Looking for fun things to do and experience this July in Old Town Toronto? This list has everything from Taco & Tequila Tuesdays, dance performances, an open mic night, the Toronto Fringe Festival, free summer music in the park, and Summerlicious. Need an activity for the kids? We think drama camp is a great option. Searching for the perfect patio? Check out our patio guide! What about something active? Try a private pilates class or learn Thai massage. We, however, are heading to Market Street, then it is off to Ladies Night for $10 martinis. Cheers! 😉
Scroll on to discover all this and more happening in Old Town Toronto this month. Thanks for supporting local!
Discover Dance featuring Eilish Shin-Culhan
Discover Dance: Movers and Makers puts the spotlight on dancers and choreographers who are creating new works and want to share their process with you. It’s an hour-long tour into the creative minds of highly skilled movement makers—you can ask questions, share your responses, or simply observe.
This month, we are featuring Eilish 미정 Shin-Culhane, a Tkaronto-based queer artist of Korean and European descent. Her work plays with theatricality, rigour, and humour in order to highlight human connection and adversity. She wields absurdity as a method of discovering genuine authenticity.
TO Live
1 Front St E, 416-366-7723 | 1-800-708-6754
Box Office Hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 6pm.
https://tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/Discover-Dance-July-2023
Instagram: @tolivegram
Corporate Floral Subscription
At Stôk Floral Design, we know how important it is to keep your workspace looking professional and classy. Floral design is a great way to add a touch of elegance to any office or corporate event!
A quick phone call to discuss size, colours, style and the type of flowers that you are looking for will allow our designers to create the perfect arrangement for your office. If you need inspiration, we will gladly give you recommendations based on our decades of experience.
Stôk Floral Design
54 Church St, 416-214-4664
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm.
www.stokfloraldesign.com
Instagram: @stokfloral
Our weekly Thursday night (7pm – 9pm) Music in St. James Park series takes place at the Michael Comstock Pavilion in St. James Park. Join the Facebook Event to invite others to this free event series and to have it added to your Facebook calendar.
For more events, click here for our Events Calendar on our website.
Summer Drama Camp
Summer camp is all about playing drama games, making new friends, having fun, and creating a show that will be performed on a YPT stage!
Camps will take place July 4 – August 25 at YPT 161 Studios – our brand new facilities just across the road from the theatre on Front Street. Brand new camps include Playwriting for Teens, and the return of Spoken Word and Musical Theatre! Plus, we’re offering After-Camp Fun for all grades.
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm.
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
Pilates Summer Special
Rebalance Pilates is offering a special summer rate on our private 5-class package!
Pilates focuses on alignment, core work, full body toning and strength. Its versatile nature makes it perfect for prenatal and postpartum bodies and those recovering from injury. See how amazing you feel in just five sessions.
Offer available from July 1 – August 31, 2023.
Rebalance Pilates
75 Sherbourne St, 416-894-8553
By appointment.
www.rebalancepilates.ca
Instagram: @rebalancepilatestoronto
New Visions Toronto Charity Golf Tournament
The countdown is on! Only 3 months left until the New Visions Charity Golf Tournament, and we can’t wait to see you there! Don’t miss out on this chance to swing your clubs and support a great cause. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing your A-team, we’ve got you covered with individual and foursome packages starting at $250. Plus, there are still sponsorship opportunities available if you want to help make an even bigger impact. Time is ticking, so head to our website at www.newvisionstoronto.ca to register now.
Let’s hit a hole-in-one for inclusion and make a difference together!
New Visions Toronto
222 The Esplanade, Lower Level, Unit 10, 416-868-1493
9am – 5pm
www.newvisionstoronto.ca
Instagram: @newvisionstoronto
The Studio Open Mic
Step into the spotlight at The Studio Open Mic!Join us on July 7, 8, 14, and 15th at Alumnae’s 3rd-floor Studio (70 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON M5A 2W6). Doors open at 7:00PM and entry is FREE.
Experience an unforgettable evening of talent and entertainment at The Studio Open Mic, hosted by Alumnae Theatre Company. Whether you’re interested in performing or simply taking in the show, there is something for everyone!
Indulge in libations and snacks from our on-site bar as you chill, mingle, and savour the delightful combination of entertainment and refreshments.
Whether you’re a comedian, poet, musician, drag artist, dancer, magician, possess a talent of any kind, or simply looking to belt out some karaoke with your friends, this is your chance to shine! Advanced sign-ups go live at the end of June, or if you’re feeling inspired, on-the-spot sign-ups are welcome.
Just bring your passion and join us for a night of incredible performances and supportive vibes. See you at The Studio Open Mic!
