And here we go again. Parts of Lakeshore Blvd. are blocked off and the traffic on the Gardiner is worse than usual. You know what that means? It’s the Honda Indy weekend again. Sadly that’s an indication that it’s almost the end of July and there’s not much time left to enjoy the summer. So if you’ve spend more time concentrating on work than enjoying yourself this summer, it’s crunch time. No excuses. Now is the time to get out there and enjoy the outdoor events, food, music and anything else Toronto has to offer. Here’s my TOP5 for this weekend. Hope you make good use of it!
Beaches Jazz Festival – The ten day event returns for its 26th edition this year kicking off this Friday with free concerts by acts like KC Roberts and Jay Douglas and showcasing jazz, blues, big band, reggae, hip-hop and more. The event takes place at several venues across the Queen East/Beaches area and as always there will be an assortment of food trucks to keep you well fed, workshops, jam sessions and kids events. Admission is free and remember to bring lawn chairs.
Honda Indy – The races are Saturday and Sunday, but the Toronto Indy has become so much more than just a bunch of loud cars driving in really fast circles around the Exhibition Place. The event is a week-long festival, that features some of the fastest cars, celebrity athletes, live entertainment and interactive activities, so even if you’re not into cars you’ll enjoy everything else the event has to offer.
Leslieville Gallery Art Crawl - If you find you’ve spent too many weekend afternoons watching Real Housewives marathons, get a little culture at the Leslieville Gallery Crawl this Sunday, where participants will be able to join a guided tour of six contemporary-art venues along the east-end strip. Self-guided tours are also allowed. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just learning, this is a great way to enjoy local art.
Salsa on St. Clair - This two day street festival celebrates the world of salsa dancing. The event features local vendors, live music and, of course, salsa dancing. You don’t have to dance like Draco Rosa (from Salsa…you know you’ve seen it, don’t lie) so don’t stress. The festival offers dance lessons, so you’ll be dancing like a pro in no time. If you’re not much of a dancer, the event also offers authentic Latin food and more fun Latin American themed activities.
Thrill of the Grill - Taking place this Saturday, from noon to 4:00 pm, the Thrill of the Grill, organized by the Danforth BIA, will raise funds for kidney cancer research while showcasing local restaurants and merchants. Five Danforth restaurants and one butcher will compete to win over crowds and celebrity judges with delectable racks of BBQ ribs. Your $15.00 ticket includes 6 ribs, corn, a sample of SteamWhistle beer, a sample of wine from Gnarly Head, a bottle of ESKA water and free give-aways. Support a great cause and enjoy good food – not a bad way to spend a day.
