Massive free outdoor festival will shut down major Toronto street this weekend
Toronto is gearing up for the 29th annual Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, billed as "North America's largest Ukrainian street festival."
One of the last big street festivals of the summer is set to shut down a stretch of the major thoroughfare this coming weekend. This three-day celebration brings together music, dance, food, and culture right in the heart of the Bloor West Village neighbourhood.
Over 50 artists — international and local — will perform across multiple stages over the course of the event, including the headliner, Ukrainian singer and actress Masha Kondratenko.
Aside from the performances and special appearances, the grounds will also feature the Ukrainian Village Refreshments Garden, where you can listen to traditional tunes and sip on beverages courtesy Featherstone Winery and Nickel Brook Brewing. This small beer garden serves as a separate refreshment area, distinct from the rest of the festival's food and drink vendors.
Those who attend the Ukrainian street festival annually know that there is no shortage of things to do and food to relish here. Numerous vendors sell crafts, merchandise, and traditional eats, as well as showcases that offer a deeper dive into Ukrainian history and traditions.
Of course, things are incomplete without the iconic parade, which kicks off on September 13 at the Temerty Foundation Stage at 11 a.m.
A festival this big, of course, calls for extensive street closures. Bloor St. W. from Jane St. to Glendonwynne Rd. will be closed to vehicle traffic. Organizers warn that parking is very limited, though the festival is easily accessible by public transit, with Jane and Runnymede subway stations both located nearby.
The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival is happening September 12-14, on Bloor St. W. stretching from Jane to Glendonwynne.