Alumnae Theatre Company
70 Berkeley St, 416-364-4170
July 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th: 7PM – Midnight
Instagram @alumnaetheatre
Neil deGrasse Tyson – The Search for Life in the Universe
Widely acclaimed astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson will discuss “The Search for Life in the Universe” at Meridian Hall on February 6, 2024. Are we alone? Does life exist beyond our solar stystem? In this one night only event, Dr. Tyson will examine civilization as through the prism of science and the scientific mind. Graphic video presentation and lecture. Show time: 7:30pm. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.ca
Unique Lives & Experiences at Meridian Hall
1 Front St E, 416-449-8118
9am – 5pm
www.uniquelives.com
Rediscover Novotel Toronto Centre!
The sun is shining and it’s time to explore the Esplanade! Novotel Toronto Centre is proud to announce the opening of pop-up locations with Donna Child Fine Art Gallery showcasing a thoughtfully curated exhibit of Canada’s best artists, and Pearl MD Express, helmed by Dr. Jennifer Pearlman and her renowned team of health & beauty experts. Both pop-up locations are open to the public until August.
A local favourite, Cafe Nicole is back! Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner and take advantage of Happy Hour specials available 4-7pm daily! The new menu features refreshing fare made with the best local ingredients.
Novotel Toronto Centre
45 The Esplanade, 416-860-5151
Mon – Sun: 6:30am – 11pm
Happy Hour Everyday: 4-7pm
www.cafenicole.ca
Instagram: @cafenicole
Shop your Summer Essentials with Wildlife!
Picnic season is officially here! Come down to the store and get sunshine ready with us. We have all your summer essentials from Swim suits, Shorts, to even Scuba suits! To top it all of our tote bags are the accessory of the season, perfect for Sunday market days and beach days!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
10am – 8pm 7 days a week
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Taco & Tequila Tuesdays
We invite you to come and visit us any Tuesday in July or August for our Summer Taco & Tequila Tuesdays! You can enjoy a duo of tacos (any duo of your choice from our normal menu) & our Toronto famous house Dave’s Margarita for $25.
Playa Cabana Wellington
36 Wellington St E, 416-519-4886
Mon – Wed: 5pm – 11pm.
Thurs: 12pm – 11pm.
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am.
www. playacabana.ca
Instagram: @PlayaCabana
The Complete Au Pain Doré Summer Salads Menu
We have 3 new Summer Salads!
1) Arugula with tomatoes, strawberries, almonds, and balsamic onions.
2) A Caprese pasta salad. Orchietta pasta, tomatoes, bocconcini, kale, pesto, and a lemon vinaigrette.
3) A Greek salad with coloured peppers, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese.
Oh, so fresh! Try one today 🙂
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
7am – 8pm
www.atelier.aupaindore.com/en/
Instagram: i@aupaindore1956
Summerlicious at Nami
We are so excited to be participating in Toronto’s favorite summer food event! Join us from July 7 to July 23 and experience our Summerlicious prix fixe menu for both lunch and dinner.
Lunch $55, Dinner $75
(Please note, our regular menu is limited during Summerlicious.)
To learn more about the City of Toronto’s Summerlicious, click here.
Nami Japanese Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 416-362-7373
Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 3pm. (L.C 2pm)
& 5pm – 10pm (L.C 9pm).
Sat: 5pm – 10pm (L.C 9pm).
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
SOFA-BED SALE! All Condo-Size & Regular 🙂
THE CHESTERFIELD SHOP has the best, most comfortable, extensive selection of SOFA-BEDS in the city!
Large selection of mattresses, with easy-to-open contract mechanisms, choose your frame style, fabric, leather….customize or in-stock for next-day delivery!
Starting July 4th- NO HST & take an ADDITIONAL 10% off ALL SOFA-BEDS!
AND….with purchase* enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate The Chesterfield Shop’s 75th Anniversary! (*conditions apply.)
For the best seating in Toronto and the GTA – come in and meet our excellent, professional staff- they will be thrilled to assist you in choosing and designing the perfect piece for your home!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm.
Sun: 11am – 5pm.
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Town of York Historical Society’s
40th Annual General Meeting
The Town of York Historical Society will hold its 40th Annual General Meeting on Monday, July 10th online via Zoom. Following the business meeting, there will be a special presentation, “Victory Wreaths & Merry Meetings: Society, Sensationalism, and the Heyday of Toryism in the Town of York,” by author and researcher, Richard Fiennes-Clinton. This event is FREE for TYHS members & PO Box Holders and $10 for non-members. Memberships and membership renewals are available at TownofYork.com.
Toronto’s First Post Office | Town of York Historical Society
260 Adelaide St E, 416-865-1833
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5:30pm.
Sat: 10am – 4pm.
