the world's here | June 17-23 2026
Are you feeling all the international crowds in our city? I can feel the increased crowds the last week. If you're into the world cup, there's a list of where to catch the games. If you're not, there's a secret bike ride, chess in the park, and drag roller skating. And a few quieter art events if that matches your mood.
The First Dozen
1. Canada World Cup Watch Parties Cheat Sheet
Canada is hoping to get their first win ever, on Thursday at 6p. There's a really cool feeling of watching this sport here. Toronto is special that way. Most people are from somewhere else and this is a pretty unique communal moment. There are three big places to watch. Nathan Phillips Square, Harbourfront Centre, and Stackt Market. Here are a few of the best options around the city.
Nathan Phillips Square | It's buzzing, lots of space to sit and will be full of people. It's also going to be the South X Southeast Festival, all day with Latin and Asian food, music, and performances.
Harbourfront Centre| In the amphitheatre, limited space, so get there early
Stackt Market | At the back of the market, big space, but still limited capacity.
Columbus Centre | This place has a nice vibe, smaller than the others.
UofT Front Campus | A student spot, they have lots of time so it's always busy
George Brown Waterfront Campus | Waterfront soccer. A nice indoor option
Scadding Court | Amazing food vendors with a local vibe.
Memorial Hall | If it's raining, here's your spot, plus free popcorn.
2. Bike Party Toronto
Bike Party is one of those things you usually find out about after it happens. You see hundreds of bikes lit up playing music on the street and you never really know why. Some quirky thinkers came up with a social bike ride that meets at a secret location (usually close to a central subway stop) and all play the same music and ride around a secret route with a few stops along the way. If you want in, sign up so you'll know where to meet.
3. Roller Drag Ball
This is one you should check out. It's pure Toronto Pride fun. Drag Roller Shows every 30-40 minutes. And free roller skating rentals. I'd love to see the city set up roller skating around the city in the summers, the same way they set up ice skating in the winter.
4. A Vegan Night Market At The Beach
Complimentary Sunset yoga, a market, and hopefully good plant-based food. All by the lake. It's the first time this night market has been in Toronto in 6 years.
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5. Take A Break + Pyramid Fields
It took me so long to realize there was this beautiful little square nestled in right behind the Eaton Centre. It has this calm energy you really need sometimes. Appropriately, there is a quiet summer of events happening in Trinity Square. This Thursday, you can do free watercolour painting, see some kids music performers, and see a giant Luminato exhibit.
6. Cultural Hotspot | Choclair + DJ Mel Boogie
A real Scarborough event. It kicks off with a panel discussion with artists who represent all different types of artists. Scarborough Spots and Juno winner Savannah Ré both make an appearance on the panel. Later, Savannah Ré performs alongside Canadian Hip-Hop legend Choclair, Dan-e-o from Rap Essentials Volume 1, and DJ Mel Boogie.
7. When Angels Speak Of Love + Other Art
The city is full of good art on display, completely free, if you know where to look, so here is where you should look. Start with this art exhibit inspired by bell hooks and here are a few more to check out.
Los Callejeros by Jim Bravo from Ecuador
June 18, 6p-8p | Assembly Hall Gallery Opening Reception. Until July 23
Shared Distance features newcomer immigrant artists across disciplines
Until July 9 | Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery
Selling Canada by Christopher Rouleau. A Canadian pop art exhibit
Until June 20 | The Red Head Gallery, 401 Richmond St W
8. SXSE, Desifest, & Ghana Fest
A festival filled week. South X Southeast takes over City Hall June 17-20, with dance performances, music, and almost a dozen World Cup matches broadcast in the square.
At Sankofa, on June 17, Ghana plays Panama in Toronto and this will be the watch party for those who couldn't afford the tickets or chose not to go. It'll be an all day party, with food and entertainment before and after the soccer game.
Then Desifest takes over from Thursday - Saturday with 3 nights of music. Expect this one to get packed. Normally Sankofa festivals are low key but these two will be big events for their respective communities.
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DESIFEST
9. Chess In The Park
I've been trying to get better at chess, but I'll be honest, I'm still pretty terrible. Chess in the Park is open for anyone to come try out a game or hang out and people watch. It's a monthly event too, so if you can't catch it now, it's back July 18, August 15, and September 19.
10. Chillin & Grillin
A day party on the waterfront. What started out in back alleys has moved to the Polson St venue for a patio experience. It's not free, the only one this week. If you're looking for a good vibe and a summertime tradition, no better place to start.
11. Film Screening: Foragers (2022)
This Montreal International Documentary Festival nominee follows elderly foragers of a quintessential plant in Palestinian cuisine, 'akkoub. They defy their occupiers who prohibit foraging on their own land. Supporting great art and a Free Palestine is always a win.
12. Sorauren Park Outdoor Movie | Game Night (2018)
One of the first outdoor movie nights of the season. And it's a light-ish Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman comedy action movie. Sorauren Park also sells pizza and popcorn during their movie nights which means you don't have to bring anything with you unless you want to.
The Children's Book Bank Donation Day - June 20
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. If you want to donate, they are accepting books
June 20, 11a-2:30p - 334 Bleecker St (Sherbourne & Wellesley)
Ongoing Events
I've written about these in previous weeks, but they are worth going to, so I'm making a small list in case anyone has forgotten. I'll link to the post about it if you're looking for more info.
Illuminated Malting Silos | June 17-20, 9p-midnight
Yoga at Trillium Park | June 20-21, 10a-11a
Live Music
St James Jun 18
College Park, Jun 19
Canoe Landing Jun 17+20
Music Garden Jun 21
That's it for this week. If you enjoyed this, forward it to a friend who you think would like this. And if you have suggestions or tips on anything I've missed, leave a comment or send a message. See you next week.
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