The 38th annual Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts

The 38th annual Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts, Toronto’s longest running community festival, is back Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7. Presented by the Cabbagetown BIA, this year’s festival will see bands up and down the streets, children’s zones, artist vendors and every conceivable amusement for all ages!

“What I have always loved about this festival is that there is something for everyone and the sheer diversity of the festival speaks to the diversity of Cabbagetown,” said Frank Bernardo, Chairman for the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area (BIA). “It exemplifies what makes Cabbagetown unique and why it is a great destination for families, tourists and business.”

The festival begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony in the afternoon and continues Sunday at 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with a closing ceremony. Over the two days, Parliament Street from Wellesley Street south to Gerrard Street East will be closed for pedestrians to enjoy the one-of-a-kind artisan vendors, delicious food and buskers including Silver Elvis and Johnny Scat. There will also be a children’s fun zone supplied by Astro Amusements and a sports zone featuring Little Kickers soccer camp, Pan American Games Village and Maple Leaf Sports.

The festival will also be offering a strong line-up of Toronto’s finest talent including: Johannes Linstead, Puente Del Diablo, Nightfly, Neil Chapman, Quincy Bullen, Toronto All Star Big Band, Project Phoenix, Patrick Tevin’s New Orleans Rhythm, Go Freddy Go, JR Connection, Imbayakunas and more to follow! Carlton Street from Parliament to Berkeley Streets will also be closed both days to host the entertainment throughout the weekend.

This year, the famous 35th Annual Blair’s Run is taking place on the Sunday, Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., which brings runners from local streets and all over the GTA in support of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.

Festival coordinator, Lido Chilelli, and his team will be bringing a festival to remember this September. Lido is a household name in the world of festival and event organizing. He is the founder of the Beaches International Jazz Festival (which now attracts a million plus visitors) and organizes numerous events throughout the province.