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Our picks for Black-Led Events happening in August
Check out our monthly digest of Black-Led Events happening in August in Ontario.
Enjoy!
Art Exhibition/Shows
Halton Hills
June 21st to August 27th – Emancipation Art Exhibition by The Halton Black History Awareness Society
The Halton Black History Awareness Society’s Annual Emancipation Art exhibition is on view from June 25th – August 27th at the Helson Gallery in the Town of Halton Hills Cultural Centre. This vibrant exhibition features 14 artists showcasing their art in various media, exploring the meaning of “Freedom.” This exhibition aims to educate the public about black history and celebrate the freedom that came with Emancipation.
Where: 9 Church St, Georgetown, ON L7G 2A3
When: June 21st to August 27th, 9: 00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
Ottawa
July 27th to September 10th – We do not dream of labour & Le labeur ne fait pas partie du rêve
Through explorations of motherhood, nature, music, and bare emotional and physical truths, this exhibition shows diverse ways that Black, Caribbean, and African artists (within the Ottawa-Gatineau region) express rest while altering the art landscape. Their voices provide dialogue on the seven types of rest (sensory, emotional, social, spiritual, physical, creative, and mental) through various media, including paintings, sculptures, and poetry. The opening party for this exhibition takes place on August 10th ( 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON K1N 0C5
When: Open to the public from July 27th – September 10th. The opening party takes place on August 10th (6:30 pm -8:30 pm)
Admission: Free. Open to the public
Toronto
July 27th to August 17th – BlackPOP! by Imani Dominique
Curated by Imani Dominique, BlackPOP! explores Black artists’ interpretation and expression of “pop art” in Toronto.
This art exhibition highlight works from other black artists showcasing arts and themes of joy, culture, identity to justice, celebrity works, and more!
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5V 0C6
When: July 27th – August 17th, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
Beauty and Fashion Shows
Toronto
August 25th – 2023 African Fashion Week Toronto (AWFT) – High Fashion Designer Showcases
African Fashion Week is a complete weekend celebration of African Fashion in the heart of downtown Toronto. This event brings the best African fashion designers from Africa and all around the world to showcase their colorful, stylish, and elegant wear.
Where: Yonge Dundas Square, Toronto
When: August 25th, 1:00 pm
Admission: Free
August 26th – Couture Experience feat. Adebayo Jones
As part of the African Fashion Week(AWFT) activities, witness one of the most iconic fashion royalties(Adebayo Jones) as he unveils his latest luxury collection at the 2023 African Fashion Week in the beautiful city of Toronto.
Where: GoliveTV, 287 Bridgeland Avenue Toronto, ON M6A 1Z4
When: August 26th, 5:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 27th – Lookbook Day Party
As part of the African Fashion Week(AWFT) activities, come party with fashionistas, industry influencers, and community members in this fashionable day party. This event features the best sounds for Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Hiphop, and more!
Where: 180 John Street Toronto, ON M5T 1X5
When: August 27th, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Community Events
Ajax
August 20th- 6-Year Anniversary Social by Black Queens of Durham Region
Join Queens and community members for a fun evening of networking, music, food, and good vibes as they celebrate their sixth anniversary. This event will also feature giveaways and guest speakers.
Where: Audley Recreation Centre, 1955 Audley Road Ajax, ON L1Z 0L2
When: August 20th, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
Barrie
August 18th – The Back to Our Roots Project by The Enchanté Network and UPLIFT Black.
Join Uplift Black and Enchanté Network for their Dinner roundtable – Back to Our Roots Conversation. This event seeks to amplify Black 2SLGBTQI+ Voices across Canada.
Where: 12 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A3
When: August 18th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Grab your tickets here.
Milton
August 12th- HBV 3rd Annual Community Healing Cookout + Black Campout Weekend by Halton Black Voices
Halton Black Voices hosts their 3rd annual community cookout and campout at the Kelso Conservation Area in Milton.
You will find unique delicacies from the African, Caribbean, and Indigenous diaspora at this event. There will also be music, fun activities (including yoga, artwork, canoeing, kayaking, and more!), and community-building workshops.
