Mark your calendars: Afraspektion is back for its 5th year on August 15th from 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E)!
Curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA, Afraspektion is an annual celebration of the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora and a commemoration of Emancipation Month in Ontario.
On August 1, 2021, Canada officially (according to Parliamentary Motion) recognized Emancipation Day, when the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in 1834 to free enslaved Africans and their descendants in colonies of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.
If you’re new to Afraspektion, you’re in for a treat because it’s going to be an exciting afternoon with many fun family-friendly activities. You’ll find the official schedule at the end of this blog post.
In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of a few of the performers and local vendors that will be at this year’s Afraspektion:
Entertainment
Photo credit: Ace Dillinger
DJ Ace Dillinger (@ace_dillinger)
DJ and radio show host known for seamlessly blending nostalgic favourites with her own unique club, global and house finds
Photo credit: Babarinde Williams
Babarinde Williams a.k.a. “Baba” (@babari6216)
Award-winning motivational speaker, singer, percussionist, recording artist, trumpet and saxophone player, ethnomusicologist, music director, writer and Griot (African historian and storyteller)
Photo credit: Dr. Rawbyn Diamonds
Dr. Rawbyn Diamonds (@rawbyndiamonds)
Drag artist, scientist and co-founder of “Science is a Drag”
Local Vendors
Photo credit: HueMan Brand
HueMan Brand (@hue.manbrand)
Premium, organically sourced skincare products centered around raw African shea butter and authentic African black soap
Photo credit: Nya’s Creations Co
Nya’s Creations Co (@nyascreations.co)
Acrylic art on canvases, wooden panels, glass, stickers and other mediums
Photo credit: Hook and Peel Crochet
Hook and Peel Crochet (@hookandpeelcrochet)
Crochet plush toys, bags, keychains, pouches and kindle cases
Other activities at Afraspektion 2026 include:
- Face painting
- Food and refreshments
- Arts
- Giveaways
- Cosplay
Follow @oddsidearts and @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on Afraspektion leading up to the event on August 15th. Don’t forget to RSVP and get your FREE tickets to Afraspektion by clicking on the button below!
Thanks go to the City of Toronto’s Cultural Festival Funding Program, Hullmark, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and the Government of Canada Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative for their support of Afraspektion 2026.