This weekend is all about fun in Toronto

By Patricia D'Cunha and Samantha Knight

Fun is what everyone in Toronto needs this weekend. There is so much going on that you won’t be bored for even one moment.

It is a given that there will be TTC and road closures, so plan ahead for those. But don’t let that stop you from heading out.


Events

A run with a view
Lace up your sneakers for the Toronto Carnival Run along the Martin Goodman Trail on Saturday morning. The Caribbean-inspired event takes place one week ahead of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, along the same route. It kicks off at 8 a.m. from Sir Casimir Gzowski Park. The race offers a one-kilometre kids’ run, five-kilometre run/walk, and a 10-kilometre run/walk. Awards will be handed out for the top finishers.

Best in Sri Lankan street food
Named after a popular Sri Lankan street food dish, Kothufest showcases the country’s food, culture, and music — with a focus on the best Kothu Roti. The festival, which is on Saturday, is usually held in the city’s east end, it moves to Yonge-Dundas Square this year. Several vendors will be on hand offering the street food delight. Aside from the mouth-watering food, there will also be performances from local musicians.

Where the streets have names
Two street festivals will take over two different neighbourhoods this weekend, which means pedestrians can roam without having to worry about cars. On Saturday, a stretch of Ossington, between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West, will be shut down for all things “F” in OssFest — no bad words, just “fun, fashion, food, and fitness.” Then on Sunday, Kensington Market will the scene of its second Pedestrian Sundays event of the summer, and there will be dancing in the street. There will also be live music, street food, an art market,  and a pop-up #LoveTorontoandFriends market of “All-Toronto merchandise. Made by Torontonians, for Torontonians.”

What’s the deal with Seinfeld?
Seinfeld fans will have the chance to step back into the ’90s this weekend, as Lloyd’s on Queen transforms into a Seinfeld pop-up shop. The bar will be serving up foods and drinks inspired by the sitcom. Drinks will be flowing starting at 5 p.m. and food will be served at 6 p.m. until it’s sold out.

Aloha it up in the square
Don’t forget your lei and hula skirt for this weekend’s fourth annual AlohaFest. The event takes place at Mel Lastman Square from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The “Hula School in the Sun” will share the hula spirit with thousands of people through cultural performances, kids’ crafts and a marketplace. Guests can also indulge in local favourites and unique Hawaiian treats. The event is the city’s original — and only — united celebration of Polynesian culture.

Who is up for Charade?
“Oh, I love you Adam, Alex, Peter, Brian, whatever your name is. Oh, I love you.” You can see the loving chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and Carey Grant in the 1963 romance-comedy-mystery classic Charade, which is set and filmed in Paris. Head on down to Sorauren Park on Saturday to watch the film as the sun sets at 9 p.m. Ahead of the movie, enjoy pizza freshly made in an outdoor oven, and later snuggle up with some popcorn.

A different kind of capades
The unofficial start to the CNE kicks off this Saturday at Horse Palace at Exhibition Place. HorseCapades is designed to introduce the young and young at heart to the magical world of horses. It features interactive and educational games and activities, including guessing a horse’s weight, learning about nutrition and grooming, mini tractor rides and pony rides. There will also be two ‘HorsePower Live!’ shows each day. The event runs until August 16, with some elements continuing during the CNE between August 17 and September 3.

Fusion of fun in Etobicoke
The 12th annual Fusion of Taste Festival is taking over the Albion Islington Square BIA this Sunday. The multicultural festival features a wide range of vendors, activities, entertainment and a kids’ show. The outdoor celebration gets underway at noon and runs until 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

TTC service

Partial Line 1 closure
This weekend, transit crews will be upgrading the signal system on Line 1 between Finch West and Lawrence West stations, which means subway service will be off-limits along that stretch. Shuttle buses will run between those two stations.

Road closures

Beaches Jazz Festival: Queen Street East from Woodbine to Beech avenues will be closed each night from 6 p.m. to midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

OssFest: Ossington Avenue between Dundas and Queen streets will be closed from 6 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays: Parts of Kensington Avenue, Augusta Avenue, Baldwin Street and St. Andrew Street will be closed from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday

Fusion of Taste: Islington Avenue between Albion Road and Wardlaw Crescent will be closed from 6 a.m. on Sunday to 1 a.m. on Monday

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