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Hot Summer Guide: Toronto is a city of festivals

BuskerFest rises again

After losing its title sponsor in 2015, North America’s largest street-performers festival is bouncing back – with a new name, a new venue and new dates. The 17th annual Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy, which was previously referred to as Scotiabank BuskerFest, takes place at Woodbine Park over the Labour Day long weekend. 

The most important fundraiser for non-profit group Epilepsy Toronto, the event raised $250,000 for the organization last year.

In 2015, Scotiabank cut ties with BuskerFest, which meant a loss of 50 per cent of its funding, or around $150,000. Up until last February, festival organizers weren’t confident they’d be able to continue.

Now, however, the province of Ontario and the Toronto Education Works (CUPE Local 4400) have stepped in, with 10 other media sponsors providing support as well. BuskerFest used to be held on Yonge, close to its near dozen sponsors, but now all 100 entertainers, including fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists, clowns, magicians and contortionists, will appear at Woodbine Park.

According to Drew Woodley, Epilepsy Toronto’s director of communications, Woodbine Park allows the festival to spread out and have a licensed beer garden. The event will also be gated so BuskerFest can collect donations at entrances.

“It’s our largest single revenue source and the largest epilepsy event in the world,” Woodley says. “It’s a great way to bring together the work we do supporting Toronto’s epilepsy community and some great performances and art from around the world.”

September 2 to 5, Woodbine Park, torontobuskerfest.com

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Bursting with Pride

Pride simply cannot be contained, and Pride Toronto knows it. The organizing committee has expanded the festival and its programming to fill the entire month of June and found new partners in cultural institutions like the AGO, TIFF, the ROM, the TSO and Luminato.

A few highlights: Movies At TIFF includes a June 9 screening of the inspiring British pic Pride, about queers allying with striking miners, and a discussion with union reps and LGBTQ activists about their historical connections. Also at TIFF, on June 10, a screening of the high-energy trans-centred film Tangerine is followed by a Q&A with star Mya Taylor.

Hey, Trekkies, get ready for an evening with George Takei June 26 at the Ryerson Theatre.

Toronto prides itself on having a Trans March that’s one of the biggest in the world. It’s fitting that the march is on Canada Day, given that the prime minister has just promised to move forward with legislation to protect the rights of transgender people.

July 2 will be huge. Not only is it the 20th anniversary of the Dyke March, but Pride presents Drag ON!, the largest drag stage performance ever, with special guests Chi Chi DeVayne, Darienne Lake and more. The plan is to break the Guinness world record – and the Guinness folks will be there to verify it.

On July 3, a spectacular showcase on Pride’s Wellesley stage titled Yalla Barra (Arabic for “come out”) stars Mashrou’ Leila, a Beirut band known for their electrifying performances.

And then there’s the Pride parade on July 3. For the first time ever, a Canadian prime minister will march with T.O.’s LGBTQ community. After that extravaganza, Joe Jonas and DNCE headline a huge show at Yonge-Dundas Square. pridetoronto.com. 

Get comprehensive features and complete Pride-related listings in NOW’s glossy Pride Preview, in the June 23 issue.

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Loving Luminato

Culture vultures can’t wait for Luminato: the spaces at the Hearn Generating Station (440 Unwin) are unusual, the art comes from all over the world and you probably haven’t seen much of it before. 

The big stage draw this year is Rona Munro‘s James Plays Trilogy (June 16 to 26), an epic cycle about the kings who ruled Scotland in the 15th century. The language is salty and modern, the visuals spectacular (we caught one of the plays when it was remounted at London’s National Theatre in 2014) and the ideas of nationhood timeless. 

Another highlight is Vancouver’s Holy Body Tattoo, whose monumental dance show (June 14-15) explores capitalist urban culture, with a live score by Montreal’s Godspeed You! Black Emperor. And look for Rufus Wainwright‘s Rufus Does Judy – his recreation of Judy Garland’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert – to sell out, come rain or come shine (June 23 and 24).

As usual, Luminato’s art component, all of it free, is very strong. Make sure to see Scott McFarland‘s Trove, surreal digital photos of treasures from Toronto collections in a wunderkammer at the Hearn and scattered around town at various locations. Just outside the Hearn, the AGO acquisition Untilled, by French relational aesthetician Pierre Huyghe, is a meditation on the relationship of art and the natural world in the form of a sculpture of a reclining female nude with a real beehive for a head. These another visual arts entries run June 10 to 26.

