9 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
The TD Festival of South Asia highlights a busy weekend in the city.
There’s a wide variety of stuff to do on the cheap all over Toronto this weekend — you just have to know where to find it.
To help you figure out your schedule, we dove deep into the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s a list of nine free things to do between Friday and Sunday, for all sorts of ages and interests.
Arts in the Parks: Logan MacDonald Photography Installation
Location: Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst St.
Date(s): Fri., July 28–Fri., Aug. 4
Organizer description: “At Earl Bales park, artist Logan MacDonald works in dialogue with community members to foster awareness about the queer and Indigenous connection and legacies of the park area. MacDonald will be exploring these ideas collaboratively through photography and performance-based art installation interventions within the park.”
Click here for more info.
Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest 2023
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Date(s): Sat., July 29–Sun., July 30
Organizer description: “Come and join us! Feel embraced by our Peruvian culture celebrating Peru’s 202nd Independence Day. Visitors have the opportunity to experience being ‘Peruvian for the Day.’ The festival is much more than the celebration of the Canadian Peruvian heritage — it is also a celebration of Canada’s multiculturalism.”
Click here for more info.
TD Festival of South Asia
Location: Gerrard St. E., Glenside Ave. to Coxwell Ave.
Date(s): Sat., July 29–Sun., July 30
Organizer description: “Now in its 21st year, and touted as the largest two-day, South Asian street festival in North America, the Festival embraces the tastes, sights and sounds of South Asia. Don’t miss live main stage performances, as well as a kids’ zone, arts and culture market, workshops, activities and roaming entertainers.
“Spice up your senses with sumptuous cuisines from close to 30 restaurants and shop unbelievable bargains at every store (from clothing, grocery, appliances, hair, and beauty). Known as the city’s prime ‘Little India,’ it’s the community’s biggest event bringing in approx. 250,000 people. There’s something for everyone!”
Click here for more info.
From Weeds We Grow - Land-based Arts & Reflection Workshops with Richa Baghel
Location: Rowntree Mills Park, 155 Rowntree Mill Rd.
Date(s): Sat., July 29–Sat., Oct. 7
Organizer description: “Explore art and nature with Richa Baghel, STEPS Public Art and Park People’s InTO the Ravines program. This 2-part workshop series will explore Rowntree Mills Park and Ravine System through guided drawing, creative writing, and reflection exercises.
“This is a free workshop series! No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided! Funding provided by Park People and the City of Toronto, with outreach and engagement support from STEPS Public Art.”
Click here for more info.
From Me to You: Saturday Drop-in Sessions
Location: Nia Centre for the Arts, 524 Oakwood Ave.
Date(s): Sat., July 29–Sat., Sept. 2
Organizer description: “From Me to You: Community Printmaking Program is a Cultural Hotspot Signature Project. Create prints using pre-made screens and linocut blocks during a drop-in printmaking session. Facilitator Khadijah Morley will walk participants through the basics, so they can walk away with a keepsake print, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Participants can bring along their own clothing item or piece of fabric to add a printmaking touch. All ages are welcome.”
Click here for more info.
AlohaFest Toronto
Location: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
Date(s): Sat., July 29
Organizer description: “AlohaFest is the city’s original and only united celebration of Polynesian culture. Like a warm embrace, Hālau Hula I Ka Lā (‘Hula School in the Sun’) welcomes you to the 8th annual AlohaFest Toronto! This free event brings us together rain or shine to celebrate the diversity of Polynesian culture.
“Enjoy live music, traditional dance, one-of-a-kind vendors, kids’ crafts and delicious food at our AlohaFest Marketplace! E komo mai (‘Welcome’) to where Aloha spirit shines as bright as the sun.”
Click here for more info.
Scarborough Folk Fest
Location: Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd.
Date(s): Sat., July 29–Sun., July 30
Organizer description: “The city of Scarborough, which is renowned for its multiculturalism, is home to the euphony of folk music from all over the world. The Scarborough Folk Fest honors the folk music genre in all its diverse forms and manifestations as a whole.
“To share their music with others, musicians from Canada and other countries, including Indigenous groups, will congregate in one location. This is a golden opportunity for educating people about the rich history and heritage of various cultural traditions as well as establishing a welcoming, open, and secure area for community gatherings.”
Click here for more info.
Eyes Open Photography Summer Sight Photography Exhibition
Location: CAPSUL Studio, 25 Liberty St,
Date(s): Sat., July 29
Organizer description: “Eyes Open Photography proudly announces the second annual photography exhibition for Glaucoma Awareness ‘Summer Sight.’ The exhibition showcases Jordan Tidd’s new work within the Paradise Island Collection including a number of new sea turtle photograph additions.
“Register online for free admission and come to view the stunning underwater photographs while learning more about Glaucoma eye disease!”
Click here for more info.
Wazobia Cultural Awareness 2023
Location: Morningside Park, 390 Morningside Ave.
Date(s): Sun., July 30
Organizer description: “Wazobia cultural awareness emphasizes the recognition, appreciation, and promotion of the rich traditions, languages, music, dance, arts, cuisine, and values of these ethnic groups. It aims to foster a sense of unity, understanding, and respect among Canadian Nigerians by highlighting the similarities and shared experiences among diverse cultures.
“Overall, Wazobia cultural awareness serves as a platform for Canadian Nigerians to come together, learn from one another, and build a more robust and harmonious society by recognizing and valuing the contributions of each ethnic group to the cultural tapestry of Nigeria.”
Click here for more info.
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