For Canadians who don’t know, Labour Day is a day to celebrate people who work. It all started when unions and other work-centric groups pushed for a holiday celebrating the creation of the eight-hour workday, insisting that workers’ rights be recognized.
Labour Day is coming again, and as you’d expect from the biggest city in the country, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Toronto. As working parents get the day off and students get one last bit of downtime before school begins here’s what you can do during the day in Toronto.
Harbourfront Labour Day Weekend Festival
If you’re a fan of music, then you might want to head down to the water for the Labour Day weekend as the Harbourfront Labour Day Weekend Festival gets underway. This is an activity for all ages, so you can bring the family down. And the best part is that it’s free!
There’s a vast range of different musical acts from around the world. So, this is a chance for you and the family to hear great music that goes beyond what your radio or streaming channel offers. If you’re in the mood for free, global music, there’s no question you should head down to the harbourfront.
Soca Or Die
If you’re looking for an adult activity this Toronto Labour Day 2019, we’ve got the option for you. You can party the day away with good musical acts, alcohol, and a lot of lively people at Soca Or Die at the Cabana Pool Bar.
This isn’t an annual event but is held a few times during the year. This year, there’s a Labour Day event. Cabana Pool Bar is one unique outdoor venue for people to enjoy great music, party, and have a drink. Reserve a table in advance if you’re interested; spaces are limited.
Labour Day Lunch Cruise
If you’re in the mood for a slower, daytime activity, how about a meal on a cruise ship, taking in the Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario? The Labour Day Lunch Cruise is a serene event that provides passengers with a quality meal as they enjoy an afternoon on the water. You can relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy a ride that looks over one of the most dynamic cities in the country.
If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, book your tickets ahead of time, and head down the waterfront and Mariposa Cruises!
Electric Island
If there’s one thing that Toronto has plenty of its music. Electric Island is just one more Toronto Labour Day 2019 event that brings the noise! This adults-only music event is for fans of techno, house, and other underground music.
Just hop on the ferry and make your way to Centre Island. This is an outdoor beach event with a great range of acts this year, including Nitin, Jackie Spade, and Sean Roman. Don’t forget to bring your ID!
Toronto International BuskerFest
The Toronto International BuskerFest brings over 100 street performers from Canada and around the world to one place for everyone to enjoy. Running throughout the Labour Day weekend, this is a fantastic, for-all-ages family event guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter to everyone. The magic of street performers continues to enchant audiences year after year.
Set your GPS for Woodbine Park to enjoy the festivities. Not only will you and the family be having loads of fun, but you’re also contributing to a good cause. The festival helps bring awareness to and raise funds for Epilepsy Toronto. This year, the festival is celebrating 20 years, so it’s sure to be a memorable summer event!
Labour Day Parade
Of course, Labour Day is all about the workers, and this special parade has been taking place in Toronto for over 100 years! Join workers and union members from a spectrum of trades as they celebrate their hard work and the protection of their rights.
The event starts just south of University and Dundas and is the heart of what Toronto Labour Day 2019 really means. So, if you’ve worked hard, and you want a bit of street spectacle that also recognizes what your efforts mean, come down and see the parade.
Enjoy the last bit of summer!