The Cabbagetown Festival returns with its biggest

street festival to date

Historic weekend festival runs September 9 and 10

Toronto, ON (August 22, 2023) – The Cabbagetown Festival is returning after three years with its biggest neighbourhood festival since it kicked off in 1976. Featuring participation from over 200 local vendors, the 44th annual family-friendly street festival will take over Parliament St from Gerrard to Wellesley and Carlton St from Parliament to Ontario on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.

The two-day festival will feature live music performances and street performers, hundreds of local artisans to shop, delicious fare from food trucks and pop-up patios, and the ever-popular Cabbage Patch Kid’s Zone.

“The Cabbagetown Festival stands as a symbol of resilience - reuniting our community after challenging times and providing a crucial platform to support local small businesses, reaffirming our commitment to their recovery post-COVID. We are excited to host our annual festival once again and to celebrate all the incredible gems this dynamic neighbourhood has to offer!” said Matthew Mohan, Executive Director, The Cabbagetown BIA.

Engaging entertainment, taking place on street level throughout the festival will entertain and delight, including live music performances from artists such as TDot Batu, Toronto All Star Big Band and X, stilt walkers, and an EVOLVE Skate Park.

Festival goers can shop diverse small businesses including Nusantara Indigenous Crafts, Savannah Africa Collections, Children's Book Bank, Only Coconuts, Lite Mind Body, as well as handmade-in-Canada artisans such as Leafii, Chakra Chokers, Chark Sauce & Spice Co, Lettie's Cheese, Revltea, Sanctuary Innerwear, Mariana Aramburu, Roses Without Thorns, and Plants and Things.

With patios, food stalls, and food trucks, guests will be able to dine on a wide range of tasty fare, such as vegan meals from Revelstoke Kitchen and Cafe, sweets from Cake Pop Store, Churricos and Ice Cream 4U, as well as globally-inspired eats from Ti Kay La Foods, Northern Chinese Barbeque and Tito’s BBQ Cookout.

The Cabbage Patch Kid’s Zone, on Carlton St., between Parliament and Ontario Streets, will boast a kids’ stage programmed with live music, magic acts, reptile shows and more, alongside additional family-friendly entertainment including bouncy castles, games, crafts tables, balloons and face painting. All Kid’s Zone activities are free.

The Cabbagetown Festival Opening Ceremonies, taking place at 11am on Saturday, September 9 at Carlton St. and Parliament St., will kick off with speeches and the annual cabbage cutting by community representatives and elected officials, a tradition since 1976. A special performance by Toronto All Star Big Band will then get the two-day party started.

The Closing Parade, on Sunday, September 10 at 6:20pm, will mark the close of the festival. Local Afro–Brazilian samba reggae percussion ensemble TDot Batu will lead an energetic and lively parade, open for all patrons to join, on Parliament street – starting at Gerrard and ending at Wellesley with a giant community DANCE PARTY.

Over 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the fully accessible street festival that represents and celebrates the creativity and culture of the diverse community that live and work in the historic Cabbagetown neighborhood. From the over 200 local vendors participating in the festival, more than 80 are members of The Cabbagetown BIA.

Founded in 1976, the award-winning Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest running and most beloved street festivals.

The Festival would not be possible without the generous funding contributions from Gold Level sponsor TD Bank; Silver level sponsors The Daniels Corporation, Meridian Bank, and Scotiabank; Bronze Level sponsors Home Life/Realty One and Castillo & Pardo Realty, as well as other local BIA sponsors and the Government of Ontario.

With the Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show, St. Jamestown Festival, Cabbagetown community-wide Yard Sale, and Blair’s Charity Run all happening over the same weekend, there is no doubt that Cabbagetown is THE place to be!

The Cabbagetown Festival

Saturday, September 9 from 11am until 8pm

Sunday, September 10 from 11am until 7pm

Road Closures:

Parliament Street from Gerrard to Wellesley; Carlton Street from Parliament to Ontario

Closing Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6am, reopening Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10pm

Website: CabbagetownTO.com

Instagram: @Cabbagetownbia Facebook: @Cabbagetownbia

Nestled between Wellesley St. and Shuter St., bound by Sherbourne St. on the West and the Don River on the East, Cabbagetown is a charming and energetic community. Along with having the largest area of preserved Victorian homes in North America, Cabbagetown is also home to an eclectic mix of businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Easton, michelle@eastoncc.ca / 416-454-9060