The annual festival formerly known as Caribana and now the Toronto Caribbean Carnival once again takes over the city’s dance clubs, boat cruises and banquet halls. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to pick which jams to hit. Of course the Grand Parade (Saturday, July 30) along the Lake Shore is one of the best street parties of the year, but the action doesn’t stop there.
Byron Lee On A Boat
Ska, reggae and soca pioneer Byron Lee passed away in 2008, but his band, Byron Lee’s Dragonaires, is still keeping his spirit alive. They play Friday and Saturday (July 29 and 30) on the Empress of Canada cruise ship (Pier 29, 261 Queens Quay West), boarding 8:30 pm. $50. 416-840-9028.
Irie Music Festival
This family-friendly reggae festival takes over Queen’s Park and Yonge-Dundas Square from Friday to Monday (July 29 to August 1). Highlights include Errol Blackwood, Fab 5, L.U.S.T. and Bushman. Best part? All shows are completely free.
Harbourfront’s Island Soul
The Island Soul Festival (July 29 to August 1) returns to Harbourfront with lots of activities and music, including a special appearance by legendary dub poet Mutabaruka on Sunday (July 31) and a set by Juno-winning reggae singer Elaine Lil’ Bit Shepherd Saturday (July 30). All events are free.
Def Jam gets Fabolous
Technically, this weekend is supposed to showcase Caribbean culture, but it’s become a celebration of American urban music, too. This means that hip-hop institutions like Def Jam bring artists like rapper Fabolous to town for club appearances. He hits Kool Haus (132 Queens Quay East) Saturday (July 30, $35-$60) as part of the Caribana Def Jam party and Devil’s Martini (473 Adelaide West) on Sunday (July 31, $40-$50). caribanatoronto.com
Director X gets Nasty
Canadian music video heavyweight Director X (aka Little X) throws his 10th annual Caribana party Saturday (July 30) at Sound Academy (11 Polson). It’s always a big deal, and this year is no exception: hip-hop legend Nas hosts the festivities. $35-$40. caribanatoronto.com.
Rave on
The long weekend means you can feel less guilty about partying until the sun comes up, which is exactly what Soca Rave brings to Kool Haus (132 Queens Quay East) on Sunday (July 31). This year they’ve got more rooms and way too many performers to list. $40. caribanatoronto.com.
