It’s the season of street festivals in Toronto, with basically a new one every weekend. And one of the best ones is definitely OssFest, taking place on a street that has received international recognition for being the city’s coolest (though it has arguably since been dethroned by Geary…). And the festival is finally returning this weekend, turning the street into a massive street party that will last late into the night. OssFest is basically the perfect built-in summer plan.
Running for one day only on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., this party filled with music, good food, shopping and interactive fun will take over the Ossington strip from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West. Expect local businesses and artisans to be showcasing their businesses as part of the open air street market, as well as 30 extended patios, two stages and even wrestlers.
This year, Carole Pope will be headlining the north stage with Tim Welch. Other highlights include Emma Campbell, Reposadists, Kunle and Blame Betty. There will be plenty of other places along the strip to enjoy live music, including at Ossington favourite No Vacancy. The bar will be turning the driveway at 77 Ossingotn into a one-day-only block party for the entirety of the festival. DJ sets will run throughout the day, including Toronto DJs Deecee and Quim. And once the festival is over, a post-party will continue from 10 p.m. until late.
Good Friends Market will also be popping up at 178R Ossington Ave., down the laneway, during OssFest and on Sunday as well, featuring a whole bunch of vintage and local vendors from 12–6 p.m.
If food is what you’re after, OssFest is opting to forgo food trucks, since there are so many top-rated restaurants along Ossington. Highlights this year include Lunch Lady, which is serving up a specially curated menu of Vietnamese street food — expect octopus, pork and beef skewers as well as Vietnamese coffee and sugarcane juice. Meanwhile, Favourites Thai is collaborating with Lambo’s Deli for a Thai-inspired take on a Lambo’s sandwich, paired with a Therianthropy wine truck and even DJ sets throughout the day on the Favourite Thai alleyway patio.
If you haven’t checked out all of the incredibly popular spots on Ossington, now is your chance — here are our top food recommendations on the strip, as well as the best locally-owned shops on the street. And if you haven’t visited in a while, these six new restaurants might be worth a visit. While OssFest will ensure you have plenty to do all day, check out our guide to a perfect day on Ossington if you need some pointers.
Residents in the area should note that Ossington Avenue will be closed for OssFest from 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 until 5 a.m. on Sunday, July 26.