You don’t need to travel all the way to Honolulu to experience the best of Hawaiian culture. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the city’s borders. Toronto’s AlohaFest is back this weekend for a celebration of Polynesian food, heritage, and way of life.

The goal of AlohaFest is to ” educate the Greater Toronto community about the Aloha spirit by uniting the multiple hula hālau (hula schools) and other Polynesian-inspired organizations and businesses to showcase Polynesian culture, art and dance,” according to its website.

It’s said to be one of the only places in Toronto where you can experience authentic Hawaiian cuisine, including the most popular dishes and unique treats.

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It’s Torontoʻs original and only united celebration of Polynesian culture, where visitors can deepen their understanding and appreciation of this community.

An exciting lineup of live performances will take place at the outdoor amphitheater in Mel Lastman Square, where the festival will be held.

An AlohaFest Marketplace will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day of the festival, where you can shop for Polynesian goods of all kinds.

The event will also feature a Keiki (Kids’) Corner and free ukulele clinics with Josh, who will also perform live on the stage at just after 12 p.m.

 

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And of course, no festival is complete without food, and there will be vendors on-site selling delicious bites and refreshing Hawaiian beverages.

With Toronto’s weather feeling downright tropical these days, the timing couldn’t be better for a festival that celebrates one of the world’s most beloved tropical destinations and its locals.

AlohaFest Toronto

Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St
When: Saturday, August 6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.