Special summer 2024 programming includes the return of beloved neighbourhood events and festivals featuring Canadian superstars Trixx, Choir! Choir! Choir! and Etana
May 14, 2024 – TORONTO – Harbourfront Centre announces the 2024 summer programming lineup to celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary with a mix of ticketed, free and pay-what-you-wish events.
As an independent not-for-profit organization, Harbourfront Centre has played a pivotal role over the last five decades, shaping local and international arts communities and symbolizing Toronto’s cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and innovation. This summer, the legacy continues with a commitment to making arts, culture and recreation accessible for everyone.
“With a jam-packed summer schedule of events, Harbourfront Centre promises to provide transformative experiences to neighbours and visitors alike, sparking unforgettable moments to cherish at its waterfront,” says Laura McLeod, Director of Cultural Engagement at Harbourfront Centre. “We are so proud to celebrate 50 years of Harbourfront Centre, and we look forward to the many more years to come.”
Highlights of free summer programming include:
- June 1: Block Party – Neighbours and friends are invited to join us for a live performance by Canadian alternative country band Elliott Brood, a chance to sing on stage with Good Enough Live Karaoke band, participate in a free social line dancing class, enjoy family-friendly activities and delicious street food, drinks and a birthday cake (of course)!
- Tuesdays, June 25 – August 27: Free Flicks – One of the city’s favourite summer traditions returns with ten free outdoor film screenings at the Concert Stage every Tuesday all summer, showing popular films and old-school classics.
- Wednesdays, July 10 – August 28: Dancing on the Square – Enjoy live dance at the new Public Square with an eclectic lineup of Latin, Bollywood, hip-hop and contemporary dance.
- Thursdays and Sundays, June 21 – August 27: Summer Music in the Garden – 18 free concerts at the Toronto Music Garden, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Moneka Arabic Jazz and Nichol Robertson’s Country All-Stars.
- June 28–July 1: Canada Day Long Weekend – Celebrate on the waterfront with Harbourfront Centre’s July long weekend lineup of free and ticketed programming in music, dance, comedy, food and family-friendly activities for all ages.
- June 28: Fefe Dobson and Tyler Shaw (pay-what-you-wish)
- June 29: Choir! Choir! Choir! (ticketed)
- June 30: Martha Chaves (free) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (free)
- July 1: Crystal Shawanda (free)
- August 1–5: Island Soul Festival – Inspired by the many different flavours of the islands, the 26th edition of Island Soul celebrates the vibrant people and culture of the Caribbean through a unique blend of music, film, food, comedy, multidisciplinary arts and cultural activities.
- August 1: Comedy Night with Trixx and Friends (ticketed)
- August 2: Destra and DJ Power (ticketed)
- August 3: Johnny Osbourne (free) and The Clash! (free)
- August 4: Sean Jones’ Summer Soul (ticketed), Etana (free) and Jay Douglas (free)
Also returning this summer are the adored multicultural festivals, Habari Africa, TAIWANfest, Toronto International Tap Dance Festival and Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival, promising a rich exploration of culture.
To learn more about summer programming and purchase tickets, please visit HarbourfrontCentre.com/summer.
About Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is a leading international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas, and a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, supporting a wide range of artists and communities. We inspire audiences and visitors with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences. We champion contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures.
Harbourfront Centre acknowledges the generous support of Site Partners: Government of Canada and the City of Toronto; Programming Partners: Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Government of Ontario, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the City of Toronto and its Corporate Site Partner, Labatt.