
Toronto Caribbean & Caribana Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to weekend’s festivities

“There are very few events we have that are so big, and that bring everybody in Toronto together, let alone all the visitors who come,” said Mayor Tory to the Star.
The festivals and other related events aim at building back up that sense of community, celebrating each other. It's Canada’s biggest Caribbean festival and is an epic show of island pride. Whether you’re going out with friends, family, or at a party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets and more information are available online at torontocarnival.ca
What to see & Where to party at Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival
Kiddies For Mas
kids in exciting costumes and the debut of the junior royals.
12-and-under show off colourful costumes in the hopes of being crowned. The children’s parade is a week later.
KIDDIES FOR MAS🦋 Jr. King & Queen Showcase will be staged at a new venue, Scarborough Town Center (Parking lot at Triton Rd and Borough Dr) on July 10, 2022, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
— Toronto Carnival (@GoTOCarnival) June 25, 2022
Free for Kids 12 & Under
🎫 https://t.co/RwmNRD0xDt pic.twitter.com/O8FVHNhCmt
King and Queen Showcase
Male and female competitors are judged on the detail of their costumes, their creativity and how their costume represents the Carnival theme. At the end of the night, the King and Queen are crowned. They will lead the Mas band in the Grand Parade on Saturday.
Grand Parade
This is the magical main event. Place fill with more than 10,000 masqueraders in vivacious costumes, drumming, DJs and dancing. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Toronto’s waterfront, you can enjoy Caribbean foods, delicious drinks and stages hosting more live musical performances.
Pan Alive Steel Pan Showcase
The musical tradition of Steel pan is associated with the islands, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. These pans, initially created from oil drums, dustbin lids and frying pans, represent a resistance against colonial powers that attempted to restrict aspects of the island’s Carnival celebration in the early 20th century. This week-end the Ontario Steel Pan Association will host a night filled with live performances that showcase the instrument’s many rhythms.
Where to party
Designated an Ontario Heritage Site, last year, which means that many of the stores, restaurants and businesses will get support to help curb the effects of gentrification and the pandemic.
Elite on the water at Empress of Canada
Toronto Caribana Boat Party at Queens Quay
On Friday, American basketball superstar LeBron James is kicking off Carnival weekend hosting the sixth annual DAYLIGHT party at Lavelle’s rooftop pool and lounge bar.
Drake’s “Road to OVO Fest Tour”
Drake is putting on shows featuring various hip hop and R&B artists in Toronto all weekend as a part of his “October World Weekend Road to OVO Fest Tour.” On Friday, see Chris Brown and Lil Baby perform at Budweiser Stage.
Argonauts Caribbean Carnival Night
BMO Field will be decked out in colourful Carnival decorations for Caribbean Carnival Night.
Island Soul
Bringing island vibes, music and family-friendly events to the Harbourfront Centre, Island Soul has something in store for everybody. Most of the events are free and run Friday through Mondayàà
Bob Marley One Love Experience
In sync with Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival season this month, “Bob Marley One Love Experience” is open at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. The show features six rooms that showcase art, music, photos, memorabilia and immersive displays at bobmarleyexp.com
Images courtesy:
Parade participants perform during the Grand Parade at the Caribbean Carnival in Toronto on Saturday, August 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Celebrate 55 years of freedom and join us #OnDeRoadAgain! We can't wait for you to experience each event. 🙌🎉
— Toronto Carnival (@GoTOCarnival) July 13, 2022
Purchase your tickets now via https://t.co/SMDE2yx04b #TOCarnival2022 #TorontoCarnival2022 pic.twitter.com/f1IH3xWYog
@GoTOCarnival what a wonderful day for Carnival. TFS has been working behind the scenes for over 25 years helping with the safety planning. Enjoy the parade. @TPFFA @ChiefPeggTFS pic.twitter.com/Q4kTCbc1Cd
— Toronto Fire Services (@Toronto_Fire) July 30, 2022
Welcome back, Toronto Caribbean Carnival! 🎉 Take a trip back in time with 80 photos from our archives: https://t.co/Q6VtSD2CIh#OnDeRoadAgain #TOhistory @GoTOCarnival pic.twitter.com/7gYcWpafpQ
— Toronto Public Library (@torontolibrary) July 28, 2022
KIDDIES FOR MAS🦋 Jr. King & Queen Showcase will be staged at a new venue, Scarborough Town Center (Parking lot at Triton Rd and Borough Dr) on July 10, 2022, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
— Toronto Carnival (@GoTOCarnival) June 25, 2022
Free for Kids 12 & Under
🎫 https://t.co/RwmNRD0xDt pic.twitter.com/O8FVHNhCmt
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