It may be the first day of fall this weekend but it’s still feeling like summer, giving people another reason to get out there and enjoy what Toronto has to offer.
It may be the artsiest weekend ever so you may notice some of these events intersect — in the most stunning ways possible.
It should be noted that those driving in and out of the city, traffic is going to be a bit more chaotic as the Gardiner Expressway will be closed for 35 hours — from 11 p.m. on Friday until 10 a.m. on Sunday — for what it calls “important” maintenance and repairs.
Here’s what else you need to know to make the necessary plans.
Dominoes
It’s a joyful act of city-building that will bring together Torontonians through a massive public art project as 8,000 giant dominoes weave and fall along an epic 2.5 km journey through downtown neighbourhoods.
Check out this vibrant, playful chain of cause and effect on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For the route map, schedule and more information, click here.
Note: Numerous road closures will be in effect in the afternoon along with streetcar delays. Click here for the details.
Queen West Art Crawl
This inclusive arts and multicultural festival centres around its outdoor art exhibition and includes a This open public space for arts and culture includes a 2SLGBT+-friendly kids’ zone and a live music and drag that is 50%+ BIPOC.
The multidisciplinary fest stretches along Queen St. W. from Bathurst St. to Roncesvalles Ave. in Trinity Bellwoods Park is on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Gallery Weekend Toronto
A selection of Toronto’s contemporary art galleries will open their doors to the public to present amazing exhibitions with special programming that allows visitors to discover enchanting exhibitions, and meet and greet with gallery owners, artists and other key players in the art world.
All the action is at scattered across a number of galleries made up of three routes — Dupont/Junction, Wallace/Dundas, and Lower Toronto — on Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For the locations and more information, click here.
Geary Art Crawl
About four kms north of the QWAC is another celebration of art and culture that includes music, visual installations, pop-ups, food and more as it showcases local and international artists.
Head to Geary Ave. between Dufferin St. and Dovercourt Rd. on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Note: Geary Ave. will be closed from Dufferin St. to Dovercourt Rd. from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 3 a.m.
Ontario Culture Days
The spotlight is on the province’s diverse arts and culture scene that features a broad spectrum of activities, including live performances, interactive workshops, and dynamic exhibitions featuring local musicians and dancers, emerging and established artists and cultural organizations.
Immerse yourself in Ontario’s vibrant cultural landscape and explore new art forms with this unique opportunity that runs until Oct. 13.
For all the events by area and for more information, click here.
Toronto Biennial of Art
Explore the emotional climate of our times, acknowledging our vulnerability and grief while emphasizing the importance of passion and beauty in driving social change as told through open dialogues and poetic connections.
It runs until Dec. 1. For more information, click here.
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Paws in the Park
The Toronto Humane Society’s signature fundraising event is on with a full lineup of exciting activities, family fun and pet-friendly experiences, of course.
The goal is simple: Support THS’s lifesaving work for animals in need through an afternoon of fun.
Head to THS headquarters at 11 River St. on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and get your face painted, have a drink in the beverage garden, tour the facility and see animals available for adoption.
For more information, click here (and here).
Etobicoke Ribfest
Five of North America’s best rib teams will be ready to serve you and your hungry friends and family with mouth-watering barbecue, but there’s also Tiny Tom’s doughnuts, funnel cake and other festival foods and drinks to enjoy, and loads of entertainment.
The mouthwatering madness is at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Egyptian Coptic Festival
It’s a unique, inclusive festival like no other showcasing Pharaonic, Coptic and modern Egyptian arts and culture through engaging performances, delicious cuisine and more.
Join the fun at Celebration Square in Mississauga on Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Long Branch Treefest
Children’s activities and educational walks centre around the benefits that the urban canopy provides for our local communities.
Appreciate the great outdoors at Marie Curtis Park in Etobicoke on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
VegTO Fest
Experience Toronto’s only vegan festival features more than 200 exhibitors who determined to make plant-based food, wares, and other wonders accessible and sensational for everyone.
Learn what all the hype is about at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, click here.