Summer may almost be over, but festival season certainly isn’t! Toronto is still filling up our weekend plans with festivals of all kinds this September — way beyond TIFF, of course. If you need a break from movie watching this weekend and you want to enjoy the city before the weather turns, check out these five festivals happening in Toronto.
Artwalk in the Square
Take a trip up to Shops at Don Mills this weekend for Artwalk in the Square, a huge fine art show that will fill the outdoor mall with tents featuring some of the most incredible artists in the country! Over 80 established and emerging artists will be showcasing their work, meaning you’ll have the chance to discover your new favourite artist and maybe purchase the perfect piece you’ve been waiting for to fill your living room gallery wall.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Bloor West Village is getting a makeover this weekend: North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival, the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, is back! This massive festival is celebrating Ukrainian culture, music, food and traditions. Performances include Arkan Dance Company, the Stardust Jazz Trio, Vlad Romaschenko & Olga Posternak and Yaroslav Dzhus. There will also be a Speaker’s Corner, where there will be a talk by investigative journalist Victor Malarek, former Canadian politician and mental health expert Dr. Stanley Kutcher and a documentary film screening. Visitors can also shop around at a vendor market filled with traditional Ukrainian crafts, such as embroidery, woodcarving and pottery. And don’t forget the food: there will be authentic dishes of all kinds, including borscht and kebabs.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
The cultural celebrations continue: Roncesvalles Polish Festival is returning for its 20th anniversary celebration this weekend! The festival spreads across four stages in the neighbourhood, which will play host to local Polish artists and other spectacular performances. There will also be three beverage gardens, a local artisan zone, a family fun zone featuring the Reptilia Zoo and streets full of bouncy castles, midway rides and carnival games! Don’t miss all the incredible food, which happens to include an actual pierogi eating contest.
Danforth East Arts Fair
The east end will have their own fun, too; this weekend, the Danforth East Arts Fair will turn the street into an outdoor showcase of eclectic local artists. Live acoustic music will be playing, free children’s activities and crafts will be available and there will even be lunch and snack options from nearby restaurants (including Pomarosa, The Pop Stand and Heavenly Sandwiches) while you browse. The art at this fair goes far beyond fine art: browse embroidery, handmade ceramics, jewelry and so much more.
Pape Village Block Party
Join the party! Pape Village is hosting a massive block party all weekend long, and it’s totally family-friendly. Live music, food vendors, a kids’ fun zone featuring bouncy castles, arts and crafts vendors, balloons and faceprinting — there will be plenty to do all across the neighbourhood.