Where: Kelso Conservation Area 5234 Kelso Road Milton, ON L9E 0C6
When: August 12th, 3:30 pm – August 13th, 12:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Mississauga
August 19th- Back 2 School Mini Golf by Amani Upendo Wellness Coaching
Amani Upendo Wellness Coaching is a faith-based coaching practice that promotes wellness. This year, we’ve partnered with Bathgate Golf Center to host an all-ages “Back 2 School” event. This wellness event brings together participants and wellness community members for a fun-filled golf session. Participants meet at Camden Park for food and then at the Golf Course later.
This event is sponsored by Sobeys, Food Basics, and Krispy Kreme.
Where: Bathgate Golf Center, 600 Eglinton Avenue E Mississauga, ON L4Z 1Y8
When: August 19th, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Ottawa
August 5th – Preparedness in the Outdoors by Brown Girl Outdoors and FJALLRAVEN Ottawa
Brown Girl Outdoor World(BGOW) and Fjällräven Ottawa partners to provide a casual, interactive, and informative session on preparedness and safety in the outdoors. This session will cover outdoor topics including but not limited to pre-play planning, clothing and essentials/communication, water and food, shelter and emergency management, communication, common injuries, and resource management.
Where: Fjällräven Ottawa 373A Richmond Road Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8
When: August 5th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
August 11th – Networking Mixer – Ottawa Black Creatives Hub by Hors Pair Social
Hors Pair Social, a black-led event curator based in Ottawa, hosts a networking event in the chic Rabbit Hole.
Meet other community members, industry peers, and mentors to network in this chic location with a fancy rooftop patio. There will be cocktails, small bites, exciting people to meet, music, and good vibes!
Where: Rabbit Hole, 208 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5C1
When: August 11th, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
August 14th – Pastries & Paintings
Arts + Desserts = Delightsome!
Paintings & Pastries bring an immersive tasting and visual experience.
Join them for a night of art, and music, accompanied by sweet and savory delights in Ottawa. There will be a raffle draw, an art exhibition, good vibes, many mouthwatering and tasty desserts courtesy of the chef Wiza from Wiza’s Bakehouse and more!
The art exhibition features artwork from talented artist and painter, Faith Mumba. You can check out some of her work here.
Where: 67 Nicholas Street Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
When: August 14th, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
August 19th – A Boozy Brunch by Project Agape
Project Agape hosts their third annual boozy brunch.
Join them for brunch, networking opportunities, music performances, and a panel focused on community and Black authenticity at this electrifying event celebrating Black excellence. This event also includes a fundraiser that supports Project Agape’s mission to eradicate gender-based violence and promote wellness in Black survivors.
This event is exclusively for black women and gender-diverse individuals.
Where: 340b Elgin Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1M6
When: August 19th, 12:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
St. Catharines
August 11th- Black Girl Movie Night by Future Black Female
Future Black Female, a non-profit organization that works to empower Black girls and women between the ages of 16 and 22 to take charge of their education and career paths as well as their social, political, and civic engagement, hosts a fun night of movie magic at the Niagara Artists Centre.
This beautiful night of films under the starlight highlights African filmmakers that are usually left out of mainstream media; the event is free of charge. Future Black Female will reimburse bus fare for attendees if required.
Where: Niagara Artists Centre, 354 Saint Paul Street St. Catharines, ON L2R 3N2
When: August 11th, 8:45 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Toronto
July 25th to September 12th – From Me, to You Community Printmaking Services by NIA CENTRE
Led by expert printmaker and artist Khadijah Morely, Nia Centre of Arts provides a free 7-week printmaking program to celebrate the Little Jamaica/Oakwood Village neighborhoods. This program offers the opportunity to meet new people and work alongside friends while gaining hands-on knowledge on printmaking, including the history of screen-printing and linocut and their historical uses for community building, storytelling, and activism. The workshops are free and run from July 25th to September 12th.
You can signup for the workshops here
Where: Nia Centre, 524 Oakwood Avenue
When: Every Tuesday, from July 25th – September 12th , 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Free
August 5th- Kscope Annual Community Picnic by Kscope
Kscope, a premier hub for African experiences in Ontario, is hosting a community picnic in Toronto at the cozy Lavender Creek Loft. This event will feature vendors selling unique finds, music, fun activities, good vibes, and more!
