11 things to do in Toronto this week: June 1–7
Napalm Death and Amyl and the Sniffers bring heavy rock to the city's stages, while David Sedaris lands at Indigo for his book tour—and the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives this summer at Toronto's stadium.
This week splits cleanly into two chapters: a bright, dry opening that begs you outside, followed by a wet weekend that rewards staying in. Monday and Tuesday clear skies, with temperatures climbing from 10 to 23 degrees—prime time to catch live music outdoors or walk through neighbourhoods you've been meaning to explore. By midweek it stays overcast and warm, holding through Thursday at 26 degrees. Then Friday brings light drizzle, Saturday's rain thickens, and Sunday turns heavy, so plan your outdoor moves early and save the theatres and covered venues for the tail end.
Start Monday night at the Horseshoe Tavern, where Old Mervs, the Australian independent rock duo of David House and Henry Carrington-Jones, take the stage at 8 p.m. They've known each other since childhood and bring that ease into tight, guitar-driven indie rock—a good warm-up for the week's heavier hitters.
Tuesday is the week's most crowded night and worth planning around. Napalm Death, the English grindcore pioneers formed in 1981, tear through Lee's Palace at 7 p.m. with their uncompromising, blistering sound—this is the week's biggest rock draw and one of those shows you'll reference for years if you're into extreme music. Same night, Hemlocke Springs, the American singer and TikTok sensation known for "Girlfriend," plays The Mod Club at 7 p.m. for a very different energy. If you want to catch the Japanese all-female rock trio TsuShiMaMiRe at The Garrison, also at 7 p.m. (tickets from $29), know you're picking one of three excellent options. David Sedaris brings his wit and essays to Indigo Bay & Bloor in Manulife Centre at 7 p.m.—his "The Land and Its People" book tour is the week's literary event and worth grabbing if you've followed his work. And Iona C.S.S: There Is A Time runs at Meadowvale Theatre the same evening.
Wednesday and Thursday stay warm and dry, perfect for outdoor patios. Greensky Bluegrass, the five-piece American jam band from Kalamazoo, plays two shows at The Opera House on Wednesday at 7 p.m.—they've evolved from a tight trio into a full electric light show, so bring friends. Thursday at 7 p.m., Amyl and the Sniffers, the Melbourne pub rock and punk outfit with vocalist Amy Taylor, hit RBC Amphitheatre with the raw, no-nonsense energy that's made them international cult favourites. Same night, drag performer Alyssa Edwards—the RuPaul's Drag Race alum and choreographer—brings her stage presence to The Danforth Music Hall at 7 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish runs at The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres through June 4, across five performances—a cultural anchor for the week.
Beyond stages, Main Street Unionville has just reopened after a $14.8 million restoration, revitalizing the historic Markham streetscape with widened sidewalks and modern amenities. It's worth a trip if you're looking for a neighbourhood walk with real bones. For food, Fox on John's gastropub warmth works any night, while The Keg Steakhouse on York Street suits the midweek clear stretch—grab a cocktail outside while you can. If rain hits, Black+Blue Toronto's lounge bar is built for settling in.
One last thing to circle: the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives this summer at Toronto's stadium. This is the season's biggest draw—matches start mid-June. Check the full schedule at /toronto/fifa-world-cup to lock in dates now.
Your week's clearest yes: Amyl and the Sniffers at RBC Amphitheatre on Thursday. The weather holds, the band is in their prime, and Thursday night in June with a pub rock legend is how you spend the week's sweetest evening.