Don’t overlook Luminato’s music components. The dramatically industrial interior of the Hearn is the perfect setting for dancing all night to pounding techno, drone metal, futuristic dancehall and ambient noisescapes, all on offer as part of Unsound Toronto (June 10 and 11). Day one includes British producer The Bug, the Canadian debut of London duo Raime, “transevangelist” Elysia Crampton and drone heavyweights SUNN O))), among others, while day two has Nine Inch Nails collaborator Alessandro Cortini, sci-fi dub guy Roly Porter, sound artist Tim Hecker and many others. Meanwhile, Rufus Wainwright performs with beloved local singing group Choir! Choir! Choir! on June 11, and Tafelmusik tackle Bach, Handel and Telemann on June 19.

June 10 to 26. luminatofestival.com

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Jump up!

When you’re feeling hot hot hot, Toronto Caribbean Carnival hits the spot. The month-long spectacle runs July 5 to Aug 1, peaking with a splash of vibrant costumes, inspiring music and dancing all day during the Grand Parade. That’s happening Saturday, July 30, at Exhibition Place, where ticket holders can get a prime seat for parade watching before the revellers hit Lake Shore Boulevard and head toward Parkside. And there are scores of additional events to get you hot and sweaty. caribbeancarnival.com.

Harbourfront Centre complements the official events with some sizzling sounds by the lake at the Island Soul festival. Set to hit the Concert Stage: the Haitian sounds of T-Vice (July 31, 9:30 pm), Canada’s reggae fusion guy Exco Levi (July 30, 8 pm) and, also on July 30, conscious dub performer Jah9 (9:30 pm). harbourfrontcentre.com.

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The Ex factor

Crazy food, scary rides, carnival heaven – that’s the way most of us think of the Ex. Rest assured that the snacks in the 2016 instalment will be truly nuts, the rides spectacular and the carnies as convincing as ever.

But it’s called the Canadian National Exhibition for a reason: it was founded in 1879 as a world-class expo. In 1882, it became the first fairground in the world to be lit by electricity. It was at the Ex that people got their first glimpse of the telephone, in 1883, the phonograph in 1888 and television in 1939.

In keeping with its rep as a fair for debuting major inventions, the Ex presents The Innovation Garage, August 19 t0 21, where you can have a look at state-of-the-art consumer products, including the latest in wearable technology.

It might signify the end of the season, but that doesn’t mean the Ex has to ignore summer altogether. The CNE’s expanding its presence on the water with a daily waterfront show of wakeboarding and waterskiing, and the Bandshell turns 80 this year, kicking off with a show by Randy Bachman on opening day, August 19.

Another big attraction, sure to draw the freaks and fans, is Star Trek: 50 Artists. 50 Years, an art exhibit commemorating the show’s 50th anniversary with works by more than 50 artists from around the world, including photos by Leonard Nimoy. 

And, of course, the midway’s in full force. No puking on the rides!

August 19 to September 6, Exhibition Place. $18, srs/stu $15, children four and under free. theex.com

THE BEST OF THE REST

June

Bike Month Activities to celebrate all things bike. Group rides, kids’ bike swap, free tune-ups and clinics to learn maintenance, art exhibits, safety workshops and more. Various venues. bikemonth.caContinues to Jun 30

Toronto Festival Of Children’s Opera The Canadian Children’s Opera Company presents opera for, by and about young people with main stage shows, lectures and a symposium. Various venues and prices, some events free. canadianchildrensopera.comContinues to Jun 12

50+ Festival Presentations on how to transform ourselves through learning, theatre and mindfulness, discussion on the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, tai chi demos, folk music concert and more at this festival for older adults. Most events free, others $5-$25. Ryerson University venues, Victoria & Gould area. fiftyplusfestival.ca. Jun 1 to 4

InspiraTO Festival Theatre InspiraTO presents performances of 10-minute plays by 24 local and international playwrights. Four themed shows of six plays include works by Barry McKinley, Angie Farrow, Julia Lederer, Dominik Loncar and others. $25, festival pass $80. Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley. theatreinspirato.caJun 2 to 11

Bridging Festival Arts celebration with music, dance and spoken word performances, plus community booths, film screenings and interactive art activities for all ages. Fri 5-11 pm, Sat 1-11 pm. Free. Albert Campbell Square, 150 Borough. scarborougharts.comJun 3 to 4

Speak Your Peace Arts & Music Festival Children’s Peace Theatre & Dream House Collective present live music by Devontée, Pierre Pharaoh, BEXK, Sol.Dust, Haviah Mighty and others, art, film, food and an after-party. Fri & Sat 3-11 pm. Free. Children’s Peace Theatre, 305 Dawes. childrenspeacetheatre.orgJun 3 to 4

