There are so many things to see and do at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). From festivals, concerts and art installations to decadent restaurants and exciting local attractions – there are endless possibilities!
With countless places to discover nearby, there are plenty of reasons to stay the day (or longer) and explore all the fantastic fun! Here are some VMC must-sees that are sure to heat up your summer in Vaughan:
THINGS TO DO
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
The City of Vaughan’s 29th annual Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park series presented by TD and event sponsor Tim Hortons returns this June. This free event series takes place throughout the summer starting on Wednesday, June 14, with platinum-selling singer/songwriter and JUNO Award winner Shawn Desman. So ‘Get Ready’ for a summer filled with live music and fun! Catch his performance at the VMC, weather permitting, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Transit Square at 100 New Park Pl. The location is equipped with accessible parking, pathways and washrooms. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Find additional details at vaughan.ca/concerts.
ASSEMBLY PARK BLOCK PARTY
May 27-28, 2023
Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Assembly Park Block Party is back for its second year with even more family fun! Prepare yourself for another unforgettable weekend in Vaughan’s new Creative District. Come out to enjoy food trucks, an artisans’ marketplace, a beekeepers’ kiosk, Menkes games room, Assembly Studios, live music, a flower market, Goodlife Fitness classes, Dave and Busters Beer Garden, kids’ art activities, nature activities and a Vaughan International Film Festival movie screening at sundown.
WOOF-A-PALOOZA
Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WOOF-A-PALOOZA is your pup’s ticket to fun! Come out to Assembly Park at 80 Interchange Way in the VMC for a day full of fun for your furry friend. The event includes free lure course runs for your dog, fashion shows and trick contests both days, free parking on site, more than 30 pet-related exhibitors, an agility area, prizes and more – rain or shine!
VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Friday, Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 19 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
An award-winning community-led event, the Vaughan International Music Festival (VIMF) is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of music, diversity, and community that serves as a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area.
The VIMF, established as the 1st International Music Festival in the City of Vaughan and York Region, celebrates diversity, culture and inclusiveness through music. The festival showcases a wide range of musical genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock, classical, jazz and world music, and features performances by both established and emerging artists. [AA1]
VAUGHAN CON (POP CULTURE CONVENTION)
Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Vaughan Con takes all the best elements of a comic and collectible convention and blends it with family-friendly entertainment, along with a passion for the arts and creativity that runs deep within the community. Taking place at the Bellvue Manor, 8083 Jane St., it’s the perfect place for a family outing. Experience all the current pop culture as you browse through vendors selling comics, cards, toys and more! You can even take pictures with some amazing backdrops, special guests and cosplayers. For the collector looking for the perfect piece the add to their collection – look no further. Vaughan Con vendors have some of the rarest items and collectibles, from Pokémon cards to FUNKO and everything in between.
Art in the Downtown
Step into ArtWalk: a world-class art installation featuring 30,000 sq. ft. of four bold, colourful statement murals. Native Torontonians birdO and Ben Johnston, Montreal artist Jeremy Shantz, and Madrid-based Ricardo Cavolo brought their creativity to Vaughan’s downtown core.
While you’re there, be sure to check out Canada’s largest low-resolution art installation: PXL Gallery. This 10,000 sq. ft. luminous art wall is a stunning addition and will serve as a rotating gallery for years to come.
Places to Eat
Whether you’ve got a hungry family to feed or looking for a quick snack, there are so many delicious options super close to the VMC. Grab a bite at one of many nearby restaurants and eateries situated less than one kilometre away. Check out our dining options to find something to please every palate.
More Fun to Explore
The thrills don’t stop at music or movies! From outlet malls to unique boutiques, check out great shopping options in and around Vaughan. The city hosts many amazing attractions: no matter what you’re looking for – roller-coasters, reptiles or LEGO bricks – you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy!
Places to Stay
Maximize your fun – play and stay in Vaughan! Choose from a wide range of accommodations and make yourself right at home, away from home. Find your perfect accommodation now.
Travel with Ease
No wheels? No worries! Use any of the three public transit systems that connect Vaughan with surrounding regions to get here and get around.
- Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
- York Region Transit (YRT)/Viva
- GO Transit
There are frequent connections through the TTC’s VMC subway station and YRT’s Smart VMC Bus Terminal. You can even plan your trip using the YRT Trip Planner!
As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!
