Latest news with #DoWestFest
CBC
28-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Pedestrian Sunday is back in Kensington this weekend, but future of festival remains unclear
Kensington Market's popular Pedestrian Sunday festival is back this month, but its future for the rest of the season remains unclear as organizers look for solutions on safety concerns and the problem of illegal vendors. The festival has been running for more than two decades on the last Sunday of each month from May to October, when much of the market is closed to vehicles while pedestrians, vendors, and street artists fill the streets. It was halted last-minute in May after concerns over the influx of outside vendors and "unregulated food sales and unauthorized substances," the Kensington Market Business Improvement Area (KMBIA) said when announcing the cancellation. KMBIA chair Mike Shepherd says he feels comfortable holding the June 29 event because he believes outside vendors will be spread out across the city due to Pride Festival events and won't necessarily converge on Kensington. And as for July onward, "We'll see how it goes," he said. Kensington considers hiring outside help For now, the KMBIA is exploring options to help the event run more smoothly in the future. Among them is finding new organizers to run it for them. Shepherd says KMBIA is currently in talks with the team behind Do West Fest, adding it has had "really good success at dealing with these same problems." "[The] biggest thing…is what their cost is going to be to us," he said, referring to Uma Nota Culture, the not-for-profit that produced the festival for the Little Portugal Toronto BIA. The organization confirmed to CBC Toronto they had a conversation about potentially producing the event and are thrilled about the opportunity. The KMBIA increased its events and festival budget by 18 per cent this year, city records show. Each Pedestrian Sunday costs about $10,000 and May's unused budget will go into reserves, Shepherd says. The KMBIA also released a community survey on Monday asking residents and businesses for their thoughts on possible solutions such as having police on the streets, more security, or changing the festival's frequency. The results are still trickling in — and while some businesses told CBC Toronto the festival is a financial lifeline, others welcomed last month's pause. Jessica Silva of CrazyLoko Vintage says she loses roughly half her customers to illegal vendors who set up shop in front of her business selling other vintage clothes during the festival. "They're taking away from our business [while] we're here the entire year trying to make ends meet," she said. 'Only so many officers trying to do too big a job' Though there will be four extra security guards at Sunday's event, Shepherd says it's been a challenge to bring in more bylaw officers to crack down on illegal vendors. He says attempts to hire the officers through the city have been unsuccessful — something the city couldn't comment on without more specifics from the KMBIA. Illegal vendors selling things like unregulated food or art can be fined by bylaw officers, according to the city's communications coordinator, Shane Gerard. But if they sell drugs, he says the issue becomes a police matter. The most common violation related to sidewalk vendors is vending without a permit, which carries a $615 fine, Gerard says. This year, Shepherd hopes June's Pedestrian Sunday will give him the chance to have conversations with the illegal vendors and deal with them "in a nice way," before escalating things further. WATCH | Why was Pedestrian Sunday paused in the first place?: Toronto's Kensington market pauses 'Pedestrian Sundays' amid vendor battle 1 month ago Duration 2:28 'Pedestrian Sundays,' a popular tradition at Toronto's Kensington Market, has been put on pause for the first time in twenty years. As CBC's Britnei Bilhete reports, organizers say there's been growing concerns about the event. Local councillor Dianne Saxe says she's repeatedly asked the mayor's office for help with drug use and sales in the area and helped connect Shepherd with city staff to request more bylaw officers. "There's only so many officers trying to do too big a job," Saxe said. CBC Toronto has reached out to the mayor's office but did not hear back before deadline. The entire ward of University-Rosedale currently has two bylaw officers assigned.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Do West Fest takes over stretch of west end street in Toronto
A festival that bills itself as "Toronto's start to the summer" has taken over a stretch of a major west end street this weekend. Now in its 12th year, Do West Fest celebrates the rich culture of the city's Little Portugal neighbourhood. Sixteen blocks are closed to traffic across Dundas Street W. between Lansdowne Avenue and Shaw Street. The streets are now filled with food trucks and local vendors instead of cars. Organizers have set up three music stages — Lulaworld, Community and Transmit Presents — throughout the festival. "All of them bring a bit of a different flavor," Kristyn Gelfand, the event's lead producer told CBC Toronto on Friday. "Lulaworld has bands from as far away as Ecuador and Brazil. The Community Stage is programmed hyper-locally, so all the artists on that stage have a direct connection to this neighbourhood, whether they live or work or rehearse in this right here on Dundas," Gelfand said.. "And then [there's] the Transmit Stage, which brings in the best of Canadian indie rock from all across the country." The festival will wrap up at 6 pm. on Saturday, but road closures on Dundas Street W. will stay in effect until midnight.