Sun: 12pm-4pm.
www.TownofYork.com
Instagram: @tos1stpo
HAPPY HOUR @ The PATIO Benares Cucina Indian
Join us for Happy Hour at the Benares Patio, Sunday to Thursday 2 pm to 5 pm. Enjoy our $8 Vegetable Pakoras, $9 Chicken Masala Pakoras and $6 Beers and $7 wines by the glass. (Prices valid until September 30th, 2023.)
Unwind yourself at our patio with scenic views of CN Tower, Berczy park, Gooderham building and Financial district, where old town meets new town Toronto.
BENARES Cucina Indian
49 Front St E, 416-955-9000
Daily: 12 noon – 10pm
wwwbenares.ca
Instagram: @benares_toronto
Exclusive Offer: Altitude Week Trial
For a limited time only, try one week of training at Altitude for just $50+HST. Sign up at the end of your trial and get a $50 credit applied to your membership. Whether you’re looking to enhance performance in a specific sport or seeking an innovative approach to fitness, Altitude is the only place in Toronto that can take your fitness to the next level, literally.
One Week of Unlimited Altitude Access – Experience what it’s like to train in Toronto’s most advanced and high-tech fitness facility:
– One Week Trial: For just $50+HST, get unlimited access to the Altitude facility – including classes, open-gym and amenities.
– Membership Credit: Should you decide to sign up for a membership at the end of your trial, we have an exciting bonus for you. A $50 credit will be applied towards your membership, allowing you to get the most out of the facility, technology and coaches.
– You have 30 days to start your trial after registering. Your trial starts on the first day you start training at Altitude. The trial is 7 consecutive days long.
– Please note that the last day to register for the trial is July 31st.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join us at Altitude on the cutting-edge of fitness.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
Mon – Fri: 6am – 9pm.
Sat & Sun: 7am – 1pm.
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Love and acceptance overcome all
in Toronto Fringe’s all that remains
The Hobby Horse Theatre Company is proud to present this newly expanded production of “all that remains” written and directed by Josh Downing at the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival this July 5 -16 in the Alumnae Theatre Mainspace (located at 70 Berkeley St. near King and Parliament).
Working man Joe Ferrer enters a coroner’s office wondering why they’ve been calling him about his daughter. He doesn’t have a daughter. Grief counsellor Angela Franklin has been waiting for the last family to pick up the remains of their loved ones but isn’t prepared to deal with a man like Joe. Maybe Pandora, the pig-shaped cookie jar can help them both find healing and hope. all that remains delicately balances trauma and hope to provide a poignant and hard-fought example of acceptance. “Listen for the love, that’s all that remains.” Featuring Natasha Fiorino as Angela Franklin, a family therapist at the coroner’s office, and award-winning actor Stephen Flett as Joe Ferrer, a working class father.
Showtimes are: Wednesday July 5th at 5:00pm*, Saturday 8th at 8:15pm, Sunday 9th at 10:15pm**, Monday 10th at 4:15pm, Thursday 13th at 12:30pm, Friday 14th at 2:30pm, Saturday 15th at 6:00pm
*Special preview rate ONLY $10!
** Mingle with the cast and crew and join us for The Perfectly Fabulous Silent Auction at The Banknote Bar (across from the Alumnae Theatre) from 7:30-9:45pm before the show.
The Hobby Horse Theatre Company
70 Berkeley St, 416-906-5217
www.fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/all-remains
Instagram: @thehobbyhorsetheatreco
Designed to get you moving and enjoying our park, these 6pm – 7pm Tuesday fitness classes are offered free of charge thanks to Friends of St James Park and your local business community, represented by Old Town Toronto‘s BIA.
Join the Facebook Event to invite others to this free event series and to have it added to your Facebook calendar.
For more events, click here to view our Events Calendar on our website.
Level 1 – Traditional Thai Massage Course
Learn everything you need to know to provide a full body Traditional Thai Massage to your loved ones by enrolling in our Level 1 Traditional Thai Course taught by our Master Practitioner, Orachon Meechai! If you’re looking for a step by step guide to a Thai Massage, visit our website and enrol today.
Bahn Thai Spa
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
11am – 8pm
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispa
Shop to support local theatre
at The Perfectly Fabulous Silent Auction
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Calling lovers of theatre, local business, and all things fabulous! The Hobby Horse Theatre Company is extraordinarily excited to announce The Perfectly Fabulous Silent Auction happening on July 9th at The Banknote Bar in Corktown Toronto.
Come by 474 Adelaide E for a chance to bid on some amazing auction items from our fabulous donors. You can look forward to bidding on a weekend of camping at Cedars Campground, a 1 month unlimited class pass to The Pink Studio, Tour passes for Haunted Walks, Tickets to Medieval Times and Theatre Passe Muraille, a merch basket from the spooktacular Storm Crow Manor, a giftcard for queer-owned middle eastern pizza joint Levant and MANY MORE!
