Food festivals top the weekend, plan for partial subway closure

Making the most of the outdoors is what summer in the city is all about. Each weekend, there is no shortage of fun in Toronto, from food and drink festivals to hobby cultivation and charity events.

This weekend, there are at least three culinary events taking place in Toronto. After all that food, you may want to head down to a fitness event for some workout inspiration. Or maybe take your dog (if you have one) for a nice long walk through a park to raise money for a good cause.

You will have to do some walking (or waiting for shuttle buses) this weekend with a partial subway shutdown on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth).

There are also a few road closures, so you may have to park your car further away and, yes, walk a bit.

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Feast of St. Lawrence
Food has always been associated with the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. So, having a three-day festival dedicated to the celebration of food in the area makes perfect sense.

 

The inaugural event kicks off on Friday night with an exclusive dining experience on Front Street East, with big band music playing in the background. Around 100 guests will indulge in a five-course meal while seated at a long table on Front, between Scott and Church streets. Some of the proceeds from the tickets will be donated to FoodShare.

On Saturday, festival-goers will converge on Market Street, which will house outdoor food stalls and licensed patios, along with farm produce offerings and food demonstrations. Then, on Sunday, gather in St. James Park for some family fun, including marking your own smoothie using the FoodShare smoothie bicycle.

Wheels on the Danforth
Car enthusiasts will be flocking to the Danforth this weekend for the 7th annual Wheels on the Danforth. It takes place at the crossroads where Danforth Avenue and Danforth Road meet, which will be off limits to traffic.

Vegan Food and Drink Festival
If you’ve ever been curious about a vegan diet, the Vegan Food and Drink Festival on Saturday can help you ease into a meatless, dairy-free lifestyle.

 

The event takes place at Fort York, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and people of all ages are invited to attend. Tickets are available here.

Paws in the Park
Dogs and their owners will hit the pavement on Sunday in a walkathon to raise money and awareness for the Toronto Humane Society.

The walk travels along the Martin Goodman Trail and continues through Ashbridges Bay Park, ending at Woodbine Park. Once there, you and your furry friends can enjoy fun activities like doggy yoga and a pet photo booth. Your pooches can also take part in an obstacle course and relax in the cool-down pools. There will also be tasty treats for both dogs and their companions to enjoy.

 

Canfitpro
Get ready to be surrounded by six packs. Some of the fittest people in Canada are here in Toronto for Canfitpro, the largest gathering of fitness and wellness leaders in the country.

Among the fitness stars attending include Harley Pasternak; Tony Horton, the creator of P90X; and Shaun T, who created the ‘Insanity’ exercise program. The event is taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre until Sunday and people are encouraged to come out to shop, work out and learn. Tickets are available here.

Pan American Food Festival
You’ll be drawn to some amazing food smells coming from Yonge-Dundas Square this weekend.

The fourth annual Pan American Food Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday and is free for everyone. Along with delicious food, there will be cooking competitions, coffee tastings, music, and activities for children.

Road and TTC closures

The weekend subway closures just keep on rolling. This weekend, TTC riders won’t be able to access Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) between St. George to Pape stations because of bridge work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. Shuttle buses will be running.

The weekend of Aug. 27-28, subways won’t be running on Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) from Lawrence to Bloor-Yonge stations due to track work. Shuttle buses will be running.

Road closures for events
Feast of St. Lawrence: Front Street, from Scott to Church streets, will be closed from 11 a.m. on Friday to 2 a.m. on Saturday. Market Street between Front and Wilton streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. The 121 Fort York-Esplanade bus route will divert around the area.

International Street Festival: Eglinton Avenue from Dufferin Street to Marlee Avenue will be closed from 2 a.m. on Saturday to 2 a.m. on Monday. The 32/332 Eglinton West and 63/363 Ossington bus will be on diversion.

Wheels on the Danforth: Danforth Avenue, from Byng to Leyton avenues, Danforth Avenue from Leyton and Warden avenues, and Danforth Road between Landry to Danforth avenues will be closed from 7 a.m. on Saturday to 1 a.m. on Sunday. The 113 Danforth and 20 Cliffside bus routes will divert in the area.

Road work

New
Shuter Street, from Yonge to Sherbourne streets, will be reduced to one lane in both directions until Oct. 28 for watermain replacement and road work.

Ongoing work
Drivers will encounter lane reductions on Bayview Avenue from Rosedale Valley Road to Pottery Road to build a multi-use trail and for other road work. The closure is expected to last until Nov. 30.

Gerrard Street, from University Avenue to Elizabeth Street, is reduced to one lane until Oct. 15 for watermain and other road work.

Richmond Street West is reduced to one lane of traffic between Church and York streets until Nov. 30 for TTC track work, watermain replacement, and road and sidewalk repairs.

One lane of Queen Street West between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street is closed in both directions for watermain replacement and reconstruction work until around Oct. 8.