Major Toronto transit hub transforms into the ultimate party pad this summer

Toronto's iconic summer bash is back for its ninth season. Union Summer offers a blend of food, music, and culture all in one exciting outdoor patio.

Starting Monday, June 8 and running until Sunday, Aug. 9, the Union Station's Front Street Plaza will transform into what organizers describe as a "dynamic, open-air festival in the heart of the downtown core."

Like every year, Union Summer brings stellar talent and experiences to its fest for everyone to enjoy. You can also enjoy delicious eats and sip on refreshing drinks, all while enjoying a lineup of entertainment.

"We're thrilled to welcome visitors from near and far back to Union Summer," says Syma Shah, Union's VP of programming and events.

"Union Summer Presented by TD offers a vibrant snapshot of Toronto, bringing together the city's diverse food, culture, and live entertainment in one iconic destination. Whether you're exploring downtown for the first time or returning to a favourite spot, it's the perfect place to experience the best of Toronto all in one place."

For this year's festivities, attendees can expect over 120 live performances from a wide range of musical genres. We're talking everything from blues and jazz to big band and contemporary music, DJs, and more.

What to expect this summer

Choir! Choir! Choir! will kick off the festival on June 9. The entertainment schedule goes as follows:

• Lunch hours, from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Mondays: Contemporary Indigenous in partnership with Merilainen Music
  • Tuesdays: TD Music Tuesdays with a spotlight on Pride in June and TD sponsored
    festivals in July/August
  • Wednesdays: Spotlight on Women in partnership with the City of Toronto's Music Office
  • Thursdays: Best of Union Beats
  • Fridays: Best of Union Beats
  • Saturdays: Saturday Vibes
  • Sundays: Big Easy featuring Toronto's best brass bands!
• Evening hours, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Mondays: Monday Blues in partnership with the Toronto Blues Society
  • Tuesdays: Tuesday Tastemaker Series with Polaris Music Prize, Departure Festival and Mirvish
  • Wednesdays: Global Music in partnership with Small World Music
  • Thursdays: TGIT
  • Fridays: Soul Sessions
  • Saturdays: Day Parties
  • Sundays: The Rudy Ray Show

But that's not at all. Union Summer also brings board games, sports screenings, and interactive experiences for everyone to enjoy.

A summer trip downtown isn't complete without some satisfying grub. Lose yourself amongst the array of local food vendors, craft drinks, and artisanal treats.

These include:

These include:

• Wicked Carib: A Toronto-based Caribbean restaurant offering traditional Caribbean classics such as curry, jerk and stewed dishes, along with an extensive vegetarian and a vegan-friendly menu.
• Sumaq: TikTok food reviewer KeithLee gave this Iraqi shawarma and kabab spot some love.
• The Taqueria by Narcos Tacos: Known for its signature Mexican street food, including tacos, tortas, and more street food offerings.
• Ugly Delicious: A Kensington Market classic known for delicious burgers.
• Ruru Baked: Popular ice cream pop-up serving up nostalgic and Asian flavours.
• The Carlsberg Bar: Official Bar Sponsor offering a diverse lineup of beer, lager, cider, LAYLOW wine, and specialized Union cocktails and mocktails.

"We're so happy to welcome Union Summer Presented by TD back to Toronto," says Michael Armstrong, vice president of North American Brand and Sponsorships at TD. "It's all about having fun in the city – as you enjoy amazing food, live music on the TD Stage, and experience the vibrant energy of the festival."

The countdown is on, Toronto. See you there!

Union Summer is free to attend, and runs Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 8 through Aug. 9.