Riverdale Art Walk Public fine art exhibition showcases established and emerging artists in retail spaces, artists studios and the park and community centre. 11 am-6 pm. Free. Jimmie Simpson Park, 870 Queen E. artistsnetwork.ca. Jun 4 to 5

Toronto Festival Of Clowns Clown and physical theatre performers include Sketchy & Fesso, Jean Paul Mullet, Adam Bailey, Snack Music Collective, the Amazing Trevor and others. Wed-Sun from 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 4 pm. $15-$20. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst. torontofestivalofclowns.comJun 8 to 12

Rouge Days Guided walks, stewardship activities, tree planting, boat cruise, kids’ activities and more. At Rouge Park, Markham Museum and other venues. See website for details, some events require pre-registration. Rouge Park, Meadowvale & Old Finch. rougedays.ca. Jun 8 to 12

Toronto Tango Festival Celebration of Argentine tango with workshops of all levels, practices, milongas, performances and more. Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor W. torontotangofestival.comJun 9 to 12

Queer Pride 2016 Buddies’ annual festival of queer theatre, art, comedy, music and parties. Music by Queer Songbook Orchestra and Girls Rock Camp T.O., comedy by Elvira Kurt and Dawn Whitwell, circus arts by Flying Solo, theatrical works by Shaunga Tagore and more. Pwyc-$25, some free events. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander. 416-975-8555, buddiesinbadtimes.com/prideJun 12 to Jul 3

INdigenous Art Festival Celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, theatre, storytelling, literature, crafts and food by Indigenous artists. Music by blues rocker Derek Miller, hip-hop artists Drezus and Supaman, singer/songwriter Leela Filday and others, art-making and more. $5, Sat free, under 12 free. Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd. 416-392-6907, toronto.ca/fortyorkJun 16 to 19

Toronto Art Book Fair Curated exhibitions, vendors and community programming that includes a speaker series, readings, launches and workshops. Appearances by Heiko Julien, Dave Dyment, JP King, Joi Arcand and others. Free. Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw. torontoartbookfair.comJun 16 to 19

Taste Of Little Italy Festival Street festival with food, performers, kids’ activities and more, includes the CHIN Picnic. Free. Little Italy, College from Bathurst to Shaw. littleitalycollegest.comJun 17 to 19 

CHIN Picnic: 50th Anniversary A balloon release ceremony, folklore performances, vendors and authentic food celebrate multiculturalism on the streets in tandem with the Taste of Little Italy Festival. Free. Little Italy, College from Bathurst to Shaw. chinradio.comJun 17 to 19

Mississauga Waterfront FesTival Carnival, live entertainment, sports and games, arts and crafts, food vendors and more. See website for details. Free. Port Credit Memorial Park, 20 Lakeshore E. themwf.comJun 17 to 19

Dragon Boat Race Festival More than 180 teams compete in the 28th edition of this annual festival on the Island, which also features food and market vendors, entertainment stages and more. Free (transport to Island required). Centre Island, Toronto Islands. dragonboats.comJun 18 to 19

Open Roof Festival Outdoor film and music festival every Wed from until Aug 24. Doors 7:30 pm, live bands play shortly thereafter and films begin at sundown. $15. 99 Sudbury, at Lisgar. openrooffestival.com. Jun 21 to Aug 24

July

Oh Canada! Live music and fireworks celebrate Canada’s birthday, with Sharon & Bram and Nomadic Massive on Friday, Cowboy Junkies, Dawn Pemberton, Chloe Charles on Saturday, Okavango African Orchestra on Sunday. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Jul 1 to 3

Toronto Waterfront Festival Celebrate Canada Day weekend with tall ships, the Royal Canadian Navy, a waterfront artisan market, fireworks, live music, dog show and more along Toronto’s waterfront, from Spadina to Bay and HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W. towaterfrontfest.comJul 1 to 3

Future Routes World music festival blending traditional roots music and far-out sounds, with performances by Os Tropies and Orlando Julius and the Afro Soundz, the Chak de Bhangra Dance Competition and more. Most events free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Jul 8 to 10

Ontario Latin Arts Festival Music, dance, food, art and culture, featuring Cassava Latin Band, Mariachi Fuego, Giovanni Ruiz, Samba Toronto, 219 Dance Group, Ruben Vazquez Trio, Pablo Gutierrez, Sentir Venezuela and many others. Friday & Sun at North York Civic Centre, Saturday in the Square. Fri ticketed, Sat-Sun free. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge. ontariolatinartsfestival.com. Jul 8 to 10

