Summer in the city: Toronto

Molson Amphitheatre and the Air Canada Centre
If rock concerts are your thing, a few trips to the Molson Amphitheatre should be on your summer evening agenda. Bands to look for include Dave Matthews Band on June 13, Great Big Sea on July 8, Ozzfest Canada on July 25 and Poison on Aug. 1. The Air Canada Centre hosts the Cirque du Soleil on June 23 - 24 and Mariah Carey on July 13. For a detailed list of performances visit www.ticketmaster.ca. Black Creek Pioneer Village

Go back in time, to the 19th century, at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The summer lineup of activities includes a celebration of music, dance and the arts. Black Creek Pioneer Village is host to the Métis Arts Festival on July 15 and 16. Metis First Nations and Inuit musicians will perform fiddling, dance and song. You can try traditional Métis dishes and see demonstrations of Metis artistry. On Aug. 26 and 27, enjoy the sounds of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and Canada's Maritimes at Black Creek's second annual Celtic Festival. You'll find crafts and great food, and ale will be on tap for the festivities. Call 416-736-1733 for more information or visit www.blackcreek.ca.

The Distillery District
The Historic Distillery District is known as Hollywood North for good reason. With over 800 movies shot in the area, it's Canada's number 1 filming location. Discover the blues with the Distillery Blues Festival from June 9 - 11 featuring Juno-award winners Fathead, plus the Reba Russell Band, David Rotundo plus many more. Also watch for the Toronto Blues Society's talent search, on July 8 at the Eglinton Main Stage between 12:00 and 3 p.m. The winner will be showcased July 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Visit www.distilleryblues.com and www.torontobluessociety.com for more information.

Other great events include the Toronto International Dance Festival from August 8 – 19 and the Distillary Artisan Showcase, August 26 - 27.
Visit www.thedistillerydistrict.com for details.

The Jazz Festival
It's that time of year again, when Jazz envelops downtown Toronto at more than 30 venues. The 19th annual TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival kicks off on June 23 and lasts until July 2. Look for headliners such as Jacksoul and Divine Brown, De La Soul, Molly Johnson and the Roberto Occihipinti Quintet.

Visit www.torontojazz.com for more, including details on artists and venues.Harbourfront
Experience the world every weekend at the Harbourfront centre! Get he best in groundbreaking music, dance, theatre, film, visual art, craft, readings,kids' activities, food and shopping. The festival kicks off June 16 to 18 with Barbados in the Water. Admission is free.

For more details, dial 416-973-0000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

The Toronto Music Garden, just west of Harbourfront, offers concerts by the water, surrounded by birds, bees and a gorgeous wildflower garden that was designed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Free events featuring classical music and dance are performed every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon from June to September. Guided tours of the garden are also available.

For information on the Toronto Music Garden and concert listings, call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

The Fringe
If you like grassroots theatre, make your way over to The Fringe, Toronto's Theatre Festival, from July 5 to 16. Theatre fans will have 130 plays to choose from. Check www.fringetoronto.com for show details.

Check out these sites for more summer fun in Toronto:
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/links.htm and www.torontotourism.com.

Click here to see our complete cross-Canada summer in the city guides, including more arts and entertainment PLUS discover the trendiest fashion and decor stores, and family-friendly urban freebies.