West-end street festivals you shouldn't miss!

In the west-end of Toronto, it's street festival time!  Quite a few of our local neighbourhoods are hosting events that showcase local cuisine, arts and culture.

The Taste of the Kingsway

This weekend, the Taste of the Kingsway kicks off with yummy food, street performers, stage acts, a dog show and many more fun things to do.  And of course - don't forget the midway!  We go every year, and it is so nice to be at a street festival that is not overrun with people, where you actually have a chance to move around and see what is going on.  Here's what the Kingsway BIA has to say about the festival:

A Celebration of Great Taste!
Discover international cuisines, quality entertainers, a fresh food market, celebrity chefs at a culinary theatre - all conveniently located at Royal York Station on the subway line.  I mean, who can drive on a full stomache?

This annual fall festival, presented by Mantella Corporation and the Kingsway BIA that runs along Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd., isn't the same old food festival - this is a culinary experience!

Two main stages at either ends of Bloor Street feature continuous live entertainment from well known artists, performers and musicians.  Over 200 exhibitors will be participating in this year’s event along with the ever popular Scotiabank Dog Show, Rock Climbing Walls and Street Performers. This year, we’ll also be adding a third stage … a Mobile Culinary Theatre located in an outdoor market.

 

 

The Roncesvalles Polish Festival

On September 15th and 16th, you can find the Polish Festival on Roncesvalles!   Come to Roncesvalles and celebrate all things Polish!  Not only is this one of the best neighbourhoods in the west-end of Toronto, it has an amazingly rich history. Here's the blurb from their web site: 

Cześć! Join us on Saturday September 15 and Sunday September 16 for the 2012 Roncesvalles Polish Festival, North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s best neighbourhood!
Now entering its seventh year, the Festival adds an old-world charm to today’s Roncesvalles Village, well-known as one of Toronto’s most vibrant, diverse and creative communities.

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

And if you're feeling a little  more Ukrainian than Polish, you can head over to Bloor West Village for the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, being held on September 14th, 15th and 15th.  Bloor West Village is about a 30 minute walk from Roncesvalles, or just three subway stops, so you can do both very easily next weekend.  

 

Not only is there some awesome Ukrainian food to be had, bands to watched and booths to visit, there is a big parade on the Saturday morning, which is always fun to watch.  Then let your little ones check out the midway rides! 

 

The Junction Music Festival

Not to be outdone, the Junction is hosting its first ever Junction Music Festival on September 22nd!   Here's what the Junction BIA has to say about it: 

The Junction Music Festival is a festival of independent music for all ages and will run all day long. On September 22nd, let the Music guide you  through the Junction!

• More than 20 venues will host local music acts

• Music performances  by Junction artists, and featured Musical guests  in free public concerts on 2 Stages

• Enjoy music workshops,  music inspired menus  and more.

Happy festival-ing!!