Baseball tournament in Leaside girl’s memory among weekend events

As summer winds down, many of the events this weekend are being held outdoors to soak up every moment of what the season has to offer. From a special baseball tournament to an arts and crafts fair to a cider festival, there’s plenty to do for those who wish the warmth would never end.

But keep in mind, there is a partial subway closure due to ongoing track work this weekend.

Events

Remembering Georgia Walsh

It’s going to be an emotional weekend in Leaside. The family of six-year-old Georgia Walsh – who was struck and killed by a van on July 16, 2014 – is holding its second annual ‘Georgia Walsh Memorial All-Star Games‘ to raise money to revitalize Trace Manes Park, which was one of her favourite spots.

“Cheer on young baseball all-stars playing the game that Georgia loved,” a poster for the event reads.

Saturday’s event is a family day of baseball and activities including face painting, inflatable slides, games and a BBQ. All proceeds go to the Playground Project, in honour of Georgia.

Muslimfest
A huge festival takes over Mississauga’s Celebration Square on Saturday and Sunday.

Muslimfest, which showcases the best in Muslim art and entertainment, will feature non-stop concerts with over 50 artists from around the world, a multicultural bazaar and a carnival for children.

The 12th annual festival aims to share Muslim culture with the broader community through through art, humour and entertainment.

Admission is free all weekend. You’re encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, which are being collected for Syrians who have just come to Canada.

Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair
Bloor Street West, between Dufferin Street and the Christie Pits, will turn into an arts and crafts hub on Saturday, turning it into one of the city’s largest gathering of artists, artisans and musicians.

Vendors will showcase ceramics, woven fabrics, jewelry and vintage products, while local businesses will host sidewalk sales. There will also be plenty of patio space at restaurants on the stretch to grab lunch and listen to live music.

The event, which is free, runs from noon to 10 p.m. The section of Bloor will be closed during the event.

Cityfest
Some may argue that large-scale condo developments take the spirit out of the neighbourhood, but this outdoor party brings the community back to the people.

Residents who will live near CityPlace, a condo complex bordered by Lake Shore Boulevard West, Bathurst Street, Front Street and Spadina Avenue, will celebrate their neighbourhood at the third-annual event at Canoe Landing Park on Saturday.

Toronto Cider Festival
There have been a lot of beer festivals in the city this year, but now it’s time for a day completely dedicated to an underrated but delicious beverage.

The Toronto Cider Festival is taking over Yonge-Dundas Square for two sessions on Saturday. People can sample 40 different ciders from around the world and then kick back in Muskoka chairs with a snack from a food truck. All the while, there will be live entertainment. Tickets are available here.

Remember, please don’t drink and drive.

Coconut Festival
It’s a product that’s all the rage and it will be celebrated Saturday at David Pecaut Square. The third annual Coconut Festival, highlights what organizers call “one of the greatest fruits in the world.”

It will feature all things coconut, live cultural performances, local food vendors, artists, a fashion show and stations where people can learn more about coconut health and wellness. Admission is free.

The event is sponsored by CocoVie Coconut Spread, and GayLea Coconut Whipped Cream.

TTC and road closures

Line 1 closure
You’ve come to expect this almost every weekend, so by now you are well-prepared. Subway service will be off-limits on Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) between Lawrence and Bloor-Yonge stations due to track work. Shuttle buses will be running.

For those with plans over the Labour Day long weekend, you will have to contend with a subway closure on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) between St. George and Pape stations as TTC crews conduct work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. Shuttle buses will be operating.

Road closures for events

Toronto Tamil Festival: Markham Road between McNicoll and Passmore avenues will be closed from 10 a.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair: Bloor Street West, from Dufferin Street to Montrose Avenue, will be closed from 7 a.m. on Saturday to 11:59 p.m.

Leslieville Beerfest: Dundas Street East will be closed from Logan to Carlaw avenue from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Road work

Ongoing work

Shuter Street, from Yonge to Sherbourne streets, will be reduced to one lane in both directions until Oct. 28 for watermain replacement and road work.

Drivers will encounter lane reductions on Bayview Avenue from Rosedale Valley Road to Pottery Road to build a multi-use trail and for other road work. The closure is expected to last until Nov. 30.

Gerrard Street, from University Avenue to Elizabeth Street, is reduced to one lane until Oct. 15 for watermain and other road work.

Richmond Street West is reduced to one lane of traffic between Church and York streets until Nov. 30 for TTC track work, watermain replacement, and road and sidewalk repairs.

One lane of Queen Street West between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street is closed in both directions for watermain replacement and reconstruction work until around Oct. 8.