It’s finally summer, and weather permitting, you probably can’t wait to get out and have some fun. Toronto in particular has a ton to offer this month, including festivals, sporting events, and other exciting activities.

If you’re in Toronto this July, be sure to take advantage of some of the following opportunities. What are you waiting for?

Pan Am Games
July 10-26
You’ve probably seen the advertisements on the TTC—Toronto is very proud to host the 2015 Pan Am Games. Featuring nearly 7000 athletes from across North America, South America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, races, courses, and matches are being held all over the GTA. In Toronto, you can watch sports including basketball, swimming, and gymnastics (the full schedule can be found here: http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the opening ceremonies on July 10, as well as the Parapan Am games, happening August 7-15.

Shakespeare in High Park
July 2 – September 6
If you’re a theatre buff, what better way to celebrate history’s greatest playwright? Every year, two Shakespeare plays are performed by a talented theatre troupe in High Park. This July, you can attend the Roman tragedy Julius Caesar (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) or the entertaining Comedy of Errors (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). After enjoying the talent on stage, take a stroll through the park grounds on your way out! Plays are “pay what you can”, with a recommended donation of $20.

Summerlicious
July 3-26
Toronto restaurants—especially those of high calibre—aren’t always the most affordable. Luckily, the Summerlicious food festival in July ensures that some of the city’s best cuisine is accessible and affordable for eager diners. Almost 200 restaurants are offering lunches and dinners and reduced rates, prix fixe. You can find a list of participating establishments and their mouthwatering menus on Summerlicious’s Facebook or Twitter accounts. Hungry yet?

Beaches International Jazz Festival
July 10-26
This music festival is a free event for jazz enthusiasts and experts alike. The Beaches International Jazz Festival offers performances by artists, combos, and bands from around the world, in a lovely lakeshore setting. By popular demand, StreetFest is also returning from July 23-25, when performers will be found making music on street corners and rooftops on Queen East between Woodbine and Beech Avenues. Performances include exciting acts by Chris Thomas King, Kirby Sewell Band, and Bustamento. Come for the music, stay for the food—a variety of gourmet trucks will be parked nearby.

Sources:
http://www.toronto.com/events/pan-am-games/
http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule
http://www.toronto.com/events/shakespeare-in-high-park/
http://www.toronto.com/events/summerlicious/
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=4cc95f5923be1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&WT.rd_id=summerilcious
http://www.seetorontonow.com/annual-events/beaches-international-jazz-festival/