Curated by Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA, Afraspektion is an annual celebration of the Afrodiaspora’s creativity every August during Emancipation Month, as part of the Riverside C’Mon! series.
Now in its third year, Afraspektion is happening on Sunday, August 11th, 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park located at 657 Queen St East in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.
If you attended last year’s festival, you know it’s going to be a blast. Here’s a sneak peek into the incredible line-up of what’s happening for Afraspektion 2024:
Photo credit: Nenookaasi
The opening ceremony of the festival will be led by Afro-Indigenous performer and mental health activist Nenookaasi (@nenookaasi).
Photo credit: Chris Leonard
Drink up and partake of artisanal libations served by Chris Leonard.
Photo credit: Emilie Jabouin
Feel the healing rhythm of the drums with Emilie Jabouin (@zila_danceandresearch), a knowledge keeper of Haitian folk culture-drumming, singing, and dancing.
Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez
Be in awe of the towering talents of the Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers (@pixel.jumbie). Don’t forget to take photos!
Photo credit: Camile Jerome
Get into the spirit of friendly competition with Superhero Trivia, featuring cosplayers TrinidadianSuga, WonderWoman905, and CosplayQ.
Photo credit: Chef Lee Catering
Put on your chef’s apron and participate in a live cooking demonstration with Chef Lee (@chefleecateringtoronto).
Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez
Witness the beauty of dance with a ballroom performance by House of Imperium (@officialhouseofimperium).
Excited for August 11th? For updates on Afraspektion, follow @riverside_bia and @oddsidearts on Instagram. Get free tickets and event details straight to your inbox by RSVPing (click below):
Afraspektion 2024 is supported by: The City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Funding Program, Oddside Arts, the Riverside BIA, Hullmark, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Co-Operators. Special thank you to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).