Summerlicious City of Toronto presents the annual foodie fest. Special three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 restaurants in all areas of the city. $18-$48. Various venues, see website for info. toronto.ca/summerliciousJul 8 to 2

Cultura Festival Musical entertainment, culinary events, film screenings and buskers at this outdoor festival. Fridays 6-11 pm. Free. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge. culturafestival.caJul 8 to 29

Brickfete: LEGO Fan Festival Check out LEGO creations built by hobbyists, activity areas for kids, vendors and more. Sat & Sun 10 am-3 pm. $5-$10. VIP/family passes available. Delta Toronto East, 2035 Kennedy. toronto.brickfete.comJul 9 to 10

Toronto Art Blast City-wide open studio event featuring three weekends of self-guided tours of artist studios and exhibition spaces. Reception 6-9 pm Jul 9, studio visits east Jul 16-17, west Jul 23-24, Scarborough Jul 30-31. Free. Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie. torontoartblast.comJul 9 to 31

Festival Of Flight Weekend family festival inspired by flight, flying, the skies and the heavens. Musical performances, art workshops (drawing, origami, birdhouse-making), readings and talks by children’s writers and illustrators. 10 am-6 pm. Free. Aga Khan Park, 77 Wynford. toronto.ca/culturalhotspotJul 16 to 17

Festival Of India Colourful parade down Yonge Street on Saturday is followed by two days of performances, yoga, vegetarian feast, South Asian bazaar, music, dance and more on Centre Island. Free. Centre Island, Toronto Islands. festivalofindia.ca. Jul 16 to 17

Ritmo Y Color: The Streets Of Mexico Theatre, music and dance from a land that combines Indigenous, European and African culture. Jazz and Latin-infused Mexican folk by Mamselle, corrido rockers CENTAVRVS, musical performance art by Astrid Hadad and more. Free. Harbourfront, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com. Jul 15 to 17

Unity Festival Visual art, spoken word, breakdancing and beatboxing by Toronto youth and international artists. Performances by DJ Dopey, Erik Flowchild, Re.Verse, Nye The Glitch, Faduma Mohammed, Paul Chin and Amalia. Free concert Jul 23 at Yonge-Dundas Square with DAM Funk, Zaki Ibrahim, the Soul Motivators and others. See website for info. Super Wonder Gallery, 876 Bloor W. unitycharity.com/unity-festival. Jul 20 to 23

Shield To Shore Music, storytelling and more celebrate the region found along the St. Lawrence River from Upper Canada to the Atlantic. Live music by Great Lake Swimmers, the Elwins, Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys, Vishtèn and others. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com. Jul 22 to 24

BIG On Bloor Festival Street celebration of local arts and culture with live performances, arts and crafts for kids, food, vendors and more. Sat 1 pm-midnight, Sun noon-6 pm. Free. Bloordale Village, Bloor West between Dufferin and Lansdowne. bigonbloorfestival.comJul 23 to 24

August

Taste Of The Danforth Festival of Greek culture with international food, live music and dance, interactive activities for all ages and more. Danforth from Broadview to Jones. tasteofthedanforth.comAug 5 to 7

Yogapalooza Free outdoor yoga classes, live music and a market. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. fb.com/yogapaloozaAug 6 to 7

Habari Africa Multidisciplinary music and cultural festival with family drum and dance workshops, dance/theatre performances, live music, African food, art and more. Most events free. See website for details. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Aug 12 to 14

CloudFest All-inclusive cocktails, wine, beer and e-juice hookahs, live entertainment, product giveaways and samples from the hookah, vape, spirits and food industries. $10, weekend pass $25. Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Bldg, 222 Bremner Blvd. cloudfest.ca. Aug 26 to 28

TAIWANfest: A Cultural Tango With Hong Kong Pan-Asian culinary showcase, Grand Tea Reception, music and more. Most events free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com. Aug 26 to 28

Ashkenaz Festival Festival of global Jewish music and culture. Live music by Abraham Inc, Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, Baladino and others. Sep 3-5 at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W), see website for other events and venues. ashkenaz.caAug 30 to Sep 5

Artfest At The Distillery Labour Day Weekend Fine art and craft show and live music outdoors, 11 am-6 pm daily. Free. The Distillery District, 55 Mill. artfestontario.com/toronto. Sep 2 to 5

Get more theatre listings here and don’t miss the rest of this year’s Hot Summer Guide!

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