Toronto's poshest neighbourhood transforms into massive street party this month

One of our favourite summer festivals returns to Toronto this month to cover an entire neighbourhood in stunning artwork.

The seventh Yorkville Murals Festival (YVM) takes place in the city's most stylish neighbourhood from Saturday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 23, with a theme this year of 'Joy.'

And while the showcase of massive murals is one you won't want to miss, there is so much more to discover during the neighbourhood takeover.

Yorkville Mural Festival

"Great cities are remembered for their cultural moments," said Alan Ganev, Founder and Creative Director of YVM, in a release. "We've always believed Yorkville could become one of those places.

"This year, the festival brings together visual art, fashion, photography, poetry and music to create an experience that feels alive at every turn. We want people to leave inspired—not only by the artists they discovered, but by what's possible when culture becomes part of everyday city life."

Over 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the open-air celebration of visual art, fashion, photography, music, poetry and design.

To help you make the most of your YVM experience, here are the top things to see and do at this year's festival.

Yorkville Mural Festival

At the centre of the action is The Sunset Garden, presented by AMEX.

The gigantic wraparound courtyard mural by internationally renowned artist Ola Volo will transform the Taglialatella Galleries' two-level courtyard into an immersive installation celebrating mythology, transformation and nature.

Stop by often throughout the weekend as the courtyard will host live DJs and all-day programming while serving up drinks to keep you refreshed.

YVM is also welcoming the influential Milan-based TOLIETPAPER Magazine for an immersive installation that blurs the boundaries of photography, fine art and contemporary pop culture,

City of Toronto Poet Laureate and Dub Poet Lillian Allen have also crafted a 20-foot installation celebrating the neighbourhood's artistic spirit.

Yorkville Mural Festival

Visitors can receive custom poetry creations while adding their own words to a living community creation.

RCHIVE, Toronto's multidisciplinary fashion and creative platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of designers, artists and cultural innovators, will also be on the scene.

Check out emerging designers Zoe Stone, Alexander Nicholson and Maya Ali during both days of YVM as they transform Yorkville into a live fashion studio and create original avant-garde collections.

If you need a break from all the fun, stop by the Transitions lounge to rest and recharge while you experience Yorkville through a stunning array of light and colour.

Yorkville Mural Festival

And make sure to stop and enjoy Toronto's Crybaby Gallery, curated by Mony Zakhour, transforming Yorkville Avenue into an open-air creative studio.

Joshua Advincula, Matthew Walton and Moises Frank will each create an original large-scale 3D artwork in real time over the weekend.

In addition to being a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the works will be part of the festival's public exhibition before becoming available for purchase.

For more details on the events that'll take place over the course of the weekend, visit Yorkville Murals' website or follow them on social media at @yorkvillemurals.