. 16 and 17, the third annual It’s OK* World outdoor free festival will take over the park to showcase the vibrant and diverse talent within Toronto’s Black arts community.
On Aug. 23, The Hustle will spotlight primarily local, new and emerging artists with a focus on hip hop R&B, soul and beat-driven instrumental genres. Presented by The Academy, 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of their marquee concert series. Free tickets are available online.
And on Aug. 24, City Hall Live will return to Trillium Park for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live music, dance lessons and entertainment. There will also be food vendors, an artisan market and an on-site bar. Trillium Park is located at 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Music Shows On The River
How about watching a concert from a boat? At Music Shows on the River, concert goers paddle along the Humber River to enjoy a set from a local Toronto artist.
Presented by Toronto Adventures, the event starts at their Humber River Paddling Centre, located only a five-minute walk from Old Mill TTC station. From there, the team will get you signed in and set up on a boat to embark on a scenic paddle. Once you reach your destination, you’ll be able to enjoy a 45-minute show.
The experience will run on Aug. 22, Sept. 12 and 26 and tickets can be purchased online. You’ll find the paddling centre at 9 Old Mill Rd.
Edwards Summer Music Series
At the Toronto Botanical Garden, there are free performances showcasing contemporary talent. Set within the natural beauty of the garden, concerts take place on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., with general seating available on a first-come basis.
On Aug. 14, experience the “Music and Dance from Mary’s Garden” show or visit on Aug. 21 for The North Sound. And stop by early to join in on the pre-concert tour of the garden from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be a selfie station and other pre-show activities that kick off at 5 p.m.
Toronto Botanical Garden is located at 777 Lawrence Ave. E.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.toronto.com ’
