Welcome to Things to Do in Toronto for Thursday, August 28, 2025! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we’re your go-to guide for what’s happening right now in the city. As of this morning, Toronto is waking up to a mix of blue sky and scattered clouds with pleasant, late-summer warmth—perfect weather for outdoor adventures or relaxed urban exploring. The air quality is in the safe range, so no worries about taking deep breaths of that classic Toronto city air.

The city is alive with energy, and there’s no shortage of exciting events today. Here’s a curated snapshot of what you can experience:

- The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is in full swing at Exhibition Place. This is Toronto’s quintessential summer festival with carnival rides, wild food vendors (pickle lemonade, anyone?), agricultural displays, live concerts, and a midway buzzing from morning to night. Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast as the festival heads into its peak[1].
- Looking for a family-friendly event? The DTM Kids Block Party takes over the Pride of Canada Carousel in Downtown Markham from 11 AM to 2 PM. Expect games, music, snacks, and fun activities for kids of all ages—it’s the perfect option for young families looking to be out and about before school routines kick in[4].
- If you’re in the mood for something more casual and community-oriented, join the free English Practice Meetup at 3 PM. It’s a welcoming space to practice your English conversation skills with locals and travelers alike, perfect for newcomers or anyone wanting to brush up in a friendly, supportive environment[10].
- On the nightlife front, several concerts and pop-up DJ nights are happening in the Entertainment District. Don’t forget to check the latest from your favorite venues—there’s usually something for every music taste, from indie rock to electronic beats[1][9].

Turning to city news: There’s been a push to ease school-area congestion as kids return next week. The TTC will ramp up bus service on 32 routes starting September 2, focusing on routes near schools. Children under 12 ride for free, making family public transit trips easier and more affordable[8]. In restaurant news, keep an eye out for soft launches and patio pop-ups, especially around Queen West and Ossington—Toronto’s food scene keeps reinventing itself, so there’s always something new to sample.

For must-do activities today, why not mix classic and hidden Toronto? Climb the CN Tower for unbeatable city views, soak in marine wonders at Ripley’s Aquarium, or wander through the opulent halls of Casa Loma—these attractions are bundled with Toronto CityPASS for a handy all-in-one deal[6]. Craving a local experience? Head to Kensington Market to explore eclectic vintage shops, global eats, and vibrant murals—a true pulse-point of Toronto’s multicultural roots.

Need a tip to feel like a local? When using public transit, always tap off your PRESTO card for accurate fare calculation, especially if transferring between GO Transit and TTC. Also, if it’s your first CNE, tradition is to end your night with a ride on the Ferris wheel—views of a sparkling city skyline are hard to beat.

And for those planning ahead: mark your calendars for the Water Lantern Festival coming up next month—a magical night of art, music, and glowing lanterns set to illuminate Toronto’s lakeside parks[9]. Also, garlic lovers, the annual Toronto Garlic Festival is just a month away, promising pungent bites and lively street programming[7]. Tune in tomorrow for a fresh batch of city happenings and unmissable weekend previews!

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