The Little Paper

No need to sit around inside this summer! Pop on your sunhat and head out to any one of these wonderful Happenings in a park near you or, make an adventure of it and check out a distant greenspace!

25 June-5 September

DREAM IN HIGH PARK: ROMEO AND JULIET

High Park Amphitheatre
High Park (near Grenadier Café)
416-367-8243x280
www.canadianstage.com
Tue-Sun: 8pm; Gate opens 6pm; PWYC $20 suggested minimum donation, under 14 free
William Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers and feuding families directed by Dora Award-winner Vikki Anderson.

27 June-19 September

OUTDOOR CONCERTS- TORONTO MUSIC GARDEN

Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay W
416-973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Thursdays: 7pm, Most Sundays: 4pm; Free, weather permitting
Free outdoor concerts and dance performances take place in the fantastic Music Garden by the water.

28 June-26 August

SUMMER-IN-THE-PARK (0-5YRS W/CAREGIVER

June Rowlands Park
Mt Pleasant & Davisville
Central Eglinton Community Centre: 416-392-0511
www.centraleglinton.com
28 Jun-22 Jul, 3-26 Aug $75/family/mth (famlies choose 2 days per week, Mon-Thu)
Call CECC to register
Crafts, stories, games, a music circle, snacks and free play in a well-shaded environment. The June Rowlands Park playground area encourages gross motor skills, while the supervised wading pool keeps the children and adults cool in the warm weather.

29 June-1 September

CIRCLESING AT THE PARK

www.circlesing.com
Wednesdays (except 14 Jul): 11am, High Park Adventure Playground; Tuesdays: 11am, Dufferin Grove Park (weather permitting); PWYC/$5 suggested minimum
Jennie Lea brings her irrepressible enthusiasm to a PWYC drop-in, join-in summer music performance for little people. Take a picnic along and spread out a blanket.

4 July-30 August

JUNIOR SPROUTS GARDEN ADVENTURE DROP-IN

Franklin Children’s Garden
Centre Island
416-338-0338
www.toronto.ca/parks/franklin.htm
Daily: 1-4pm Free, drop-in
Varied activities including crafts, environmental fun and gardening.

10 July

TWELFTH NIGHT

Withrow Park
Danforth & Logan
905-576-2396
www.driftwoodtheatre.com
7:30pm; PWYC
Enjoy an evening under the stars and watch one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Twelfth Night tells the story of one young woman’s journey of self-discovery amid a strange, new world after a tragic shipwreck separates her from her brother.

10-11, 24-25 July

COMMUNITY ART: WHEN IN DROUGHT

Brick works
550 Bayview Ave (btwn Prince Edward Viaduct and Pottery Rd)
416-596-1495
www.evergreen.ca
10am-4pm; Drop in, donations appreciated
Work with artists-in-residence to create a holistic watering system in the children’s garden using natural, repurposed and construction materials. Help create aqueducts, bicycle and windmill pumps, flow forms, watering cans and watch the water flow throughout the season.

11, 25 July, 8, 22 Aug

HIGH PARK WALKING TOURS

Meet at benches across from Grenadier Cafe
416-392-7485
www.highpark.org
10:30am-12pm; Free/Donations welcome
Moderately paced, naturalist led walking tours held on every second and fourth Sunday morning throughout the year. Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and may go on wooded trails, so please remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. 11 Jul: Summer Sunshine Photo-Buff Walk, 25 Jul: Caterpillars to Butterflies, 8 Aug: Plants of the Oak Savannah, 22 Aug: Behind the Scenes at Canstage

13 July

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALKS: ORIENTEERING

High Park Nature Centre
430 Parkside Dr
416-392-1748 x 2
www.highparknaturecentre.com
1-3pm; Free
Meet at the Centre; Find your way through an orienteering course with a map and a compass. Participate in naturalist activities along the way. Bring the whole family and be prepared to walk along trails for at least 1 hour.

