A vibrant Toronto neighbourhood will be transforming into one of North America’s largest South Asian street festivals next month.
On July 11 and 12, Festival of South Asia is taking over several blocks of Gerrard India Bazaar, one of Toronto’s oldest business improvement areas (BIA) and the largest main street marketplace of South Asian goods and services in North America.
“This is the perfect time to grab your friends and family and enjoy the best of South Asia. There’s something waiting around every corner,” according to the team at Gerrard India Bazaar BIA.
Festival of South Asia in Toronto
The two-day celebration will run from noon to 11 p.m. each day on Gerrard Street East from Coxwell Avenue to Glenside Avenue as it expects to welcome over 200,000 people to its 24th edition.
And with free entry, visitors can expect live entertainment, cultural performances, a vibrant parade, food vendors, local businesses and family-friendly experiences.
“For one incredible weekend, Gerrard India Bazaar will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of South Asia as thousands gather to celebrate culture, community and connection in the heart of Toronto,” the team at Gerrard India Bazaar BIA said.
“Whether you’re visiting for the food, the performances or simply the atmosphere, this is a summer event you won’t want to miss.”
And this isn’t the only free festival coming to Toronto in July. Here’s a look at what else is on its way.
More July festivals in Toronto
From July 3 to 26, The Beaches International Jazz Festival will host its 38th year in Toronto.
Known as one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals, the celebration attracts nearly one million visitors annually. Here’s a look at this year’s highlights.
Plus, Canada’s largest multicultural fusion festival will take over Sankofa Square for two days on July 11 and 12.
WorldFest Canada started as a local cultural showcase and has since grown into a “national movement that bridges communities, empowers artists and shares the beauty of diversity with the world,” according to the team.
And on July 25, AlohaFest Toronto, the city’s first and only united celebration of Polynesian culture, will celebrate its one decade milestone at Mel Lastman Square from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitors can expect a day of dance, music, food and craft.
“What began as a handful of hula hālau sharing the stage has grown into Toronto’s largest gathering of Polynesian culture — uniting dancers, musicians, makers and ʻohana from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond,” the team at the festival said.
“For our 10th year, we’re going bigger: more hālau, more mele, more flavours, all in the heart of North York.”