Toronto Art Festival Makes a Grand Return for Its 45th Year

Toronto’s iconic Art Festival returns for its 45th year, offering a weekend packed with live entertainment, food, crafts, and community engagement. Don’t miss out on the fun!

A Look Inside the Festival’s Exciting Offerings

As the leaves start to turn their autumn hues, Toronto is buzzing with anticipation for the return of its annual Art Festival. This isn’t just any year, though—it’s the event’s 45th anniversary, and the organizers have pulled out all the stops to make it special.

Saturday’s Kickoff: A Community Gathering

It all begins at 10 a.m. this Saturday in the cozy parking lot of Riverview United Methodist Church. Local dignitaries, the Toronto Lions Club, and the Toronto High School Band will grace the stage for an opening ceremony that’s got everyone talking. Who will be crowned this year’s Little Miss Lion? The excitement is palpable.

Performances to Keep You Grooving

But the opening ceremony is just the appetizer in a full-course feast of entertainment. Stick around for local band 40 Plus, who’ll be taking the stage at noon. They’ll set the mood for the day, followed by energetic performances from the Toronto High School, Junior High School, and Titans cheerleaders at 1:30 p.m. If you’re a dance aficionado, make sure you catch the local dance studio members strutting their stuff at 2 p.m.

Not Just Performances: Showcasing Young Talent

The festival isn’t all about dancing and music. There’s room for the written word too. Toronto’s budding poets—who clinched wins in a school poetry contest—will recite their compositions at 2:30 p.m. After soaking in the poetic vibes, get ready for another musical interlude, as 40 Plus makes a comeback at 3 p.m. And don’t miss Twice as Nice rounding off Saturday’s festivities at 5 p.m.

A Sunny Sunday Lineup

Worried you’ll miss out if you can’t make it on Saturday? Sunday’s lineup is just as packed, with performances from Friends, The Remainders, the Tri-State Community Band, and the Ron Retzer Trio from noon to 3:30 p.m.

From Crafts to Food: There’s Something for Everyone

Toronto’s Gazebo Commons and its adjacent streets will transform into an open-air marketplace. Whether you’re in the market for hand-crafted wreaths, scented soaps, or just a tasty snack, you’ll find it here. And it’s not just vendors setting up shop—local groups like the Toronto High School Band Parents and Riverview United Methodist Church members will also be serving up delicious bites for a good cause.

Foodie Paradise

Did someone say food trucks? Yes, you heard right! Food trucks and various groups will offer an array of delectable treats, ensuring that you won’t go home hungry. And for a full meal, the Toronto Lions Club has you covered with a $10 chicken dinner that includes a baked potato, a side, and a roll—with proceeds supporting community initiatives.

Family-Friendly Fun

While the grown-ups shop and dine, there’s plenty of fun to be had for the younger crowd as well. Bounce houses and other activities will keep the little ones entertained.

Prizes, Prizes, and More Prizes!

But that’s not all folks. Festival organizers, Focus in Toronto, will hold hourly prize drawings at the gazebo on both days. Stick around for the grand prizes at 4 p.m. on Sunday—a $500 gas card and a cooler chock-full of beverages could be yours!

So there you have it. A weekend that promises a smorgasbord of activities, all wrapped up in the inviting embrace of the Toronto community. See you there!