In The City: Fun Festivals This Weekend

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Sorry for being way behind on my In The City listings friends, but I am certain you have been keeping busy here in Toronto…

There are many events happening this long weekend. However, here are just a few to entice to get out and try something new.

ISLAND SOUL
Turn up the Heat
Harbourfront Centre
Friday, July 29 – Monday, August 1, 2016
Admission: Free

Harbourfront Centre is excited to announce the return of Island Soul, during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, with a focus on a renaissance of Caribbean culture and traditions, July 29 – August 1.

Arts in the Caribbean have always reflected the socio-political climate of the times. Today’s artists are looking at past aesthetics and musical movements to keep the vibe alive and to inspire and re-energize new voices and new traditions. Island Soul is a multi-day, inter-generational long weekend of music, dance, visual arts, food, film, fashion, and family fun.

INSOMNIAC FILM FESTIVAL
The Royal Cinema
Friday, July 29
Pre-Show: 8:30 pm | Show: 9:00 pm
Tickets: $8 – $10

This festival presents a curated selection of the year’s most creative, confounding and brutally honest short films from Toronto’s distinct young film community.

Organized by a team of young programmers, INSOMNIAC FEST was founded to accommodate and showcase the most daringly singular and raw cinematic offerings emerging from the homes and schools of young Toronto filmmakers. Blurring the lines between appropriate ages, genres, and budget, INSOMNIAC FEST is a firm reminder of the inherent power of young artistic expression and the exhilarating creativity of intelligent low-budget filmmaking.

TORONTO BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
Until July 31
Various venues
Tickets: $30 – $40

The Toronto Burlesque Festival is an exciting whirlwind of bump ‘n grind, cabaret and variety arts! Now going into our ninth year, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of burlesque and variety entertainment from Toronto, across Canada, and around the world. If you are new to burlesque, the festival is the perfect introduction to a classic art form that is enjoying an enthusiastic revival.

DUSK DANCES 2016
Withrow Park
Nightly Performances: August 1-7, 2016
PWYC: Suggested contribution $10 per person
Opening Band and Nia movement class start at 7pm
Dance Performances start at 7:30pm

Dusk Dances Festival returns to to Withrow Park with five original contemporary dance works by Canada’s leading choreographers. Each performance of the weeklong festival features four 10-minute pieces that move the audience throughout the park, plus, following last year’s new tradition, a final 25-minute work—on evenings only. Each presentation is hosted by Allegra Charleston (Susie Burpee), and begins with a free outdoor Nia movement class with master teacher Martha Randall, accompanied live by musical act DoubleTooth.