Mark yourself as “going” on our Facebook Event event to stay updated about donor announcements – lots to come!
All funds raised will go towards covering the production costs of all that remains – which include but are certainly not limited to rehearsal space, script and marketing material printing, and prop and costume purchases.
We will be mixing and mingling at The Banknote until 10pm, then heading over to the Alumnae Theatre (across the street) for the 10:15pm performance of all that remains. Join us for one, or both for a full evening of love, joy, community, and maybe some sick prizes!
The Hobby Horse Theatre Company
272 Adelaide E, 416-906-5217
Click for Facebook Event
Instagram: @thehobbyhorsetheatreco
Thai Gifting with sukhoTHAI
Our digital gift cards are now available for your next gifting occasion! Check out sukhothaifood.ca to get yours today. Send a special note to your family and friends for their special day with our digital gift card which can be used at any of our 4 locations!
sukhoTHAI
52 Wellington St E, 647-351-4612
See website for hours
www.sukhothaifood.ca
Instagram: @sukhothaifood
C’est What Beer Garden: Trivia is back!
Trivia Night is back at C’est What! Come join us in our Beer Garden for tons of trivia fun on Wednesday July 5th and 19th at 7pm. Bring your friends and try some new menu items with your favourite craft beer in hand! Will you take home the winning prize? Let’s put it to the test! Should weather not be on our side, don’t worry! We will take the fun indoors!
Book your party today: events@cestwhat.com
C’est What: BEER GARDEN
94 The Esplanade (Beer Garden: 67 Front St. E), 416-867-9499
Tues – Sat: 4pm-10pm
www.cestwhat.com
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Get 1 Pair Transitions, 1 Clear Pair Free!
Buy one pair of transitions and get a clear pair free! Or get your 2nd pair transitions or polarized lens 50% off! Now that we are in the middle of summer, it’s important to have UV400 in your lenses. Transitions will not only protect your eyes from the glaring sun but turn into optical lenses in the same pair! It’s like having sunglasses and glasses in one pair!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
Tues – Sat: 10am-5pm
www.stlawrenceeeycare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Personal Training & Group Classes
At 6S, we thoughtfully design fitness programming and nutrition plans to get you feeling stronger, more fit and, and capable of just about anything. Our coaches aren’t just experts though, we’re friends. We cheer our clients on, helping you stay committed to your fitness journey, whatever that looks like.
We take a holistic and long-term approach to health and fitness by combining fitness, lifestyle, nutrition & movement. We offer 1-on-1, small group training, and larger group class options.
Finally, we are a 2SLGBTQQIA+ friendly space. Everyone is welcomed with open arms & given the tools to succeed and reach their full potential. Our community rallied together in June and raised over $5000 for Supporting Our Youth – a non-profit supporting LGBTQ youth in Toronto.
Want to join our community? We would LOVE to have you!
6SFitness+
209 Adelaide St E, 416-518-5746
Mon – Wed: 6:30am – 8:30pm.
Thurs – Fri: 6:30am – 7:30pm.
Sat: 9am – 11:30am.
Sun: 10am -12:30pm.
https://kilo.gymleadmachine.com/widget/bookings/6sfitness/free-intro
Instagram: @6s.fitness
Ladies Night
We invite you to juice up your Fridays! Join us for Ladies Night every Friday from 5pm – 10pm at Pravda Vodka Bar. Presenting Ladies Night in sophistication: Only $10 on martini specials for all ladies. Enjoy the perfect pairing with our tasty selection of bites and shareables. Make Friday a night to remember…our nightly entertainment features fire performers, dancers, aerialists and more…bite, sip, and unwind at Pravda.
Get ready for the ultimate girls’ night out!…Classy, sassy, and a little bit bad-assy. That’s ladies’ night at Pravda.
Pravda Vodka Bar
44 Wellington St, E, 416-366-0303
Thurs – Sat: 5pm – 2am.
Sun – Wed: Available for private bookings
Happy Hour: Thurs, Fri & Sat: 5pm – 7:30pm.
Summerlicious Menu Available: Click here now.
www.pravdavodkabar.com
Instagram: @pravdavodkabar
To reserve: info@pravdavodkabar.com
Now Available At Mokara Spa
Boost your skin with Hydrafacial. Our non-invasive treatment improves skin health, addresses individual skin concerns, and creates a glow like no other.
Ask for a Hydrafacial today!
Mokara Spa at Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, 416-863-3131
By appointment
Instagram: @omnikingedward
Want More?
Discover more local businesses in our Business Directory by clicking here. Everything from sushi to pet care, fitness gyms and tranquil massages… we have it all!
Submissions:
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto / St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please email stephenm@stlawrencemarketbia.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. You will need to provide the name of your business, email, and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
What is a Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