Where: Lavender Creek Loft, 125b McCormack St, York, ON M6N 1X8.
When: August 5th, 12:00 pm – 7.00 pm
Admission: Paid. Register here
August 5th and 12th – Understanding Black Clients in Mental Health Care by Black Mental Health Canada.
Black Mental Health Canada, a volunteer non-profit organization with the mission to meet the mental health needs of the diverse Black communities in Canada, provides a mental health workshop incorporating and utilizing Afrocentric frameworks and techniques in service provision when working with clients of African descent; as instilling African values in interventions increases protective factors and build resilience to support recovery.
Where: Malvern Family Resource Centre, 90 Littles Road Toronto, ON M1B 5E2
When: August 5th and 12th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free, Reserve your spot for the August 5th and 12th sessions
August 8th & 15th – (Black By Design Series) Portfolio Development by Nia Centre
Nia Centre, an organization that supports, showcases, and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora, hosts an art portfolio development workshop as part of their Black by Design series; this event provides a unique opportunity for aspiring/emerging Black creatives to create a captivating portfolio, build your professional skills and gain hands-on knowledge from a curated selection of industry professionals.
Signup for the workshop here.
Where: Nia Centre for The Arts, 524 Oakwood Ave York, ON M6E 2X1
When: August 8th & 15th, 5:00 pm – 7: 00 pm
Admission: Free
August 9th and August 23rd – Men’s Basketball Run – Toronto by Black Mental Health Canada
Black Mental Health Canada, a volunteer, non-profit organization that aims to meet the mental health needs of the diverse Black communities in Canada, hosts a bi-weekly basketball run at the Malvern Family Resource Centre. Complimentary snacks and hot meals will be provided.
Where: Malvern Family Resource Centre, 90 Littles Road Toronto, ON M1B 5E2
When: August 9th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free, Reserve your spot here
August 14th – Just Us: Creating to Scale 101 by Nia Centre
Nia Centre, an organization that supports, showcases, and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora, hosts a professional development workshop providing participants opportunities to learn how to produce medium- to large-scale murals and public art projects. This workshop is led by Phillip Saunders, a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Toronto. You can view some of his incredible artwork here.
Signup for the workshop here.
Where: Nia Centre for The Arts, 524 Oakwood Ave York, ON M6E 2X1
When: August 14th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Free
August 14th – Just Us: Creating to Scale 201 by Nia Centre
Nia Centre, an organization that supports, showcases, and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora, hosts a professional development workshop providing participants opportunities to learn how to produce medium- to large-scale murals and public art projects. This workshop is led by Phillip Saunders, a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Toronto. You can view some of his incredible artwork here. This event is part 2 of the Creating to Scale series.
Signup for the workshop here.
Where: Nia Centre for The Arts, 524 Oakwood Ave York, ON M6E 2X1
When: August 14th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Free
August 12th – Intro to Kayaking with Men On The Move Outdoor Club by Men On The Move Outdoor Club
Join Men On The Move Outdoor Club for a fun introductory “Intro to Kayaking” Clinic in a safe and fun environment. This clinic provides detailed instructions and information for kayaking beginners. Sessions are taught by friendly and professional paddling coaches. All kayaking & safety equipment is included in the event’s fee.
This workshop introduces participants to the basics of kayaking, kayaking safety practices, paddling, navigation on the water, and familiarization with safety gear.
Upon clinic completion, participants will be invited to try any kayak in the fleet (subject to availability) for an additional hour of free practice. You can view more information about the event here.
Where: Toronto SUP & Kayak, 1 Cherry Street Toronto, ON M5A 1A1
When: August 12th, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 19th – Community of Black Early Childhood Educators(ECEs) “Sip & Snack”
The Community of Black ECE hosts a community event welcoming community members to meet other early childhood educators, catch up with friends, & enjoy the company of the community members Refreshments & snacks will be provided.
