Welcome to Things to Do in Toronto! It’s Friday, August 8, 2025—a perfect day to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities. As you kick off your weekend, the city is buzzing with summer energy: skies are clear, the temperature is a comfortable 24°C, and the air quality is excellent—ideal conditions to get outside and enjoy everything Toronto has to offer.

Toronto’s current vibe is electric with anticipation as major festivals and cultural happenings take over downtown and the waterfront. Locals and visitors alike are taking in live music, international flavors, and a jam-packed calendar of events. Here are the top picks for today:

- The Toronto Waterfront Night Market starts this evening at Hotel X, Exhibition Grounds. This annual Pan-Asian street festival is the place to munch on dazzling street food, sip creative cocktails, and stroll through the magical Illuminasian Lantern Experience—all while DJs and live performances bring the energy. Note: Friday and Saturday nights are 19+ only, so it’s perfect for a fun adult evening out[1].

- Calling film lovers! The Mulan International Film Festival launches tonight, celebrating Chinese-language cinema with 38 films across 10 days. Whether you’re craving acclaimed classics or fresh new voices from across Asia, every screening comes with English subtitles and individual tickets start at just $10[10].

- For comedy fans, Mo Amer’s “El Oso Palestino” tour lands at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres tonight. Expect razor-sharp wit and plenty of laughs from one of stand-up’s rising stars[7].

- If you’re up for something unique, check out one of today’s popular guided walking or biking tours: wander the artistic streets of Kensington Market, uncover hidden donut shops, or cycle through downtown’s historic core[4].

In local news, Toronto remains a city in motion. Subway riders can expect routine TTC service today—no known service interruptions[3]. Meanwhile, the recent Ontario court decision on bike lanes is still making waves, with Premier Ford vowing to press on with infrastructure upgrades despite ongoing debates[5]. Foodies, keep your eyes peeled: a cluster of new restaurants and summer pop-ups are opening in Queen West and Chinatown, adding more options to Toronto’s already world-class dining scene[3][6].

Wondering what to do right now? Head up the iconic CN Tower for panoramic views, or take a ferry to Toronto Islands to escape the urban bustle and enjoy the lakeside breezes[3]. Make a stop at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario—both offer cool, indoor diversions and exceptional exhibits[3]. For those seeking something a little off the beaten path, try a “Guess Where Trips” surprise day trip—they’re designed for adventurers who love discovering hidden gems, all within a short drive of downtown[9].

Local tip: Toronto’s waterfront trails run for over 50 kilometers—rent a bike or join a cycling tour to discover urban parks, public art, and secret patios right along Lake Ontario[4]. If you’re driving or hailing a cab tonight, remember major events mean traffic can be heavy around Exhibition Place and the downtown theatre district.

Before we sign off, keep your calendars open for tomorrow’s big events—WNMFEST swings into another night, the film fest runs through the week, and family-friendly summer markets will be popping up at St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District.

Thanks for tuning in—enjoy Toronto, and see you tomorrow for more things to do!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI