Get ready for a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community! On Saturday, August 17 from 2 PM – 7 PM, Riverside Common Park (657 Queen Street East) transforms into the ultimate stage for Afraspektion 2025, presented by Oddside Arts and the Riverside BIA.
The afternoon kicks off with an opening ceremony and an interactive drumming activity that will have everyone moving. Be dazzled by the traditional Rwandan dancing of Amarebe Cultural Troupe, the infectious rhythms of Pan Fantasy Steelpan, and the high-energy spectacle of Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers.
Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers.
Join in on the fun with Superhero Pictionary hosted by fan-favourite cosplayers WonderWoman905, TrinidadianSuga, and Cosplay Q, then groove to the beats of DJ Ace Dillinger. Watch Chef Lee in action during a live cooking demo, and don’t miss the fierce artistry of the House of Monroe ballroom performance.
TrinidadianSuga
Chef Lee
All day long, guests can get a custom sketch by artist Zaina Bovell or add some sparkle with face painting by Najla Nubyanluv.
Free admission – come celebrate, dance, and create lasting memories at Afraspektion 2025!
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.
We acknowledge and thank for their support of Afraspektion 2025:
- The City of Toronto’s Cultural Festival Funding Program
- Hullmark
- Ontario Arts Council
- Toronto Arts Council
- Government of Canada Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
- Scadding Court Community Centre