Top 10 Toronto events for August from Camp Wavelength to Summerworks

The city has a number of massive and well-known festivals and events in August from OVO to Taste of the Danforth. You know them, some of you love them. But what else is there? Plenty, actually. Herewith, 10 of the top happenings we’ll be happy to attend this month.

Summerworks, Aug. 6–16

Toronto’s summer performance festival brings theatre, dance, music and live art to stages around the city. Highlights include Counting Sheep, the festival’s production-in-residence is helmed by Toronto band Lemon Bucket Orchestra; and An Evening In July, a site-specific comedy stars award-winning comic duo Brianne Templeton and Gwynne Phillips as the eccentric sisters May and June who host a very special garden party. The setting for the play is St. George the Martyr Anglican Church (a.k.a., the Music Gallery).

Dusk Dances, Aug. 3–9

This enchanting and always entertaining event returns to its leafy environs with four dances. The show features Canadian choreographer and performer, Tedd Robinson’s Disconcertante. Dusk Dances also features Danny Grossman’s Bella.

Van Halen, Aug. 7

They might not get along, but David Lee Roth and Van Halen can still “Jump” in comfortable and supportive footwear. They check into the Molson Ampitheatre on Aug. 7 to crank out all the classics.

Rogers Cup, Aug. 8-16

Head up the old Aviva (née Rexall) Centre at York University to take in the top tennis event in the country. This year, the women’s tour will be featured in Toronto (men in Montreal), and expectations are that Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will both be in attendance. And, of course, Canada’s top racqueteer, the incredible Genie Bouchard. Insider tip: Bring a hat, and possible a seat cushion.

Camp Wavelength, Aug. 28–30
Sleep under the stars and wake up to a weekend of fine music from bands such as the Weather Station, Wooden Sky and Do Make Say Think, www.wavelengthtoronto.com. Insider tip: Camping is limited so jump all over this rare opportunity to camp on Toronto Island.

Sail-in Cinema, Aug. 20-22

Billed as the city’s largest outdoor theatre event, Sail-in Cinema goes all ’80s this month with three nights of kooky classics including Ghostbusters, Goonies and E.T. The two-sided floating screen is set up in the harbour just off Sugar Beach, so both land lubbers and those on a boat can enjoy the screening.

Ducktails, Aug. 5

The band founded by Real Estate guitarist Matt Mondanile has garnered increased attention for their woozy, lo-fi tunes after each new album. Their latest, St. Catherine, hit the airwaves in July and the band is in town to trumpet its arrival with a much-anticipated show at The Garrison.

Planet Indigenus Festival, July 31 to Aug. 9

The city’s annual celebration of aboriginal culture takes over Harbourfront Centre for 10 days of music, dance, comedy, art and activities for the entire family. On Aug. 8, check out Japanese band OKI Dub Ainu Band playing traditional Ainu songs as part of the festival’s ambitious Music Yet To Come series.

Janelle Monae, Aug. 9

Yes, the Pan Am Games are over, but the Parapan Games are up next, and that means a continuation of the phenomenal Panamania cultural programming schedule. The August highlight is surely a free concert featuring the incomparable R&B sounds of Janelle Monae at Nathan Phillips Square.

Buskerfest, Aug. 27-30

The always entertaining Buskerfest takes more than 100 of the best street performers from around the world and plunks them into the middle of downtown Toronto around Yonge-Dundas Square for three days of popping, locking, miming and contorting. It’s free, but be sure to bring a pocketful of cash to support the artists.

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