What to know
- Do West Fest runs June 5-7 on Dundas St W, rain or shine.
- Three distinct music stages: Lulaworld, Transmit, and LiUNA Community.
- Family-friendly activities and art tours all weekend.
- No on-site parking. Plan to walk, bike, use transit, or park nearby.
Kick off the summer with Do West Fest this weekend, Toronto’s own summer celebration filled with live music, eats, local vendors and vibes.
Here’s everything you need to know about the annual three-day festival.
The event runs:
- June 5 from 6-11 p.m.
- June 6 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The weather is perfect to start the summer. Environment Canada claims Friday will have a high of 32C and a low of 17C, and Sunday a high of 27C and a low of 16C.
Saturday might be a bit riskier, with a 60 per cent chance of showers. At least, there will be heat with a high of 26 C and a low of 16 C.
The free event will happen rain or shine. So, Now Toronto has prepared a guide to help you enjoy Do West Fest to the max.
Art to see at the event
If you’re into art, check out the public art tour at 11 a.m. on June 6 or 7.
Tour the Dundas West Open Air Museum’s vibrant and diverse murals and public art throughout Little Portugal, along Dundas St. W., from Lansdowne to Shaw.
Music to check out at the event
With summer here, don’t miss out on summer beats at any of Do West Fest’s three stages. If you’re into jazz, samba, hip hop, salsa or cumbia, check out the Lulaworld Stage at 1630 Dundas St W.
If you prefer indie rock, alt-pop, electronic or experimental sounds, check out the Transmit Stage at 1200 Dundas St W.
Or, if you prefer to see a variety of community talent, check out the LiUNA Community Stage at 1117 Dundas St W. Expect music, dance, spoken word and theatrical performances.
With the festival in Little Portugal BIA, expect Portuguese and Lusophone programming at both the Lulaworld and LiUNA Community Stage.
Can I bring my kids?
There’s kids’ programming at 1525 Dundas St. Kids can have fun through interactive performances, hands-on crafts, games, storytelling and other activities throughout the festival weekend.
Local businesses to check out
From bars and cafés to shopping for some unique vintage souvenirs, there’s a multitude of local businesses to check out in the area, including The Garrison, Nova Era Bakery, Penny Arcade Vintage, and many more.
Full list of local businesses here and food businesses, too.
How do I get there?
If this all sounds fun, but you’re wondering how you can even get there, here’s a guide.
- Transit: Take the TTC along Dundas St W. between Ossington Ave and Lansdowne Ave through the 505 Dundas streetcar. If you would rather take the subway, get off at Ossington, Dufferin or Lansdowne station and walk 10-15 minutes to the festival. If you take the GO Train, get off at Exhibition GO and take the 505 Dundas streetcar, or get off at Union Station to take the TTC.
- Cycling: Take your bike to get to the event if feasible, and park it at a bike rack. Or use Bike Share Toronto, with several stations near the festival area between Ossington Ave and Lansdowne Ave.
- Ride share and Wheel-Trans: Recommended drop-off points include the intersection of Dundas St W. with Ossington, Dovercourt, Dufferin or Lansdowne. From there, it’s a short walk.
- Parking: No on-site parking is available. Use street parking or nearby parking lots in the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Ossington Ave and Lansdowne Ave.
When and where will Dundas Street be closed?
Between 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, and 1 a.m. on Monday, June 8, Dundas St W. will be closed from Ossington Ave to Lansdowne Ave. The Green P at 1117 Dundas St W. will also be closed for activations.