CBC
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Do West Fest takes over stretch of west end street in Toronto
A festival that bills itself as "Toronto's start to the summer" has taken over a stretch of a major west end street this weekend. Now in its 12th year, Do West Fest celebrates the rich culture of the city's Little Portugal neighbourhood. Sixteen blocks are closed to traffic across Dundas Street W. between Lansdowne Avenue and Shaw Street. The streets are now filled with food trucks and local vendors instead of cars. Organizers have set up three music stages — Lulaworld, Community and Transmit Presents — throughout the festival. "All of them bring a bit of a different flavor," Kristyn Gelfand, the event's lead producer told CBC Toronto on Friday. "Lulaworld has bands from as far away as Ecuador and Brazil. The Community Stage is programmed hyper-locally, so all the artists on that stage have a direct connection to this neighbourhood, whether they live or work or rehearse in this right here on Dundas," Gelfand said.. "And then [there's] the Transmit Stage, which brings in the best of Canadian indie rock from all across the country." The festival will wrap up at 6 pm. on Saturday, but road closures on Dundas Street W. will stay in effect until midnight.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Road closures in place in Toronto for weekend events, including Do West Fest, Ride to Conquer Cancer
Summer is in full swing in Toronto this weekend. Street festivals, a parade, and a charity bike ride are among the events that will result in road closures in the city. Here is a look at what streets will be shut down on Saturday and Sunday. Do West Fest Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dundas Street West will be closed between Ossington and Lansdowne avenues for Do West Fest. The busy downtown roadway will remain closed until 1 a.m. on Monday. Ride to Conquer Cancer On Saturday, several road closures will be in place for the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer event. From 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the following roads will be shut down: Northbound lanes on The West Mall between Sherway Drive and The Queensway The West Mall between The Queensway and Bloor Street West Northbound lanes on The West Mall between Bloor Street West and Rathburn Road The west curb lane on Rathburn Road between The West Mall and Renforth Drive Westbound lanes on Rathburn Road between Renforth Drive and Centennial Park Boulevard North curb lane on Centennial Park Boulevard between Rathburn Road to Eglinton Avenue West Run for Women From 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, a number of roads will be closed downtown for the Run for Women event, including: Queen's Park Crescent East and West between College Street and Bloor Street West Westbound lanes on College Street between Queen's Park Crescent and Spadina Avenue Northbound lanes on Spadina Avenue between College and Bloor Streets Eastbound lanes on Bloor Street West between Queen's Park Crescent and Bay Street Southbound lanes on Bay Street between Bloor Street West and St. Joseph Street Westbound lanes on St. Joseph Street between Bay Street and Queen's Park Crescent East Grosvenor Street, Surrey Place and Grenville Street will also be closed to vehicle traffic from 5:30 to 11:30 a.m. Portugal Day Parade Roads will be closed in Toronto's west end on Saturday for the Portugal Day Parade. Between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the following roads will be closed for the parade: Oakwood Avenue between Rogers Road and St. Clair Avenue West St. Clair Avenue West between Robina Avenue and Caledonia Park Road Caledonia Park Road between St. Clair Avenue West and Davenport Road Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest From noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, a number of road closures will be in effect to accommodate the Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest, including: Broadview Avenue between Queen Street East and the laneway south of Queen Street East Carroll Street between Queen Street East and the laneway north of Queen Street East Munro Street between Queen Street East and the laneway north of Queen Street East Saulter Street between Queen Street East and June Callwood Way McGee Street between Queen Street East and Graham Place Lakeshore Village Grilled Cheese Challenge From 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, a section of Lake Shore Boulevard West, between Seventh and Second streets, will be for the Lakeshore Village Grilled Cheese Challenge.