Where: Humber Arboretum, 205 Humber College Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5L7
When: August 19th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
August 25th – Soul Shack
Unleash your creativity, embrace the magic, and experience the Soul Shack like never before. Join them for a fun evening of live music, soulful rhythms, art, and captivating poetry in Class Resto Lounge.
Where: Class Resto Lounge, 1111 Barmac Dr, North York, ON M9L 1X4
When: August 25th, 9:00 pm – 3:00 am
Admission: Priced. Grab your tickets here.
August 26th – ONE DREAM Walk Of Hope To Beat Breast Cancer
Founded by two breast cancer survivors, The Olive Branch of Hope hosts a walkathon to raise awareness about screening for breast cancer, create awareness about the benefits of lowering the general age for mammograms from 50 to 40, and support women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Enjoy a fun-filled day with music, good vibes, lunch in the park, and more. Participants will receive a complimentary event t-shirt.
You can view more information about the event and register here.
Where: 4801 Dufferin St, 4801 Dufferin Street Toronto, ON M3H 5T3
When: August 26th, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Grab your Tickets here.
Concerts/Cultural Showcases
August 3rd- King & Queen Showcase 23 by Toronto Caribana Carnival
King & Queen Showcase is a spectacular display of color, creativity, and pageantry featuring over 50 elaborate large costumes centered on different themes. This event also features live performances, dances, music, and food showcasing Caribbean culture.
Where: Lamport Stadium, 1155, King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
When: August 3rd, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 4th- Pan Alive Panorama by Toronto Caribana Carnival
Brought to you by the Ontario Steelpan Association, Pan Alive Panorama showcases Toronto’s avid steel pan performers promoting and preserving the cultural musical art form with excellent steel pan renditions, sounds, tone, and rhythm.
Where: Lamport Stadium, 1155, King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
When: August 4th, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Educational Workshops and Wellness Events
Ottawa
August 19th – Second Annual V2V Jam: Black-Owned Business Vendor Market and Basketball Tournament
The V2V Project hosts their 2nd Annual combined black-owned business vendor market and basketball tournament in the nation’s capital! This exciting event will feature over 30 black-owned businesses and 15 teams competing for a grand prize of $3,500. Also, there will be performances from local artists, contests, a female all-star game to highlight the talent of local female basketball players, and a vendor market highlighting products from black-owned businesses across the province. Join them for a full day of slam dunks and fun activities! You can apply to participate as a market vendor here.
Where: Montpetit Hall (MNT), 125 University Private Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2
When: August 19th, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 19th – Black Girls Do Bike NCR (Ottawa-Gatineau) Bike Ride #4 by Black Girls Do Bike – Ottawa/Gatineau Chapter
Black Girls Do Bike NCR, a global community organization focused on empowering and encouraging Black women to take up cycling, hosts a community bike ride for beginner cyclists. Participants meet at 10:30 am at Britannia Beach (meet in front of Baja Burger Shack)
Participants should bring their bike, helmet, and supplies (water)
Where: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON K2B 8K6
When: August 19th, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Toronto
August 4th – Full Moon Women’s Ceremony Summer Series by The Red Ma’at Collective
Red Ma’at Collective presents this full-hour wellness journey, allowing participants to practice wellness while creating a sacred space for personal healing and growth.
This session is led by Jasmine Fairbairn, Afro-Indigenous Certified Hypnotherapist and member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, Reiki Practioner, Pranayama breathwork facilitator, meditation teacher & sound healer.
Location: Modo Yoga Scarborough, 45 Milner Avenue Toronto, ON M1S 3P6
Event Times: August 4th, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 12th – Sip & Stretch by Work with Ney
Work with Ney celebrates its 3rd anniversary with a Sip and Stretch Workshop with Coach Ney. This fun event features a 20-minute entire stretch session, refreshment break, raffle giveaway, and guest speaker and founder of SistosisToronto, Teshyla.
