events
Weekend Planner: June 9–10, 2012
This weekend, the dogs take over with Woofstock 2012, drums from around the world are banged at a festival in Woodbine Park, an open house answers your waterfront questions, Oakwood Village celebrates diversity with an art festival, and more.
This weekend, be your best creative self and reclaim a public space. Photo courtesy of Wallpeople.
MUSIC: Who needs to practice the drums locked away in your basement when you could just use a park? The 13th Annual Muhtadi International Drumming Festival is bringing together cultures from around the world to celebrate one of music’s most important yet still underrated instruments–the drum. This family-friendly weekend event features vendors, performances from international artists, and, of course, plenty of drums. Woodbine Park (corner of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue), Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m., FREE.
CITYSCAPE: Does it ever feel as if Toronto’s always under construction, making very little headway on that thing called “progress” (*cough*subways*cough*)? Well, those eager to know how things are going down by the waterfront will be pleased to note that there is plenty to report on its shiny new future—but if you’re looking for first-hand details on the construction, drop in for a public open house. This will also give you the opportunity to ask questions if you think your home or business might be affected by the upcoming changes. Waterpark Place, Ground Floor Atrium (20 Bay Street), Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., FREE.
ART: After a successful first year, the Oakwood Village Arts Festival is back to celebrate the theme of diversity. This community festival features musical, dance, and theatrical performances, as well as workshops, a crafts table, and more. Locations vary, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., FREE.
WALKS: You still have one more chance to let young people take you on a unique Art of the Danforth–based tour. These are the People in your Neighbourhood features the students of Ms. Jen’s Grade 4 class as they take you on a walk to meet all the business owners who work in the area. There will also be a wrap party afterward, at which organizers will screen a documentary on the project. Meet at Woodbine Station (2072 Danforth Avenue), Saturday, 1 p.m., FREE.
PUBLIC SPACE: Rob Ford may be trying to crack down on the city’s graffiti, but is the writing really on the wall for urban creativity? Perhaps it is, but that doesn’t mean the people don’t get to choose what the words say. Wallpeople is encouraging you to express yourself by participating in an improvised open-air museum. All handmade works are welcomed: drawings, paintings, photographs, printed T-shirts, and more will come together to form an outdoor gallery whose final shape will be determined by the attendees. Bellevue Square Park (Augusta Avenue and Denison Square), Saturday, 5 p.m.–7 p.m., FREE.
PARTY: The summer theatre season is about to kick off, and you know what that means? The SummerWorks Festival, which recently had its funding reinstated, will soon be back. To kick things off, jump into the launch party, at which organizers will make some announcements about this summer’s lineup. Featuring musical performances by Atomic Vaudeville, Nina Arsenault, and more, a hosting job by The National Theatre of the World‘s Ron Pederson, and an appearance by The Brick Lane Advice Booth (where your hard-hitting, life-altering questions can be answered for $1). Mercer Union Gallery (1286 Bloor Street West), Saturday, 8 p.m., PWYC.
NATURE: Finally, after weeks of holding off, Toronto’s getting the rain it deserves. And with the temperature steadily rising and the sun coming out more and more, now’s the perfect time to put your gardening hat on with some volunteer planting. High Park Nature invites you to get your hands dirty by replanting its newest savannah-restoration site with native plants. Tools will be provided, but bring a hat and long-sleeved clothes. Meet at Grenadier Restaurant (200 Parkside Drive), Sunday, 10:30 a.m., FREE.
Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to [email protected].