18 July

GARDEN DREAMS GALA

High Park Children’s Garden
Colborne Lodge Dr, S end of High Park
416-338-5055
12-4pm; Free
Enjoy fun activities and special guests. Hunt for garden critters, get your face painted, check out the worm composter. A free garden harvest lunch will be provided while supplies last.

18 July, 22 August

MOVIES IN THE PARK: RIVERDALE

Riverdale Park East
550 Broadview Ave
www.moviesinthepark.wordpress.com
Free
Friends, families and neighbours come together to watch a PG rated movie. Picnics, thermoses, blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Each movie night supports a local charity. Movies will begin at sundown and there is a concession stand on site.

23-24 July

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Etienne Brule Park
Behind Old Mill Inn
416-209-2026
http://humberrivershakespeare.ca
7pm; PWYC
Join the Humber River Shakespeare Company on the grounds of the Inn for this classic in the park. Bring your own chairs. Expect exciting swordplay, high adventure and low comedy in this version set in the world of Hollywood’s pirates.

27 July

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALKS: MOTH NIGHT

High Park
Meet at the benches across from Grenadier Café in High Park
416-392-1748 x 6
www.highpark.org
8:15-10pm; Free
Discover the “butterflies of the night” at the annual High Park Moth Night. Members of the Toronto Entomologists Association will set up special lights and show how to identify moths. Please remember to bring your flashlights and insect collection boxes!

27-29 July

TWELFTH NIGHT

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Queen/Ossington
905-576-2396
www.driftwoodtheatre.com
7:30pm; PWYC
Enjoy an evening under the stars and watch one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Twelfth Night tells the story of one young woman’s journey of self-discovery amid a strange, new world after a tragic shipwreck separates her from her brother.

29 July

ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE SUMMERFEST

Michael Power Park
SE Corner Dundas St W at Michael Power Place
416-259-2249
www.laurelbroten.onmpp.ca
6-8pm; Join Laurel Broten MPP for refreshments, Entertainment, Live Music and Children’s activities.

31 July-1 August

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Montgomery’s Inn
4709 Dundas St W
416-231-3504
31 Jul: 7pm, 1 Aug: 2pm; PWYC
Join the Humber River Shakespeare Company on the grounds of the Inn for this classic in the park. Bring your own chairs. Expect exciting swordplay, high adventure and low comedy in this version set in the world of Hollywood’s pirates.

3 August

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALKS: FAIRY HIKE

High Park Nature Centre
430 Parkside Dr
416-392-1748 x 2
www.highparknaturecentre.com
1-3pm; Free
Meet at the Centre Explore the world of fairies and gnomes in the High Park woodlands. Travel the trails and learn their secret hideouts, food sources and written language.

3-8 August

DUSK DANCES

Withrow Park
S of Danforth, btwn Logan and Carlaw
416-504-6429x41
www.duskdances.ca
Band starts 7pm, dance starts 7:30pm; PWYC
An outdoor dance festival featuring high quality contemporary and traditional dance. At dusk, a theatrical host leads the audience to varied dance performances which unfold in different areas of the park.

7-8 August

GUILD ALIVE WITH CULTURE

Guildwood Park
201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
416-396-7222
www.paulainslie.com
10am-5pm; Free Admission
An arts festival at the Guild with artist’s market, farmer’s market, storytelling, musical performances, children’s activities and food.

12-15 August

DUSK DANCES

Chalkfarm Park, Jane/Wilson
S of Danforth, btwn Logan and Carlaw
416-504-6429x41
www.duskdances.ca
Band starts 7pm, dance starts 7:30pm; PWYC
An outdoor dance festival featuring high quality contemporary and traditional dance. At dusk, a theatrical host leads the audience to varied dance performances which unfold in different areas of the park.

17 August

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALKS: AWESOME NATURE

High Park Nature Centre
430 Parkside Dr
416-392-1748 x 2
www.highparknaturecentre.com
1-3pm; Free
Explore some of the super heroes of High Park. From the strength of spider webbing to the amount of water a willow sucks up daily. High Park’s Flora and Fauna will amaze you.