Toronto Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Do West Fest, Luminato and more festivals to fete this weekend in GTA
People dancing on Dundas St. W. in Toronto during Do West Fest. Photo by Joshua Best/Do West Fest / Instagram June is here — and it finally feels like it too. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Because the weather outside is far from frightful, there is so much to do and see in and around the city that you're going to wonder how to pack it all in. Here's what you need to know to make the necessary plans. Do West Fest The Dundas West neighbourhood, which spans 16 vibrant blocks including the heart of Little Portugal, celebrates its iconic festival with music, food, art and culture as it kicks off the unofficial start of summer. Do what? Do West on Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here. Note: Road closures will be in place for the entirety of the festival, from Friday at 1 p.m. to Monday at 12 a.m., affecting Dundas St. W. from Lansdowne Ave. to Shaw St. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Women's health takes centre stage, offering an immersive and empowering experience that addresses the full spectrum of wellness women aged 30 and up. Your mental, emotional and physical health is covered, thanks to a lineup of seminars, panels and group workshops featuring a dynamic roster of experts and celebrities including Breakfast Television star Dina Pugliese and former Cityline host Tracy Moore. Head to Enercare Centre on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here. SickKids' 150th birthday The Hospital for Sick Children is throwing a huge birthday bash to celebrate — itself (and 150 years of excellence in paediatric care, of course). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Expect family-friendly activities, dazzling performances, inspiring speakers, mouthwatering treats and so much more. It's all at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Riverside Eats & Beats Given the name of the festival, there will be tantalizing cuisine to dig into, lots of live music to listen and dance to, along with local vendors, tons of entertainment, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities and so much more. Savour the eats, feel the beats in the Riverside neighbourhood on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here. Note: Queen St. E. will remain open throughout the festival but there will be partial closures on five streets (Carroll St., Munro St., Broadview Ave., Saulter St. and McGee St.) and two parks (Riverside Common Park and Joel Weeks Park). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Enjoy delicious and diverse cuisine, fabulous entertainment and connect with others in the community featuring a curated selection of food vendors, artisans, musical and cultural performers, dance workshops, family-friendly activities and more. Celebrate the neighbourhood's pride on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Interactive workshops, live performances, and fun hands-on crafts and activities that highlight Indigenous ways of knowing and foster connection with Indigenous community members are featured at this special event hosted by the Ontario Science Centre in collaboration with Indigenous partners. Expect energetic performances by the Spring Creek dancers, engaging storytelling and a book signing with author and North of North star Maika Harper, energetic Métis jigging, fiddling lessons, an animal pelt table, and more. It's all at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, click here. Downtown Milton SummerFest Live entertainment, tons of vendors, a food truck zone, beer garden and fun for the kids are just some of the things to enjoy, along with the retailers and restaurants that line the downtown strip. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Head to Main St. in Milton on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's the fest Mississauga residents look forward to every year featuring live performers, midway rides and games, vendors, artisans, face-painting, inflatables for the kids, and much more. Also, new to this year's fest is the SuperDogs agility show. Head to the festival's only entrance on Church St. in Streetsville on Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here. Read More Unionville Festival Celebrate the local community with live music, local arts and craft vendors, delicious food, retail shops, community performance groups, and a wide range of activities for all ages. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Soak it all up on historic Main St. in Unionville on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here. Luminato Festival The city's international arts festival is dedicated to performance, media and visual arts, and programming that cuts across traditional art form boundaries. This year's theme is DAY:NIGHT, and explores how we inhabit the city in a 24-hour period. Expect to see nearly 100 new works of art, with 3,000-plus performances featuring 11,000 artists from more than 40 countries. The fest is at various venues across the city including Harbourfront Centre, Jane Mallett Theatre, Young People's Theatre, Studio Theatre, and more until June 22. For tickets, the calendar and more information, click here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ontario Columnists Olympics Columnists NHL
