Let the Carnival celebrations begin as Toronto prepares to host one of the largest Caribbean-driven festivals in North America. On top of the vibrant parties and the annual parade, the city will also host fashion shows, screenings, and lively concerts brimming with Canadian talent. Whether you’re looking for events that uplift Black culture ahead of Emancipation Day or would like to spend the weekend engaging in eco-friendly activities, our Best Bets have got you covered.
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Couture for a Cause Fashion Show 2025
Attend a high fashion runway show while supporting a noble cause. In this event spotlighting fashion and community, you can secure a seat by donation, see custom looks from notable Canadian designers, and check out Yorkville’s premier boutiques and salons. The proceeds from the fashion show will be directed towards the Hairdressers for Love and Peace Foundation in partnership with CAMH. More info.
When: July 30
Where: Village of Yorkville Park
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30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert
Honey Jam is celebrating a major milestone, and inviting people to join in on the party. This anniversary concert will be all about sisterhood and artistry, as Honey Jam alums pay tribute to the musicians that inspire them. The lineup features 18 Canadian acts, including performances from Annabel Oreste, DJ MelBoogie, and Rachelle Show. Honey Jam offers mentorship and education for emerging artists, and this concert will focus on all the talent coming straight out of the programme. More info.
When: July 30
Where: Massey Hall
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Too Much Fashion – An Ode to Black Creative Resilience
This group exhibition is an homage to Black style both aesthetically and as a symbol of resistance. Curated by Ilene Sova and Byron Armstrong, Too Much Fashion showcases the dynamic work of artists that understand the role of fashion in cultural and political spaces, such as Ojo Agi, Adetona Omokanye, and Janice Reid. Uncover the many ways that Black designers and artists are leaving their mark, and find out how their elaborate creations are sparking conversations about beauty, defiance, and identity. More info.
When: Opens August 1
Where: 129 Tecumseth Street
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Dusk Dances 2025
Bringing another season of dance to Withrow Park, this week-long festival will highlight different cultures through its vibrant performances. Choreographies like BABAElan and Sweet Mother are bound to energize audiences by incorporating ancestral rhythm and a fusion of dance styles from countries like the Philippines and Ghana. In addition to watching performances, attendees are also welcome to participate in a free workshop, led every night by Zaytouna Academy for Cultural Arts. More info.
When: August 3-10
Where: Withrow Park
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Niaflix: A Special Screening of “Becoming a Queen” & Patty Vs. Patty
Get excited for the Caribana festivities with a special screening of Becoming a Queen, a documentary that takes you to Toronto’s world-famous Carnival. In addition, this event will also present a short doc entitled Patty Vs. Patty, which focuses on the origin of the beef patty and how Canadian federal food inspectors sought to change the name of the iconic Jamaican food. This double billing is part of the monthly movie night series organized by the Nia Centre for the Arts to focus on stories that feature Black artistic expression. More info.
When: July 30
Where: Nia Centre for the Arts
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Toronto Caribana Carnival
Masqueraders and steelpan performers will take over Toronto as the annual Caribana Carnival begins this week. With pool parties, daytime events, nightlife performances, and plenty of feel-good vibes throughout, this is currently the largest North American Caribbean festival. What used to be just a three-day event has led to a much longer celebration. One of the celebrations you won’t want to miss is a free, carnival parade happening at Exhibition Place this Saturday. More info.
When: July 31-August 4
Where: Multiple Venues
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FREEUP! Emancipation Day 2025
To mark the 19th anniversary of Emancipation Day in Canada, Free Up! and Emancipation Arts will present a free, family-friendly event to stir conversations about the strength and resilience of the Black community. Celebrating Black freedom and cultural expression, this public gathering will include a blend of music, dance, art, and community joy. Playwright and visionary artist Djanet Sears will also receive the Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award for her impact in Canadian arts and Black storytelling. More info.
When: August 1
Where: The Distillery District
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Beat the Heat
If you are still making plans for the August long weekend, Arcadia Earth is offering exclusive, family-friendly programming to keep you occupied. Through Beat the Heat, participants will have an enhanced visit at Arcadia Earth, engaging in eco-friendly crafts on top of strolling through the exhibit and immersing themselves with the 360° Planetarium Experience. You can also satisfy your craving for sweets with the cotton candy offered on-site. More info.
When: August 2-4
Where: Arcadia Earth
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