19-22 August

DUSK DANCES

Earlscourt Park
St Clair Ave W/Caledonia Rd
416-504-6429x41
www.duskdances.ca
Band starts at 7pm, dance starts at 7:30pm; PWYC
An outdoor dance festival of high quality contemporary and traditional dance. At dusk, a theatrical host leads the audience to varied dance performances which unfold in different areas of the park.

22 August

ART IN NATURE FESTIVAL

High Park Children’s Garden
Colborne Lodge Dr, S end of High Park
416-338-5055
12-4pm; Free
Explore the beauty of nature through arts and crafts. Enjoy fun activities and fantastic special guests. All ages welcome. A garden harvest lunch will be provided while it lasts

28 August

ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE SUMMERFEST

Mimico Square, Amos Waites Park
Intersection of Mimico Ave and Lake Shore Blvd W
416-259-2249
www.laurelbroten.onmpp.ca
2-4pm; Join Laurel Broten MPP for refreshments, Entertainment, Live Music and Children’s activities.

31 August

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALKS: WILD EDIBLES

High Park Nature Centre
430 Parkside Dr
416-392-1748 x 2
www.highparknaturecentre.com
1-3pm; Free
Late summer is a season of plenty in High Park. Learn what’s edible and how to taste it safely. Samples might include wild raspberries, wild grapes, dandelion, acorns and many other trail-side delicacies.

Until 19 September

GARDEN TOURS- TORONTO MUSIC GARDEN

Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
416-973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Wed: 11am, Thu: 5:30pm; Free
Explore the spectacular parade of seasonal blooms while learning about the Garden’s unique design and history on a 45-minute walking tour led by Toronto Botanical Garden volunteer guides. Tours start at the west end of the garden in the Prelude section.

Tuesdays, Sundays

MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA

Dufferin Grove Park
875 Dufferin St
416-392-0913
www.dufferinpark.ca
Tue: 12-2pm, Sun: 1-3pm; $2.50/pizza
Drop-in
Make your own pizza in the wood fired bread ovens. If you plan to bring a big group (more than 9 people) call ahead to warn the staff.

Wednesdays

HISTORIC GARDEN TOURS

Spadina Museum
285 Spadina Rd, 416-392-6910
1:30pm, 3:30pm; Tour the house’s six acres of restored Victorian gardens with Spadina’s knowledgeable gardening staff. See over 300 varieties of plants in their original setting.

Thursdays: 15, 22, 29 July

STORIES IN THE PARK

High Park Library
228 Roncesvalles Ave
416-393-7671
10-10:50am; Free
A lovely gathering in the Parkette behind the library becomes a playground for stories, music and interactive stuff. No program if it rains, bring a blanket.

Thursdays from 8 July

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Mill Pond
Richmond Hill, 905-771-5508
Free, cost for BBQ items
Enjoy an exciting line-up of musical talent. Bring lawn chairs, blankets or cushions to sit on. If you’re peckish, there’s a barbecue before each concert with al proceeds raised going towards the concert series. Special Children’s Concerts: 15 Jul: Jack Grunsky (7-8pm), 25 Jul: Judy & David (4-5pm), 19 Aug: Erick Traplin (7-8pm)

FAMILY DROP-IN

High Park Children’s Garden
Colborne Lodge Dr, S end of High Park
416-338-5055
10am-12pm; Free
Drop-in for a morning of fun and hands-on activities in the garden! Help care for the vegetables and flowers, search for insects on the natural hillside, enjoy story time and a garden snack.

Fridays

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPERS

Dufferin Grove Park
875 Dufferin St
416-392-0913
www.dufferinpark.ca
6-7:30pm; $6/main, $2/soup or salad, $2-$3/dessert
Drop-in, weather permitting. Enjoy a scrumptious supper while contributing to park programming, all surplus funds go right back into the park. There is always a vegetarian or meat main dish made from produce fresh from the Thursday farmers’ market.

OUTDOOR MUSIC CONCERTS

Benares Historic House

1507 Clarkson Rd N, Mississagua
905-615-4860
www.museumsofmississauga.com
7:30pm; PWYC; No concert on 16 Jul
A lovely summer concert with acts ranging from South Indian Violin to 60s and 70’s classics. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug repellent. Refreshments available for purchase.

