Festival fever was in the air in 1967. Canada was in a celebratory mood during its centennial year and while most of the action was at Expo in Montreal, the federal government encouraged ethnic groups across the nation to showcase their contributions to a country starting to embrace its multicultural makeup. One such group was Toronto’s Caribbean community, who determined it was time to infuse the city with the colour and spirit of carnival. With less than a year of preparation, and long before there were any squabbles over management, financing, and name proprietorship, the first edition of Caribana was quickly embraced as a highlight of Toronto’s summer.

Photo by PierreD. from the Torontoist Flickr Pool. Back in our university days, there was an on-campus bar officially named The Brass Taps. Everyone called it the Keg, which was the watering hole’s original name until the restaurant chain sued and won. The lawsuit happened a quarter of a century before we arrived, but the [...]

This holiday long weekend in Toronto: Harbourfront Centre's Island Soul Festival brings the groove, Caribana takes to the streets, visit a vintage sale, Twilight comes to town, talking about Toronto's food, Newmindspace calls on you to use the force, and see some "live" comedy television.

In today's Urban Planner, the Royal Cinema screens Sundance and Hot Doc sensation Gasland, Wavelength Music Arts Projects and No Shame collaborate on a pre-Pop Montreal showcase, Caribana tries to make up this year's funding shortfall with a ritzy shindig at the Liberty Grand, and The Polecats break out the gong for a worst act showcase at Comedy Bar.

Today, Caribana launches; Blansdowne fence reveals; Poetry, Prosecco, and Pasta satisfies; Au Revoir Simone charms; and A Fish Called Wanda screens.

Urban Planner is Torontoist’s daily guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com. Photo from last year’s Caribana Festival by Daifuku Sensei from the Torontoist Flickr Pool. CULTURE: The city will come alive [...]

Urban Planner is Torontoist’s daily guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com. Young pannists in the St. Jamestown Steel Orchestra at last year’s Caribana festival; photo by Stephen Weir. MUSIC: There’s nothing [...]

Urban Planner is Torontoist’s daily guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every morning. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com. Photo of school children in Freetown, Sierra Leone, by Ann Johansson. Courtesy of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. FUNDRAISER: Canadian [...]

Every weekday morning, bright and early, we feature a photo (or two) from a photographer in the Torontoist Flickr Pool. It’s our way of giving the many excellent photographers in our pool the attention that they deserve. Untitled BY ATDACHILL