We’re just days away from Afraspektion!
The third annual Afraspektion will be on Sunday, August 11th, 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park located at 657 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. As always, the family-friendly festival is free and open to the public.
Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.
As an event, Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. The festival features an exciting array of programming, from live music and entertainment to local vendors and other activities.
Like any other outdoor festival, it’s always best to come prepared. Before Afraspektion this weekend, here are a handful of things you might want to add to your to-do list:
Co-curators Nico and Queen from Oddside Arts (Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez)
Learn about the history behind the event.
As previously mentioned, Afraspektion is not just any market or festival. It’s both a celebration of the Afrodiaspora’s talent and culture; and a commemorative event during Emancipation Month. There are plenty of resources online to learn more.
Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez
Wear the right outfit.
Keep in mind that although it may be summer, it’s best to be prepared for the weather and the event is rain or shine. Pack a light coat or bring a small umbrella. There’s going to be music and dancing, so wear comfortable footwear. At the end of the day, choose an ensemble that you can have fun in!
Photo credit: Jennifer Lay
Make a plan.
Being a one-day event, you want to make sure you come on time so you don’t miss anything, especially if you don’t live around the East End. Calculate your travel time, plan your transit route, look into parking, plan to use Bike Share -and don’t forget to allot some time to explore Riverside neighborhood before or after Afraspektion – check out our handy local directory for great places to shop, eat and explore!
Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez
Bring your family and friends!
Tell your family, friends, classmates, neighbours–everybody! It’s not a party without good company, after all. Admission is free and you get to participate in so many fun activities. Let’s outdo last year’s turnout!
RVSP to the event.
Do you want event information plus dibs on exclusive perks and promos for Afraspektion? Simply sign up here and you’ll get important information straight to your inbox + free tickets to the festival!
Make sure to follow @riverside_bia and @oddsidearts on Instagram for updates on Afraspektion. See you all at Riverside Common Park on August 11th!
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.
Afraspetion 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).