Not only is OVO Fest this weekend but so is Caribana. Caribana is known as not just Canada’s largest Caribbean festival but the largest in North America. Expect millions of tourists in town for the festivities from July 30th to August 2nd. There’s something for someone of all ages. From the grand parade with live performances to a day party hosted by Lebron James. Consider yourself on staycation this weekend by visiting the Caribbean culture without leaving your city. Some of the events are free and some of them are not so free.
Here are four don’t miss events you’re going to want to grab your friends and get in touch with your inner Caribbean.
1. Pan Alive
July 31st — Lamport Stadium
Pan Alive will make you feel like you’re in an island as the music blesses your ears from some of the best pan orchestras as they compete for the title of Best Steel Band. The judges rate the bands from all over North America on performance, arrangement and rhythm. You’re definitely going to find yourself moving your hips and asking yourself for an island drink or two.
2. Caribbean Parade
August 1st – Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard
Everyone comes to Caribana for the music and the culture but everyone stays for the parade. The grand parade is a spectacular event with over a million people expected to show up to watch all the fun as they line the streets. The parade includes competing Masquerade Bands, Costumes, props, dancers, and lots of live music performances.
3. Carnival Island
August 2nd – Olympic Island
From 10am-8pm Olympic Island is going be transformed into the Caribbean with lots of music and food at this family friendly event. There will be lots of Calypso, Soca and Indo Bhojpuri folk. This is a cool event to say goodbye to Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend.
4. Daylight
July 31 — Sound Academy
Caribbean Carnival weekend is one big party anyways but one party you’re going to want to attend is Daylight which is a hip hop music festival with Machel Montano, Angela Hunte, Ravi B, Patrice Roberts and two surprise guests. The only way to see the surprise guests is to buy your tickets and find out yourself! The party starts at 1pm July 31st at Sound Academy. Tickets are expected to go fast for such a party. You can grab all your close friends and hang poolside with host Lebron James. What better way can you think of spending your Friday afternoon?
Make sure you get lots of photos and your phone is charged because you’re never sure who you’re going to run into. With OVO Fest in town, there’s bound to be a lot of celebrities attending Caribana weekend. Why go to the Caribbean when the Caribbean can come to you? You can get all the deets on all things Caribana by checking out the official site here. So what’s on your Caribbean list?
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