Summer is all about heat and sizzle, and no where can it be found hotter and more alive than within the neighbourhoods which surround XO Condos at King and Dufferin Streets, which bursts with community events during the summer.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival: July 3 through August 4
Formerly known as “Caribana”, this 52nd edition of North America’s largest salute to Caribbean culture takes over the western portion of downtown for a month of pulsing music, exotic foods, incredible costumes and the freedom of the Caribbean spirit. The Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day event will be held on Saturday, July 20th. The King & Queen Showcase, featuring the splendor and colour of spectacular costumes, will be held Thursday, August 1st at Lamport Stadium, with the famed Steel Band Competition being held the following evening, Friday, August 2nd, also at Lamport Stadium. The Festival culminates in the Grande Parade, one of Toronto’s largest annual events, at the Exhibition Grounds and Lakeshore Boulevard on Saturday, August 3rd. More information is available at www.torontocarnival.ca
Toronto Wolfpack Rugby Team at Lamport Stadium
Continuing Toronto’s summer of sports success, check out the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby Team, which play out of Lamport Stadium. Vying for promotion to the UK’s Super League, this intercontinental rugby squad has been an unqualified runaway hit in just its three years of existence. Currently in first place with a 19-1 record, the Wolfpack are riding a 14-game winning streak. They’re a machine!
Wolfpack are a great family outing, and have upcoming home games at Lamport Stadium on Saturday, July 13th at 1:00pm vs Featherstone Rovers; Saturday, August 10th at 1:00pm vs York City Nights; Saturday, August 17th at 1:00pm vs Rochdale Hornets and Saturday, August 31st at 1:00pm vs Barrow Raiders. Tickets and information are available at www.torontowolfpack.com
CNE HorseCapades: Exhibition Grounds, July 27 through August 15
For the young at heart seeking a unique escape from city life this summer, CNE HorseCapades returns to the Horse Palace on the Exhibition Grounds each day from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the two weeks prior to the CNE, from July 27th through August 15th.
This family-friendly event features free pony rides for the kids, while everyone can experience what it’s like to ride and pet a horse, and discover how a horse thinks, acts and reacts. More information is available at www.theex.com
Escape by the Lake at Ontario Place
The refreshing breezes off Lake Ontario can be a great way to end a hot summer’s day.
Sunset Yoga is free and classes are approximately one hour in length and held Wednesday, July 17th starting at 7:00pm and Wednesday, August 21st starting at 6:00pm. Led by acclaimed instructor Alexandria Santaguida, the classes are open to all ages and offer a mix of hatha and vinyasa yoga.
Toronto Pizza Fest is returning for another year, starting Friday, July 19th through Sunday, July 21st. Produced by Cravings Food Co., be sure to expect an epic lineup of Toronto’s top pizzerias!
More information available at www.ontarioplace.com
