Toronto, ON – Harbourfront Centre is stepping confidently into a bold new chapter with the launch of its Summer 2025 season. As Toronto’s 10-acre waterfront campus for arts, culture, learning and recreation, it’s more vibrant and welcoming than ever—a place where creativity meets community and something is always happening.
This season brings a dynamic mix of festivals, exhibitions, performances and culinary experiences that reflect the heart of the city.
“This is a fresh opportunity to experience Harbourfront Centre in new and exciting ways,” says Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre. “We’re building on our incredible legacy and welcoming everyone to make this their meeting place for art, culture, food, learning, and shared experiences—from inspiring performances to engaging camps and hands-on workshops for all ages.”
Harbourfront Centre’s evolution signals a bold new era for Toronto’s waterfront—one where creativity, community, and culture take centre stage, and where every program is a lasting investment in the people, stories and shared experiences that shape this city.
Season Highlights
- The return of Summer Music in the Garden (SMIG), now in its 24th season, a beloved free concert series transforming public space through music.
- Free Flicks, with its opening night curated by TIFF, bringing cinematic flair to the lakeside.
- A marquee partnership with Luminato Festival, a must-see event on Toronto’s cultural calendar.
- Moving Forest by The Bentway – This week-long immersive experience brings a moving shade canopy to life in urban Toronto.
- South By South East (SXSE) International Festival and Unity Festival, celebrating music, performance, and youth-driven social change.
- Home Game: Toronto Loves Basketball, a new exhibit by the Museum of Toronto, spotlighting the city’s connection to basketball.
- Ongoing programming through the Craft & Design Studio, the Artist-in-Residence program, and community workshops.
“At Harbourfront Centre, craft and design aren’t just about tradition — they’re about innovation, accessibility, and inspiration,” says Janna Hiemstra, Manager, Craft & Design. “This summer, we’re opening our studios wider than ever, inviting people to engage directly with the creative process and connect with artists shaping the future of craft in Canada”.
Eat, Explore and Enjoy
- Anchoring the culinary lineup are Boxcar Social, Amsterdam Brewhouse and the debut of Queens Harbour—a stunning 800-seat waterfront venue with a retractable roof and a globally inspired menu.
- Beloved food events like the International Food & Drink Festival and Flavours by Fire return to heat up the waterfront.
- Visitors can discover small Canadian businesses through the new Saturday morning Harbourfront Farmers Market and the UNDRGRNDNGHTMRKT, which features $10-and-under eats.
“Whether grabbing a quick bite or stocking up on weekend essentials, these markets are all about community, discovery and celebrating what makes Canada delicious,” says Phil Suos, founder of Street Eats Market.
Learning by the Lake
- The KidSpark pop-up from the Ontario Science Centre, returns and runs through September.
- Harbourfront Centre Camps offer a wide array of experiences, from visual and performing arts to circus and marine-themed camps.
- A new partnership with The Second City introduces improv-based Theatre Camps, encouraging creativity, connection and confidence.
“Harbourfront Centre is about more than programming—it’s about creating spaces across the waterfront where people can have a great time together,” says Tim Kocur, Executive Director, Waterfront BIA. “The range of experiences possible at Harbourfront Centre and the central waterfront is the best the city has to offer.”
For full programming details or to plan your visit, please visit harbourfrontcentre.com.
About Harbourfront
Harbourfront Centre is Toronto’s waterfront community campus for arts, culture, learning and recreation. Spanning a 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s central waterfront, it is a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization that offers year-round programs and events accessible to all audiences. The organization champions established and emerging Canadian artists across varied disciplines, and serves as a recreational hub for more than 6.3 million annual visitors. Whether hailing from across the street or around the globe, Harbourfront Centre offers memorable and meaningful experiences for all who visit. www.harbourfrontcentre.com