Need some high energy events to dance the night away?
Or looking for something more lowkey? Here are a couple of events to enjoy this Caribana weekend and beyond.
arabic pop nostalgia
Arabic pop nostalgia: Throw it back while enjoying throwbacks of the Arabic pop tunes of yore. Head over to queer-owned patio Soleil in the West End to meet your Arabic pop culture fix from 4 to 9 p.m. on August 1. Early bird sale has finished, so make sure to snag your tickets ASAP. If you’ve been aching to hear the Arabic tunes that you’d illegally download onto your iPod back in middle school, then this event is for you.
Craft with community
Craft with community: Join Supernova Crafts for an outdoor meetup on August 2. Whether you’re bored of working on your art solo or need motivation to finally finish that crochet project you picked up, this event is the perfect excuse to get it done. Hosted at Withrow Park, make sure to meet your fellow crafters at 3 p.m. by the tennis courts and enjoy an afternoon of crafting. The event is totally free, with no RSVP required; just bring your materials, some snacks to share and yourself!
Tomato tomfoolery
Tomato tomfoolery: Stop by Grape Witches for a day of tomato-themed celebration. In collaboration with local businesses, bask in the delight of tomato-based treats from 2 to 7 p.m. on August 2. If you’ve ever wanted to sample a tomato-forward baguette or sorbet, then this is the event for you. As a natural wines shop, Grape Witches will of course be offering wine options that pair best with the day’s tomato dishes.
Mini artist getaway
Mini artist getaway: Are you a Black creative from ages 16 to 28 looking for a little escapism or affordable retreat? Then you’re in luck! Communal Art Healing is hosting its first event, a one-day wellness event for all the Black artists who’ve been meaning to make a connection without relying on their devices. If you’ve been meaning to reconnect with your creativity and nature, this event hosted at the Humber Arboretum on August 5, from 12 to 4 p.m., is the perfect chance. Tickets are free, but the program is limited to 20 participants, so fill out their form before it closes.
african diaspora festival
African diaspora festival: From August 7 to 9, enjoy the multidisciplinary talents of the African diaspora, from Zimbabwe to Tanzania, thanks to non-profit Batuki Music. Learn how to drum Burundi-style, sip traditional Senegalese tea and bask in the varied musical lineup. This event is free and open to all ages, so what are you waiting for? Make a trip of it and head over to Harbourfront Centre to celebrate all sorts of African artistry.
Now this weekend marks Caribana in the city, so if you’re looking for some parties to sandwich the Grande Parade, do not worry. I’m sure you’ve seen countless outings being promoted, but here are a couple that have come across my desk.
For my queer and Trans baddies from the islands, here are a couple of selections that will definitely be packed to the brim. On the evening of August 1, we got Vanta’s Dutty Wine at Runnymede Hall. The first 100 tickets come with a patty on the house, so run, don’t walk, to get your tickets. On August 2, there’s BUMPA, Wine Dung and, of course, Blockobana. For my sensual sapphics, get your dancehall, kompa, reggae and soca fix at BUMPA down at Adelaide Hall. Early-bird tickets are $10, so get some before they sell out! All Caribbean queer kin ready to fly their country’s flag to the beat of soca, chutney, bouyon and dancehall tunes better head to Hail Mary for Wine Dung. Then, if you need some all-day fun on Sunday, there’s the completely free (though RSVP is necessary) Blockobana at Barbara Hall Park with a stacked lineup.
If you’re looking to celebrate Caribana amongst the wider diaspora, you can also check out Afrodisiac, Abantua and Tallawah. Afrodisiac is a hot party, and their Saturday night Caribana party is no exception. So if you’re even thinking of attending, do it because they sell out quickly. If you’re an amapiano head, then Abantu has you covered. With tickets starting at $11.98, you can enjoy a night of the best of amapiano with a Caribbean twist. Last, but not least is Tallawah, who wouldn’t let a rejected city permit stop them. Spend your Monday off at Tallawah’s Block Party event with food, guest performances, giveaways and more at Rebel’s Noir. They’re on their last tier of tickets, so get ‘em before they’re gone!
Do you have a cool event you want to plug, or are you stuck on finding a space that caters to your niche interests?
Email us at hello@thegreenline.to with any inquiries, or send us a DM on Instagram at @tglhelps.
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