26 Aug 2026 12 min read weekly dozen

oh dolly | Aug 26 - Sep 3 2026

nothing really to do with our city, but what a beautiful life Dolly Parton led.

A few changes this week. I'm going to try and fix the way these go out. The newsletter will still come out on Wednesdays, but now they will focus on events from Friday-Thursday, so you have time to plan your events and weekend. There's more to talk about as we transition out of the summer season, but let's do that when summer's officially over.

Dolly Parton, the one person in the world it seems everyone loved, was a huge advocate for reading and literacy. So I've featured a kids' literary event and a way to donate your children's books this week. A great way to honour her legacy. There's also a new bar in the Esplanade named after her too.

Don't forget to scroll to the bottom to see music, art, movies, markets and fitness events in the city this week.

1. Cinema Sotto le Stelle: Primadonna

Sat, Aug 29 · 9p-11p | Courtyard, Columbus Centre | Free

It sounds better in Italian, doesn't it? Free outdoor film series showcasing contemporary Italian films under the stars. In Italian but with English subtitles. Films presented in Italian with English subtitles.

2. Critical Mass Bike Ride

Fri, Aug 28 · 6p | Prince Edward Viaduct Parkette | Free

Help keep the protected bike lanes in the city. Everyone deserves to have safe travel in the city, no matter if you walk, ride, drive, or take transit. If you're a bike rider, show up on Friday.

3. Book Talks: Queen Mab & Was It Worth It?

Two book releases, two author conversations, 1 week apart. Queen Mab, about a new mother who lives in a mundane setting but finds her reality shifting and not knowing what's real. It's a beautiful debut novel. Was It Worth It is a memoir talking about real oppression in Iran and the toll of escaping it.

4. Trinbago Festival

Fri-Sun, Aug 28-Aug 30 | Fri 5p-11p, Sat 1p-11p, Sun 1p-8p | Nathan Phillips Square | Free

The Trini culture takes over Nathan Phillips Square. Expect lots of music, dancing, and fried foods. At night, it's a full on party where there's no age group not dancing.

The Event

trinbagotoronto.com

5. Not Just Tourists Pack Party

Wed, Aug 26 · 6p-8p | Roncesvalles United Church | Free

Every Wednesday, Not Just Tourists gathers to sort and pack medical supplies to give to travellers going to places that need them. Show up, pitch in or volunteer to take supplies with you next time you're heading across the world.

6. Danu Telling Spree

Sat, Aug 29 · 11a-11p | Danu Social House | Free

The Spree is a 12-hour celebration of the arts of voice and story, featuring storytellers, musicians, and a dancer/ choreographer. A number of storytellers from their monthly story gatherings are bringing their finest.

7. The Next Chapter Festival

Sat, Aug 29 · 10a-8p | Scarborough Town Centre | Free

Celebrate children's literacy at 3 different spots in the mall. There is interactive programming, music, author readings, free books, and activities. On the week Dolly Parton died, I figured children's literacy was the thing she'd want to promote.

8. Thai Festival

Sat, Aug 29 | Sankofa Square | Free

Honestly, this might be a gamble. Sankofa Square events usually are. The performances are pretty good. But the food can vary wildly.

9. Where Walls Meet Sky

Thu-Sat, Aug 27-Aug 29 · 12p-8p | St. Anne's Anglican Church | Free

First public art exhibition to reopen St. Anne's Anglican Church following the devastating 2024 fire. With its roof open to the sky, the exhibition features sculpture, installation, photography, and multidisciplinary works by twelve artists exploring renewal, resilience, memory, and transformation.

10. Friday Night Jazz

Fri, Aug 28 · 5:30p-6:30p | Market Street | Free

Live Jazz takes over St Lawrence Market this Friday after work. Perfect on the way home (if it's on your way).

11. Pollinator Plants Pop-Up

Wed, Aug 26 · 5:30p-7:30p | 74 Santamonica Blvd | Free

Discover awesome pollinator plants to attract bees and butterflies and take home a flower or planter

12. Free Public Art Tour

Sat, Aug 29 · 11a-12p | Scratching on the Surface Mural by VHILS | Free

This tour explores the vibrant and diverse murals and public art throughout Little Portugal Toronto

13. Taiwanfest

Sat, Aug 29 · 12p-6p | Harbourfront Centre| Free

A lot of culture of Taiwain on display at Habourfront this weekend. If you're by the water, stop by and take a look this weekend. And on Saturday, there's Latin dancing and the Yummy Market.

14. Poetry Club at The Wych

Tue, Sep 1 · 6:30p-8p | The Wych | Free

A vibrant poetry community gathering featuring 1.5 hours of rotating facilitators, writing exercises, and opportunities for creative connection. All writers and readers are welcome to explore poetry and flash fiction.

15. Sturgeon Moon Night Walk

Fri, Aug 28 · 7:45p-9:45p | Downsview Park | Free

A guided evening walk at Downsview Park to discover how plants and wildlife adapt to nighttime conditions during the Sturgeon Moon.

The Children's Book Bank Donation Day - Aug 29

In honour of Dolly Parton, if you have extra kids' books (age 0-18) that you want to give to a good cause, The Children's Book Bank is looking for books to donate to kids in need in the community. It's a wonderful program and especially meaningful this week.
August 29, 11a-2:30p - 334 Bleecker St (Sherbourne & Wellesley)

I'm making a small list of Ongoing Events in case anyone has forgotten. I'll link to the post about it if you're looking for more info.

Ongoing Events
Mahjong Adult Social | Sep 2, 5p-7:30p, Beaches Library
It Takes a Village Festival + Farmers Market | Aug 27, 3p-7p, 912 Eglinton Ave W
Roots for Resilience | Sep 1, 5:30p-8p, Maloca Community Garden
Cinema Italiano | Sep 1, 5:30p-6:30p, Dufferin/St. Clair Library
The Bentway Skate Trail | Fri, Aug 28, 5-9p, The Bentway
Toronto Country Fest | until Aug 30, 1-9p, Distillery District