Fridays from 30 July

FAMILY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS

Kelso Conservation Area
Milton
905-878-5011
www.conservationhalton.on.ca
8-11pm; Free w/gate fees; Ends 20 Aug
Spread out on your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a flick in the great outdoors. Popcorn and drinks available. 30 Jul: Alvin & the Chipmunks The Squeakquel; 6 Aug: Night at the Museum 2, 20 Aug: Up

Fridays from 9 July

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Downsview Park
Raised parking lot off Carl Hall Rd-look for the signs
416-952-2222
www.downsviewpark.ca
Dusk-approx 9pm; Free, visit website to confirm movie listings, indoor location incase of rain.
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, family and friends and enjoy a movie under the stars as the sun sets at Downsview Park. Food and Beverages are welcome, alcohol and barbeques are not. 2 Jul: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 9 Jul: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, 16 Jul: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, 23 Jul: Where the Wild Things Are, 30 Jul: Fantastic Mr. Fox, 6 Aug: Star Trek, 13 Aug: Shorts, 20 Aug: Planet 51, 27 Aug: The Blind Side, 1 Sep: Inkheart

31 July, 28 August

NATURE NUT CLUB (7-12YRS)

Brick works
550 Bayview Ave (btwn Prince Edward Viaduct and Pottery Rd)
416-596-1495
www.evergreen.ca
10am-12pm; $20/session, email to register
A monthly club full of hands-on fun. Activities change with the seasons and include nature games, frog and turtle monitoring, snowshoeing, animal tracking, local food harvesting, vegetable gardening and gardening for urban wildlife. Parents are required to stay on-site while children are at the club, and the Farmers’ Market and Evergreen Gardens are conveniently open at the same time. 31 Jul: Curious Creepy Crawlers, 28 Aug: Survival Games

Saturdays

PARK YOGA

416-466-8152
www.atmashaktiyoga.com/ParkYoga
Free, drop-in
Outdoor Yoga classes. Saturdays, 10-11am: Riverdale Park (by the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Statue, near Bridgepoint Hospital); Sundays, 10:30-11:30am: Greenwood Park (in front of skating arena), Sundays, 6-7pm, Wednesdays: 7-8pm: Withrow Park (under the trees, South end of soccer field). Bring a mat to practice.

Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK

Yorkville Park
Bellair & Cumberland
416-928-3553
www.bloor-yorkville.com
2-5pm (weather permitting); Free
Free concerts in the Village of Yorkville Park. Enjoy the ambient, smooth summer sounds ranging from jazz to flamenco to Celtic soul.

Sundays

DREAM IN HIGH PARK: FAMILY DAYS (4YRS+)

High Park Amphitheatre
High Park (near Grenadier Café)
416-367-8243x266
www.canadianstage.com
5-6:30pm, held pre-show; Free, reservation required
Interactive activities for children, parents and families with backstage tours, crafts, games, meet the cast and more.

MUSIC AT MOUNT PLEASANT - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Mount Pleasant Cemetery
375 Mount Pleasant Rd
416-485-9129
http://friends.mountpleasantgroup.com
2-3pm; Music at Mount Pleasant returns to showcase Royal Conservatory students performing classical and favourite pieces. Mount Pleasant Cemetery’s 205 acres of tranquil beauty will be the backdrop for free concerts. Limited seating, please bring your own chairs or blankets.

4, 25 July & 22 August

P.I.N.E. PROJECT: TRACKING & NATURE CLUB

www.pineproject.org
PWYC
The Tracking and Nature Club runs every three weeks or so, it’s purpose is to learn more about nature, wildlife, and tracking and inspire nature connection. 4 Jul: 2:30-5:30pm, High Park, meet at the Zoo, 25 Jul: 3-5pm, Sunnyside Beach, 22 Aug: 2-5pm, Humber Valley, Meet in Kings Mill Parking Lot.