it's still caribana | July 29 - Aug 4 2026
Some good news as that waterfront protest turned into a celebration with No Jets coming to the island, at least for now. It's Caribana week but don't worry there are lots of fun, free events, if the Caribbean takeover is too much or not your style.
The calendars now have a home on the site, including a new one with all the art exhibits in the city that are free. It's not perfect, but take a look and check out some of the art we have. Our daily Reddit posts with top events every day are here.
The First Dozen
1. Toronto Caribana History Zine Launch
The launch of a zine documenting Toronto Caribana history. A cool look at how the city actually got to where it is culturally.
2. Knightcap Chess Club
A night time chess event in a hotel lobby. This is an international series with a brilliant name and it always brings out a great crowd. Cool chess club nights — they somehow made it happen.
3. Romance Book Club: The Never List
Unapologetically 18+ with books to match. This time it's The Never List by Jade Presley. RSVP required. It's in the new, more boring side of St Lawrence Market.
4. Caribana Parade
Don't wait til 8p, no one is parading at 8. If you want to see the dancers, the colours, the music, the floats, come by before midday. And come prepared. You'll need water and snacks and a blanket or chairs to sit and watch and/ or energy to walk because nothing on the street is moving except the parade.
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5. Island Soul: The Clash! Band vs DJ
The Recipee is the band and Starting From Scratch the DJ. They take turns playing music from every genre and era, creating a sing-a-long all night long. From 80s to TV theme songs to Rock and Pop, you never know where it'll go. Come sing.
Here are some picks from the rest of the Island Soul festival:
Sat, Aug 1, 12p | Make Something and Wave | Block print your flag
Fri, Jul 31, 7p |Carnival Vibrations | Calypso, Soca, & more with DJs
Fri, Jul 31, 9:30p | DJ Power and Benjai & Friends | DJs with Soca + House
Sat, Aug 1, 4p | Riddim Track | SPEXDABOSS with your favourite music
Mon, Aug 3, 12p | The Rhythm of Pan | Make art inspired by steel pan
Mon, Aug 3, 3p | Luciano | Reggae music and positive vibes
6. Taste of India Festival
Admittedly there have been a lot of festivals with Indian themes. This is the best one for food. Come gorge in between Caribana or whatever weekend plans you have. 2 days, prices are better than most events in the city and it feels as authentic as it gets.
7. Outdoor Movie: Fancy Dance (2023)
The most underrated film series continues tonight with Erica Tremblay's Indigenous drama. Taste of Regent Park market runs 5–8 PM if you want dinner first. The park here is amazing if you're bringing kids with you too.
8. Coniferous Trees Walking Tour
Meet near the waterfront trail bridge and learn about Coniferous trees and how to identify them. Spending an hour near trees is something we all need to do more of.
9. Emancipation Freedom Train Ride
A ride to mark Emancipation Day with music, poetry, of course a few speeches. Do this once at least. It was very moving to be a part of. Only one train goes to Union (no stops along the way) so don't miss it. It leaves at 11:40p.
10. Documentary Film: Ark
A free screening of the story behind an experiment that tested if 200 people could form a sense of collective identity through architecture and performance. The film is only about 35 min and starts at 7p, with a discussion and drinks following.
11. Ghanafest
Ghanaian pride was on display earlier during the World Cup, now it's gonna be in North York with a bunch of food and games as well as music all day long. It's a celebration as much as a festival.
12. Salsa on Market Street
The last week to try your hands at beginner friendly salsa lessons in the streets next to the market. Even if you don't dance, the music makes the whole street feel more fun.
13. Institut Vol 14: Madalitso Band
I don't even have to do anything but write out what their description is for this: From the streets of Lilongwe: hypnotic Malawian grooves on handmade instruments, landing in Toronto for one night only. There's a whole lineup starting at 5p until late into the night. And all in the basement of a place you'll never find without these instructions:
Around the back, through the lot to the steel doors, down the stairs, past the mechanical room, through the swinging wood laminate door...
Art Exhibits
Harbour Square | Global Convenience
Harbourfront, Wed-Sun 10a-6p | Building Black AMORPHIA
Museum of Toronto, Wed-Tue 11a-5p | The T.O. You Don't Know
Loohoo, Wed-Sun 12p-6p | Evil Persists
Outdoor Movies
Kew Gardens, Jul 29, 8p-10:16p | Fantastic Four (2005)
David Pecaut Square, Jul 29, 9p-10:52p | Remember The Titans (2000)
Corktown Common, Jul 30, 8:15p-10:15p | Speed (1994)
Liberty Village Park, Jul 31, 6p-11p | Hoppers (2026)
Christie Pits Park, Aug 2, 8p-11:18p | Titanic (1997)
Sankofa Square, Aug 4, 7p-9p | Movies In The Square
Ramsden Park, Aug 4, 8:30p-11:30p | Dirty Dancing (1987)
Harbourfront Centre Theatre, Aug 4, 8:30p-11:30p | West Side Story (1961)
Live Music
Music Garden, Jul 30, 7p-8p | Arparla & Elixir Baroque Ensemble
Market Street, Jul 31, 6p-8p | Salsa On Market Street
Union, Aug 1, 6p-10p | Bollywood Sundowner by Saad x The Mad Band
Union, Aug 3, 5:30p-7:30p | Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
Farmers' Markets
The Big Park, Jul 29, 5p-8p | Taste of Regent Park Market
Allan Gardens, Aug 1, 10a-2p | Allan Gardens Farmers' Market
Evergreen Brick Works, Aug 1, 8a-1p | Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market
Wychwood Barns, Aug 1, 8a-1p | The Stop's Farmers Market
Baird Park, Aug 1, 9a-1p | Junction Farmers' Market
Greenwood Park, Aug 2, 9a-2p | Leslieville Farmers' Market
Fitness
Trillium Park, Aug 1, 10a-11a | Yoga with NÜLOVE
Humber Bay Shores Park, Aug 1, 9a-10a | Community Yoga & Social
Humber Bay Park West, Aug 1, 9a-9:45a | Mindfulness Meditation
High Park, Aug 2, 9a-10:30a | Social Walk
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