Attendees must be 19+ to attend
Where: Club Enhergy, 39 Milford Avenue #UNIT C Toronto, ON M6M 2W1
When: August 12th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
August 16th – Circulating the Black Dollar by Intuit Canada and Blink Equity
Intuit’s African Ancestry Network, in partnership with Blink Equity, presents an electrifying event to celebrate and commemorate Black Business Month. This event brings together professional entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders passionate about supporting and uplifting black-owned businesses. This discussion panel for this event includes
Brandon Gonez (CEO/Founder of Gonez Media Inc)
Councillor Martin Reid (City of Mississauga former Gym owner Turned Politician)
Isaac Owolafe (BKR Capital/Dream Maker Developments)
Efosa Obano (Black Founders Network)
Jonah Chininga (Co-founder and CEO of Woveo)
This event provides an opportunity to network and meet like-minded community individuals
Where: 8 Spadina Avenue #Suite 1900 Toronto, ON M5V 0S8
When: August 16th, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission: Free, Reserve your spot here
August 17th –TEAO Embodied Breath Series by TEAO Canada
Facilitated by registered psychotherapist Nicole Brown-Faulknor, TEAO Embodied Breath Series is a gentle stretch therapy class for racialized women and femmes needing rest and play, offering an unhurried and loving space for bodies to explore a self-healing intention and process.
The class supports work with intergenerational trauma and other forms of helplessness stored in the nervous system through movement and stretching. “Rest and Play” and breathwork may be as fundamental and foundational to health as nourishment, hydration, and movement.
You can view the full schedule of the retreat here.
Where: Multi-Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 2J7
When: August 17th, 6:00 pm
Admission: Free, Reserve your spot here
August 20th – The Ultimate Curly Hair Experience by Toronto Curly Girl Meetup
Toronto Curly Girl Meetup hosts its most anticipated event of the year, The Ultimate Curly Hair Experience! This event will feature
A Fireside chat with Canada’s Queen of R&B – Jully Black
An interactive workshop for learning curly hair techniques, product recommendations, and styling tips tailored to your unique curl pattern.
Panel discussions from Canadian content creators who have mastered the art of rocking their natural curls-their way,
A marketplace where people can shop and support local women-owned businesses
Fun activities and much more!
There will also be a style bar, swag bags, and opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded people.
Where: 155 Commerce Valley Drive East Markham, ON L3T 7T2
When: August 20th, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Entrepreneurship/Tech Events
Toronto
August 26th – 2023 Innovathon Pitch by Nobellum
Nobellum, a social and technology enterprise focusing on strengthening the Black business ecosystem, hosts their 2023 Innovation Pitch. This event features exhilarating and innovative pitches from 10 emerging startups from the GTA, Africa, and the Caribbean incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) for sustainability. There will be pitches, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and industry experts, fireside chats, and awards for participants.
Where: University of Toronto Scarborough 1065 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4 Toronto, ON M1C 1A4
When: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Farmers Markets
Toronto
Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market
Founded in 2017 as one of Canada’s first cultural-specific farmers’ markets, Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market provides a platform for local black farmers, black food entrepreneurs, and black craft artisans to showcase their produce, products, and unique finds to community members and customers within Ontario.
Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market also offers food subsidies for low-income eaters through its farmers’ market currency, “Callaloo Cash.” Show your support for local black farmers, food entrepreneurs, and craft artisans at this jolly farmers’ market.
Vendor Application: Open, Apply here
Location: 1531 Eglinton Ave West Toronto, ON, M6E 2G7
Season Dates
July 2nd
July 16th
July 30th
August 13th
August 27th
September 10th
September 24th
Market Time: 11:00 am – 3: 00 pm
Courtyard Farmers’ Market
The Courtyard Farmers’ Markets launched in 2019 as a Workplace Wellness initiative with GWL Realty Advisors. Their mission is to bring farm-fresh produce and artisanal products to the Greater Toronto Area communities in the spirit of fun, wellness, and safety! Applications from farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in keeping with the Courtyard Farmers’ Market vision are welcome.
Vendor Application: Open, Apply here
Where: 1725 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A9
When: Every Wednesday from June 14th – October 11th
Market Time: 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Deeply Rooted Farmers Market
Deeply Rooted Farmers Market focuses on exclusively highlighting Black and Indigenous vendors within the country. This market allows health-conscious and socially conscious consumers to purchase locally sourced, locally produced quality food and products from Black and Indigenous vendors.
