It’s happening a week later than usual this year, but it’s finally arrived: Father’s Day is this weekend. If you kind of forgot, or were waiting for your sibling to make plans, don’t worry — Toronto has a full weekend lineup of things to do that will make Dad happy. Whether your dad is the type to nerd out on vintage cars, crush a brunch, or just wants a chill day with the fam (ideally with a drink in hand), there’s something on the calendar for him.
From comedy shows to yacht cruises and wrestling matches, these are the events and experiences happening around Toronto that will make this Father’s Day actually feel like a celebration.
Father’s Day cruises on Lake Ontario
Trade crowded patios for lake breezes with one of Toronto’s Father’s Day cruises. Cruise Toronto and City Cruises are offering scenic sailings that include buffets, drinks, and skyline views. Some cruises are brunch-focused, others lean into dinner and live music, but they all come with that floating-on-the-lake energy that feels just elevated enough without being stuffy.
FIFA World Cup watch party
If your dad is obsessed with soccer, you’re in luck: it only happens once every four years, but this time around, you barely have to make Father’s Day plans at all. It’s likely all Dad wants to do is find the closest TV and watch the matches taking place on June 21! There’s Argentina vs. Austria, France vs. Iraq, Norway vs. Senegal and a late-night Jordan vs. Algeria. Upgrade your dad’s viewing experience by taking him to one of these watch parties.
Mini Putt Tournament at Reid’s Distillery
Where: Reid’s Distillery
When: June 21, tee times from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reid’s Distillery is bringing back its annual Father’s Day Mini-Putt Tournament, complete with nine holes, drink service, lunch and a lot of friendly competition. Tee times run every 15 minutes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the whole thing has a relaxed, tongue-in-cheek energy perfect for spending the afternoon sipping and swinging.
A DIY food festival crawl
This Father’s Day weekend is basically a food crawl in disguise. Here’s what’s happening:
- Beaches Rib & Beer Fest: Classic BBQ vibes with craft brews, meat sweats optional. From June 19–21 indulge in messy meals and live music in the company of all other food enthusiasts and their dads.
- Toronto Summer Street Food and Artisan Festival: Running from June 19-21 at Nathan Phillips Square, enjoy international street food vendors, handmade crafts, live music performances, fashion pop-ups, family-friendly entertainment and more.
- Kensington Market Father’s Day Food Tour: A guided tour with behind-the-scenes eats and no waiting in line. ($89 per person and worth every bite).
Yorkville Exotic Car Show
Where: Bloor Street, between Avenue Road and Bay Street
When: June 21, 12–5 p.m.
VARAC Vintage Grand Prix
Where: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
When: June 19–21
This long-standing Father’s Day tradition brings vintage race cars to the track at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix features three days of wheel-to-wheel racing, with everything from pre-1960s roadsters to ’90s open-wheel beasts. Tickets are $35 per day, and you can bring the whole family — it’s got a bit of a festival vibe.
Little Canada’s Dad Joke Mini Mission
Where: 10 Dundas St. E.
When: June 20–21
Dads love dad jokes — it’s just science. At Little Canada, they’re embracing it with a mini scavenger hunt where guests follow a trail of terrible puns across the tiny world, matching punchlines to scenes and solving a final mystery joke. First 100 guests each day get a free Little Canada hat.
Father’s Day Royal Brunch
Where: The St. Regis Toronto
When: June 21, 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If your dad’s ideal day out involves a ton of food, take him to St. Regis Hotel for the Father’s Day Royal Brunch. This lavish buffet includes freshly shucked oysters, succulent lobster tails, a classic shrimp cocktail tower, whisky BBQ-glazed brisket and made-to-order pasta.
Junction City Wrestling: School’s Out
Where: 100 Symes Rd.
If your dad enjoys a pint, a punch and some good old-fashioned entertainment, Junction City Wrestling is putting on a Father’s Day show at Rainhard Brewing Co. There will be beer, food vendors and of course, plenty of wrestling. Dog-friendly and wildly entertaining, this one’s perfect if your dad likes his Sundays with a little smackdown.
Breeder — Father’s Day Comedy Show
Where: Yuk Yuk’s
When: June 21, 8 p.m.
Cap off the weekend with some solid laughs at Yuk Yuk’s Father’s Day show. Dylan Mandlsohn has created a comedy show around the experience of becoming a dad for the first time, complete with diaper blowouts and the death of his sex life.
