Summer is almost upon us, and with it will come outdoor patio days. And in Toronto, Canada’s busiest transportation hub is about to transform for 63 days of free festivities under the sun and stars.
The Front Street Plaza at Union Station will hold Union Summer from June 8 to Aug. 9 for its ninth season. This year, festival organizers say it will bring together the best of the city.
“Whether you’re exploring downtown for the first time or returning to a favourite spot, it’s the perfect place to experience the best of Toronto all in one place,” says Syma Shah, Union’s VP of Programming and Events.
Union Summer: Over 120 performances
This June, Union Summer is set to expand its music program with over 120 live performances from jazz to contemporary music, blues, big band, and DJs.
As the festivities kick off, opening night will host an evening bash to start the June celebrations.
There will be over 120 live music performances at this year’s Union Summer.
Spring Morris Photo
The “Summer Kickoff” takes place on the first day, June 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with a singalong featuring “Choir! Choir! Choir!.” And to wrap up the celebration, artist Bambii is scheduled to perform at the closing party on August 8.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy the patio setting where they can discover a lineup of local eats and restaurants from across the GTA, including Sumaq, Ugly Delicious, Wicked Carib, and more. The Carlsberg Bar will serve up a selection of alcoholic beverages, especially specialized Union cocktails and mocktails.
Besides music and foodie finds, there will be board games, sports screenings, and interactive experiences.
Union Summer’s schedule
If you are going to the festival after work on Mondays, you can listen to live blues from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Following that, you can drop in for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. for TD Music Tuesdays with a highlight on Pride in June. And on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., global music will take the stage.
Ahead of the weekend, there will be best of Union Beats on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and you can expect day parties on Saturdays.
“It’s all about having fun in the city — as you enjoy amazing food, live music on the TD Stage, and experience the vibrant energy of the festival,” says Michael Armstrong, vice-president, North American Brand and Sponsorships.
The festival will run on Sundays to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
So, if you are looking for a hot spot to soak up the warm weather, or a new lunch patio with live music, you may want to swing by Union Summer to join the bash.