5 d. ago Massive free outdoor festival will shut down major Toronto street this weekend

Toronto is gearing up for the 29th annual Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, billed as "North America's largest Ukrainian street festival."One of the last big street festivals of the summer is set to shut down a stretch of the major thoroughfare this coming weekend. This three-day celebration brings together music, dance, food, and culture right in the heart of the Bloor West Village neighbourhood.Over 50 artists — international and local — will perform across multiple stages over the course of the event, including the headliner, Ukrainian singer and actress Masha Kondratenko.Aside from the performances and special appearances, the grounds will also feature the Ukrainian Village Refreshments Garden, where you can listen to traditional tunes and sip on beverages courtesy Featherstone Winery and Nickel Brook Brewing. This small beer garden serves as a separate refreshment area, distinct from the rest of the festival's ...

Politics

5 d. ago 626 impaired drivers taken off B.C. roads this summer, many following festivals

Considering the smaller population, Northern B.C. had the highest total of driving prohibitions, criminal charges and drug prohibitions, according to highway patrol.

Transport

8 d. ago Breathtaking sunset light show will illuminate Toronto destination next month

Toronto's beloved open-air pavilion under the Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway, will transform into something unreal this fall, with SOLAR, a one-of-a-kind sunset light show by Italian artist Quayola.The Bentway is set to transform into a glowing dreamscape for four nights in October, where Toronto residents can catch a city sunset like never before. This installation combines high-tech robotics, contemporary art, and an atmospheric soundtrack curated specially by the artist.The light show utilizes a robotic arm that directs hundreds of beams of light, choreographed into arcs that shift and change across The Bentway's vast canvas. The piece projects the sun's daily journey, turning the transition from day to night into a futuristic ensemble of impeccable colour and sound.The work first wowed audiences this summer at Rome's Videocittà festival, but the Toronto edition has been custom-built for the unique setting under the Gardiner. Visi...

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1 week ago Huge festival will let you have relaxing spa day right under busy Toronto highway

A huge wellness festival is taking over Toronto's The Bentway when The Sunrise Social returns to the city on September 20.So, are you ready to relax right under a bustling, gridlocked highway?Touted as "Toronto's largest morning wellness social event," in my opinion, this festival comes at the perfect time.The summer has seen a surge in Toronto residents seeking out activities that prioritize their mental health and physical well-being, ditching nighttime club parties for morning "raves" and viral exercise routines.Past Sunrise Social events have been met with significant buzz on social media, pointing to the fact that there is a market for this kind of festival.And of course, its unique location adds to the excitement. The Bentway — located right beneath the Gardiner Expressway — may not be where you think you want to go for a day out at the spa, but it's definitely where you should b...

Culture

2 w. ago Yet another popular Toronto street festival suddenly cancelled at last minute

The 2025 Little Jamaica Festival in Toronto has been cancelled for this year, another tradition suddenly cut short amid the recent wave of cancellations affecting the city.However, if you've been following this dismal trend of summer festival cancellations, maybe the latest news doesn't take you entirely by surprise. The Little Jamaica BIA took to Instagram, stating, "We regret to inform you that the Little Jamaica Festival 2025 will not be taking place this year, August 30 - August 31, 2025."The BIA goes on to explain the reason behind this tough choice and acknowledges its followers' sentiment in the wake of this last-minute announcement."Unfortunately, due to funding and permit challenges, we are unable to move forward as planned. We know how much this festival means to our community, and this was not an easy decision."     View this post on Instagram  &n...

Culture

3 w. ago It's going to be a nightmare getting around Toronto this weekend

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, Toronto is squeezing in every last outdoor festival and event it can, meaning that getting around the city over the next few days might take a bit longer than you'd expect.Whether you're joining thousands of others at the CNE, exploring local art in Yorkville, or heading to a local concert, expect some significant road closures, packed transit routes, and diversions.Between Friday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 21, several road restrictions and traffic management measures will be coming into effect for events, filming and critical construction.From 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 to 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, Yonge Street will be closed between Dundas and Richmond Streets for the Sankofa Day event, a full-day celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture and local diversity, as well as the official opening of the new Sankofa Square.From 7 a.m. on Friday, August 22 to 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 24, Yorkville Avenue will also be closed b...

Other

3 w. ago Gigantic Italian food and culture festival taking over Ontario city this weekend

With summer festivals still in full swing, one that is being billed as among the best in Ontario is returning to Mississauga in the coming days, and it's an annual tradition for the city. The 13th annual Italfest will come to the heart of the GTA city this weekend, serving as a celebration of all things Italian heritage.Think traditional music (or some musica tradizionale italiana) from some big Italo-Canadian names, culinary delights that will make you feel like you've been whisked away to the European nation (save for the long-haul flight), and other fun activities to keep everyone entertained.This year, the spotlight is on the Sicily region, known for its arancini, fish, eggplant-based appetizers and its own variation of pizza.For those who are looking to tingle their tastebuds, you can not only sample these and more delicious dishes, but can take part in pasta, cannoli and watermelon eating contests. Local top-r...

Culture

3 w. ago Toronto's poshest neighbourhood transforms into huge street party this weekend

One of our favourite summer festivals returns to Toronto this weekend to cover an entire neighbourhood in stunning artwork.The sixth Yorkville Murals Festival (YVM) takes place in the city's most stylish neighbourhood from Saturday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 24, with a theme this year of 'No Empty Spaces.'And while the showcase of massive murals is not to be missed, there is so much more to discover during the neighbourhood takeover.Yorkville Mural Festival"YVM is Toronto’s ultimate summer send-off, an immersive celebration of art, culture and city life," Alan Ganev, the founder and director of Yorkville Murals, says in a statement."Every year, we challenge the limits of public art, reimagining Yorkville as a vibrant cultural hub where contemporary art, music and community collide in bold and surprising ways."At YVM, you can expect live art showcases, giant inflatable activations, and a massive Block Party full of DJ sets and other ...

Culture

last month Have you done nothing all summer? Then you’re doing it right

By August, summer has hit its stride. Patios are packed, festivals are in full swing, and if we have strong social bonds, our calendars overflow with invitations. The season vibrates with possibility. But what if, between saying yes to every barbecue and cramming in one more weekend adventure, we tapped into summer’s most underrated gift: […]

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last month Best Ninja products to buy for all your 2025 summer festivities

These Ninja appliances bring pro-level performance right to your kitchen counter.

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