Vendor Application: Open, Apply here
Where: 455 Cosburn Ave, East York, ON M4J 2N2
When: Every Sunday from May 28th- October 15th
Market Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Apply to be a volunteer here
Scarborough Farmers’ Market
The Scarborough Farmers’ Market evolved from the Malvern Farmers’ Market in 2018. Their mission is to bring nutrient-dense, reasonably priced, culturally appropriate, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lifestyle products to the people of Scarborough.
Vendor Application: Open, Apply here
Where: 1051 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z6
When: Every Tuesday from June 13th – October 10th
Market Time: 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Festivals
Halton
August 5th – Halton Freedom Celebration Festival
The 2023 Halton Freedom Celebration Festival brings together multicultural audiences, diverse genre musical acts, exquisite cultural art, children and youth activities, storytelling, art, tie-dye, drum workshops, exquisite food, exotic crafts and fashions, and more!
This multicultural festival will feature R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk, African, Cuban, Jazz Fusion, Ska, Soca, and Pop from performing artists. You can view the performing musicians here.
Celebrate and bring your vivacious personalities, inquisitive appetites, enormous energy, and dancing shoes to celebrate
Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2
When: August 5th, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Free
Milton
August 12th – Milton African Multicultural Festival
The Milton African and Multicultural Festival is an annual celebration of the richness and diversity of African cultures worldwide.
Location: Milton Community Park, 805, Santa Maria Blvd, Milton, ON
Event Times: 10:00 am- 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
Vendor application
Call for vendors. Send an email to vendorcoordinatormamf@admin-mamf
Interested in volunteering, Apply here.
August 26th and 27th – AFROJAZZ Festival
AfroJazz Festival showcases the beauty and diversity of African and Caribbean cultures in the Peel-Halton region of Ontario through the performing arts, visual arts, music, food, games, storytelling & legends, and more. The annual festival features cultural and dance parades, live musical performances (Zouk, Kompa, Rumba, Soca dance, Calypso, Tropical escape show, Salsa, Reggae, Afro-soul, traditional African music, etc.), interactive activities (drum circle, traditional African and Caribbean dance workshop, and many others), family entertainment, activities for children and more!
Where: Milton Community Sports Park, 805 Santa Maria Blvd, Milton, Ontario, L9T 2X5
When: August 26th, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. August 27th, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
For more information, you can view the event schedule and information here
Admission: Free
Vendor application
Niagara
August 26th – AWA Niagara Festival by African Women Acting
Presented by the African Women Acting (AWA) organization, it celebrates African Cultural Heritage and notable guest artists. The annual festival presents talented, hard-working, resilient artists who tirelessly pursue their artistic visions and careers. The festival offers a full-day, family-friendly program with an action-packed schedule, including professionally curated arts and crafts exhibitions, interactive African Djembe drumming workshops for all ages, dance, music, delicious authentic African and Canadian food, and vendors, all in one stunning site.
Where: RiverBrink Art Museum, 116 Queenston Street Queenston, ON L0S1L0
When: August 26th, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
Sudbury
August 26th – AfroFestival Sudbury
Afrofest Sudbury is an annual community festival in Sudbury, Ontario, celebrating Afro culture through music, food, dance, fashion, art, and craft. The goal is to celebrate, share, and sustain the rich Afro culture and heritage.
Where: Bell Park
When: August 26th, You can view the event schedule and information here
Admission: Free
Toronto
August 5th – Toronto Patty Fest
Toronto Patty Fest is the first of its kind within the city. Patty Lovers will converge in Little Jamaica, a neighborhood in Toronto’s west end, to celebrate this beloved Caribbean snack food on National Patty Day. There will be plenty of tasty patties from Jamaican Patty Makers in the city’s first Jamaican Patty Festival.
