Summer may be over but there are still plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the city! This weekend the Kensington Market Jazz Festival is back for its eighth edition.
The festival will include toe-tapping music and fun-filled events celebrating all that the genre has to offer.
The event runs from Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1 in the heart of Toronto’s beloved Kensington Market, and attendees will have the perfect excuse to get their groove on, take in some culture, and enjoy everything this vibrant area has to offer.
The festival was created by Kensington Market native Molly Johnson O.C., who in addition to founding and organizing the event is also a singer-songwriter. Over the years, Johnson has invited hundreds of talented jazz musicians to partake in the annual event hosted in one of Toronto’s most well-known neighbourhoods.
“This year, the motto is ‘Better, Not Bigger’,” Johnson said in a statement.
“There’s an intimate charm and a unique sense of connection that make the Kensington Market Jazz Festival an exceptional experience. This year, the intimate gatherings allow attendees to truly immerse themselves in the music, getting up close and personal with the artists in a way that can be rare elsewhere.”
Kicking off the event, the street march will start Friday night at 7 p.m. outside of 190 Baldwin Street, starring both The Heavyweights Brass Band and The Shuffle Demons.
Over the weekend, buskers will be doing their thing outside of various Kensington Market favourites, including but not limited to Ozzy’s, Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, and 4Life Natural Foods.
Organizers are reminding attendees that ticketed events are cash-only, and tickets are not available for purchase in advance.
Fans looking to pick up merch will be able to do so at 4Life Natural Foods from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, 1-9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-7 p.m. on Sunday.
Some of the performers over the three-day festival include Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats, John Macleod, Chris Banks, and dozens of other artists. You can find out more about this exciting annual event via the festival website.
