There’s something on the calendar to please everyone this month, whether your family loves music, food, nature, or a good old-fashioned carnival. You can’t go wrong with any of these awesome activities, and many are free! So grab the family, slap on some sunscreen, and kick off summer at one of these great festivals taking place in and around the city.

Cultura Festival
July 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2014
Now in its fifth season, Cultura is a free weekly Friday night festival in July that celebrates music, art, food, and film. Cultura features unique performers and artists, international street food vendors, creative and interactive art installations, and evening film screenings under the stars in Mel Lastman Square. Free.
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Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto
July 17 to August 5, 2014
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry, as well as visual and performing arts. Ticketed event.
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Habari Africal Festival at HarbourfrontCentre
July 18 to 20, 2014
It’s impossible to define what exactly is African culture, music, food, film, fashion, and art. Join us for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art, sounds, and tastes of Africa.
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Beaches International Jazz Festival
July 18 to 27, 2014
Toronto’s signature Jazz event, attracting millions of people, is filled with great music, large crowds, and an engaging atmosphere. Free.
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Annual Toronto Chinatown Festival
July 19, 2014 to July 20, 2014 – 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm
There will be sweet and savoury specialty foods from the Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Greek, French, Caribbean, Malaysian cultures, and many more. Keep your eyes peeled for the dragon parading around the streets of Chinatown as well as lively lion dances during the Festival hours. Free.
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Salsa on St. Clair Festival
July 19 to 20, 2014
St. Clair Avenue West will be transformed into a showcase of Latin Life where live music, dance, fiery food, and fun take over the street. Free.
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Taste of Thailand Festival
July 19 to 20, 2014
The biggest Thai community event in downtown Toronto with lots of activities and attractions. Free.
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Brickfête LEGO Fan Festival – Toronto 2014
July 19 to 20, 2014
Does your child love LEGO? Join us at Brickfête – a LEGO fan festival for the whole family.
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BIG ON BLOOR Festival
July 19 to 20, 2014
BIG ON BLOOR celebrates arts, culture, and small businesses with a unique community and city-building festival featuring hundreds of events, activities, exhibitions, and a play fair for kids. Free event.
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BrazilFest: Toronto International BrazilFest
July 20, 2014
Canada’s largest Brazilian culture event dedicated to showcasing Brazilian culture including its food, dance, and music. Free.
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YOUTH DAY
July 20, 2014
Youth Day is a multimedia festival put on by those 14 to 29 years of age for Toronto. It celebrates the positive achievements of young people by showcasing their music, dance, art, and photography. Free.
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