In Toronto, our parks are our pride and joy. They’re also very necessary, especially for those of us living without the luxury of a backyard. 

Arts in the Parks is a great new initiative from Toronto Arts Foundation, Toronto Arts Council, City of Toronto and Park People. It aims to connect people and increase enjoyment of local parks by offering arts events for people of all ages. Events include everything from performances and film to music, theatre, dance and art installations. Selected parks are located throughout Toronto, from Etobicoke to Scarborough and North York to the downtown core.

You can check out the full lineup here, but we’ll give you a little taste of what’s coming up soon:

Kambule Fest (organized by Ballet Creole): Dedicated to preserving the ancestral dance and musical expressions of Caribbean Carnival tradition, Kambule Fest will include art-making, live music, dance and a parade with Ballet Creole at Amos Waites Park (2441 Lakeshore Blvd W). July 1st.

Four Worlds Festival: A Latin-Afro-First Nations-South Asian festival of music and dance at Earl Bales Park (4169 Bathurst St). July 1st.

Here Is My Friend!: A local Canada Day art parade event in your neighbourhood that will celebrate three years of gathering in Davenport West. Puppetry, stilt walkers, storytelling, art making, live music and performances by many local and professional artists, musicians and performers. Perth Square Park (350 Perth Ave).

The Spirit of Our Park II: Aboriginal Eco-guide Alan Colley will take participants on explorations of the park’s natural wildlife uncovering its role in our ecosystem and discovering hidden riches. Shadowland artists will lead community workshops in story creation, stilt-walking, visual arts, costume making and large-scale puppetry. Alexmuir Park (205 Alexmuir Blvd).

Play the Parks at College Park: Enjoy free lunchtime concerts in the Downtown Yonge BIA district throughout the summer. Join in at College Park every Thursday from June 15th through August 31st to soak in the summer sun and hear upcoming Toronto artists play the parks. BLAK UNiCRN will be performing on July 6th. College Park Courtyard.