One of the hottest, if not THE hottest summertime events is back in Toronto next month. The annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival aka Caribana, kicks off on the first weekend of August and the city will be celebrating. Besides the exciting parade, there are several events leading up to the big day that you will definitely want to be a part of.
More than a million tourists are expected to flock to Toronto during the August long weekend to experience the joys and excitement that this annual event offers.
From brunch specials to game days, here’s a list of fun events to enjoy during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend.
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Blue Jays Caribbean Carnival
Get ready to turn up and celebrate Caribbean Carnival festivities with the Blue Jays. The second-annual Blue Jays Caribbean Carnival returns on Friday featuring Caribbean Mas bands, Soca music, and performances directly from the festival.
“The 2023 Jr. King and Queen and individual winners will throw the ceremonial first pitch and have their award-winning costumes on display,” shares a Blue Jays representative.
And fans are encouraged to arrive early as the first 15,000 will receive a Carnival-themed Blue Jays Terrycloth Bucket Hat There will also be live entertainment, costumes, activities, specialty food and drinks, photo opportunities, and Carnival décor all around.
When: July 28th, 2023 @ 7:07 PM
Where: Rogers Centre – 1 Blue Jays Way
PAN ALIVE Panorama
The Ontario Steelpan Association is bringing back Pan Alive next month! They’re ready to showcase Toronto’s steel pan performers. This is an event you don’t want to miss out on. Doors Open at 5:30 PM and the show time begins at 7 PM.
When: August 4th, 2023
Where: 1151 King St W
Celebrate Caribana at W Hotel Toronto
On August 6th, you can enjoy a delicious Caribana-themed brunch at W Toronto’s Skylight. It’ll be hosting its inaugural Soca Brunch & Dolce Den, and you can expect some delicious rum punch, decadent entrées, and unlimited desserts and appetizers.
DJ Bligh Sound will be spinning all that hits and The Kenn Lewis Steel Drum band will bring the sounds of the carribbean both inside and outdoors. You can reserve your table here now, priced at $75 per person before tax and tip.
When: August 6th, 2023 – 11 AM to 3 PM
Where: W Toronto
Caribana Brunch at Altea Active
Here’s another brunch special to enjoy! Altea Active will host a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu with mimosa, punch, and espresso martini specials! After eating, you can stick around and enjoy complimentary Top Golf, Duckpin Bowling, and arcade games, too.
And DJ Astro will be spinning the best of soca, dancehall, and afro beats all morning. But it’s important to note that this is a members’ event.
But don’t worry, if you happen to know someone that goes to Altea, they are able to bring a guest with them for free after 9 AM. Make sure to register your guest through Eventbrite.
When: August 5th, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 3 PM
Where: Altea Active – 25 Ordnance St
Pan In D’Park
Get ready to enjoy Toronto’s top steel bands and steel pan performers showcasing their unique sounds!
This family event will include Old Mas Characters, DJs, Calypso/Soca Artists, a Marketplace, and an amusement area.
When: August 6th, 2023 – 2 PM to 9 PM.
Where: Malvern Park/Malvern Recreation Centre , 30 Sewells Rd, Scarborough, ON
TCC International Food Festival
Check out the TCC International Food Festival and try some delicious eats from the Caribbean Islands. You can enjoy live performances and shop for artisanal goods.
When: August 6th, 2023 from 2 PM to 8 PM
Where: Malvern Park/Malvern Recreation Centre, 30 Sewells Rd, Scarborough, ON
The Grand Parade
Lakeshore Boulevard will transform into a massive Caribbean celebration as the annual Grand Parade takes over the street. Join the thousands of masqueraders as Toronto’s top DJ’s spin the hottest Soca beats! Watch and dance along as the parade makes its way along Lakeshore on August 5th.
When: August 5th, 2023
Where: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place
