Summer may be winding down, but Toronto isn’t slowing down just yet.

Labour Day weekend runs from Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7, and the city is packed with festivals, outdoor activities, live performances and some classic Toronto end-of-summer traditions.

Whether this is your first summer in Toronto or you’re simply looking for an excuse to get out and explore, here are some ways to make the most of the last long weekend of summer.

Say goodbye to summer at the CNE

For many Torontonians, summer doesn’t officially end until the CNE does.

The Canadian National Exhibition, better known as the CNE or “The Ex,” takes over Exhibition Place every August and wraps up on Labour Day. Expect midway rides, games, unusual food creations, shopping, exhibits and live entertainment.

This year, the CNE’s final weekend runs through September 7, making Labour Day weekend your last chance to experience it until next summer.

If you’re new to Toronto, this is one of those local traditions that is worth experiencing at least once.

Look up for the Canadian International Air Show

While you’re near the waterfront, you’ll probably hear the Canadian International Air Show before you see it.

The annual air show takes place over Lake Ontario from September 5 to 7, from noon to 3:40 p.m. each day. Aircraft perform above Toronto’s waterfront, with official viewing available near Marilyn Bell Park and views also possible from several areas along the lakeshore.

It’s another Toronto Labour Day tradition and one of the most recognizable signs that summer is coming to an end.

Spend an afternoon at BuskerFest

Head east to Woodbine Park for four days of street performances, circus acts, comedy, music, magic and plenty of unexpected entertainment.

Toronto International BuskerFest runs from September 4 to 7 and brings performers from around the world together for one of North America’s largest busker festivals. Admission is by donation in support of Epilepsy Toronto.

There are also food vendors, a family fun zone and programming for kids, making this an easy option if you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy.

Discover cultures from around the world at Toronto Dragon Festival

One of the best things about Toronto is how easy it is to experience cultures from around the world without leaving the city.

The Toronto Dragon Festival returns to Nathan Phillips Square from September 4 to 6, bringing food, performances, vendors and cultural programming to the heart of downtown.

You can make a day of it by exploring City Hall, walking down Queen Street and continuing through some of Toronto’s downtown neighbourhoods.

Experience the Ashkenaz Festival

Another celebration happening over the long weekend is the Ashkenaz Festival, one of North America’s largest celebrations of global Jewish music, arts and culture.

The festival runs until September 6, with Labour Day weekend programming taking place in North York. Saturday includes free performances at Earl Bales Park, while Sunday features music, family activities, a market and other programming at Sherman Campus.

It’s a great opportunity to experience another part of the cultural diversity that shapes Toronto.

Explore the Royal Ontario Museum with Canoo

Need a break from the heat, crowds or unpredictable September weather? Spend a few hours exploring the Royal Ontario Museum.

Canada’s largest museum takes you from dinosaur fossils and Canadian natural history to ancient Egypt, Rome, China and cultures from around the world. The ROM is also part of the Canoo network, so eligible Canoo members can access the experience through their membership.

Open the Canoo app before your visit to see the latest access information.

See a different side of Toronto at the Museum of Toronto

If you’ve already visited Toronto’s biggest attractions, try learning about some of the stories hiding in plain sight.

The Museum of Toronto is currently presenting The T.O. You Don’t Know, an exhibition exploring more than 50 overlooked places, events and stories from Toronto’s history. The exhibition runs through December and is available to Canoo members.

It’s particularly fun if you’ve recently moved to Toronto and want to understand your new city beyond the usual landmarks.

Spend the day at the Toronto Zoo

If you want a full-day adventure, head to the Toronto Zoo.

With more than 4,000 animals, hundreds of species and around 10 kilometres of walking trails, it’s easy to spend most of the day exploring. The Zoo is also part of the Canoo network.

Pack comfortable shoes and give yourself plenty of time. This is one Toronto attraction where trying to see everything in an hour definitely won’t work.

Get into nature at Rouge National Urban Park

You don’t have to leave Toronto to escape the city.

Rouge National Urban Park is home to forests, wetlands, beaches, farms, wildlife and kilometres of walking and cycling trails, all within the GTA.

It’s a good option if your ideal Labour Day weekend involves fewer crowds and more time outdoors.

Bring water, pack some snacks and turn it into one last summer picnic.

See Toronto from the water

Before patio and waterfront season starts winding down, take in the Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario.

Canoo members can currently receive 30% off a Toronto Harbour & Islands sightseeing cruise, with views of the skyline, waterfront and Toronto Islands.

Because the Canadian International Air Show is also happening this weekend and some harbour areas will have temporary marine restrictions, check the latest cruise schedule before heading out.

Start Labour Day with a Toronto tradition

On Monday morning, Toronto’s Labour Day Parade takes over downtown.

The 2026 parade begins on Monday, September 7 at 9:30 a.m., continuing a tradition closely connected to Toronto’s labour history.

If you’re interested in learning more about Canadian traditions and the history behind the holiday itself, this is a fitting way to spend Labour Day morning.

Make one more summer memory

Toronto gives you plenty of reasons not to stay home this Labour Day weekend.

Go to the CNE for the first time. Discover a festival you’ve never heard of. Explore a museum. Spend the day in nature. Or simply find a part of Toronto you haven’t visited yet.

And before heading out, open the Canoo app to see what experiences, free admissions and discounts are available near you. With more than 2,000 experiences across Canada, your next adventure might already be waiting in the app.