Where: 1531 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2G8
When: August 5th, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free
July 11th to August 6th – Toronto Caribbean Carnival (August 5th – Grande Parade)
Toronto Caribbean Carnival is North America’s most significant cultural festival. It is a colorful celebration of Caribbean culture, dances, and food. This event features parades, parties, great food, mass bands, performances, and more. You do not want to miss this.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival runs through July 11th (Official Launch Event), featuring various thrilling events in between, including the famous Grand Parade at the Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Blvd W. It concludes with Pan In D’Park at Malvern Park on August 6th.
Where: Various. The Grand Parade takes place at Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place.
Event Times: View the event schedule and information here.
August 10th , 11th, 12th and 13th – TD Jerk Fest
TD JerkFest is hosting its annual event celebrating Caribbean culture, food, music, art, and community. This event welcomes attendees from across Canada and Internationally. There will be live music, entertainment, vendors, cultural arts and crafts, food trucks, a boat cruise, and more!
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke, M9C 5N3
When: View the event schedule and information here
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here.
August 18th, 19th and 20th – Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival
Eglinton Ave West & Oakwood Village neighborhood welcomes film festival enthusiasts, supporters, and community members to Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival. This free 3-day community event showcases films that tell detailed stories of African liberation, spirituality, displacement, and Exploitation. This event takes place during emancipation month from August 18th -20th
Locations
Oakwood Village Library Auditorium (341 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6E 2W1)
Maria A. Shuchuka Library (1745 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6E 2H4)
Screening Times: TBA
Admission: Free
Afro Carib Fest (August 19th – 20th)
Organized by the Heritage Skills Development Centre (HSDC), Afro Carib Fest is hosting its annual event that celebrates the diversity of African and Caribbean cultures through music, arts, dance, food, and culture. This event welcomes attendees from across Canada and Internationally. There will be live music, entertainment, vendors, cultural arts and crafts, food trucks, a cultural parade, and more.
Where: 1005 Brimley Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 3E9
When: August 19th and 20th. You can view event information here
Admission: Free
Vendor application:
Interested in volunteering? Apply here
Welland
August 12th and 13th – Welland Afro-Caribbean Festival
Afro-Caribbean Festival celebrates the vibrant culture and traditions of the Afro-Caribbean community with live music that will have you dancing all night, tantalizing cuisine that will leave you wanting more, exciting cultural exhibits and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Where: Merritt Park, 151 King St, Welland, ON
When: August 12th – 13th, TBD
Admission: Free, Reserve your spot here
Applications Status: Open. Send a message (info@wellarf.ca)
Parties
Check out our blog post for parties during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Weekend. Parties will be added in the 2nd week of August.
Small Business Pop-up Events
Toronto
August 12th – Sip n Shop by The Social Market
The Social Market hosts a pop-up market. There will be welcome bags for the first 20 shoppers, music, ice cream, a mobile beer bar, and more! This event is accessibility-friendly.
Where: 80 Interchange Way, Concord, ON L4K 5C3
When: August 12th, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Free.
Type of Event: Indoor Event
Applications Status: Open. Apply here
August 12th- Summer Market Pop-Up Shop by The Community Pop-Up
The community pop-up hosts an indoor market to connect with local small businesses. Vendors will sell all-natural skincare products, hair accessories, organic haircare products, press-on nails, makeup, lashes, lip oils, and more.
Where: 5085 Sheppard Ave East, Scarborough, ON M1S 4N8
When: August 12th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Type of Event: Indoor Event
Admission: Free.
Application: Open. Apply here
August 26th- Freedom Market by BlackOwnedTo
BlackOwnedTo, a marketplace selling black-owned products in Toronto, has partnered with the City of Toronto to present a market commemorating Emancipation Month. This market will feature food and artisan vendors.
Where: Fort York, Toronto
When: August 26th, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free.
Application: Open. Apply here
Tours
August 24th – Being Black on King Walking Tour
Discover the Black history that spans King Street East: from the first Underground Railroad site excavated in Canada to one of Toronto’s first soul food restaurants whose name, design, and atmosphere surfaced the history of slavery in the US and Canada while also celebrating the community leaders who risked everything to ensure freedom. View more details on the event and register here.
Where: Inglenook Community School, 19 Sackville Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3E1
When: August 24th, 6:30 pm
Admission: Paid. Grab your tickets here
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