After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, in-person Canada Day celebrations are returning to Toronto this year, with themed festivities to take place at Mel Lastman Square, between 2 pm and 10 pm on July 1st.
The City has announced a full lineup of musicians, dancers, kids activities, and more to celebrate the nation’s 155th birthday. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of North York.
The free event, hosted by children’s TV and radio host Monica Brighton, will kick off with a performance by non-profit Japanese taiko drumming group Nagata Shachu on the Main Stage, followed by Moneka Arabic Jazz, led by Iraqi dancer and musician Ahmed Moneka.
A rendition of O’Canada by Tara Moneka will be followed by additional performances from DJ Sophia Fly, Quique Escamilla, and Odario.
Audiences can also take in the tones of Toronto-based Big Smoke Brass, dance performances by ApHeart by Moonhouse Dance Theatre, or work on some moves of their own with Bollywood dance workshops held by Kanushree Jain.
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Participants can get an airbrushed temporary tattoo from Picasso Painters, or share their own artistic flair with self-portrait activity Our Country of A Thousand Colours held by Muse Arts.
Festivities will be capped off with a fireworks show at 10 pm. Those who can’t make it downtown to take in the show can catch one of the city’s other fireworks displays at Ashbridges Bay, Stan Wadlow Park, and Miliken Park.
In addition to the Mel Lastman Square celebration, the City is also holding festivities as Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough -- which kicks off with a Scouts Pancake Breakfast at 10 am and featuring plenty of music, crafts, and kids activities -- as well as at historic Fort York, which will be hosting food demonstrations and site tours between 11 am and 5 pm.
Participants are encouraged to follow along and share their photos at #CanadaDayTO and #NorthYork100 on the City’s Twitter and Instagram.
