Plan an unforgettable summer without breaking the bank
By: Mayra
Feeling the urge to have an epic summer without sacrificing your budget? 😌 Well, you’ve come to the right internet corner! As a recent graduate, I’ve spent hours looking for all the perks, events, community offerings, cultural happenings, and really, just any fun activity that would make both my heart and my wallet happy. Luckily for us, there are TONS of free events and activities happening around the GTA, you just have to know where to look 👀.
From outdoor yoga and movie nights to artsy events and music festivals, I’ve researched and rounded up the best free summer happenings so you can skip the overwhelm and get straight to the fun 🏝🤩.
Most of these events happen every year (or all year long), but make sure to double-check the links and official accounts for the latest updates from the organizers!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from June 7 to September 28
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Touch grass, stretch your entire body, and pause everything at this series of free yoga classes running from June 7 to September 28, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each session blends Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, with a focus on mindfulness meditation, core strength, and connecting mind, body and soul. Classes are open to participants of all levels and take place rain or shine. Registration is not required! Bring comfy clothes, a yoga mat, your water bottle, and sun protection.
Check the full schedule here.
2. Dancing on The Square
When: Every Wednesday in July and August
Where: Harbourfront Centre
If you love dancing, this is THE event for you. From salsa to swing, soca to line dancing, each week brings a new dancing style to learn!
The best thing about this space is that it's beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to feel intimidated to stop by! The classes run every Wednesday evening in July and August, starting at 7:00 p.m. and are completely free of charge.
Find out more and register for the free classes here.
3. MIXTO Festival
When: July 12-13, 2025
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
This festival was one of my summer highlights last year! I discovered new artists, had some free drinks, got some yummy treats and danced my life out. The festival is part of Trillium Park’s SummerSeries, and features musicians from samba music to Afrobeats.
The event also features free access to mobile saunas, cold bucket plunges, a curated artisan international street food market, and a creative kids play area.
Visit www.mixtofestival.com for more event details.
4. Outdoor Roller or Line Skating
When: From June to August
Where: Multiple Spots
Grab your skates and some friends and spend the day outside skating under the sun. If you don’t have any skates, you can always find new or second-hand at Value Village or Marketplace (I found mine there, brand new!). The summer is the perfect time to start a new hobby that will keep you active and giggling. Some of my favourite spots are:
Colonel Samuel Smith Park (Etobicoke)
Shell Park (Oakville)
Greenwood Park (Toronto)
The Bentway (Toronto)
Martin Goodman Trail (Toronto)
J.C. Saddington Park (Mississauga)
When: July 27
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
This free and vibrant music festival brings a fusion of Indigenous culture with pop, blues, roots, and rock to the stage. Featuring Indigenous award-winning musicians from the Anishinaabe, Mohawk, and Cree Nations. Bike or commute to this beautiful venue and discover new music while supporting Indigenous initiatives!
Visit the Indigenous Sounds Now Festival page for event details.
6. Picnic and Sunset Watching
When: From June to August
Where: Multiple Spots
There is nothing like sharing food with your friends while watching a sunset during a warm summer day. I’m thinking about fresh berries, sparkling water, crispy croissants, and Instax shots to remember it all. These are some of the best spots to catch a sunset:
♻️ Don’t forget to pick up your trash when you leave any public space!
7. Outdoor Movies
When: From June to August
Where: Multiple Spots
One of the best ways to enjoy summer in GTA without spending a dollar on entertainment is this right here! I love to bring a fresh drink, my favourite snacks, and just sit back to enjoy a good movie by myself or with friends. Here’s a list of some organizers of free outdoor movie screenings. Click on any of these to get the full schedules.
Movies Under the Stars hosted by Parc Downsview Park
Movie Nights hosted by INssauga at Celebration Square
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show hosted by Corktown Common
Movies Under the Stars presented by the City of Burlington
Moonlight Movies presented by the Town of Newmarket
Outdoor Movies presented by the City of Brampton
8. Mississauga Latin Festival
When: July 18 - 20
Where: Mississauga Celebration Square
From Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 29th, swing by to celebrate the 17th year of the Mississauga Latin Festival!
Held at Celebration Square, this is the place to go for all things Latin culture! Enjoy the vibrant and joyful music and dance of different Latin American Countries along with their traditional (and mouthwatering) dishes, beautiful crafts, and a children’s area. This event will re-energize you, and the best part? It’s completely free for all ages!
Need more student-savings inspo?
The SSU is committed to providing students with exclusive discounts, coupons and promotions from great community partners around each campus, helping you keep your bank account healthy and your appetite satisfied! Check out the Student Savings and Perks available to all Sheridan Students!
April 22 marks Earth Day, a time when we take action to support our planet and adopt new green practices. Did you know that food can make a large difference to our environment? Check out Kaitlyn’s top 3 tips for eating sustainably while helping protect the planet. 🌍