(Written by Patricia D’Cunha & Amber LeBlanc of 680 News)

It’s the last long weekend of the summer, and with that in mind, it’s time to make the most of every moment of it.

The Labour Day long weekend is a busy one for many families as children head back to school on Tuesday, but there are plenty of ways to mix errands with fun. The CNE air show is among the top events as the annual exhibition winds down for another season.

If you are taking the TTC into Toronto, a portion of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) is closed for TTC work.

For those planning to do any last-minute back-to-school shopping, several malls will be open on the holiday Monday. Scroll below to scan a list of what’s open and closed.

Events

CNE air show
There will be some amazing sights in the sky this weekend over Lake Ontario as the 67th annual Canadian International Air Show is set to fly high.

Performing this year will be the Breitling Jet Team, CF-18 Hornets and of course, the world famous Snowbirds. The air show takes place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Reminder: The CNE closes on Monday, marking the unofficial end of summer. Click here for tickets.

Canada’s Wonderland fireworks
As summer winds down, don’t miss your chance to catch the last fireworks of the season. On Sunday, Canada’s Wonderland will be putting on a light show set to music, set to start at 10 p.m. weather permitting.

Downsview Park Ribfest
One of the last rib fests of the summer will be taking over Downsview Park this long weekend, and it has something for everyone – even those who aren’t meat lovers.

Organizers say there will be non-stop music including U2 and AC/DC cover bands, a beer tent, a wrestling display, and a midway with lots of events for kids. Admission is $2, but $5 after 7 p.m. Children 12 and under are free.

Buskerfest
Organizers of Buskerfest say this year’s show is full of surprises that will make your jaw hit the floor.

The festival moves from downtown to Woodbine Park from Friday through Labour Day. Along with some of the most talented performers from around the world, it also features a brand new car show event on Saturday, and a beer garden.

Money donated at the gates goes towards Epilepsy Toronto.

Philippines Festival
Mabuhay Philippines Festival, one of the biggest celebrations of the year in the Filipino community, is taking place at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s theme is “Sining” or “Art,” which means artists will be out in full force, showcasing dance, spoken word, painters and chefs showing off their skills.

Organizers say the highlight of this year’s event is a fashion show on Saturday night featuring two new designers: Jaki Peñalosa from Iloilo, Philippines and Kenneth Barlis from San Diego. There will also be parade downtown on Saturday.

Fan Expo
Don’t be surprised if you see people dressed up as their favourite superhero or sci-fi character downtown this weekend. It’s all part of the annual Fan Expo, which runs through Sunday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Some of the celebrities you can see include Mark Hamill of Star Wars, William Shatner, Kevin Smith, Adam West and Burt Ward (the original Batman and Robin), Anne Heche, and Linda Blair. You can get ticketshere.

Soundbites Festival
A huge party in Mississauga’s Celebration Square will be held on Saturday.

The third annual Soundbites Festival features food trucks galore and a free concert by DJ Jazzy Jeff, followed by a big fireworks display. Admission is free.

 

What’s Open & Closed on Labour Day

Open

  • TTC will run on holiday service
  • GO will run on a Sunday schedule
  • Tourist attractions: Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada’s Wonderland, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario Science Centre, Canada’s Wonderland, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo
  • Several malls: Bramalea City Centre (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Eaton Centre (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Pacific Mall (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Square One (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), The Promenade (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Upper Canada Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Vaughan Mills Mall (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Hillcrest Mall (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Yorkville Village (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

 

Closed

  • All LCBO and Beer stores will be closed
  • Most grocery stores (select ones are open but call ahead)
  • Some malls: Dufferin Mall, Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, Yorkdale Shopping Centre
  • Government offices, municipal buildings, and banks
  • All Toronto Public Library branches are closed on Sunday and Monday
  • Garbage collection: Curbside collection is not provided on any Monday
  • No mail delivery

TTC and road closures

Subway closure
As you make your long weekend plans, keep in mind that Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) will be closed between St. George to Pape stations on all three days due to bridge work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. Shuttle buses will be running.

Next weekend, Line 1 (Yonge-University) will be closed from Wilson to Downsview stations because of track work. Shuttle buses will be running.

Road closures for events

Fan Expo Canada: Front Street West’s south curb lane between John Street and Simcoe Street, Bremner Boulevard’s north curb lane between Simcoe Street and the Metro Convention Centre, and Simcoe Street’s west curb lane from the InterContinental Hotel to Bremner Boulevard will be closed at the following times: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Buskerfest: Coxwell Avenue’s northbound curb lane between Eastern Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard will be closed from 6 p.m. on Saturday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

Labour Day Parade: University Avenue between Dundas Street and Richmond Street, and Queen Street West’s north curb lane from the west side of Bay Street to the east side of University Avenue, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.

Road work

Ongoing work

Shuter Street, from Yonge to Sherbourne streets, will be reduced to one lane in both directions until Oct. 28 for watermain replacement and road work.

Drivers will encounter lane reductions on Bayview Avenue from Rosedale Valley Road to Pottery Road to build a multi-use trail and for other road work. The closure is expected to last until Nov. 30.

Gerrard Street, from University Avenue to Elizabeth Street, is reduced to one lane until Oct. 15 for watermain and other road work.

Richmond Street West is reduced to one lane of traffic between Church and York streets until Nov. 30 for TTC track work, watermain replacement, and road and sidewalk repairs.

One lane of Queen Street West between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street is closed in both directions for watermain replacement and reconstruction work until around Oct. 8.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Filed under: closed, Events, fireworks, GTA, open, toronto