Continue carnival fun at our family-friendly festival, Afraspektion in Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E) on August 11th, 2-7pm! Celebrate the African diaspora’s creativity together.

This August 2024 marks the fourth year of celebrating Emancipation Month in Ontario. Oddside Arts and Riverside Business Improvement Area (BIA) invite everyone to continue the carnival weekend festivities at our family-friendly festival: Afraspektion.

Mark your calendars for August 11th, 2pm – 7pm at Riverside Common Park (657 Queen E, just west of Queen/Broadview) in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. Join us for a memorable opening ceremony, followed by a day filled with festival fun and entertainment for all ages, in recognition of Emancipation Month and in celebration of the creativity of the Arican diaspora.

WHAT’S ON

*Welcome, Opening Ceremony and Libations (2pm)
*Drumming: Emilie Jabouin (2:30pm)
*Moke Jumbie Stilt Walkers (3:20pm)
*Superhero Trivia with Cosplayers! (3:20pm)
*Ontario Steelpan Association ft Moko Jumbie Pixel Heller (3:50)
*Cooking Demo with Chef Lee (5pm)
*House of Imperium Ballroom Dancing (5:50pm)
*Free Facepainting, Photobooth, Crafts (2-7pm)
*Shop our Local Market (2-7pm)
…and more fun!!

Get ready for an eventful Sunday at Afraspektion with loads of free entertainment, giveaways and activities for everyone! Don’t miss out on this incredible experience—come join the fun and see it for yourself.

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).

More About Afraspektion:

August 1, 2021, was the first time that 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.

Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. Afraspektion features family friendly entertainment, art, a curated market, music, and activities.

Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.

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 Government of Canada’s Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).

More About Riverside BIA & 2024 Events @ Riverside Common Park:

The Riverside BIA, established in 1980, is one of Canada’s first BIAs, located along Queen Street East between the Queen Street Viaduct to just past De Grassi Street. Rich in history, green spaces and public art, the BIA includes over 100 unique eateries, retails shops, boutiques and a range of professional services.

Riverside Common Park is located at 657 Queen Street East and was officially opened in October 2021. The Riverside BIA and community collaborators are working together to bring in regular activations on Sundays to this new community space in 2024. It’s all part of welcoming everyone to enjoy what our local business district and neighbourhood has to offer! Check out the full schedule of Riverside C’Mon events