It's going to be an absolute nightmare getting around Toronto this weekend

July is in full swing, which means Toronto is in for a true summer weekend packed with festivals, fast cars, and lots of food, but before you get swept up in the excitement, it's best to brace yourself for the fact that getting around the city over the next couple of days is going to be an absolute nightmare. 

Whether you're heading down to catch the Honda Indy, exploring local art on Bloor, or hunting down savoury street food in Little India, expect major road closures, packed transit, and plenty of diversions. 

Here's everything you need to know regarding road and transit closures in Toronto this weekend. 

Honda Indy

Perhaps the largest event you need to be aware of this weekend is the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto. If you live anywhere near Exhibition Place, you've likely already heard the roar of engines ahead of the event, and the motorsports festival is coming back in full force this weekend. 

Road closures began Wednesday, July 16, at noon, and will be in place until Monday, July 21, at 1 a.m. Stratchan Avenue (southbound) from Fleet Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West will be closed, as well as Lake Shore Boulevard West in both directions between Strachan and British Columbia Drive. 

In response, the TTC is adding extra service on the 29 Dufferin, 509 Harbourfront, and 511 Bathurst routes all weekend long. If you absolutely need to be in the area, consider leaving the car at home and hopping on transit or cycling. 

TTC closures

The TTC has also once again scheduled a massive subway closure on Line 1 Yonge-University this weekend. From Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20, there will be no service between St. Clair West and St. Andrew subway stations. 

The critical 5.5-kilometre stretch affects St. Clair West, Dupont, Museum, Queen's Park, St. Patrick, Osgoode, and St. Andrew stations. Regular service officially resumes just in time for the work week on Monday, July 21, but expect intermittent closures through the end of the month. 

BIG on Bloor

If you're looking to spend your time outdoors this week and admire local BIPOC talent, you might want to check out the BIG on Bloor Festival, happening July 19 and 20. 

This year's theme, "BIZZARE," embraces the quirky and colourful, and invites outdoor murals, interactive art, public workshops, and a community-created tapestry to take over Bloor Street West from Dufferin to Lansdowne. 

To make way for the festivities, this stretch will be closed to vehicle traffic from noon to midnight on both days. 

Festival of South Asia 

Along with BIG on Bloor, the 23rd annual Festival of South Asia will be taking over the streets of Little India, transforming it into a two-day celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. 

The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. on both days on Gerrard Street East from Glenside to Coxwell. If you're planning on commuting in the area, make sure to prepare ahead of time for alternate routes.