1. STREET CRED
We should turn over our car-clogged streets to pedestrians more often. On Sunday (August 16) Open Streets T.O. “soft-closes” Bloor from Spadina to Parliament and Yonge from Bloor to Queen. More than 45,000 people participated in last year’s hugely successful pilot festival. No political commitment required: unlike some street fests, Open Streets simply promotes physical activity and having fun exploring the city. Free. 9 am to 1 pm. openstreetsto.org.
2. PAN AM PATH’S FINALE
The 80-kilometre city-wide relay of art installations celebrating T.O.’s diversity, nature and the arts journeys to the Rouge River on Saturday (August 15) for a day-long grand finale. It starts at noon with family activities and comes to a close with a sunset performance starting at 8 pm that features Tanya Tagaq and others. Free shuttle buses leave hourly from the Native Canadian Centre (16 Spadina). panampath.org.
3. USED BOOKS FOR CHANGE
Got any great progressive political non-fiction languishing on your bookshelves? Take those books – and fiction and CDs you’ve got lying around – and contribute them to the Groundswell Community Justice Fund Book Sale on Saturday (August 15). Groundswell helps fund grassroots orgs working for political change. This year’s recipients include Aamjiwnaang and Sarnia Against Pipelines (ASAP), Jane Finch Action Against Poverty (JFAAP), Butterfly (Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network) and others. 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick. facebook.com/events/1639015843007023.
