8 Aug
We are all over the world map again this week. Lucky us. And most events are free or almost free so we can explore our culturally diverse world without a passport or airplane ticket. The hard part is choosing where to go.
Africa. Multicultural. Habari Africa Festival. August 11-13. Most events free. http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/festivals/habariafrica/index.cfm?ref=home
Open your eyes and get your dancing feet ready for the diverse cultures of Africa. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. Directions due to construction in the area: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/gettinghere/
Americas. Latin. Pan American Food and Music Festival. August 12–13. Free. Yonge–Dundas Square. Fifth anniversary. www.Panamfest.com
Asia. 8th Annual T&T Waterfront Night Market. Pan-Asian Food Festival and Lifestyle Expo. August 11-13. Friday 4pm-midnight; Saturday 2pm-midnight; Sunday 2pm-10pm. Free. Note new location: Hearn Generating Station, 440 Unwin Avenue. Indoor/outdoor event. International performers and food. Rides, games.
www.waterfrontnightmarket.com
First Nations. wapikoni. Short films by Indigenous Youth. August 14. 6pm. Free. Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Road. http://ncct.on.ca/wapikoni-cinema-on-wheels/
Greece. Multicultural. Krinos Taste of the Danforth. August 11-13. Free. The Danforth between Broadview and Donlands subway stations.
“This food fest takes over Greektown on the Danforth with a weekend of food, music and family fun. As the name suggests, the focus is on food, with dozens of stations that showcase the best of Greek cuisine (like meat-on-a-stick and baklava), as well as the Danforth’s array of multi-ethnic restaurants.” Look also for sports heroes, Greek performers, films. This is one of Toronto’s most popular festivals. http://tasteofthedanforth.com
Jamaica. Caribbean. Jerk Fest. Friday, August 11: 5-10pm; Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13: 11am-10pm. General admission: $8-$15. Children 6 and under free. For patrons 3 yrs and older, general admission during Customer Appreciation Hours Saturday & Sunday – August 12–13 from 11am–1pm is $2.00. More for VIP and multi-day passes.
“Get ready to celebrate everything jerk. While the focus of this festival is eating food, there’s also live entertainment, cooking demos and even a “so you think you can jerk” competition for serious jerkologists. This event is designed for families, with a Kidz Zone that offers face painting, midway rides and rock climbing. Domino competition.” Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke. http://www.jerkfestival.ca/; tickets: https://secure.ticketpro.ca/?lang=en&server=ww2&aff=jerkfest#def_1162838102
Japan. Japanese Garden Club’s Nature’s Beauty Show. August 13. 12-4:30pm. Demonstrations: Bonsai at 2pm; Ikebana at 3pm. $5. In addition to Japan’s famous and extraordinary culture of flowers, this is an opportunity to see one of Toronto’s most beautiful seniors’ residences. Momiji Senior Centre, 3555 Kingston Road, Scarborough. For more details, call Ann Kotani 905-820-5594.
Jewish. Shul of Rock. Dynamic rock and Jewish music. August 15. 7-8pm. Free. Good weather only. Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre in Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst Street (at Sheppard). Information hotline: 416-392-3846. https://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=35d3d8201c207410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
Korea. Koreatown Tour. August 12. 1:30pm. $10 donation suggested. This is a very popular tour organized by Heritage Toronto about Korean immigrants yesterday and today. Starts at Alpha Korean United Church, 300 Bloor Street West and ends at Korean Senior Citizens Society of Toronto, 476 Grace Street. Please register. http://heritagetoronto.org/programs/tours/
Multicultural. Markham Jazz Festival. August 16-20. Free. www.markhamjazzfestival.com
Philippines. It Seems Like Yesterday. Variety Show with tunes from the 60’s to the 90’s. August 12. Doors open 6:30pm. $10. Fund-raiser for Knights of Columbus San Lorenzo Ruiz Council #8809. Canada Christian College, 50 Gervais Drive. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/knights-variety-show-tickets-35959989296
Philippines. North York’s Little Manila: Migration, Food and Identity. Heritage Toronto Tour. Sunday, August 13. 1:30pm. $10 donation suggested.
“Kamusta! Experience the ongoing transformation of the neighbourhood’s vibrant culture and food market. Learn about the migration experiences and the thriving entrepreneurship of Toronto’s Filipino community, one of Canada’s fastest-growing, and most diverse cultural groups. FV Foods will be providing samples of Filipino desserts on the tour. Starts at Bathurst-Wilson Parkette, 3749 Bathurst Street and ends at Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst Street. $10 Donation suggested. Please register. http://heritagetoronto.org/event/littlemanila_aug13/
We choose to promote events that express the world in our city. Mention doesn’t mean endorsement but we try to include events we think readers will find interesting and stimulating.
Please continue to send us posters and pictures about other upcoming affordable events that give you a chance to experience Toronto’s exemplary cultural diversity. We don’t charge to post them and we don’t accept paid advertising. We will try to post as many as we can.
Tell us about your adventures in multicultural Toronto. Subscribe to our mailing list for newsletters above. Follow us on www.twitter.com/torontomulticul . Leave a Reply below or email us: ruthlormalloy@gmail.com . – Ruth.