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5 events to kick off summer in Toronto

A crowd of folks at OssFest 2025.
📸 Anthony Lippa-Hardy/The Green Line

This week's event roundup features an upcycled jewelry workshop, queer lifting group, and festival fun.

Nothing says summertime in Toronto like major streets closing down.

So while you navigate rerouted buses and streetcars, why not step out and get into some of the fun the city offers?

FUN IN THE SUN

Fun in the sun: Head over to Little Portugal this weekend for arts, food and fun at Do West Festival. From June 5 to 7, put on your best walking shoes to enjoy some of the best local performers, artists, and restaurants the city has to offer on Dundas Street West. And the best part? This festival is completely free! Don’t miss out, check the site for hours and more details.

ACCESSIBLE FESTIVAL FUN

Accessible festival fun: Ever wanted to attend a festival where accessibility is at the core of its values? Then AccessFest, the first of its kind, is the perfect event for you. At David Pecaut Square on Saturday, June 6, enjoy live music, workshops, and talks all tailored for the expansive disabled community, all free of charge. Whether you’ve been meaning to head to a Crip Rave event, learn seated yoga, or see Haviah Mighty live, all this accessible fun and more is planned for AccessFest.

LATE MORNING POETRY

Late morning poetry: Commune with nature and your fellow writers with the Poetry in the Garden event series. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 6 and 20, join award-winning writers Rajinderpal S. Pal and Nadia Shahbaz for morning musings on community, nature, and more. Whether you’re a novice writer or an avid one, writing, regardless of language, is welcome to share their work at Thorncliffe’s community garden at 53 Thorncliffe Park Dr.

REWORKED ADORNMENTS

Reworked adornments: Learn how to upcycle your own jewelry with interdisciplinary artist Justice Walz at Hanji Gifts by Christie Station. Whether you’re looking to find a new home for a broken earring or want to chat with fellow crafters, all are welcome on June 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. to find new whimsy in old objects. Materials and tools are covered under the PWYC $30-35 tickets

QUEER GAINS

Queer gains: Looking to start lifting, or continue on that path alongside fellow queer and trans community? Beef Cake Strength, aka Nadine Forde, is hosting regular lifting classes on Tuesdays and Sundays at Spectrum Collective in Cabbagetown for $25 per class. Check out their Instagram for more details and one-on-one bookings if you’re looking for personal training.

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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Fact-Check Yourself

Sources and
further reading

Don’t take our word for it — check our sources for yourself.

Website

Do West Fest

Website

AccessFest

Instagram

Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers

Instagram

Justice Walz

Instagram

fulCircle collective

Instagram

Beef Cake Strength

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