Charity bike ride, Ramadan celebration among weekend events in Toronto

This weekend is shaping up to be a nice one with sunshine and warm temperatures, so it is essential that you spend time outside. With all this rain the GTA has been getting lately, having an entire weekend of sun is rare.

There are several events taking place this weekend, including one on Friday night. Showers are in store for the evening, so make sure to carry an umbrella. Also, a reminder that a portion of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) is closed this weekend due to TTC work.

---

Events

Ride to Conquer Cancer
It’s unlike any other cycling challenge – the Ride to Conquer Cancer is hitting the streets this weekend. The two-day and three-route event spans over 200 kilometres. Opening ceremonies kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Exhibition Place in Toronto, and 7200 Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls. All riders will travel to Hamilton during the first day of the ride, camping out at the Athletic Fields at McMaster University overnight, and then head back out on the road by 8 a.m. on Sunday. Money raised from the bike ride goes to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Registration is now closed but you can still donate here.

Fast in the 6
As the holy month of Ramadan reaches the halfway point at the end of this week, a massive celebration is planned for Nathan Phillips Square on Friday. The inaugural event runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features fireworks, stand-up comedy, music, and food. Mayor John Tory will also be addressing the crowd. Everyone is invited to take part in the celebration that promotes diversity, unity and prosperity. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Toronto Challenge
Walking or running is a good way to stay in shape, and on Sunday, those activities will help raise money to improve the quality of life for seniors in the community. The 5K run and walk and the 1K walk start at University Avenue and Armoury Street at 9:30 a.m. and end at Nathan Phillips Square. Participants will receive a free T-shirt and a chance to win prizes.

Grilled Cheese Challenge
Everyone has their own special way to make a grilled cheese sandwich. You can taste the many offerings at the challenge, which is being held at Lake Shore Boulevard West and Islington Avenue on Saturday. Vendors will present their creations to judges, with $1,000 awarded for first place. The public will also be able to vote on which grilled cheese is the best, with awards handed out for best testing, most innovative and best gourmet.

 

Craft Beer Festival
Kick off Ontario Craft Beer Week at the eighth annual Craft Beer Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square. The event features over 100 different beers, plus food vendors and live music. Guests can also vote for their favourite beer through ‘Collaboration Nation,’ where craft breweries team up with celebrities to make unique creations. The 19+ event takes place rain or shine Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Foodalicious
Toronto’s first annual Foodalicious food festival is taking over Downsview Park this weekend. Guests can enjoy great food, live music, carnival games, inflatables, midway rides and stage shows. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. All ages are welcome.

Paddlefest Toronto
Learn to kayak, canoe and paddleboard at Paddlefest Toronto this weekend. The event takes place at Sunnyside Beach, offering beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics. The sessions run 1.5 hours, 3.5 hours and 8 hours. Participants can also browse exhibitor booths throughout the day.

Paper Fair
Smartphones may be all around us, but there the paper tradition still lives on in the city. And it makes perfect sense that the paper fair is taking place at Toronto’s oldest surviving post office, located at Adelaide and George streets in the city’s St. Lawrence neighbourhood. Not only is the post office a museum but also a full-service postal outlet. Saturday’s fair, which is from noon to 7 p.m., showcases “Made in Toronto” paper goods such as stationery, greetings cards, art prints, postcards, and more. Admission is free.

 

TTC and road closures

Partial Line 2 shutdown
TTC crews continue their work on the subway system this weekend, with Line 2 shut down between St. George and Broadview stations. Crews will be doing work on the Prince Edward Viaduct and other TTC maintenance. Shuttle buses will be running and Wheel-Trans buses will be available upon request.

Road closures

SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women: Queen’s Park Crescent, from College to Bloor streets, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Ride to Conquer Cancer: Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, in the area bounded by Burnhamthorpe Road, The West Mall, Kipling Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard in the south.

Portugal Day: Lansdowne Avenue, from Bloor to College streets, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Annex Family Festival: Bloor Street, from Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Toronto Challenge Run: The northbound lanes of University Avenue, from Queen to Armoury streets, will be closed from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Sunday.