the soccer takeover | June 10-16 2026
This year's controversial World Cup comes to Toronto, Luminato continues, and The Malting Silos become art. It's going to be a busy week and there's lots to do even if you're boycotting FIFA this year.
The First Dozen
1. Illuminated Malting Silos
The Malting Silos on the waterfront are going to be used as a canvas for a few different artists starting this week. These are hit or miss, but if you get the right art on the silos, it's stunning. Worst case, you're sitting by the lake enjoying the night.
Quick tip, you can only see the projection on the East side, so near the Music Garden is the spot to aim for. Here is the schedule for this week
June 11 | Toronto Games
June 12 | National Film Board Canada
June 13 | Quantum Wampum (Indigenous Artist Collective)
2. Jel Suarez: A bouquet of flowers must be held
Jel Suarez is a Manila-based artist, whose exhibition will be on until June 26 at the Onsite Gallery. But on June 10, she'll have a conversation with OCADU President Ana Serrano about her work which transforms the books from her grandmother's library into new works of art. The talk is at 4p, register for free at the link below. Stay for the reception which is from 5p-7p.
3. World Cup Watch Parties
There are countless watch parties across the city. The official Fanfest's free tickets sold out weeks ago, but here are a bunch of other free options.
Nathan Philips Square | Outdoor Screen, no seating, selected games (all CAN)
Harbourfront Centre| Outdoor Screen, 1-2 games per day, can register for access
Stackt Market | Outdoor Screen, 11a-11p, closed on Mondays
Columbus Centre | Outdoor Screen, music before some games
UofT Front Campus | Outdoor Screen, bring mat/chair. Team Canada matches
George Brown Waterfront Campus | Indoor Screening. All matches
The Esplanade | Indoor, June 12, and then the last few games. RSVP req'd
I'm not giving FIFA any money this year. While they've always been openly greedy, this year they've made it possible for the hosts to discriminate against any country they don't like. Most recently, a 33-year old top referee from Somalia had his visa denied, denying his chance to be the first Somalian to referee a World Cup. Other countries' fans have had their visas cancelled, and Iran's players will have to stay in Mexico and travel for match game days to US and back. Go support your favourite players and countries, but spend your money on unofficial gear and venues.
4. Refugee Art Show
An art show in celebration of World Refugee Day. All proceeds to the artists. The reception is on Friday at 6p, but the show is on that day from 10-9p and on Saturday from 10-5p. Keep in mind it's put on by the Quaker Committee for Refugees.
5. Toronto Silent Book Club
A different take on book clubs. No assigned reading, you bring your own book, read together with other readers for an hour. And then you can socialize or not after the hour is up. A fun way to get out there without having to read a book you may not enjoy.
6. Beaches Arts & Crafts
Spend the day at the Beaches, jump in the cold lake...and come see the 100+ booths of independent artists and makers selling their work.
7. Fitness In The Square
This is a weekly event at Sankofa Square this summer. This week it's HIIT training with just body weight. You need to sign the waiver in advance, and more importantly, you'll need to be okay with the masses watching you work out.
Cart 0
8. Donora Park Tree Planting
The last tree planting of the season in the city. You get to help be a part of the city's future and spend some time working with your hands in a park.
9. Live Music In Parks
Afro-Jazz vocalist, Jonathan Nvita, has a 2 hour set at St James Park. The music is a great reason to see the park which has a nice garden, green space for dogs, a St Lawrence Market inspired playground, and is bordered by the St James Church, where the bells ring every 15 minutes.
Here is a list of other park or park-adjacent live music events this week
June 10, 4p | Ale Nunez @ Arbour Room Patio - Hart House
June 11, 7p | The Dave Murphy Band @ Lee Lifeson Art Park
June 13, 12:30p | Nii Osabu @ Canoe Landing Park
June 16, 5p | James N. Wilson @ Granby Parkette
June 17, 12p | Kunlé @ College Park Courtyard
10. Luminato Festival
Luminato lands at two public squares this week for full free days of art. Everything they will do at Sankofa Square will be at Harbourfront Centre, but if you're looking for the most you can see, Harbourfront will host more events over the two days.
At Sankofa, check out the CIART show at 4p which uses a real converted firetruck and a Cirque du Soleil-esque performance.
At Harbourfont, you can see CIART, an Aerial show called The Air Between Us, as well as The Power Plant's exhibition, Colourful Parachutes and a glimpse at one of the pieces of artwork from Winter Stations in the Beaches.
June 12 1p-9p | Sankofa Square
June 13-14 11a-9p | Harbourfront Centre
11. Maple Leafs vs Red Sox
The only way you can see the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Red Sox is at Christie Pits. The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club (yeah that's the actual name) play in the Canadian Baseball League and you can watch home games for free. This Sunday, catch them play the Brantford Red Sox at 2p.
It's not any cheaper than the MLB hats and jerseys, but if you want to support the club and wear something that most people don't, check out their online shop. Their stuff is really nice.
CBL Stats
12. Art Battle Toronto Championship
This is a great date night or something to do with friends. Artists create their works in 20 minutes and tonight is the Toronto Championship. The Great Hall has two levels so you can go up top and have a nice vantage to see all the canvases.
13. NXNE
NXNE is back with shows across the city. There's always a good time to be had at Poet Cafe and Supermarket. You can get a pass for the 5 day festival and all shows for $49. That's one of the best values of the year.
14. AGO Maker Night: Soccer Life Drawing
This is free with a caveat. You have to have entry to AGO either with their $35 annual pass, or be under 25 (if you're a resident of Ontario.) Otherwise you'll have to buy a ticket to get into the AGO. Once you're in, you'll practice gesture drawing with live models from AFC Toronto. Materials are provided and all levels are welcome. So even if you can't draw, go try. It's fun to draw at every age.
https://ago.ca/events/maker-night-soccer-life-drawing
One To Miss
- Taste of Little Italy - This used to be great, but it's lost some of its charm. There's lots of live music, and a lot of generic "festival regulars". Plus with the soccer matches, it's likely to be as crowded as Do West which got shut down last Saturday night. There's one of these every weekend from here to the end of the summer.
Secret NXNE Jessie Reyez Show - 12p June 11
There was a contest to get in to see the show but that's now over. You can swing by Stackt Market and still hear the show and possibly see it from outside. She's always worth it. Represents herself and this city beautifully.
That's it for this week. If you have suggestions or tips on anything I've missed, leave a comment or send a message. See you next week.
Member discussion