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Hot summer nights are about to get hotter. From sexy rooftop pool parties to epic outdoor music festivals to picnics by moonlight with live jazz or fireworks, Night+Day’s Best Summer Nights highlight primo nocturnal events for the beautiful, balmy evenings ahead.
Best Summer Nights in....
Best Summer Nights
Toronto
Canadian National Exhibition 210 Prince’s Blvd., Liberty Village 416-393-6300 theex.com
The Draw: The largest exhibition in Canada offers up thrilling rides, fun exhibits, concerts, and endless snacking opportunities. The Scene: For over 130 years, residents have made the annual pilgrimage to the Canadian National Exhibition, which locals affectionately call The Ex. Over a million visitors come to the ten-day summer festival to celebrate the bounty of Ontario’s farmers, see horses and dogs display their physical prowess, and hear the latest pop stars belt out tunes. Late August through early September. Hot Tip: Head to the CNE on opening day—admission is always discounted (last year it cost $1.75 to gain entry) and there are many freebies given to attendees.
The Draw: Experience the age-old words of William Shakespeare in the city’s largest public park. The Scene: Now an annual tradition, local theatre company Canadian Stage chooses a Shakespeare play to perform each summer in High Park, encouraging locals to experience a theatre production and have dinner on the grass. Everyone from cutting-edge-cool club kids to the theatre-obsessed gather to hear the words of the Bard under the stars. Late June through early September. Hot Tip: The performance starts promptly at 8pm, but to get the best spot, arrive around 6pm and head to stage left for the great combination of shade and soft grass.
Free Flicks at Harbourfront 235 Queen’s Quay W., Harbourfront, 416-973-4000 harbourfrontcentre.com
The Draw: Film lovers appreciate the experience of seeing classic films, especially outside on the edge of Lake Ontario. The Scene: Locals love movies and take advantage of the warm and humid summer nights to cool off by the lake and see a classic film for free. Each season programmers choose a theme (last year was ‘80s teen films), and film buffs, tourists, and Queen Street hipsters head to the Sirius stage to enjoy fave films from the past among like-minded cineophiles. See website for calendar. Hot Tip: Arrive early and bring a picnic—since the screenings start at 9pm, there are slim pickings for late-night snacks.
