The Cabbagetown Festival Of the Arts is one of the longest-running community festivals in Ontario, and it’s celebrating its 37th year this month. Sponsored by TD Bank and presented by the Cabbagetown BIA, this neighbourhood extravaganza runs through Thursday, September 5, to Sunday, September 8, in locations throughout Cabbagetown. And don’t think for one minute that you’d be bored with nothing to do, because there are so many events and festivals tied in with this event that there’s something for everyone! This is the kind of event that brings the community together — families, tourists, and businesses alike gather annually for the Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts, creating long-lasting friendships and working relationships that have lasted for decades.
Some of this year’s event highlights include One Night in Cabbagetown, a ticketed event that allows patrons free tastings from a choice of four neighbourhood restaurants, the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Sale, the Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival, Blair’s Run (a mini marathon in its 34th year that raises funds for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre), the Riverdale Farm Fall Harvest Festival, and the jewel of this festival’s crown, the Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts that runs on the closing weekend and includes vendors, performers, artists, buskers, and a variety of scrumptious food selections. Everyone is encouraged to bring their families and friends and let loose and dance in the street.
While you’re out enjoying all Cabbagetown has to offer, please take a moment and participate in the Cabbagetown Tour of Homes. This is a perfect opportunity for you to explore one of Toronto’s oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods at your own pace and leisure. I bought my first house in Cabbagetown in 1979 at the very first Cabbagetown Festival because I was so drawn to the town and the “big city” feeling of the festival that it made me want to live and work here for the past 34 years. Ticketholders for the tour can also enjoy discounted meals at participating restaurants and cafés throughout Cabbagetown. Why not pop in to Qi Sushi (358 Gerrard Street East) for some fantastic Japanese fare? Or, if you’d like to see where all the locals hang out, you could pay a visit to Red Cranberries Restaurant (601 Parliament Street) or House on Parliament (454 Parliament Street) for some hearty comfort food. One of the newest additions to the Cabbagetown food market that comes highly recommended is the restaurant Under the Table (568 Parliament Street).
For festival event times, locations, and ticket information, please visit the official Cabbagetown website at www.oldcabbagetown.com.