What’s on this weekend: Caribbean-themed run, Brazilian and South Asian street festivals

By Patricia D'Cunha and Samantha Knight

Summer doesn’t last forever, so make the most of the season while you can. This weekend, run or walk to the beat of Caribbean music, or move to the rhythm of Brazilian music. You can also experience the diversity of South Asia at a street festival on Gerrard Street.

Despite the fun to be had, revellers will still have to contend with road closures and a partial Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) shutdown.


Events

Toronto Carnival Run
The Toronto Carnival Run is taking over Inukshuk Park on Saturday for its second annual event. The park is located along the Martin Goodman Trail, near Lake Shore West and Newfoundland Road. This family fun run aims to encourage wellness and community involvement with a Caribbean carnival theme. It offers a 1K kids run, 5K run/walk and 10K run/walk. Opening ceremonies kick off at 7:45 a.m., with the first race getting underway at 8 a.m. All proceeds go toward the Simunye Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering the African/Caribbean community through artistic, sporting and educational activities. Awards will be given for top male and female finishers.

Toronto Triathlon Festival
One of the largest triathlons in the province takes place on Sunday. The festival raises money for cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital. The race kicks off at Ontario Place with swimming. Then, participants will bike along a section of the Gardiner Expressway and through downtown Toronto. Those taking part in the Olympic distance race will continue on the Don Valley Parkway and then back west on the Gardiner to Ontario Place. The final leg of the race is the run, which heads along the Martin Goodman Trial and then back east along Lake Shore Boulevard. The race starts just before 7 a.m. with the awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m.

 

Festival of South Asia
Now in its 15th year, the free festival takes place along Gerrard Street between Glenside and Coxwell avenues this weekend. Experience the culture and cuisine of various countries in South Asia. There will be tasting tables, sidewalk sales, live music, henna art, and entertainment for kids. The event will also house a cricket open house, a Bollywood pop-up mela (or fair), a yoga studio and a culture alley. Last year, more than 200,000 people attended the event and a large turnout is also expected this time around.

Junction Night Market
Explore the Junction this Saturday night at the Junction Night Market. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Pacific Avenue, just north of Dundas Street West. The evening features live entertainment, local food, craft beer, cider and wine. Tickets cost $5 and will be sold on site. All proceeds help members of the Junction community gain access to fresh and healthy food through local food programs.

BrazilFest
Transport yourself to Brazil at Canada’s largest Brazilian cultural event. The 14th annual BrazilFest takes place this Sunday at Earlscourt Park. The 12-hour festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and celebrates the rhythms of Brazil through various performers, dance groups and bands. Attendees will also get a chance to enjoy Brazilian-style foods and the country’s national drink “Caipirinha.” The family-friendly event includes a kids’ zone that is open all day long.

 

Ossfest
Ossington Avenue will be shut down between Queen and Dundas Street West this weekend for Ossfest. The street will be transformed with shopping, dancing, live music, patios, food and drinks. Entry is free and the event kicks off in the morning with the OssCrit urban bike race at 7:30 a.m. There will also be a silk screen workshop, basketball training, a kids zone and giveaways. The day-long street festival runs from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Last weekend of Summerlicious
If you haven’t taken advantage of the annual foodie festival yet, this is last weekend to do so. With more than 200 restaurants offering tasty meals, there is no shortage of local and international cuisine to try out. Click here to check today’s reservation availability. Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $18, $23 and $28; and dinner menus are priced at $28, $38 and $48. Since 2003, both the winter and summer culinary events have generated around $290 million for the Toronto’s restaurant industry. Click here to read 150 food facts about the city, part of TO Canada with Love that celebrates the country’s 150 birthday.

 

Big on Bloor Festival
Big on Bloor returns for its 10th year this weekend. The outdoor car-free fest, which takes over Bloor Street between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue, celebrates local arts, culture and community. Last year, the event drew over 100,000 visitors. It will feature more than 100 artisans, live music, activities for the kids, and of course lots of food to indulge in.

TTC and road closures

Partial Line 2 shutdown
Crews will turn their attention to Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) this weekend, conducting work on the Prince Edward Viaduct and other TTC maintenance. As a result of this work, subways won’t be running between St. George and Broadview stations. Shuttle buses will be running, and Wheel-Trans will be available upon request. Regular service is expected to resume at 6 a.m. on Monday.

Road closures
Big on Bloor: Bloor Street, from Dufferin Street to Lansdowne Avenue, will be closed from 9 a.m. on Saturday to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. for the Big on Bloor Festival.

Festival of South Asia: Gerrard Street between Glenside and Coxwell avenues will be closed 8 a.m. on Saturday to 2 a.m. on Monday.

Oss Fest: Ossington Avenue, from Dundas to Queen streets, will be closed from 5 a.m. on Saturday to 3 a.m. on Sunday. There will also be partial road closures in the area, click here for the list.

Toronto Triathlon Festival: The eastbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway from the Humber Bridge to Carlaw Avenue and the northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway from the Gardiner Expressway to Eglinton Avenue, including all ramps, will be closed from 2 a.m. to noon on Sunday. One eastbound lane of Lake Shore Boulevard, from Windermere Avenue to New Brunswick Way/Remembrance Drive, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Toronto Caribbean Junior Carnival: McLevin Avenue, from Sewells Road to Neilson Road, will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Neilson, from McLevin to Finch Avenue, will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Youth Day: Yonge Street, from Dundas Street to Queen Street, will be closed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

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