Frugal guide for Canada Day

This year, we begin our Frugal Summer Guide with Canada Day events. Please check next week for the rest of listings to make the summer of 2012 truly special (on a limited budget!).

WHAT: Fireworks across the city
WHERE: From Canada’s Wonderland to Mississauga Celebration Square
WHEN: July 1, check for specific times.
FREE: Yes

WHAT: Canada Day Weekend at Harbourfront Centre — A four-day birthday celebration featuring dance, music, culinary arts, comedy, family activities, storytelling, games and film. Weekend highlights include Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, dancer and musical activist Johnny Clegg, hip hop soulstress Zaki Ibrahim, Berlin-based Canadian indie pop band Hidden Cameras, genre-mashing duo The Airplane Boys, the finalists of our “O Canada" Singing Competition, family-friendly dancing lessons called Come Dance with Me, Canada, and The CALL OUT — Toronto's biggest and best b-boy/b-girl battle!
WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
WHEN: June 29 to July 2, check schedule for list of events and times.
FREE: Yes

WHAT: Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic — The 46th edition of the popular picnic features a shopping bazaar, midway rides, live music and the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. CHIN bikini competition.
WHERE: Exhibition Place Toronto
WHEN: June 30 to July 2, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE: Yes

WHAT: Canada Day Weekend Ribfest — From award-winning ribs being served up by 16 different vendors to bands to a kids’ area with face painting, music and magic shows and a haunted house. Representatives from the Toronto Zoo will also be there with some animal friends and there will also be a citizenship festival and a fireworks show.
WHERE: Centennial Park
WHEN: June 29 to July 2, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
FREE: Yes, but organizers are asking for donations.

WHAT: Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square — Celebrate Canada's 145th birthday with live musical performances by Canadian bands and stunning fireworks choreographed to music.
WHERE: Mel Lastman Square
WHEN: July 1, starts at 5 p.m., check schedule for events and times.
FREE: Yes

WHAT: Multicultural Canada Day Celebration — The Multicultural Canada Day celebration will showcase folklore and will feature the many cultures and ethnic groups that makes Toronto a great place to live.
WHERE: Yonge-Dundas Square
WHEN: July 1, noon to 9 p.m.
FREE: Yes