Open the doors to Toronto this weekend, as summer weather steps in

By Patricia D'Cunha and Patrick Luciani

After what seems like an eternity, summer weather arrived this past week to the delight of everyone in the GTA. As the temperatures and humidity heat up this weekend, there is the potential for thunderstorms. There are several outdoor events taking place this weekend, so as you make your plans, listen to 680 NEWS for the latest forecast.


Doors Open
This weekend, you can walk through the doors of several buildings in the city that you’ve always wanted to, but wondered, ‘can I just walk in?’ Doors Open is your ticket to access more than 130 buildings of historical, cultural, architectural, and social significance, including the Citytv building at Yonge-Dundas Square. This year, the theme of the event is Film: The Great Romance – showcasing the city’s place in North America as a film and TV powerhouse. Film enthusiasts will be able to explore spaces usually not open to the public, including film and TV studios, post-production facilities, as well as historic cinemas and buildings featured in movies and TV shows. Some of the film spaces that will be open to the public include Filmport Studio, Fox Theatre, Sim Lighting and Grip, and Sim Post Sound.

Pedestrian Sundays
The pedestrian-friendly and vehicle-free festival in Kensington Market returns for its 15th year on Sunday. The streets in the area are open to pedestrians the last Sunday of each month from May to October, from noon to 7 p.m. Roads in the area are closed during that time. Join the street party as musicians and other artists entertain passersby, stop at a cafe to indulge in a snack, browse the outdoor art market, or just experience what the neighbourhood has to offer.

Woofstock
Dog lovers will likely go barking mad at Woodbine Park this weekend, for the 15th annual Woofstock. This world-renowned event is expected to draw tens of thousands of fluffy pooches, along with dozens of vendors from across North America. And there will be plenty of opportunities to melt your heart out at the sight of all the adorable dogs during events like dog races, talent shows, and even a Mr. & Ms. Canine Canadian Pageant. Weekend passes cost $12 for anyone aged 11 and up. Just make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and your best friend during this hot weekend.

Spring Bird Festival
Celebrate the diverse population of birds in Toronto at the bird festival taking place at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on Saturday. An estimated 50 million birds fly over or through Toronto as they make their way north to the Arctic and Boreal forest regions. The city is known as a “migratory superhighway” for birds, and many stop in Toronto for a break before they continue their journey. You can learn more about spring migration at the festival, as well as take part in bird tours, interact with birds, and other fun activities.

Junction Farmers Market
A sure sign summer is right around the corner, this Saturday marks the grand opening of the Junction Farmers Market. You may want to save your grocery shopping for this opportunity to buy local, sustainably produced fresh food. Come out and celebrate the start of the new season with nearly two dozen vendors. The market will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Nov. 3.

Toronto Poutine Fest
If you love poutine — and really, who doesn’t? — then, Yonge-Dundas Square is the place to be this weekend. The foodie festival started on Thursday and continues until Sunday. You can sample or dive into the more than 50 types of poutine from the classic to gourmet varieties. So after you visit Citytv for Doors Open, stop by Yonge-Dundas Square for some poutine.

Canadian National Barista Competition
If you find yourself looking for inspiration to step up your espresso-making game, then look no further than the Harbourfront Center this weekend. Barista’s will be brewing up their best at the Canadian National Barista Competition, with a qualifying round taking place Saturday, and the final round on Sunday. Coffee lovers will be able to watch the best in the industry showcase their innovative ways of making espressos at the Harbourfront’s Lakeside Terrance.

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