One of Toronto’s most unique summer festivals is back and transforming a former airport runway into a giant playground for the public.
Held at YZD, the 370-acre redevelopment of the former Downsview Airport lands, Play on the Runway is returning for its fifth year and offers a rare opportunity to explore a site that was once off-limits to the public.
This July, the former runway will once again transform into a massive public space for biking, roller skating, skateboarding, picnicking and more with Play on the Runway.
From July 11 to 12, between noon and 5 p.m., the free festival stretches more than a kilometre across the runway, giving the public a rare chance to experience this previously off-limits space. This year’s event, themed “Festival of Wind,” features programming focused on movement, creativity and outdoor play.
Expect to see giant kites soaring in the skies, dance to live DJs while blazing down the runway, enjoy the best food trucks the city has to offer and explore endless room to roam the lot. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby with the learn-to-skateboard program, spend some time with some family at the family-friendly Bike Party and wheel decorating, or enjoy the spirit of summer with the oversized bubble performances from the North Fire circus, there really is something for everyone.
This year, Play on the Runway is here to level up again with innovative programming, including a guided photography walk led by Adapted Lens on Sunday and an accessible described walking tour for the visually impaired hosted by JJ Hunt on Saturday. Roller skate and scooter rentals will be available on-site, while bikes can be rented from nearby Bike Share Toronto stations. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, some snacks and enjoy the open space.
“Play on the Runway is about giving people permission to engage with space in creative, playful and personal ways,” says Alana Mercury, Director of Placemaking and Programming at Northcrest Developments.
With the weather warming up there’s no better time to see the velvet rope drop and get a glimpse into the grounds for yourself.
For decades, the property was home to aircraft manufacturing and testing, first under de Havilland Canada and later under the well-known Canadian aerospace company, Bombardier. Today, after the land was sold in 2018, the space is being reimagined as a new mixed-use community with parks, cultural spaces, homes and public gathering places — and Play on the Runway is here to give us a sneak peek into the future.
In recent years, the runway has become a destination for large-scale events, including a stop on Bruno Mars’ Canadian tour at Rogers Stadium, which is temporarily located on the old Bombardier grounds.
Play on the Runway takes place at YZD Runway, 10 Hanover Rd., on July 11 and 12 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
